The economy of EKY is seeking to diversify from its historically coal-producing industry.  It is Kentucky’s privately-owned forests that provide the majority of the timber processed into many useful products used not only locally but world-wide.  Perry County is in the heart of the basically deciduous forest that accounts for the 684 million board feet of hardwood logs that were harvested in 2019, … total employment of 54,266,  total contribution of $13.3 billion.  To establish an appreciation of this renewable resource to future landowners and labor force, the 4-H Program has included forestry education in the county program for over 35 years reaching over 9,500 youth.      

Due to covid, the annual 4-H Forestry program couldn't be conducted in-person at the Perry County Park 4-H Tree Walk. But one school requested a virtual program anyway.   Joining the 92 7th graders through their school's Google classroom, the 4-H agent presented materials covering tree anatomy, tree identification aspects, value of the forestry industry and career opportunities.  This program will be offered to additional schools as part of their NTI program in science.