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: 2025

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Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Spring Environmental Field Trips

Author: Lacey Kessell

Major Program: Natural Resources

Youth environmental education is essential for fostering a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who not only understand and value the natural world but are also motivated to take action for sustainability and conservation. By involving young people in learning about ecosystems, environmental challenges, and the impact of human behavior, we equip them to become informed advocates and responsible stewards of the planet.The most effective way to engage youth is through hands-on, expe

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Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy

Author: Susan Campbell

Major Program: Natural Resources

The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) empowers youth across the state to explore key environmental topics—including water, forestry, wildlife, and entomology—cultivating a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation for Kentucky’s vital natural resources. Building Environmental LiteracyThe Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Ke

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2025 Hooked on Nature Day Camp

Author: Stefaine Back

Major Program: Natural Resources

The 2025 Magoffin 4-H Summer Daycamp, themed Hooked on Nature, was a tremendous success, drawing over 280 youth and more than 20 adult volunteers and staff from June 3–6. Held in a hybrid setting including both indoor and outdoor activities, the camp provided hands-on learning experiences that connected participants with the natural world through activities like nature hikes, environmental science experiments, fishing, crafts, and team-building games. The camp emphasized environmental stew

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Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy

Author: Lora Stewart

Major Program: Natural Resources

The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) empowers youth across the state to explore key environmental topics—including water, forestry, wildlife, and entomology—cultivating a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation for Kentucky’s vital natural resources. Building Environmental LiteracyThe Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Ke

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Pulaski County Archery Program

Author: Abigail Roy

Major Program: Natural Resources

Pulaski County Archery Program

Pulaski County 4-H Archery program has kicked off again for the year. Archery is one of Pulaski's largest programs, second only to the Country Ham Project. This year the program has continued to grow as it does each year. There are a total of 28 Archers, ranging in age from 9 to 15. 19 of those are female archers and 9 are male archers. Through weekly practices, participants learn archery skills as well as life skills such as disciple, patience, and confidence. They also compete in area and

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Exploring Our Backyard: Livingston County 4-H Outdoor Adventure Club

Author: Sharee Schoonover

Major Program: Natural Resources

Exploring Our Backyard: Livingston County 4-H Outdoor Adventure Club

 In 2024, Livingston County 4-H launched the Outdoor Adventure Club, a new summer program aimed at introducing youth to the beauty and accessibility of nature right in their backyard. With a focus on local landmarks such as the Grand Rivers Trail System, Joy Falls, and Mantle Rock, the club’s goal was to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment while teaching essential outdoor skills.Throughout the summer, students gathered monthly for three-hour adventures, exploring the s

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4-H Camp Training

Author: Blake Newton

Major Program: Natural Resources

In Fall 2024, I trained three new staff educators at the North Central 4-H Camp on the subject of entomology. I trained them on insect identification and aquatic invertebrate studies. These staff members work with 4-Hers who attend Environmental Camps and other programs at North Central, and from July 2024-June 2025, over 800 4-Hers received entomology content from these staff educators. 

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Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy

Author: Catherine Webster

Major Program: Natural Resources

The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) empowers youth across the state to explore key environmental topics—including water, forestry, wildlife, and entomology—cultivating a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation for Kentucky’s vital natural resources.The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Counci

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Boyle County youth participate in Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy

Author: Kimberly Ragland

Major Program: Natural Resources

The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) empowers youth across the state to explore key environmental topics—including water, forestry, wildlife, and entomology—cultivating a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation for Kentucky’s vital natural resources.Building Environmental LiteracyThe Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky

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Meeting a Need Through 4-H Shooting Sports with Hands On Education

Author: Amanda Broderick

Major Program: Natural Resources

Over 120 youth compete in multi-discipline event, showcasing skill, safety, and sportsmanshipAiming high and hitting their marks—both literally and figuratively—over 120 youth from Elliott County and surrounding regions gathered on June 14 for the Elliott County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational, held at the Elliott County Extension Office. The event brought in not just competitors, but hundreds of family members and friends, creating a community-wide celebration of youth development,

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2025 Elliott County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational

Author: Jacob Ison

Major Program: Natural Resources

Meeting a Need Through 4-H Shooting Sports with Hands On Education. Elliott County Hosts Successful 4-H Shooting Sports InvitationalOver 120 youth compete in multi-discipline event, showcasing skill, safety, and sportsmanshipElliott County, KY — June 14, 2025Aiming high and hitting their marks—both literally and figuratively—over 120 youth from Elliott County and surrounding regions gathered on June 14 for the Elliott County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational, held at the El

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Cooking Wild: 4-H Reptile/Amphibian Program

Author: Ashley Duvall

Major Program: Natural Resources

Cooking Wild: 4-H Reptile/Amphibian Program

Food insecurity is a common issue in South Central Kentucky. According to Feeding America, among the 1,620 food insecure people in Clinton County, 75% may be SNAP eligible. South Central Kentucky is also home to many native wild game species that are commonly harvested for alternate sources of protein. However, many clients in the area struggle to prepare wild game to make it palatable. Game meats are naturally low in fat and cholesterol, but traditional cooking methods, such as frying, can nega

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Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy

Author: Deana Reed

Major Program: Natural Resources

The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) empowers youth across the state to explore key environmental topics—including water, forestry, wildlife, and entomology—cultivating a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation for Kentucky’s vital natural resources. Building Environmental LiteracyThe Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Ke

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NRESci Academy 2025

Author: Presley Grubb

Major Program: Natural Resources

NRESci Academy 2025

Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) empowers youth across the state to explore key environmental topics—including water, forestry, wildlife, and entomology—cultivating a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation for Kentucky’s vital natural resources. Building Environmental LiteracyThe Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental

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2025 NRESci Program

Author: Ryan Spicer

Major Program: Natural Resources

The problem: The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. According to KEEC’s 2020-2025 Environmental Education Master Plan (2020), “… the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly less

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Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy

Author: Ashley Osborne

Major Program: Natural Resources

The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) empowers youth across the state to explore key environmental topics—including water, forestry, wildlife, and entomology—cultivating a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation for Kentucky’s vital natural resources. Building Environmental LiteracyThe Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Ke

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Nature Club

Author: Eric Comley

Major Program: Natural Resources

Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

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Environmental Education Day Camp

Author: Meagan Klee

Major Program: Natural Resources

A child’s behavior can suffer from an absence of the outdoors. This became an increasing issue during the coronavirus pandemic and the months following as quarantining, isolation, and virtual learning led individuals to stay indoors more often. Nature-Deficit Disorder, coined by Richard Louv in 2005, “is a nonmedical condition that attributes behavioral changes in children to less time spent outdoors”. (https://parentology.com/what-is-nature-deficit-disorder/)To provide additio

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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