Success StoryTaking Care of Our Waterways



Taking Care of Our Waterways

Author: Ryan Spicer

Planning Unit: Breathitt County CES

Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development

Plan of Work: Develop Individuals for Leadership & Volunteer Roles

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

During the 2021 pandemic the Breathitt County 4-H teen club wanted to create an educational program explaining the importance of clean waterways in Breathitt County. Based on their observations they found numerous examples of illegal dumping and trash along the banks of the river. Under the direction of the 4-H Youth Development Agent along with extension specialists, the teens planned to follow the citizen science model and conduct water quality testing and trash clean-up at selected sites along the river bank in the county. Once completed the teens then revisited the site at the end of a 6 month period and then retested the water quality in the area. All teens in the program identified that they now identified a greater need in taking care of their counties water sources, and feel that they have benefited from the program. The 4-H agent feels that this process has been great for the teen club and by completing the entire process teens have enhanced their leadership skills and have be able to further identify issues and implement change to better their communities. 






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