The current COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone's way of living and has tremendously limited their social interactions. It is causing significant concern for many when it comes to one's mental health. The Knott County Cooperative Extension Service started offering numerous grab and go projects to its community from the beginning of this global pandemic. These are being disbursed at different times to allow those individuals to stay safe and healthy at home, various opportunities to participate. The Extension Service is providing other learning programs that even have some light physical activities within them. To continue to provide activities outside during late Fall, the Knott County ANR Agent offered a virtual class covering planting fall bulbs for spring color, for beautification to the outside of their homes.

A UK Extension Horticulture Agent presented this class and available online via Facebook. The video link had over 500 views, and roughly 10% completed a short 20 question class survey. Those that completed the survey received a bundle of tulip bulbs and additional educational handouts about growing healthy, beautiful, and colorful flowers at their home. Over 25 % of the participants were unfamiliar with extension and wanted to be added to our monthly newsletter. Several participants expressed their appreciation towards this program by saying that it was very educational and interesting, along with thankful to be able to have the opportunity to participate.

As always, we look forward to receiving some beautiful photos in the spring of all the colorful tulips the participants planted this fall. We hope that this brings these new and returning participants to our future Extension Service programs. Also, it conveys positive vibes for many within our community members who are suffering from limited activity and depression during this pandemic, giving them the opportunity to feel connected and a part of our society while staying safe and healthy at home.