How we work, were we buy our essential food items, how and where students connect to school and how we juggle our daily lives all while following state guidelines has put a lot of stress to many of our Kentucky families and communities during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Our two Kentucky land grant Universities, Kentucky State and University of Kentucky have continued to be a dependable resource for communities and families during these difficult times.  In Campbell County, we have engaged new participants to Extension in Horticulture programming. Previously, our program delivery was face to face class room style. As horticulture educators, we have challenged ourselves to be innovative in how we engage with our extension families. We have relied heavenly on virtual programming using Zoom, social media, and utilized our local partnerships with local radio 91.7 WVXU and Campbell Media TV stations to host horticulture programs. These outlets have also allowed us to build and organize an online virtual library of research based information where individuals and families can gain access and build knowledge on their own time.

In one creative way, Horticulture taught and built awareness with Master Gardener volunteers on how to utilize technology so that all generations can reconnect to hear the familiar voices, to have a safe place to belong, and to resume some normalcy into their lives. For many, Extension is their family and while many are of high risk, connecting virtually gave us all a space to talk about gardening and to share feelings.

Horticulture has continued to collaborative with Campbell Media with the “Garden to Table” series with FCS and Horticulture virtually bi-monthly. One new gardening series “In the Gardens with Sarah” is recorded weekly.  Topics have ranged from: plant recommendations, pest identification and pest management, valuable gardening tools, planting a raised bed vegetable garden, container gardening, floral arranging and cooking recipes with SNAP-Ed program assistant. On average 1200 viewers throughout the county have watched each episode.  Viewers have shared: “I enjoy your shows and how simple you make gardening”, “My husband and I have watched all your episodes and we look forward to your new one each week” One viewer after meeting her in the garden during her morning walk, suggested a plant division program for her lilies.

Utilizing zoom for program with the VA hospital with the men and women with PTSD has allowed them to continue working in the garden while we provide instructions virtually. Networking with community collaborators with virtual programming with the Brighton Center and the summer camp Youth Development Program , NKU FUEL food pantry to continue planning upcoming programs, and Campbell County Youth Diversion with a new life skills program with 4-H are a few programs that have continued and began during these difficult times. County District Board, community planning meetings, in-service-trainings, and conferences are a few ways that we have also utilized technology to continue our operation and planning all while staying safe.

We continue to learn, plan, and execute programming throughout the county. With continued support from UK Administration, Associate Dean and Extension Director Dr. Laura Stephenson mentioned in her June 2020 Extension Monday Memo, “We (Kentucky Extension) have responded in such unique and innovative ways […]

This is a time to consider the new needs of our producers, communities, families and local organizations […] Never before have we had such an opportunity to be creative and innovative to meet a global challenge”.

We will continue to build stronger communities, healthy families , and new leaders. We will continue to educate our communities in ways that may seem different than before. We will get through this.