The problem: 

Walking, moving, getting out into nature, supporting the greenspace available to the public, all are a part of the mission selected by Extension Homemakers just before the pandemic. The target site to support this initiative is called PLANET. Paintsville Lake Activities Nature Edible Trail. This new name was selected by a steering committee assembled by Johnson County Family Consumer Sciences to determine next steps at creating an educational center that can be used by visitors throughout the year. The steering committee members were comprised of Extension Homemaker County Environmental chairs, Army Corp of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife and FCS agent. 

The educational program response: The FCS agent wrote grants to secure funding for needed improvements for the site. Funds were secured and volunteers were recruited by FCS and Extension Homemaker volunteers. An educational center was created, the shelter improved, bathrooms (perma-porta-potties) curriculum established and a maintenance plan initiated. 

The participants/target audience: The general public

Other partners (if applicable) Johnson County FCS, Kentucky FCS, Extension Homemakers, Army Corp of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife, Appalachian Regional Hospital, community volunteers.

Program impact or participant response:

Programs have been held on pollinators, foraging, Bluebirds, tree identification, Cooking Wild, Flower Stamping, Trails, Edibles and more. Edibles have been planted, and the education center stocked to continue doing environmental programs and leading educational  walks on many themes.