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. 






Stories by Ryan Spicer


Chick Incubation Project

about 2 years ago by Ryan Spicer

Livestock and livestock products account for about half of Kentuckys farmincome.Therefore, the role ... Read More


Taking Care of Our Waterways

about 2 years ago by Ryan Spicer

During the 2021 pandemic the Breathitt County 4-H teen club wanted to create an educational program ... Read More


Stories by Breathitt County CES


The Power of Fruits and Vegetables

about 2 years ago by Kati Noble

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, consuming enough fruits and vegetables r... Read More


East KY hay contest

about 2 years ago by Reed Graham

The Eastern Kentucky hay contest and forage testing program has been very successful in educating pr... Read More


Stories by Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development


Volunteers Learn, Network, and are recognized for Achievement at the Kentucky Volunteer Forum- Volunteer Engagement empowers volunteers to make impacts in their communities

Volunteers Learn, Network, and are recognized for Achievement at the Kentucky Volunteer Forum- Volunteer Engagement empowers volunteers to make impacts in their communities

about 2 years ago by Janet Turley

In the 2019 KY Extension Community Assessment Report, the top three issues under community vitality ... Read More


Growing Success

Growing Success

about 3 years ago by David Gabbard

For most youth across our state the month of August is for finishing up that magical summer must do ... Read More