Oldham County includes watersheds that are on the impaired list due to sedimentation, nutrient, and bacteria/coliform issues, according to the Kentucky Division of Water.  Soil and Water Conservation is a targeted program initiative identified by the Oldham County Ag Development Council. In order to address this issue, Oldham County Extension frequently partners with other agencies to deliver programs on protecting soil and water.

In March 2017, a ‘Living along a Kentucky Stream’ workshop was offered for residents.  The program was a joint planning and teaching effort among the following agencies:  Oldham County Cooperative Extension Service; Curry’s Fork Watershed; Darby Creek Watershed; Oldham County Conservation District; and Oldham County Solid Waste & Recycling. 

The goal of this program was to teach residents about simple strategies they could incorporate in their own yards to protect soil and water.  The Oldham County Extension Agriculture Agent helped identify topics and speakers for the program; hosted the workshop at the Oldham County Extension office; and taught part of the program.  

Topics covered included:

    - Watersheds and why water protection is important

    - Using and managing buffer plantings/zones to protect water

    - How to correctly plant trees

    - Bin composting demonstration

Nineteen people attended the workshop and said that they learned at least one new strategy for helping protect soil and water.  The workshop was filmed and aired on Oldham County Fiscal Court’s TV Cable Channel, reaching residents who could not attend.  The program is also available on Oldham County Fiscal Court’s YouTube channel, and has been viewed by 112 people.

Follow-up surveys will be sent to participants in winter 2017-2018 to determine how many strategies were implemented and the impact of these.