Describe the Issue or Situation.

Restore Program Collaboration with 4H and Bernheim Forest. The program was designed to celebrate the beauty of Mother Earth through experiencing a day filled with unique activities that inspire hope, joy, and well-being. Embrace the spirit of spring through self-care, educational experiences, and sustainable practices—because our planet deserves a healthy us! This program was hosted by Bernheim Forest and we were collaborating partners.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Partners included:
Bullitt County Extension Office Horticulture & 4H Programs, Bernheim Research Forest and Arboretum, Beargrass Thunder, Bri Weaves, Bullitt County Health Department, Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences (CIEHS), Circle of Health and Harmony, City Tilth and Trees, LLC,  Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Duck Duck Goose Louisville, Elliott Brothers Farm, Food Literacy Project, University of Louisville Sustainability Groups, Kentucky American Indian Resource and Community Center, Kentucky Resources Council, Louisville Tool Library, Save Bernheim Now Coalition, AHHA and Collective Wellness and Spa, Black Azz Camping & Jr. Black Campers, Nu Chapter Tai Chi, Kynect Resources, Louisville Grows,  Louisville Free Public Library, Change Today, Change Tomorrow, Foxing Books, Peace of the Earth Refillery, Dark Sky Kentucky, Equid Branches Wellness Services, and the Louisville Water Company

Extension Horticulture and 4H Program staff joined forces to man a booth at Event in the Garden Converstations area.  We provided information, publications and flyers featuring information about our programming, newsletters, volunteer training programs and opportunities. We engaged in a hands on earth day youth activities (pledge to care for the earth hand painting activity, earth day coloring poster), had promotional give aways related to earth day and extension (bookmarks, rain gauges, pens, etc.)

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

The target audience for this event is families in our community.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

This program put us in direct contact with the Bullitt County community and other local organizations that may not already know about Extension and what we have to offer. This yearly event increases our visibility and creates a shared experience rooted in connection, sustainability, and environmental health, all relevant to horticulture. Because of the limited education on environmental issues in Bullitt County, this event provides an opportunity to broach conversations about sustainability while promoting a new vision of health and wellness in our community.

Our booth distributed 193 copies of newsletters and other publications.  We spoke to 5 individuals that expressed interest in our Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program and 3 new families signed up to participate in 4H.  We had direct contact with at least 213 people during the program and over 500 participated in the event at Bernheim.