Author: Amy Aldenderfer
Major Program: Backyard Streams
Kentucky has over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. Many citizens have streams flowing through their property, some in their backyards. Many streams are subject to “urban stream syndrome” which can lead to increased flooding and scoured stream banks. Homeowners are often challenged by how to “manage” a backyard stream. Stream bank erosion, invasive plants, and lack of wildlife habitat are often problems for backyard stream owners. It is important for all Kentucky citize
Author: Carmen Agouridis
The KYH2O podcast series is designed to provide the listener, in a 10-12-minute timeframe, with information on water-related topics, an understanding of why the topic is of importance, and information on how citizens can modify their behavior to protect water resources and the environment. Podcasts include a mixture of in-the-field expert interviews interspersed with discussions between the hosts, Drs. Carmen Agouridis and Amanda Gumbert. Drs. Agouridis and Gumbert help frame podcast topic, prov
The Morgan County Educational Farm experienced flooding in their barns due to a failing culvert. The culvert was supposed to transfer water underneath a farm road to a stream. The periodic flooding threatened a new water harvesting system that was installed under the guidance of Dr. Steve Higgins. Dr. Agouridis designed a new culvert for the farm. The new culvert alleviated flooding of the barns.The former culvert was failing do to a blocked entrance and crushed pipe.Upstream view of the new cul
The goal of the Backyard Streams program is to help homeowners understand how to protect and manage their backyard streams. Led by Drs. Gumbert and Agouridis, the program is based on the extension publication ID-242 Central Kentucky Backyard Streams. The program consists of workshops comprised of hands-on activities and field visits designed to educate and encourage action and discourse amongst participants as well as an online certificate course. The online certification course will launch late
Author: Traci Johnson
Oldham County includes watersheds that are on the impaired list due to sedimentation, nutrient, and bacteria/coliform issues, according to the Kentucky Division of Water. Soil and Water Conservation is a targeted program initiative identified by the Oldham County Ag Development Council. In order to address this issue, Oldham County Extension frequently partners with other agencies to deliver programs on protecting soil and water.In March 2017, a ‘Living along a Kentucky Stream’
Author: Kevin Lindsay
In 2009, the Fayette County 4H program colloborated with the UK Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, Fayette County Public Schools other community partners to restore a stream at a local elementary school. The vision was to improve 700 feet of Mill Creek. The stream was an eroding, urban ditch that divided Millcreek Elementary School playground and was becoming a safety hazard for the school children. The goal for the project was to improve water quality, create more and better ha
Author: Keenan Bishop
On September 9th the Woods and Waters Land Trust celebrated it's 10th anniversary on the grounds of Inside Out Design, a progressive and award winning landscaping firm who was also celebrating 10 years. The land trust has protected 400 acres and established a nature preserve in Franklin County to date.This year Extension partnered with county government and their Master Recycler volunteers to make the celebration a Waste Free event. Nearly 400 people attended and enjoyed a meal with locally
