The problem

It is estimated that Kentucky loses at least 130 acres of habitat to development every day.  More that 99% grasslands, 80% of wetlands, more than 50% of forests have all been lost since Kentucky was originally settled. These statistics don't even include the aquatic habitat that has been forever destroyed by pollution, erosion and other environmental issues.

Development and habitat loss has caught the attention of many community members and raised concerns across the county.  This was amplified by the expansion of the airport and development of many subdivisions and buisness that let community members watch first hand, hundreds of acres of habitat being destroyed.

Concerned members of the community became more interested in environmental topics and ways to help which led to the first Boone County Co-hort of Kentucky Master Naturalist.

The educational program response

Kentucky Master Naturalist provides participants with a deep understanding of Kentucky's natural resources and the skills and knowledge necessary to protect and conserve them.

The mission of the KYMN program is to develop a cohort of well-informed volunteers to advance education, research, and outreach efforts dedicated to the conservation and management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The participants/target audience

Community members interested in increasing their environmental and conservation knowledge and with a desire to conserve, preserve and restore habitats and wildlife in Kentucky.

Other partners (if applicable)

• UKY Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
• Dry Dredgers
• Boone County Conservation
• Big Bone Lick State Park
• Northern Kentucky Bird Club
• 4-H Entomology Department
• Boone County Arboretum
• Archeology Research Institute
• Department of Air Quality
• Kentucky Climate Center and Kentucky Mesonet
• Nature Reliance School

Program impact or participant response.

Seventeen participants finished the core content portion of the KY Master Naturalist program.  They are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer work in environmental related work before May of 2024.  If ALL participants complete their volunteer hours then the program will have contributed to 680 hours towards restoring, conserving and raising awareness about our environment. 

Participant Comments:

To come.

There is already a wait list for the next cohort.  

Sources:

https://naturalist.ca.uky.edu/

https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry

https://fw.ky.gov/Education/Documents/wetlands.pdf

https://eec.ky.gov/Nature-Preserves