Forests cover more than 12 million acres or nearly half of all the land in Kentucky. These forests provide many environmental and cultural benefits that include ecosystem services such as cleaner air and water, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Forests also provide recreational and aesthetic beauty for all people. In addition to the ecosystem benefits, the forests and the species found within them contribute significantly to the state’s economy; forest and wildlife-related industries in Kentucky have an economic impact totaling more than $13 billion annually and are responsible for more than 53,000 jobs. Given the importance forests and wildlife, it is vital to provide educators and youth with programs that facilitate greater awareness and understanding of how Kentucky’s forests and wildlife contribute to our quality of life.

The U.K. Forestry and Natural Resources Extension team partnered with county extension agents, U.K. Entomology, U.K. Forestry and Natural Resources, the Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and the U.S. Forest Service to provide a hands-on, investigative program about Kentucky’s forests, wildlife and forest products. The goal of the program was to provide youth a better understanding of the many contributions Kentucky’s forests, wildlife and wood industry makes to their everyday life. The one-day program was designed for elementary and middle school age youth. The program was held at the Kentucky Wood Expo in Lexington, KY in September 2019.

The hands-on exploratory event attracted 148 youth from several surrounding counties as well as a few from south central and northern Kentucky. The counties included Bourbon, Bracken, Clay, Fayette, Jessamine, Kenton, Madison, Pendleton, Pulaski and Whitley. The youth were a mix of official 4-H members and several home school networks. This was the first time several of the counties had participated in a 4-H Forestry and Natural Resources event. 

The program was well received. The agents, educators and parents that accompanied their youth praised the hands-on, interactive nature of the program as well as the skills of the presenters/educators. Several commented how valuable it was to have the students interact with and learn from resource professionals, so that their youth could make the connection between the sciences and career opportunities.