Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

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Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Cooperative Extension Service

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Impacts

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Fiscal Year: 2023

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Jul 1, 2022 - Jun 30, 2023

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

4-H Beekeeping Club

Author: MacKenzie Preece

Major Program: Natural Resources

4-H Beekeeping Club

This past year the Franklin County 4-H collaborated with the Capital City Beekeepers Association to start a 4-H Youth Beekeeping and Bee Ambassadors Program. The 4-H Bee Ambassador Program addresses key concepts related to bees, pollination, beekeeping, and honey. Horticulture and 4-H agents, and Beekeeping Association volunteer leaders incorporated lessons and activities related to bees and honey, pollinators and native ecosystems in a series of monthly meetings with hands on demonstration in o

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Committed to a Culture of Firearm Safety

Author: Melissa Schenck

Major Program: Natural Resources

Committed to a Culture of Firearm Safety

According to a 2022 analysis by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Violence Prevention, gun injuries are the leading cause of death among U.S. children and teens ages 1-19. With that in mind, it is imperative that gun safety is a priority to teach our youth. With that goal in mind the Washington County 4-H Shootings Sports Coaches collectively committed over 250 volunteer hours to the county shooting sports program in 2022. Monthly safety meetings alongside weekly practices

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Outdoor Adventure Camp

Author: Eric Comley

Major Program: Natural Resources

In an on-line piece developed by Pacific Oaks College (PCO), PCO created a list of the benefits of young people being outside. This list has all of the traditional outcomes expected from time spent away from traditional classrooms and in the grasp of the environment. Expected benefits include higher achieving academic performance, child development (which includes imaginative play and relationship development with playmates), health benefits, and brain development. The final expected outcome was

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C1 - C4 Jekyll Island Environmental Education Trip

Author: Eric Comley

Major Program: Natural Resources

Developing experiences for youth to engage with the natural world in new and educational ways is one way Kentucky 4-H can distinguish itself as an organization geared towards positive youth development. Especially important is exposing youth to unfamiliar or novel environments or species. Alongside environmental education, any chance youth audiences can be challenged to develop life skills or soft skills allows 4-H to invest in the next generation of citizens. With these two goals in mind,

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Updating the 4-H Land Judging and Home Site Evaluation Publication and Contest

Author: Edwin Ritchey

Major Program: Natural Resources

We revised the 4-H Land Judging publication in 2021 to better align with the current NRCS and Cooperative Extension recommendations. Practice standards have changed over the years and we need to keep current with the recommended conservation practice standards. These new practices also better align with National Land Judging contest so the state winners that go to the National Contest are more familiar with the National Contest rules. We also added a Home Site Evaluation to the State contest for

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Taking Youth Beyond the Boarders of Kentucky

Author: Mackenzie Pogue

Major Program: Natural Resources

According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids)   Many times youth do not

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Getting Outdoors: Migrant Youth Day Camp

Author: Mackenzie Pogue

Major Program: Natural Resources

Getting Outdoors: Migrant Youth Day Camp

The migrant youth day camp was designed to provide a safe and inclusive space for young individuals from diverse backgrounds.  Cultivating a sense of belonging, the camp fostered an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and cultural understanding.  This created an environment where participants felt valued and comfortable expressing themselves while learning about the importance of natural resources.   Participants embarked on outdoor adventures through their visit to a local park. &nbs

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4-H Youth Bee Club

Author: Kimberly Thomas

Major Program: Natural Resources

Taylor County youth are “buzzing” with new 4-H club. Beekeeping has sparked an interest with youth and adults alike. Youth are excited and fascinated learning about bees and how they make honey.   Through a Kentucky 4-H Foundation Agriculture Mini Grant in 2022, Taylor County 4-H was able to Purchase two beehives to be placed at the Taylor County Extension Office for educational demonstrations with our 4-H’ers and local bee association, the Green River Beekeepers. Wit

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Camp Jekyll - A Live Learning Experience

Author: Rhonda Jewell

Major Program: Natural Resources

Camp Jekyll - A Live Learning Experience

According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubicon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids)   Many times youth do not h

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Kentucky Forest Leadership Program 2022-23

Author: Blake Newton

Major Program: Natural Resources

The Kentucky Forest Leadership Program (KFLP) is a collaborative effort of UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, UK Entomology Extension, the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The educational program managed and administered by UK Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Laurie Thomas.KFLP is designed to educate high school students about the importance of Kentucky’s environment and natural resources. The statewide

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4-H KY KEEPERS: 2023 Update

Author: Blake Newton

Major Program: Natural Resources

In 2022, I worked Dr. Larson (UK Entomology Professor) and Carl Harper (Uk Entomology staff, Office of the State Entomologist) to develop the 4-H KY Keepers programs. KY Keepers are a group of 4-Hers from around the state who work to monitor invasive pests. KY Keepers focus their efforts on the Spongy Moth. The Spongy Moth is an invasive insect that is already established in the northeastern United States, where it has defoliated an estimated 95 million acres over the last century and caused abo

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Bullitt Advanced Math and Science Mentoring Program

Author: Lorilee Kunze

Major Program: Natural Resources

Bullitt Advanced Math and Science Mentoring Program

The Bullitt Advanced Math and Science (BAMS) Program seeks to help the gifted students of Bullitt County reach their full potential through inquiry experiences, a rigorous and relevant curriculum, and educational outreach.  The Bullitt County Horticulture Program has collaborated with BAMS for many years helping them to gather data about the soil in Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.  Previously, Extension mentors helped students to understand the soil sampling process, testing process and

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4-H Environmental Day Camp

Author: Jocelyn Kemp

Major Program: Natural Resources

Youth in Hardin County have many advantages to being exposed to natural resources locally. Most youth are not educated in the natural resources education or get to experience the outdoors or build social skills outside of school or home. Hardin County 4-H hosted a two day Environmental Day Camp where youth were able to come together and meet multiple experts of various aspects and learn more about the natural resources that surround them locally. On the first day youth met at Saunders Sprin

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4-H Camp Jekyll Natural Resources Trip

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Natural Resources

4-H Camp Jekyll Natural Resources Trip

According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids)   Many times youth do not

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4-H Forestry Project

Author: Alyssa Cox

Major Program: Natural Resources

Kentucky is 48% forested and is known as having one of the most diverse hardwood species mix in the nation. Kentucky’s woodlands are vital, providing homes to a wide diversity of wildlife, protecting our water resources, and supplying clean air. In addition, the forestry sector contributed an estimated $14.6 billion in total economic contribution in 2015 and provided over 28,400 jobs in the forest industry and more than 57,000 jobs overall.The Rockcastle County 4-H Homeschool Club particip

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Outdoor Adventure Camp-Pilot Program

Author: Brandon Darst

Major Program: Natural Resources

Outdoor Adventure Camp-Pilot Program

Over the years it has been a challenge to get youth outdoors and invested into the natural world; the barrier has been the overuse of technology and the lack of interest due to the disconnect.  The task was to create and find a way to create a positive and educational experience for youth.  Outdoor Activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, and much more are just a few of the more popular hobbies that many individuals enjoy as the temperatures begin to warm up throughout t

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Youth Learn Connections to Nature, Preserving Their Communities

Author: Tyrone Gentry

Major Program: Natural Resources

Youth Learn Connections to Nature, Preserving Their Communities

One of Green County's greatest assets is our natural resources which are used for sources of income for families, production of food, recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment. These resources are gifts from previous generations and instilling the appreciation and conservation of them for future generations is an important goal for developing youth into productive citizens.  Green County 4-H provides educational programming connecting youth and their families to our natural habitats.  Yo

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KY 4-H 2023 Spring Certification Workshop

Author: Ashley Marcum

Major Program: Natural Resources

With over 1,900 youth enrolled, and more than 900 certified volunteer leaders, shooting sports is one of the largest 4-H programs in the state of Kentucky. Taking the slogan “learn by doing” to heart, the KY 4-H Shooting Sports program is built around hands on learning experiences. Under the guidance of certified instructors, youth have the chance to practice firearm safety and marksmanship in a variety of disciplines including archery, rifle, black powder, shotgun, pistol, and hunti

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Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
S107 Ag. Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302

© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment