Since we use these stories as a resource for multiple requests, don’t restrict Success Stories only to traditional Extension appointments and activities. Any accomplishments and efforts that are noteworthy may be included.

Surface water runoff from impervious surfaces has become a major water quality problem to Kentucky’s urban streams. These urban streams are used for swimming, wadding and other recreational activities and have negative impacts on humans and aquatic life as water quality decreases 

The Jefferson County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources partnered with the Biology teacher at The Montessori School of Louisville along with members of the school administrators and parents. 

TARGET AUDIENCE

The Extension Ag Agent worked closely with the 6^th, 7^th, and 8th-grade Ecology Restoration class. 

EDUCATIONAL RESPONSE

The Cooperative Extension Service Urban Water educational programs and publications were used for the program that explained watershed ecology.  

OUTCOMES

Students learned to test the water and identified aquatic plants, insects, and trees.  

A group of 8 students developed a plan for their research project with a goal to repair a section of riparian area along the retention basin with native plants that were negatively impacted by surface water runoff from an upstream parking lot.   

Water samples were taken and results indicated that water quality parameters associated with surface water runoff negatively impacted the riparian areas. Based on preliminary data, the students developed a budget for native plant installation and a time frame to begin. 

The project is temporarily postponed due to the health crisis we are experiencing with plans to continue when school is open.