The problem  

In a recent event held in Western Kentucky, community members gathered to enhance their knowledge on food safety, the importance of pollinators, and the utilization of public spaces for horticulture and exercise. This event, aimed at educating citizens, proved to be a remarkable success with impactful outcomes.

The educational program response

Spring into Green: Pride of Kentucky was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Science agents at the McCracken County Extension Office. Speakers at this year’s event discussed topics related to Kentucky. Topics discussed focused on local food produce and local pollinators. Speakers included Dava Hayden, horticulture instructor and arboretum manager at Murray State University. LaToya Drake, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service as the Program Coordinator with the Nutrition Education Program. Chuck Collins, owner and beekeeper of The Bee Barn in Paducah, Kentucky.

The participants/target audience

The targeted audience was the citizens of Western Kentucky, Homemakers from all counties of Western Kentucky and  their families.

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response. 

Of the sixty-four (64) participants, 40% were first time program participants. 86% of participants stated they have gained increased knowledge on how to maintain best practices for local pollinators. 81% of participants stated that they gained more knowledge in consumer and home horticulture. 84% of participants increased their knowledge, skills, or opinion on using Plate it Up! Kentucky Proud recipes. 97% of participants gained knowledge on the seasonally availability of Kentucky products and ways to prepare them. 75% of participants stated a practice they will start is planting native flowers and other plants to help with local pollinators. One participant stated, “As a new resident of Kentucky, I appreciated 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.”