1. Urban Environments (Water, Soil, Air)
Inputs
UK/KSU staff and specialists
Federal, state and local agencies
UK weather center
Training materials
Presentations
Publications
Evaluation materials
Outputs
Activities
Master Gardener training
Master Cattleman’s training
Educational programs
Demo and research trials
Pesticide applicator training
Conferences
Ag water quality trainings
GAP/FSMA training
Participation
Extension agents
MS4 permit coordinators
MS4 city staff
Homeowners & associations
Landscape and lawn care professionals
Community volunteers
Soil/water conservation
Air pollution board
Health dept.
Farmers/gardeners
Local gov’t
Chamber of commerce
Outcomes
Short term
Participants will:
Identify, define, and locate appropriate place for BMP’s that improve soil, water and air quality
Recognize and demonstrate a recycling program
Understand, identify, and demonstrate composting
Understand the benefits of native plantings
Understand the benefits of BMP’s to improve the environment
Recognize and select sustainable trees for communities/ROW’s to improve tree canopy
Define the terms needed to identify and recognize environmental issues
Aware of daily act and actions that affect environmental quality
Intermediate
Make informed decisions on daily activities and actions that affect and improve the quality of our environments
Complete soil test and apply plant nutrients accordingly
Implement BMP’s for urban environments
Advocate for education and community actions to improve urban environments
Environmental changes:
Reduction in pollution
Reduction of heat island effects
Increase in number of sustainable trees planted
Reduction in land fill waste
Long term
Reduced level of contamination in soil
Improved soil quality
Reduced levels of contamination in water
Improved water quality in watershed
Increased sustainable tree canopy
Improved air quality
Situation: Urban communities pose unique environmental challenges. With more potential for contamination given the dense populations, special education is needed to improve awareness of environmental issues and empower homeowners, business owners, and others to make changes that can have positive impacts on the environment.