Spring into Green: Pride of Kentucky was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Sciences agents at the McCracken County Extension Office. Speakers at the event discussed topics related to Kentucky resources. Topics discussed focused on local plants, foods, and pollinators. Speakers included Dava Hayden, horticulture instructor and arboretum manager at Murray State University; LaToya Drake, coordinator for the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Nutrition Education Program; and Chuck Collins, beekeeper and owner of The Bee Barn in Paducah, Kentucky.

Of the sixty-four (64) participants, 40% were first time program participants. 86% stated they increased knowledge on how to maintain best practices for local pollinators. 81% gained more knowledge in consumer and home horticulture. 84% increased their knowledge, skills, or opinions on using Plate it Up! Kentucky Proud recipes. 97% gained knowledge on the seasonal availability of Kentucky products and ways to prepare them. 75% stated they will start planting native flowers and other plants to help with local pollinators. One participant stated, “As a new resident of Kentucky, I appreciate the time that was put into this event. The presenters were very informative, and I learned more about my new home.” Several repeat participants stated, “Local product/produce presentation was very enjoyable, every year there is a new interesting topic to learn about.”