Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

Close Resources

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

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026

Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Changing for the Sake of Nature

Author: Eric Comley

Major Program: Natural Resources

Michael Clarke, in an interview about the state of our knowledge regarding nature, described a new phenomena regarding the inability of individuals to know their local species of animals and plants. This disconnect from local natural systems prompted the Garrard County 4-H Youth Development (YD) Agent, in collaboration with the Garrard County FFA Advisor, to start and sustain an Envirothon Team at Garrard County High School. The program was implemented in 2016 and the inaugural group gradua

Full Story

Natural Resources and Environmental Science Institute Thrives

Author: Eric Comley

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

Full Story

Mammoth Cave Forestry Field Day

Author: Samantha Gabbard

Major Program: Natural Resources

4-H Forestry Field DayUK Forestry and Natural ResourcesMammoth Cave National Park 4-H youth from nine counties attended the 4-H Forestry Field Day at Mammoth Cave National Park on September 12, 2024. More than 100 youth had the opportunity to learn about Kentucky’s trees and forests as well as some of the skills that real-life foresters utilize everyday while on the job. The youth aged 9 to 13 (Juniors) and 14 to 18 (Seniors) years of age were taught and tested on the basics of tree i

Full Story

A Look Back at 4-H Summer and Environmental Camps in Program Year 2025

Author: MacKenzie Preece

Major Program: Natural Resources

A Look Back at 4-H Summer and Environmental Camps in Program Year 2025A typical 5-day 4-H Camp session offers upwards of 96 hours of direct, uninterrupted contact between youth and their cabin leaders/counselors.  That’s the equivalent of a family sitting down at the dinner table for 30-minutes, 192 days of the year.  The interactions offered in a residential camp/group living setting are so important to youth. The time we spend with youth in the camp setting offers opportunities

Full Story

4-H Natural Resources Programming: Program Year 2025

Author: Rachel Guidugli

Major Program: Natural Resources

In 2025, the University of Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Natural Resources Programs reached a significant milestone—engaging 37,009 youth aged 5 to 18 across the Commonwealth in hands-on, impactful environmental education. These young Kentuckians explored the natural world through experiences in forestry, wildlife, water quality, conservation, and sustainable agriculture, gaining valuable knowledge and leadership skills.This achievement was made possible by the dedication o

Full Story

From the Mountains to the Ocean

Author: Erin Leach

Major Program: Natural Resources

From the Mountains to the Ocean

“From the Mountains to the Ocean”:Day Camp Inspires Ocean Awareness and Conservation in Estill County Youth.Although Kentucky is landlocked, it didn’t stop 86 youth from exploring the wonders of the ocean during the summer Day Camp titled “From the Mountains to the Ocean.” The camp was hosted by Estill County Extension Office 4-H programming and overseen by 4-H Assistant, LaDonna Dawes. It brought the sights, science, and stewardship of the sea to life right inside

Full Story

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

Full Story

4-H Camp Jekyll Environmental Education Trip

Author: Catherine Webster

Major Program: Natural Resources

The Georgia 4-H environmental education program uses “the outdoors as classrooms without walls” to provide overnight academic field studies for students in grades K-12. Well-trained and college-educated instructors keep students active and engaged for up to eight hours a day through a hands-on approach that puts learning in the context of the real-world environment. Georgia 4-H’s Camp Jekyll is located on 10 acres on the south end of Jekyll Island between the beach and maritime

Full Story

Outdoor Adventure Camp

Author: David Gabbard

Major Program: Natural Resources

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 the spring and summer.The Lincoln County 4-H Youth Development Agent collaborated with 4-H Youth Development Agents from Garrard, Madison, Scott and Casey Counties, and the Camp Director for Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp to plan, recruit and implement the first Kentucky 4-H Outdoor Adventure Camp May 2-3, 2025.

Full Story

Exploring Careers in Marine Biology

Author: Julia Wilson

Major Program: Natural Resources

Exploring Careers in Marine Biology

“A recent study from Strada Education Foundation and Burning Glass Institute found that half of college graduates are ending up working in jobs that don’t use their degree, illustrating the critical importance of making well-informed decisions about what to study” (Forbes, 2024).  Therefore, early career exploration can significantly impact the career path and ultimately career success of an individual when identified earlier in life.  In the spring of 2025, a total o

Full Story

Nature Studies Series Remains Popular

Author: David Hull

Major Program: Natural Resources

Nature Studies Series Remains Popular

Creekside Connections is a weekly homeschool cooperative that offers K-12 educational opportunities for homeschooling families in Gallatin and surrounding counties. Since 2018, the Gallatin County Extension Service has played an active role in this cooperative.Back in 2018, the Gallatin ANR agent was approached by cooperative organizers because they wanted to offer an exploration class pertaining to nature. As a result, the ANR agent taught one weekly class of 5th and 6th grade Nature Studies fo

Full Story

Earth Day Program A Group Success!

Author: David Hull

Major Program: Natural Resources

Earth Day Program A Group Success!

Several years ago, Earth Day celebrations and programs were headed up by several volunteers from a local industry. But when this group ceased their support for the programs, Extension leadership and others in the community expressed their concerns. So in response to these concerns, Gallatin County Extension looked for ways to spark new interest in Earth Day.Extension, working in conjunction with NRCS, the Gallatin County Conservation District, the Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Fish and

Full Story

Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition 2024

Author: Cathy Fellows

Major Program: Natural Resources

Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition 2024

The annual KY 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition, the culminating event for youth participating in the 4-H shooting sports program was hosted at the Bluegrass Sportsmen’s League in Wilmore, Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 7th, and at the Central KY Gun Club in Berea, KY on Sunday, Sept. 8th. Throughout the weekend over 1,000 youth, their families, and county coaches, volunteers, and 4-H agents gathered to take part in the event. This competition provides a goal for youth to work towards thr

Full Story

Exploring Careers in Marine Biology & Environmental Sciences at Georgia 4-H's Camp Jekyll

Author: Anna Meador

Major Program: Natural Resources

Exploring Careers in Marine Biology & Environmental Sciences at Georgia 4-H's Camp Jekyll

2025 Camp Jekyll attendees from Allen, Hart, Simpson and Warren Counties spent 5-days exploring careers in Marine Biology and Environmental Protection.  “A recent study from Strada Education Foundation and Burning Glass Institute found that half of college graduates are ending up working in jobs that don’t use their degree, illustrating the critical importance of making well-informed decisions about what to study” (Forbes, 2024).  Therefore, early career exploration c

Full Story

Waco Elementary: Going with the Flow

Author: Brandon Darst

Major Program: Natural Resources

Waco Elementary: Going with the Flow

According to NOAA, water quality is a complex issue, impacted by pollution, weather, tides, human activities, and many other factors. In the Keys, threats to water quality are categorized as local, regional, or global in nature. Local threats are issues like stormwater runoff, wastewater, organic debris, sedimentation, and harmful vessel discharges.  The CES has been conducting a stream study for Waco Elementary 4th graders for around 15 years to help students realize their impact on our lo

Full Story

4-H Goes Wild (Environmental Field Day)

Author: Brandon Darst

Major Program: Natural Resources

4-H Goes Wild (Environmental Field Day)

According to Children’s Health Defense, “Less exposure to nature in youth has paralleled an increase in mental health disorders, persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.” The article further explained that children are experiencing less production in the classrooms and test scores are declining. In an effort to combat these issues, the CES has brought back 4-H Goes Wild. The CES had routinely hosted the 4-H Goes Wild Environmental Field Day bu

Full Story

4-H Entomology Project Day: What's Bugging You

Author: Brandon Darst

Major Program: Natural Resources

4-H Entomology Project Day: What's Bugging You

The 4-H Entomology Day organized by CES was a resounding success, demonstrating both the effectiveness of hands-on learning and the power of engaging youth in natural resource education. With eight eager participants, the day was packed with valuable experiences. The group spent time in the field, catching a variety of insects, which provided an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse world of entomology. Following the collection activity, the youth were taught how to properly pin and preser

Full Story

4-H Natural Resources

Author: Diane Kelley

Major Program: Natural Resources

4-H Natural Resources

“…it’s not magic, it’s a magnet!” Natural Resources & 4-H Kenton County 4th grade 4-H members are experiencing the environment using hands-on experiments taught and provided by a Kenton County 4-H agent.   The young 4-H members are learning to connect science and the real-world.  The youth members live in mostly suburban communities in Kenton County.  Although they live near two major rivers, wooded areas, and natural habitats many have a li

Full Story

Showing 1 to 18 of 72 entries

Show entries

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