How will you tap into existing economic development efforts? Hatfield McCoy Trails build and operate over 1,000 miles of all-terrain vehicle trail systems in the coalfields and draw tens of thousands of visitors per year, generating over $68 million in economic impact in 2021. WVSUE has assisted entre- preneurs in these areas for many years, providing marketing resources for business development. The NCHA is a federally designated heritage area cover- ing 13 counties in southern West Virginia. Its purpose is to promote heritage tourism and historic preservation to improve the quality of life and economic conditions in rural commu- nities. NCHA’s economic impact is $207 million annually, supporting 2,744 jobs and generating $16.8 million in tax revenue. Communities in southern West Virginia benefit from collab- oration among our organizations through many successful projects, including the Destination Beautification guidebook, wayfinding signage, interpretive centers, and heritage events. A shared knowledge and appreciation of heritage tourism, and the wealth of community and economic benefit it can provide, tie our organizations together. ■
and share an appreciation for the unique heritage and recre- ation in southern West Virginia. The longstanding relationship among program partners, along with community members, ensures program sustainability and sets it apart from other asset-based models. Program partners embrace the pro- cess of empowering coalfield community members through equitable practice. How will you help the towns create community building/economic growth plans? Coalfield is a community-led, asset-based development model that empowers residents and stakeholders to create positive change using sustainable strategies. It will support participants as they identify new, unexplored, or unexpected routes of problem solving. Program design is built on evi- dence-based models and best practices from case studies and asset-based community development values from the Asset-Based Community Development Institute, as well as Happiness Alliance, Root Change, and global frameworks for inclusive community development and tourism. To help demonstrate program success, the North East Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD) devel- oped common quantitative impact indicators for Exten- sion educators to evaluate their community development programs. Regional impact indicators provide a clear and concise picture of program impact and provide data for stakeholders, participants, and funders. Evidence-based program impacts for this project include public and private value, such as an increase in participant engagement and long-term economic improvement within the community.
IN BRIEF
THE IMPETUS Alabama ranks fourth in terms of biodiversity in the United States but also is threatened by a high rate of species endangerment and possible extinction. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) believes there’s an untapped segment of the state’s population that can help ad- dress this environmental challenge. THE WORK ACES took a big step toward this goal in summer 2023 by rolling out the free online, asynchronous compo- nent of its “Alabama Master Natural- ist” certification course. The curriculum team relaunched with free webinars in 2021 and in-person field days in 2022, lowering the participation barrier for a wider range of potential volunteers. Limited scholarships are currently available to cover the course cost for participants, which further lowers the participation barrier. Alabama Master Naturalist & Underserved Communities Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES)
WITH NTAE GRANT SUPPORT The team conducted 14 field days in Alabama state parks in two months, reaching and collecting data from 99 unique participants. These early efforts have highlighted the need to engage underserved communities. Funds from the NTAE grant are also being directly used to fund scholarships to broaden participation. THE VISION ACES hopes to create a robust corps of well-informed volunteers around the state who educate their commu- nities about Alabama’s considerable natural resources and how to pre- serve them.
“This project adapts Extension’s legendary ability to educate and support volunteers. Master Naturalists will expand the team’s work and deepen the understanding of Alabamians about their natural treasures while protecting and enhancing their contribution to quality
See the Out of the Mines team members on page 80.
of life for all.” —Dr. Scott Reed, NTAE Catalyst
“This project can serve as a blueprint for other small, rural communities to revitalize themselves using their hidden histories and attractions. So many towns across America are natural treasures—all it takes for national exposure is for the story to be told.” — Dawn Mellion, NTAE Catalyst
See the Master Natruralist team members on page 80.
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EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2022-2023 YEARBOOK
2022-2023 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE
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