Success StoryMarkers Assist with Tree Identification



Markers Assist with Tree Identification

Author: Rebecca Konopka

Planning Unit: Carter County CES

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Plan of Work: Environmental Education

Outcome: Initial Outcome

According to the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet, Kentucky is second in the United States for the most diverse hardwood species mix.  Forty-eight percent or 12.4 million acres of Kentucky is forestland and eighty-eight percent of Kentucky's forestland is owned by private landowners.  The 2017 Census of Agriculture shows that 38% of the farmland in Carter County is woodlands.   Grayson is also known as the “heart of the parks” because of its close proximity to three state parks.    

In an effort to help local residents and tourists learn to correctly identify trees, the Carter County ANR Agent worked with local parks to install tree identification markers on several common trees.   In addition to the UK CAFE Extension logo and in some cases the park logo, the markers listed the common and scientific name of the tree and a QR code to access a UK Forestry Extension video or factsheet about the tree.   

Sixty-three markers were placed along trails at the Grayson Walking Track, Grayson Lake US Army Corps of Engineers, Grayson Sports Park, and Carter Caves State Resort Park.  Within an hour of placing the markers at Carter Caves, staff observed visitors using the QR codes to learn more about trees.   The Extension Office received several other compliments from local residents and park staff about the benefit of the markers.  The project will also aid parents and students with the annual 4th grade 4-H leaf collection project. 

The ANR Agent has ordered an additional 100 markers to add at the existing sites, as well as the Olive Hill City Park and Grayson Lake State Park. 







Stories by Rebecca Konopka


Tree Farmer of the Year Field Day

Tree Farmer of the Year Field Day

about 4 months ago by Rebecca Konopka

The problem –According to the Kentucky Forest Sector Economic Contribution Report the total Kentucky... Read More


Gaining Ground: No-Till Drill Clinic Offers Hands-On Learning Experience

Gaining Ground: No-Till Drill Clinic Offers Hands-On Learning Experience

about 6 months ago by Rebecca Konopka

Kentucky has 90,000 stream miles and the number one pollutant in those steams is soil sediment. Sed... Read More


Stories by Carter County CES


Tree Farmer of the Year Field Day

Tree Farmer of the Year Field Day

about 4 months ago by Rebecca Konopka

The problem –According to the Kentucky Forest Sector Economic Contribution Report the total Kentucky... Read More


Cooking at 4-H camp

Cooking at 4-H camp

about 5 months ago by Whitney Morrow

Kentucky Youth ranks among the highest in the US for obesity. In fact, in 2020 only 6% of Carter Cou... Read More