Hopkins County CES

County Emphasis:

Rooted in Resilience: Building Hopkins County’s Economic and Environmental Future

Concentration 1:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky woodlands and natural resources, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, faces many challenges. Many landowners struggle to implement sustainable practices due to economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and the workforce. The situation is exacerbated by development and the increasing demand for food, which often leads to the overuse of land and water resources, contributing to soil degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity. 

Kentucky is blessed with a rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, abundant waterways, and wildlife. With woodlands in each of the 120 counties and forest industries in 110 counties, Kentuckians in both rural and urban areas all derive benefits from woodlands. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state. Forests stimulate the Kentucky economy through employment and production to the tune of $13 billion annually and there are over 28,000 jobs in Kentucky’s forest sector. Forests provide recreational opportunities and are a powerful tool in efforts to promote sustainability and support native diversity. Wildlife management programs assist landowners through both urban and rural wildlife management and damage control initiatives. 

However, Kentucky’s forests and natural areas face growing risks. Threats from climate change are increasing as evidenced by some of the warmest and wettest years on record during the past decade and Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts. Extreme weather events, such as the December 2021 tornado in Western Kentucky and the 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky are becoming more frequent and severe. In addition, a wide range of invasive species (including insects, pathogens, animals, and plants) can cause problems in woodlands, forests and other natural areas, threatening management and long-term sustainability. 

Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing adaptive management strategies for the critical issues facing the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests for today and in the future. Implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds is critical to the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources. 

Youth Focus 

Educating youth about natural resources and environmental sciences is crucial for our future, as it empowers them to become proactive stewards of our planet. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, addressing a significant gap in environmental knowledge revealed by surveys from the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. America’s prosperity is inseparably linked to the health of our environment. A healthy environment is an essential component of the quality of life of humans and all living organisms (USDA, 2024). Optimistically, the National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey found that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% see it as a problem-solving tool, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System’s 2023 assessment identified key priorities such as youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting natural resource literacy. Through 4-H projects in natural resources and environmental sciences, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources through various projects and programs. 

County Situation:

Hopkins County, located in the Western Coal Field region of Kentucky, is a community deeply shaped by its natural resources. Historically, coal mining and oil and gas extraction have been key industries, and their legacy continues to influence the landscape, economy, and environmental priorities of the region. As energy industries evolve, Hopkins County faces an urgent need to manage land and water sustainably, restore natural habitats, and prepare its citizens—especially youth—for emerging opportunities in conservation and sustainable development.

Long-Term Outcomes:

•    Economic, social, physical, or environmental situations that will change because individuals or communities adopted new (or improved existing) actions, practices, and behaviors (these also take time to mature)).

•    Forests ecosystem and economic values are enhanced, resulting in healthier forests, improved water quality, and increased revenue 

•    Wildlife habitat is increased and improved.

•    The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.

•    Youth will advocate for natural resources in their communities.   

•    Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the natural resources community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.  

•    Youth actively adopt and apply advanced natural resources practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the natural resources community. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

•    New or improved practices, behaviors, or choices that will occur in participants or communities because of the knowledge or awareness they gained from their contact with Extension (these are behavior change outcomes that are typically measured in follow-up evaluations because they require time to mature.)

•    Actively install and use resource monitoring technology to assist in data-driven decision to monitor their forest’s health forest health, water resources, and land usage.  

•    Increase the number of Woodland owners that participate in economic incentives programs adopting sustainable forestry, water conservation, and soil management practices.  

•    Implement climate resilience strategies to withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, sustainable water management, and adapting wildlife management to preserve biodiversity under changing climate conditions.

•    Youth will take responsible action in natural resources conservation.   

•    Youth will aspire to explore careers in natural resources and environmental sciences.   

•    Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H natural resources projects and clubs.    

•    Youth will communicate natural resources ideas and concepts more effectively.

Initial Outcomes:

•    Increase the awareness of sustainable forest management practices, economic pressures and technological barriers facing woodland owners and other interested individuals.  

•    Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity.  

•    Develop the skills and ability of Woodland owners and Ag producers to actively manage wildlife-related damage and nuisance. 

•    Develop emergency preparedness and response strategies focusing on preserving their Woodlands and mitigating immediate damage from events such as floods and tornadoes.

•    Youth will explore their spark in natural resources.    

•    Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in natural resources and environmental sciences.     

•    Youth will understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.    

•    Youth will set goals to become good stewards of natural resources.   

•    Youth will expand life and work readiness skills, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of natural resources. 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues

 Indicator:

 Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife.

Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry.

Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.   

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains

Timeline: At program

Outcome: Identification of diseases and abiotic problems in crops and forages

Indicator: Number of plant diagnoses made annually with diagnosis and recommendation reports sent to ANR/HORT agent and grower.

Method: ANR/HORT agent feedback, grower feedback

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Increased involvement of extension volunteers

Indicator: 

Number of Master Gardener volunteers who completed training

Number of Master Gardener volunteer service hours

Number of clients engaged by Master Gardeners

Number of programs led by Master Gardeners

Method: Annual survey

Timeline: Yearly

Outcome: Improved adoption of best management practices and compliance with state regulations

Indicator: Number new applicator licenses awarded

Method: Survey and results from the KDA

Timeline: annual

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: General public, adult

Project or Activity: Master Naturalist Program

Content or Curriculum: Master Naturalist Curriculum, range of speakers representing different topics and important agencies.

Inputs: Developed in partnership with Ellen Crocker and Laurie Thomas.

Dates: 2026

Audience: General public, adult

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Program

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener Curriculum, range of speakers representing different topics and important agencies.

Inputs: Developed in partnership with Rick Durham

Dates: 2025

 Audience: Adults

 Project or Activity: IPM and Pesticide Programs

 Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery

 Inputs: UK and subject matter Specialists

 Dates: Ongoing 

Audience: Home owners and consumers

Project or Activity: Programming for home gardening and landscape management

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, emails and phone calls

Inputs: Extension Specialists, USDA funding, county agents, KDA, Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Pesticide applicators

Project or Activity: PSEP certification for private applicators and continuing education for commercial applicators

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery

Inputs: County agents, UK specialists, KDA support materials

Date: Ongoing

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues

 Indicator:

 Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife.

Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry.

Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.   

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains

Timeline: At program

Outcome: Identification of diseases and abiotic problems in crops and forages

Indicator: Number of plant diagnoses made annually with diagnosis and recommendation reports sent to ANR/HORT agent and grower.

Method: ANR/HORT agent feedback, grower feedback

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Increased involvement of extension volunteers

Indicator: 

Number of Master Gardener volunteers who completed training

Number of Master Gardener volunteer service hours

Number of clients engaged by Master Gardeners

Number of programs led by Master Gardeners

Method: Annual survey

Timeline: Yearly

Outcome: Improved adoption of best management practices and compliance with state regulations

Indicator: Number new applicator licenses awarded

Method: Survey and results from the KDA

Timeline: annual