The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) empowers youth across the state to explore key environmental topics—including water, forestry, wildlife, and entomology—cultivating a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation for Kentucky’s vital natural resources.

Building Environmental Literacy

The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. According to KEEC’s 2020-2025 Environmental Education Master Plan (2020), “… the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly less than half of the environmental knowledge questions included on the survey.” The KEEC (2018) defines environmental literacy as “…the ability to recognize the components of healthy natural and man-made systems and the actions necessary to maintain, restore, or improve them” (p. 4) and states that environmental education is a pathway to environmental literacy (KEEC, 2018).?  

Positive Impact of 4-H

The National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey highlights the positive impact of 4-H programs:

•    83% of youth agreed with the statement “I like science.” 

•    66% said 4-H helped them see how science can help solve problems. 

•    62% said they would like a job that involves using science. 

•    A large majority reported that learning, applying and enjoying science was part of their 4-H experience. 

These statistics underscore the importance of integrating science into youth experiences, fostering a generation that values and applies scientific knowledge.

Addressing Community Needs

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) identified priority issues related to natural resources, including:

•    Youth life skill training opportunities (e.g. leadership and communication skill building opportunities) 

•    Strengthening youth workforce readiness (entrepreneurship, business development skills, etc.)  

•    Promoting youth agriculture and natural resource literacy 

NRESci Program

NRESci, a three-year program, targets middle-school-aged youth, teaching them about Kentucky’s natural resources. Graduates can become ambassadors, further developing their leadership skills. Since its inception in 2011 with 18 scholars from eight counties, NRESci has expanded to a statewide program with 74 members from 27 counties.

NRESci aims for participants to:

•    Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kentucky’s natural resources.

•    Develop skills in observation, evaluation, and action.

•    Connect environmental sciences with career opportunities in the state.

NRESci meets quarterly, including a two-day residential retreat at Felter 4-H Camp and three one-day events annually. Activities include:

•    Watershed educational programs

•    Water quality testing

•    Tree identification

•    Forest measurement data collection

•    Wildlife observation and trapping

•    Insect collection and identification

Participants also visit natural areas and interact with professionals like wildlife biologists, soil scientists, hydrologists, foresters, and entomologists. On even-numbered years, second- and third-year members and ambassadors can participate in an out-of-state trip to Georgia. Additionally, second-year members are required to complete a service project, applying their knowledge and skills.

At the final event of the 2025 program year, participants completed an evaluation. Of the 49 Academy members present, 47 submitted responses. Key findings include:

•    42 4-Hers stated that during their participation in the NRESci Academy, they learned or improved upon a skill in natural resources. 

•    42 stated that they used skills gained from the NRESci Academy in other areas of their life. 

•    40 stated that because of their participation in NRESci Academy, they have a better understanding of how their choices impact natural resources and the environment.  

•    36 (of 46) stated that because of their participation in NRESci Academy, they have taken steps to conserve natural resources in their life. 

•    41 stated that because of their participation in NRESci Academy, they are committed to taking steps to be a good steward of the environment. 

•    28 (of 46) stated that because of their participation in NRESci Academy, they are considering a career in natural resources/environmental sciences.

Through hands-on experiences and real-world learning, the Kentucky 4-H NRESci Academy helps young people connect with nature in meaningful ways. By the end of the program, participants not only gain valuable knowledge, but also build skills in environmental stewardship, leadership, and communication—preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

References:  

Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC). (2018). Kentucky Environmental Literacy Plan. KEEC. https://keec.ky.gov/Publications/Documents/Kentucky%20Environmental%20Literacy%20Plan%20-%20Revised%20June%202018%20(reduced%20size).pdf  

KEEC. (2020). 2020-2025 Environmental Education Master Plan. KEEC. https://keec.ky.gov/Publications/Documents/Land,%20Legacy%20and%20Learning%20V%20(2020).pdf