Developing Climate Relevant Content for Extension Programs
Climate Smart Landscaping University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) There is a lack of climate change programming for hor- ticultural professionals, even though ornamental growers and urban landscapes are vulnerable to extreme weather events. The “Climate Smart Landscaping” certification program will address this through an online collection of programming and resources focused on increasing climate change awareness, reducing emissions, and promoting resilient landscapes. The team hopes to reach landscapers, nurseries, and other green industry professionals. Right now, the team is … • seeking assistance in developing online resources for the program, including a carbon footprint calculator; and • looking for suggestions for published resources targeting the green industry to include in their online library. The Team Yvette Goodiel, Sustainability and Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida, IFAS Ryan Klein, Assistant Professor, University of Florida, IFAS Henrique Mayer, Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida, IFAS Hamutahl Cohen, Commercial Horticulture Agent, University of Florida, IFAS
Seeing Yourself in the Future
High Plains Alternative Crops Conference
West Virginia University The “Seeing Yourself in the Future” project addresses critical issues around workforce development. This curriculum— currently being piloted—provides human skill development, career exploration opportunities, and hands-on application for middle school students. It aims to equip West Virginia students with the skills that employers want their employees to have and to empower them to make informed decisions about their future. The pilot curriculum is based on a series of successful career exploration and career readiness lessons previously delivered as standalone workshops. The project team believes that the program will build individual and community prosperity and hopes to see it scale nationally. Right now, the team is … • seeking partners to pilot the program across the nation. THE TEAM Lisa Ingram, Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Sabrina Bea, Extension Instructor, West Virginia University Alyson Carozza, Visiting Instructor, West Virginia University Susan Gamble, Professor, West Virginia University Megan Kruger, Evaluation Specialist, West Virginia University Jamie Mullins, Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Jodi Smith, Associate Professor, West Virginia University
Oklahoma State University Agricultural producers face challenges adjusting to chang- ing conditions in the market and the climate. The High Plains region—encompassing parts of eight states—is facing de- clining irrigation capacity, which will affect the sustainable cultivation of the region’s more traditional crops. The “High Plains Alternative Crops Conference” team is conceptual- izing an event that will convene experts to talk to producers about low-water-use alternative crops. The talks will pro- vide information about production, management, economic viability, and the market, helping producers gather the information they need to make decisions about what crops to grow. Ultimately, the conference will build agricultural resiliency in the region amidst dwindling water supplies. Right now, the team is … • seeking funding for a pilot conference. THE TEAM Sumit Sharma, Assistant Extension Specialist, Oklahoma State University Jourdan Bell, Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University Josh Lofton, Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University
University of Illinois Extension educators in Illinois are eager to integrate more climate-related information in their work, but they are con- cerned about conveying this complex information accurate- ly in their communities. In response, the “Climate Relevant Content” team is developing a suite of online trainings for Extension educators working on climate change issues. The trainings will include climate change science, terminology, disciplinary specific content, how to communicate climate change science, and considering climate change within the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. There will be a focus on taking immediate action. The team hopes the train- ings will build confidence and knowledge about climate change among Extension educators, equipping them to have an even greater impact in the communities they serve. Right now, the team is … • interested in connecting with Extension professionals from other states. THE TEAM Duane Friend, Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Eliana Brown, Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist, University of Illinois Shibu Kar, Assistant Dean, University of Illinois Karen Winter-Nelson, Extension Specialist, University of Illinois
MENTOR Karin Bump, Cornell University Emerita
MENTOR Steve Hadcock, Cornell University
MENTOR Cheryl Newberry, Oklahoma State University
KEYWORDS agriculture, agricultural education, agricultural production, alternative crops, climate change, cropping systems, eco- nomic development, education, farmers, irrigation, markets, producers, resiliency, sustainability, water management
MENTOR Jessica Beckendorf, University of Wisconsin
KEYWORDS certification, climate, climate change, climate change education, extreme weather, green industry, horticulture, landscape, ornamentals, nurseries, online education, professional development, resilience, training
KEYWORDS career exploration, career development, career readiness, economic development, workforce development, youth development
KEYWORDS climate, climate change, community development, diver- sity, equity, inclusion, DEI, DEIA, online training, resilience, science communication, science literacy
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EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2022-2023 YEARBOOK
2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE
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