HomeMy WebLinkAbout20041186.tiff "
$s y
tvVe
•
t #
• � s
4 ' w} 4, I
6 4
a=, G4 4 !
:c- y
R. r r� MAge
k %
14445, 'at
.640 ik
1
J�f/ Yk E
t}t`:Y � r
z {{k^ Y { '
mAteig.,40 .4
1 ze: tool at
04.11, '0"4 16A0M/ o 1l
vw Ytv Yr �' kt-a n,s w. :4
2003 A4,4%,“41. kerANA
.t: K*w#4ed@Zo W044 P4
,
El y.Fy
14/7746,ZZ (-14e41---41-----' t ,2t
//_/9_ -"li�2-7 2004-1186
a
coottsavei E4 ' H;44:4,40,
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension provides information and education and encourages th
application of research-based knowledge in response-to local, state and national issues affecting individual
youth, families, agricultural enterprises and communities of Colorado. We meet&that challenge by offerin
educational opportunities to all Coloradans through our network of county Extension offices.
'a:
/
UniversCooperative
Extension
P44U 164.0014100 W o44
Putting knowledge to work is the business of Futuring efforts for Cooperative Extension have been
Cooperative Extension. With a network of reviewing staff roles and relationships; technology,
university-affiliated staff in 59 of the 64 counties information management and access; organizational
across the state, the local county Extension office is structure; diversification of funding; and marketing
truly the front door to Colorado's land-grant university. challenges for Cooperative Extension. These efforts
Local Extension professionals work side-by-side with will feed into the outreach portion of the Strategic Plan
community residents as they bring the knowledge for the Division of Academic Affairs being led by CSU
base of Colorado State University to address locally- Provost Peter Nicholls.
identified needs and issues. The mission of Colorado
State University Cooperative Extension is to provide Despite the difficulties in dealing with the budget
information and education and encourage the application cuts mentioned, we continue to have successes to
of research-based knowledge in response to local, state, demonstrate our commitment to the citizens of
and national issues affecting individuals, youth, families, Colorado. We had great response in 2003 to our Web-
agricultural enterprises, and communities of Colorado. based program, AnswerLink, which offers individuals
The Colorado State University Cooperative Extension access to a large database of routine questions and
system includes faculty and staff in 13 academic answers via the Internet. It includes an "ask the expert"
departments in five colleges. component for Coloradans to ask questions and receive
an e-mail answer. Since its inception a year ago, there
A major factor affecting Colorado Cooperative have been 222,000 hits on the site by people searching
Extension in 2003 was the state economy. An 18 percent online information and 2,200 unique questions
budget reduction was imposed on CSU and in turn answered. Our staff in 59 county Extension offices also
Cooperative Extension by the Colorado Legislature, continue to be respected resources for their constituents—
which represented a total of$1.62 million dollars. working with adults and 4-H youth, answering questions
This budget cut required us to implement significant and providing information and educational seminars
staff and operating budget reductions while attempting on current issues and "hot topics" like food safety
to minimize the effect on programs with the greatest and nutrition, animal health issues,drought, water
impact in communities and on programs addressing conservation and others.
critical issues across the state. Cooperative Extension
eliminated a total of 33 full-time equivalent positions It is important for Cooperative Extension to provide
through a combination of staff layoffs (23 filled support for priority programs throughout the state. We
positions were eliminated), reduction of a number of continue to seek new resources and increase efforts to
employees from full-time to part-time, and elimination secure more outside funding such as fees and extramural
of some positions that were vacant at the time of budget dollars. One avenue we have begun to use for generating
decisions. Position reductions or eliminations affected some revenue is a fee for youth participation in 4-H,
Cooperative Extension staffing in 26 counties across the which will help insure continuity in program support
state. Administrative and operating budget reductions and management, and assist with special services offered
also were made, along with reductions in faculty support to youth in the Colorado 4-H Program. Please contact
dollars in five colleges on campus. me at any time with questions, comments or ideas
relating to Cooperative Extension educational programs.
Even with these state budget reductions for Cooperative
Extension now being implemented, we are looking /7 u
forward and asking the question, "How might (� t
Cooperative Extension best be organized, structured and Milan A. Rewerts, Director
focused to serve the citizens of Colorado?" April2004
eine
I
1
s attn. .JlJil1
, University
, Cooperative
wrownwfornivim!PflS Wsl Lpr Extension
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension programs are helping Coloradans
• practice water conservation techniques,and increase knowledge and skills required to
live with finite water supplies;
• learn to maximize and sustain water quality in homes,gardens,farms and communities;
• benefit from research that addresses water-quality issues.
T Addressing Water Challenges Faced By
Colorado Homes, Farms, Communities
•Approximately 80% of the state's
available water supply falls on the The western states are settling the In addition,Colorado has been able to
western side of the Continental country's fastest growing populations provide water for environmental uses,
Divide while 80% of the human into its most arid environments. snow making,and recreation.Despite
population lives on the eastern Competing users see the need to the relatively large volume of water
side. Colorado's municipal and optimize use,protect quality and that originates in the state,drought
industrial water use is projected to conserve water-a valuable resource and limited supply conditions are very
increase from one million acre-feet shared by all.All new water supplies in much a part of Colorado's history-and
in 1998 to 2.7 million acre-feet by Colorado,a headwater state,result from its future.Water quality also is a high-
2100. Increasing population growth precipitation in the form of rain,hail priority issue.As population growth
combined with increased demand and snow.Annual precipitation varies continues,demands on finite water
for water for recreation, .scenic considerably in Colorado-from seven supplies and the risk of adverse impacts
value,fish &wildlife habitat, and inches in the San Luis Valley to more than on the quality of those resources steadily
production of food&fiber from 25 inches in the mountains.Most of the increase.Colorado State University
western farms and ranches will drive state is heavily dependent on annual Cooperative Extension provides
major conflicts between competing
uses of water. snowmelt and runoff from the mountains educational programs on drought,water
• Water shortages occur frequently to the eastern plains where a majority of conservation,and water-quality issues.
in the West and severe droughts have the water is used.Colorado
dramatic effects. During 2002-03, on average has 15,600,000
rainfall in the Colorado River Basin acre-feet of surface water
was the lowest in recorded history; runoff,consumptively
the Rio Grande River flow was at uses approximately
13% of normal. 6,000,000 acre-feet,and -,.101,% S,
•Pollution reduces the supply of delivers the remaining r.` P rt Er-f.'s t
safe drinking water-approximately water to downstream '% o., : ,
500,000 tons of pollutants find states,primarily those in ,; es
their way into U.S. lakes and rivers the southwestern United
each day. In Colorado, 2,087 States.Through creative
miles of major rivers are affected and diligent management,
by nonpoint sources of pollution Colorado provides water to ' )1 •
including eroded sediment, nutrients a large agcultural industry, a� � " '— n l
and salinity. a number of growing urban Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
•A faucet or toilet that leaks one centers,and
drop of water per second wastes population programs asyistin the residents in understanding r eG crucial
2,400 gallons a year. other states as governed lob,they ploy in tl ie management ofdroughrond Jitter
by interstate compacts. yu.,llp,in then semi-arid environ/new
,) ,.,.:Ty, 11.5. ()cfr+,i,<,'? 0(fA(^:coE7i.^c a,-,tL r?rlrtAr(r co,.al:cu <rrlr,-61';“
.v -T�+.1 r. i.,r<1% c- x a,r.._(� e T, <..� a'Tir,•T ,t.1�� n.:,.�T.r��
74 pAra. „
Colorado State University research • Colorado's dominant water-quality concerns include
and Extension education,focused on municipal and industrial discharges,urban and agricultural
finding and demonstrating new irrigation runoff,mining and abandoned mines,and modification of
practices and technology, have helped streams,wetlands and canals.Colorado State University
stem the salty tide of Colorado's
Arkansas River, one of the most saline Cooperative Extension personnel conduct research and
rivers for its size in the United States.An educational programs to address impairments in both
estimated 75% to 85% of the salt comes surface and ground-water resources.Programs focused
from rainwater flowing overland and on Best Management Practices(BMPs)help agricultural
down to the river, which then becomes producers use precise irrigation and fertilization techniques
concentrated on irrigated land. Reduced to use water more efficiently,save money and protect the
tillage procedures, increased use of surge water supply;more than 60%of growers surveyed reported
irrigation and soil-stabilizing polymers using soil-test analysis to determine fertilizer rate;54%who
have reduced erosion, enhanced water applied pesticides used BMPs such as field scouting and
absorption and helped farmers cut costs
crop rotation.
through more efficient irrigation and •
reduced salty drainage to the river and Ground-water monitoring data suggest that BMP education
groundwater basin. Overall cost savings is off.For the 200,000 wells providing domestic
and productivity increases to producers water to Colorado residents,this is good news.Of 1,000
have amounted to $1.6 million over the wells sampled since 1992,only 4 detections of any pesticide
last seven years. above a drinking-water standard were found;2/3's had no
(Colorado State University,2003) pesticide detection,and in areas that had high agricultural-
chemical contamination,trend analysis showed decreasing
Cooperative Extension coordinates a atrazine concentrations.
six-state regional water-quality program • Cooperative Extension,cooperating with the Colorado
funded by an annual U.S. Department Climate Center,improved the usability of crop water-use
of Agriculture grant of$650,000. This
regional program provides for a sharing reports using evapotranspiration estimates provided by
of water expertise among the states that the CoAgMet weather network;users have the ability to
strengthens Cooperative Extension's choose specific crops,weather stations and planting dates
ability to address to customize their reports.ET rates help growers reduce rAssr- Colorado water- irrigation pumping and conserve water and also help
quality concerns. homeowners improve lawn-watering practices.
CSU Cooperative • Of 800 participants in Cooperative Extension workshops
Extension designed to help producers understand the complex
ePOWER,2004) legal issues of ground-water pumping and surface-water
augmentation requirements in the South Platte River Basin,
83%increased knowledge about irrigation alternatives to
fit their operations,29%said they would use crop rotation
and reduced tillage systems to raise farm profitability and
sustainability,15%indicated they were able to net excellent
yields and profits from their irrigated crops as a result.
• In rapidly growing urban areas,Cooperative Extension
programs help consumers reduce water consumption and
minimize pollution in homes and gardens;an updated
par,z4, t6,00,64, t.{km4 water-resources Web site provides them direct access to
publications,information on water-use during drought and
Colorado State University updates of municipal watering restrictions.
Cooperative Extension • Cooperative Extension,in collaboration with local
Fort Collins,CO 80523 conservation districts,continues to study and manage
970.491.6281 selenium and salinity impacts from approximately 80,000
acres under irrigation in western Colorado.Through these
We're on the Web at: efforts,local growers have taken the lead in handling
www.ext.colostate.edu regulatory pressures due to endangered fish in the Colorado
www.answerlink.info River Basin.
�t„ a 'A C t�� z � K shb w , , Lti knit(t ., " xo .n > - ,
3.,
° � pti,� rte; wtt,d, >
3 i,
fj„ t; d5
1 , w& to Wcr s s , We Nu 1' k >1 'e „, r , 14,on-4-p
'a i 1,iiiVIAZ 40441
n/vl Ill .., . 2 I1 ). r p
tv t pl4 Aim, 4 m 4,c f,04:
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension programs are helping Coloradans
• increase their knowledge about the social,educational and physical needs of children;
• recognize the importance of early child development on the long-term growth and
development of youth;
• improve childcare quality through research-based education and best practices for
provider training,parent involvement and community support.
fgc Working With Parents and Providers to
Strengthen Colorado Childcare Programs
•According to the Census Bureau,
there are 36.7 million children in Dramatic changes are occurring most children will spend more time in
the U.S.between the ages of5 and in the way families work and live,the childcare than they will in formal education.
14, of which 24 million are likely environments in which youth learn and Every day in America 14 million infants
to need care because they live in develop,methods of parenting and and preschoolers are left in childcare
family structures where parents are the financial security of families and arrangements,24 million school-age
working,going to school,or seeking communities.Decades ago,most children youth are in need of programs,and an
employment;75%of children under had seven hours a day to interact with estimated 5 million are without any adult
age.5,or 14.4 million infant and parents and friends-they walked to supervision.Colorado State University
preschool children are in some form school,ate lunch at home,and had the Cooperative Extension is improving the
of childcare arrangement. afternoon to learn and In today's
•Lack of reliable childcare play. quality of Colorado childcare programs by
causes workers to lose time, be society,with changing family structures training childcare providers,disseminating
less productive and affects job and more demands placed on working developmentally appropriate curriculum,
performance.Research has shown parents,time with children is greatly and working with communities and other
that among employed parents, up diminished.Children are whisked away agencies to establish and expand childcare
to 57%of women and 33%of men to childcare centers or before-school programs and make childcare safe and
with children under the age of 6 had programs as early as 6 a.m.,to after-school reliable for families.
lost time from work due to a failure programs at the end of the
in their childcare arrangements. school day,then returned a
Increased absenteeism, tardiness home at 6 p.m.to eat, ,-, .,
and turnover rates adversely affect watch TV or do homework ,
productivity, work quality and and go to bed.At best,
ultimately business competitiveness, they might have two
and cost American businesses$3 hours per day to interact ' ;l
billion annually. with parents,siblings
•The Children's Defense Fund found and their community.
, "1 .
that professional, quality childcare is At worst,some children >« AT ��'
hard to find in a marketplace where are left on their own or =n �I j �
childcare providers do not earn as in unsafe conditions. 6N��. „_
much as bus drivers($20,150)or Educating,nurturing, rr.• °
garbage collectors($18,100). Poor- guiding and caring for
'._*�1
quality care has been shown to our nation's children are Colorado State University Cooperative
cause serious impacts on children's increasingly becoming the responsibility Extension helps parents,families and care
development including delays in of a broad array of childcare providers in providersgain knowledge implement
cognitive and language development. and e ay of
an equally broad array of settings.Over best practices to improve the quality of
the course of their developmental years, childcare in Colorado.
Coi',onwie 9414 1b.4 4t, 11.5. Nr.a.naq4 a.1is1w (3404440 lacy byyez1441Fx.N4.
Cool.en4'vo E ;e,,.J.4e 4n .at iwi41414142 All a444I.;4°;4i..:a.atte=w
M1.,µ".<..(a Si i{,..- 1;,7,1,,.{ ,
4 pAret. • •
n,,, ,f I(a.n„le.l5<de i�nk
'ew,c&l�,.Y, t4',^.k P.aY,P4,
Participation in high-quality early • A decade worth of research on the developing human P < <
childhood care and education brain has made the issue of quality preschool and"who is
programs can have positive effects watching our children"an important public issue.Research ^'3 k..*,vk etc l'1/4--4 •
on children's cognitive, language, confirms a strong and consistent link between the training K,,,,,,t<4 t, tit, A.Paya s
and social development,particularly received by childcare providers and the quality of care they
among children at risk. .4 national provide.Last year Cooperative Extension improved the ' f .0 &K Avg(-
study found that children in quality knowledge and skills of nearly 4,000 Colorado childcare •sW..F K, :.te, ,le U'e^k
childcare programs had better language,
mathematics and social skills and providers. K,,,cl,.Q.1, tb,, P„p,,,< I
better relationships with teachers • The Childcare Referral Network operated by Cooperative
Extension in theTri-River Area last year answered 771 e kc h`xY;`. '','.?''. '`
than those in lower-quality classrooms;
quality care also had a greater impact technical assistance calls from child-care providers,provided ^^ u4 k,M„;,,,,< 7,,s; .
on at-risk children's school readiness information to more than 280 individuals interested
and self-perception. in entering the childcare business,made educational
(University of Colorado-Denver, contacts with 2,948 providers,and conducted 20 site visits 4,1 P..n.,., r,M-1a,,<
Economics Department, 1995) to childcare facilities as part of their outreach effort;72%
Research has shown that investments of those surveyed said they found training opportunities
in quality preschool programs save through Extension resources.
$7for every$1 spent, by increasing • In Routt County,a partnership with the local Consolidated • tv,, P-ax.,.: k, ,,,,,
the likelihood that children would be Childcare Pilot,has increased capacity of childcare
literate, employed, and enrolled in providers to deliver quality programming through monthly
post-secondary education, and making meetings where they receive training and work to create a r (-71'"‘ l':"^,Le*._-t, U<'!
them less likely to be school dropouts, collaborative service delivery system.
dependent on welfare, or arrested for •
In Gunnison County,Extension hosted the annual
criminal activity or delinquency. Western Colorado Early Childhood Conference,a local
The 7:1 cost-benefit ratio also reflects
savings in the criminal justice system, collaboration committed to assisting preschool and K- ,<x,a.,.) (..o„(.o x< W,-
reduced welfare costs and higher taxes 3 teachers,and home and center childcare providers to
g improve early childhood education.The 219 statewide ki•°"led ' 14, I. P«n 5
paid from better paying jobs. P
(High-Scope participants received continuing education credits and
\-•er>. Educational increased knowledge by 20-60%about child literacy, L,.v k s.,-, r s IA, •
Research brain development,nutrition,health,behavior,curriculum
It Foundation, development and best business practices. i:,,,,,(2,4,,i U": p"tt'°"5
-IC 41y 1992;Rand • In Pueblo County,a series of workshops using the"Better tun?,t t s :<
rig . J ' '. Corporation, Kid Care"curricula was provided to 156 childcare providers
('' j j �' 200q r,414,( rt.na Fcrr i, UJaa1
►lV 1,166.9 who needed certification hours to maintain licensed homes
and centers;90%reported increased knowledge about �K .cut�< * rt., K, ««d,
- , nurturing and caring for kids.
vest, P,.zr.v� O., t.dtUz,
• Foster parents and grandparents are target audiences for
,,,r,,., c,....,.:.' . • ',,:/nn u
Extension parenting and childcare education efforts such
as"Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,"which provide k's.,,./.',.(..7 s. Is. ,., `<-tt:,
support and bilingual assistance to seniors who find
themselves raising their childrens'children due to abuse,
neglect,parent incarceration,substance abuse,death, 1c t "''� '"''
P, z z_ , Kel _�D,*,7,, 10 W--014 financial hardship,or mental health issues.In Weld County, µ11-.f'; K:-e„1<<.:.e ;,t.-,h
Y'^�i^� ff Mi^9 '2t W a collaboration between the Colorado Department of
Human Services'Alcohol&Drug Abuse Division,the Area
Colorado State University Agency on Aging,Catholic Charities,Extension's Partners in ' • t+'c' .• n .'.'. r': ---{I'
Cooperative Extension
Fort Collins,CO 80523 Parenting Program and the local Extension office provided f µ4.2;f,,; ;6.,.,„(<4.,p* tx,„y ,
970.491.6281 technical assistance and train-the-trainer sessions for
Kr°„E„+z:x, U',= P= =r,
We're on the Web at:
the"Kinship Care"program.ln subsequent sessions for
www.ext.colostate.edu grandparents,participants expressed appreciation for the , toe'4P,1•, K+-,.,v, fu
www.answerlink.info support,increased knowledge of resources,and improved oT,l, ner.,.t K,.:,.,,Lev ,. ,
confidence in their abilities to nurture and care for
themselves and their grandchildren.
r K> .14/ A,
i # I tik' % ¢1i 40
P I
o , Z, �U.o C P ' . < Utah of : a, It:"!`‘,.r!
i
- ^�+I svia0 > ,, 1C,..„,w2e4 o 4 . s f y s,,
.p r �. <� ,II/�72� !r!�!/ r Par 4s , , e r y� r s - r1
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension helps Colorado youth
• access educational,safe,caring,before-and after-school programs;
• enhance personal development,academic performance,social interaction,and life
skills through participation in 4-H Youth Development school-age programs.
T Adding Value to School-Enrichment and
After-School Experiences Through 4-H
•Research from the law-enforcement
community shows that 45.5%of all Before-and after-school care,or are involved in 4-H school-enrichment
violent juvenile crime on school days school-age care as it is commonly programs.Extension staff and volunteers
takes place between 2-8 p.m., the time called,has become a way of life for most partner with schools,churches,public-
of day millions of children and youth American families.Over the course of housing communities and community
are left unsupervised. 57%of violent their developmental years,millions centers to provide educational,safe,
crimes committed by juveniles occur of children will spend more time in caring before-and after-school programs.
on school days. Research has shown out-of-school-care arrangements than The 4-H Youth Development Program
that unsupervised children are at they will in formal education.Children provides critical links between formal
significantly greater risk of truancy, spend less than 20%of their waking and non-formal educational experiences
academic problems, and risk-taking hours in school.Schools usually provide and helps young people develop skills
behavior including substance abuse educational experiences only until mid- such as decision making,leadership,
and teen pregnancy afternoon,and are typically open less communication,interpersonal relations,
•A Canadian study compared juvenile than half of the days of the year.What anger management,responsibility,
arrests in two public housing projects,
one with an after-school and summer happens in the other 80%of a child's resiliency,citizenship and good work
program and one without.Results time is critical to children's development. habits.Teachers find the learn-by-doing
showed that the number of juvenile High quality before-and after-school instruction increases student learning
arrests declined by 75%in the housing programs have been proven to help and critical-thinking skills.
community that had an after-school young people develop
program, and increased by 67%in skills that enable positive 4 T "
the comparison project. The resulting development.Successful - 4
savings to government agencies came after-school programs help r t" : °
to twice the program's cost create safe environments for !b - ` _ k, a *; ,
•A Wellesley College survey revealed young people in the hours , , ,. .'+
that children who lack supervision when juvenile crime peaks. �,it ' ii. ,°+<'' - Q
and/or structured after-school For more than a century, r f •
programs spend a great deal of time Cooperative Extension's y*"��..1 !•:
watching TV. Children's television 4-H Youth Development ` ' -�'
viewing has been associated with Program-the world's largest ". 4K yt
lower reading achievement, behavioral youth-serving organization- •*problems and increased aggression, has provided positive youth
and when children watch more than development programs for _ •
rF
three hours of television a day or •school-age children between j
watch violent programs, these risks the ages of 5 and 18.Each
increase. g Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development programs
year,nationwide,about two help youth build a solid foundation of knowledge and
and a half million youth life skills through learn-by-doing activities.
Co Sle cleat UM^s'z'441, U.5. Defw44,-ei4 ?A a.&c.w 44.11 e0/01444 co i4Zeti ceefen4 .
Coo,eu.Z.ve Eaa wl:mw to eps. n4 me 4vzzt th to 41 sv4i-0 A ten..,n.;,1.ex.ero.
14 ''rl Para.
• • �`.lPq 'T ;�t
Public officials recognize the importance • A Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development after- x4 �
of school-age care as a means of school program in Colorado Springs funded through n "",
a::.i.,„„94>:"9:4.4118
developing healthy communities and the Colorado Trust,reaches low-income,high-risk youth
families—a survey showed that 92% in grades 4-9 at various community sites.In addition 4`�"' z
f a Y
of them ranked childcare and before- to providing a safe haven for youth after school,the # l
and after-school care as one of the program combines culturally appropriate strategies, �A f
most pressing needs for children and developmental assets and character building to promote9,99914".C9999"917 A . '
families. In a survey of voters, 8 of 10 reading improvement,academic enrichment leadership I1,9 bt''s",44,4'
people across party lines agreed that development and community service.Of 200 participating
after-school programs are an absolute "'s,,
youth,87%hadan improvement ofat least one grade point ''` ..,4;4‘99'
necessity and should be funded. in all academic classes;90%reported they accomplished
'
(National League of Cities, 1996;Afterschool p p x `• '�` �
goals related to leadership,teamwork and decision-making. _,
Alliance,2003) 74:::::::1,• In Moffat County,Cooperative Extension served as the
Teachers, parents and principals catalyst among community youth-serving agencies fora a
surveyed in 16 states reported that Colorado Trust grant that funded"RAD-Recreational After-
1E"
r
children had become more cooperative, School Doorway"an after-school program for 5th and 6th '�' � '
learned to handle conflicts better, graders at Craig Intermediate School.The grant supported ,
developed an interest in recreational a full-time coordinator and instructors for 17 programs
reading and were getting better grades offered four days a week throughout the school year.62%
as a result of the after-school programs it of the students participated in the program designed
organized by the Cooperative Extension j
System. In Colorado, 98,247 school- to increase contact with positive adult role models and 4
age youth participated in 4-H Youth enhance academic achievement.
Development after-school and school- • Gardening provides a hands-on classroom that teaches
enrichment programs last year children earth stewardship,science and the process of
(National Association of Elementary School discovery.Cooperative Extension in Adams and Boulder S
Principals,1993;CSC Cooperative Extension counties developed two programs that are in high demand
Blue Ribbon Program,2003) by area elementary-school educators.Each year almost 900 a
children in the two counties participate in"Earth Gardens" x "
Estimates of the economic impact of , '
after-school programs on high-risk to design and plant a school landscape while they learn
youth range from a return on investment
math and science concepts.Extension's"MiniGreenhouse"
of approximately $3-$4, to a high program reached more than 4,000 1st-3rd graders in
the metro area who were introduced to earth science b
of$10-$13 for every dollar spent y
The conservative estimate excludes sprouting a seed and watching it grow.In Larimer County,
crime reduction benefits but includes the Master Gardener Youth Program helps dozens of 14-
reduced welfare costs, improved school to 18-year-olds develop an appreciation for nature while
petforntance and increasing their interpersonal skills through teamwork and
nthe savings realized community service.
by producing more • Cooperative Extension is a strong participant in the Eagle 1w 4
i productive members River Youth Coalition,a partnership of youth-serving
of society. agencies organized to provide Eagle County youth aged � "
4 (Costs&Benefits of 10 to 18 constructive,skill-building experiences.A wellness •'
qx — After-School Programs, fair held at the high school attracted 600-plus students to •,
AEI Brown,et.al,2002) workshops with such titles as Clues to the Blues,Alcohol
101,and Tests You Don't Want to Fail.Coalition follow-
�azy , 1e 4e 1,0 'IIift up included an Extension-facilitated county-wide youth fi; '
"""" lye" '�X" W a assessment and asset-building education in the community.
• In Logan County,Cooperative Extension conducts school-
Colorado State University enrichment education for elementary,middle and high ,
Cooperative Extension school classes using the Character Counts program.Third
Fort Collins,CO 80523 graders did hands-on lessons on team building,respect,
970.491.6281 trust,cooperation and citizenship—77%of them could
relate the"Pillars of Character"and illustrate examples of
We're on the Web at: character in action.Middle school students experienced in-
www.ext.colostate.edu depth character-building activities with teacher follow-up;
www.answerlink.info 72%of them increased their knowledge of character traits.
I z 7 .
Pi ! „ rim, >c .y,� d l 44ow • , '
yh 1 : t 1 ' i i' t 3,
itt 1 , . ' hl.0 p • t44kA � E M ' �r, , 4 $ ,1
, a ` a
, 4 , , 3.:
.p , 'tlfr„/�!l11tariI�r ignii > a r � rid
a ral+
t r
a
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension programs are helping Colorado producers
• increase knowledge and skills related to managing a farm or ranch in today's
agricultural risk environment;
• understand and use various risk-management tools available to them;
• maintain viable and profitable agricultural enterprises.
14 Cow Helping Agricultural Families Reduce
Operational Risk and Build Resilience
• The Colorado Agriculture Statistics
Service reported that statewide farm The business environment that applied research and education to assist
debt in 2000 was$3.8 billion, an agricultural producers operate in today producers in managing livestock and
increase of 16%from 1995. U.S.farm puts the responsibility to manage risk crops to improve management strategies,
business debt exceeded$200 billion squarely on their shoulders-it truly is develop viable management alternatives,
for the first time at the end of 2003,
and is expected to rise 3% in 2004, the producer's"freedom to farm or fail." increase production,reduce pests and
exceeding$205 billion by the end of Price and income support programs disease,and enhance the quality and
the year are no longer the centerpiece of U.S. competitiveness of Colorado's food and
• Despite positive national farm farm policy.The 1996 Farm Bill put into fiber industries.Extension education also
forecasts, Colorado was hit hard the motion a plan to move agriculture to helps communities and local producers
last few years by environmental and a market orientation,which increases develop markets and value-added
economic forces that caused stress risk exposure for farmers and ranchers. products in order to maximize return on
for state agricultural producers. In addition to traditional sources production efforts.
The western U.S. drought and the of agricultural risk,such as weather,
state's depressed economy affected insect and disease problems,and other
Colorado's livestock, crops,feed production issues,farmers now face gib, • £ � 's
grains and forage resources. Last „• # ,•• t k,$ ,
increasing risk from market forces
year, the state harvested its smallest •
wheatsince 1968 with an of supply and demand.Agricultural * g at ; •r •,"
crop :41114"4“—u bof&4Y}.
producers must take a strategic .. •. ''
average yield of only 22 bushels 9 :p•...
per acre;corn acreage decreased approach to managing risk in order --«.
with acres transferred to less to achieve long-term success in their
water-demanding crops and potato operations.Risk management programs
production was critically affected in define five categories of risk:production, .;
the San Luis Valley. Limited rangeland marketing,financal,legal and human.To 1 e..,, .,i �"
and resources forced 20%of[he _ V _
survive in today's risk climate,agricultural
state's breeding cows to be sold off, "` "}1°°`s
operators must combine and manage all
which will require years of recovery of their resources effectively.Cooperative
efforts. Extension program outcomes have
• USDA's Economic Research
shown that agricultural producers who ss
Service showed that in 2002, 46% -
of U.S.farm households had annual effectively manage their farm risk and
incomes below their expenditures—a increase their operational resiliency
disproportionate share of which are are consistently more profitable than Colorado State University Cooperative
midsize farms and retired farmers average and are better able to preserve Extension programs are designed to help
for whom farm-derived income is their farm's integrity and enhance the livestock and crop producers manage
often negative(averaging a loss of land's environmental sustainability. resources effectively to reduce risk and
$13,000). Cooperative Extension invests in improve operational resiliency.
Cdonado Slat U4t-,-z , lb S. D €44,re,f ,..dunt.c..A Coto-s(O e04.14;1 4,eoel en4a.k
Coofrr-4z it Eaewi:.om,emtv..,r.4„ww~at to All 4,444.4401,:4141,41;04.,
SP
Tit p4t 4 . . -,
In 1900 it took 35-40 hours of labor • University Cooperative Colorado State Coo erative Extension staff from � rt
and 2t/ acres of land to produce 100 the state's northeast and southeast counties combined t
bushels of corn-at about 40 hu/acre •
resources and expertise for a multi-discipline program titled
—using rudimentary equipment. Today, "Positive Focus"to address issues created by the Eastern
it takes 2t/ hours of labor and one acre ;
of land to produce 140 bushels of corn, Plains'sharp economic decline.Extension staff in family and
using high-tech equipment such as a consumer sciences,agriculture,and 4-H youth development
worked with financial institutions,government agencies,
variable-rate planter and a hundred- g <„r �
thousand-dollar GPS-guidedtractor. commodity groups,community colleges,faith agencies, *" ",—
Farm population is only about 2%of mental health professionals,advisory committees and the , 'i 1'
3i
America's population, but one farmer media to design a program to help multi-generational rural ,„,,-
provides food and fiber for 129 people. families increase resilience under a stressful environment. +
The food and fiber system represents Included were a media campaign,creation of a Web site,and , " ka'il
� ati:
16%of the U.S. Gross National Product, seminars held in three locations that attracted 342 people. *":"-'`,2,*
and provides jobs for 17%of America's Participants reported they learned skills to help deal with
workforce—90%of those off the farm. conflict,decision making and stress.Evaluation of Extension a
The majority of U.S.farms (96%)are educational programs for area producers showed that
still owned by individuals and family 72%enhanced profitability through development of risk
partnerships.
(U.S.Ag Statistics Service,2000) management tools and 56%increased knowledge about
integrating production practices with environmentally
Farm income and risk management sound decision-making.
are major components of keeping A comprehensive curriculum- "Risk and Resilience in
a long-term agricultural enterprise Agriculture"-created by Cooperative Extension specialists
functioning. Both large and small
from Colorado,Montana and Wyoming,was designed to
Colorado producers are taking steps
to improve economic viability. 60% of help agricultural families make a living in an increased ,.
producers manage risk by supplementing risk environment.In northeastern Colorado,a concerted
farm income with off=farm income. multi-year educational effort was undertaken to assist 4r,
Farms with more than $250,000 gross dryland agricultural producers through the program.
income are using more management Emphasis on a dynamic systems approach to production,
tools to hedge risk-including grain grazing management,and integrating livestock and crop
storage,production revenue insurance, enterprises included creative ideas such as niche markets,
management education,price hedging, specialty crops,on-farm recreation and direct marketing.
financing, personal equity, and Research from early adopters showed that a more profitable
e-commerce. two-crops-in-three-years rotation system increased grain
i _ (USDA Economic ,.
- J' Research Service, production by 75%with a corresponding increase in net-
1,_
_� � \ 2002) farm income of 25%to 40%while providing weed,soil and
ll crop disease benefits. a
rt1�l o o • A farm manager must work closely with a knowledgeable
'{"'
\ —I lender to ensure the farm maintains positive cash flow and
Q;; • a sound financial base.To assist in this task,Cooperative ,
J 4'=`�_% Extension agricultural business management specialists
conduct annual educational sessions for lenders,insurance
agents,commodity brokers,and others.Last year,52
pa l:41 I ,,o4v � to W€ participants from South Dakota,Nebraska,Wyoming,
Y ^t t t^}j Il "11" W Kansas and Colorado heard presentations on drought,crop R1
insurance,legislation and risk management,and all reported
Colorado State University increased knowledge on one or more of these topics.To
Cooperative Extension help producers learn about the risk-bearing capacity of
Fort Collins,CO 80523 their operations,Colorado Extension staff received a grant
970.491.6281 to create"Right Risk,"a simulation designed to enhance
We're on the Web at: alternative decision-making.0f 857 ag producers and land
managers reached last year through Extension programs,
www.ext.colostate.edu 80%reported enhanced profitability through use of risk 44.,-v
www.answerlink.info management tools and/or business plans.
A t
.Al 1 t /1
ilimpim
Col
s University
.�_.. Cooperative
wriamw—s#lrnr►!lnorniro fr... Extension
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension programs are helping Coloradans
• strengthen the management,productivity and health of the state's forage,range and
grassland resources;
• sustain grassland systems that add to and enhance the state's diverse natural resources;
• learn best management practices that contribute to well-managed grazing lands.
�O' ln,�AA/A' I ' r 1
• U.S. Natural Resources and
Conservation Service studies show The nation's forage,range,pasture $60 billion in farm sales annually,and
that 30%of America's agricultural and grassland resources,covering the$11 billion hay crop is the third
land, about 112 million acres, is about 55%of the land area in the most valuable U.S.crop after corn and
eroding at excessive rates; other United States,make a vital contribution soybeans.In the last decade,government
problems such as urban sprawl and to the nation's environment and to programs and land-grant university
salinization also threaten cropland its economy.Most important are the research and education have helped
productivity and long-term soil irreplaceable benefits provided to the America's agricultural producers make
health. Between 55-60 million acres public-food and fiber,wildlife habitats, remarkable improvements in soil and
of soil are affected by build-up of aesthetically pleasing landscapes,and land conservation.Adoption of effective
salts caused mainly by irrigation of environmental protection for soil,water conservation practices including
poorly-drained soil. and air.Grasslands play an important role conservation tillage,terracing and
•A recent NRCS Inventory showed
in environmental quality by providing contour farming cut soil erosion by
that U.S. cropland decreased
by 39 million acres since /992, biodiversity of plant and animal nearly one-third.Cooperative Extension
rangeland decreased by 10 million populations,wildlife habitat and green scientists and educators continue to
acres, and between 1992-1997, the space around expanding urban and work with landowners and producers
U.S. converted about 11.2 million suburban areas;they reduce soil erosion to provide education for stewardship of
acres ofag land to development. In and prevent stream and groundwater forage and grassland resources.
Colorado, nearly 1.35 million acres contamination.Forages and
of agricultural land were converted grasslands are a foundation
to other uses during that 5-year for sustainable agriculture
period. by serving as an economic "°
•Both overgrazing and under- and environmental safety I
grazing can result in rangeland or net.Rangeland contributes Z a a �; ?,.
grassland problems. Overgrazing directly to the economic, *''I F t s'1 ,
can lead to a bare packed social and environmental - w { s
ground.surface very.susceptible sustainability of rural �,
to movement o water and
f America.Livestock producers .
erosion. UndergrazinS can cause and small-acreage - 1 'k M," r, °f''
the pasture to grow weedy and then landowners who make use
animals graze selectively on the of pastures and grazing ¢
most nutritious, palatable plants ..
realize direct economic
ignoring the rest; this causes uneven benefits for themselves
plant regeneration and reduced and their communities.The
sustainability of grazing land. forage-livestock industry
contributes more than
14 pert( . .
Two of the most important benefits of • Productive rangelands are key to economic sustainability
grasslands are the control of soil erosion of western agriculture and the foundation of the U.S.
and the preservation of water quality. forage-livestock industry with its 60 million beef and dairy
They provide perennial ground cover cattle and 8 million sheep that contribute more than $60
that helps protect the environment in a
wide variety of ways—reduced runoff billion in farm sales annually.Range livestock production
increased infiltration that recharges represents almost one half of Colorado's total agricultural
aquifers, stream-bank protection, diverse receipts.The predominant land use in the state's Southeast
flora and wildlife habitat, renewable Region is for range livestock,especially cow-calf operations,
biomass crops, aesthetically pleasing which are dominated by season-or year-long use of
landscapes, carbon sequestration, pastures.Cooperative Extension provides education to help
and disturbed area stabilization and producers understand forage issues,supplemental water
reclamation. Properly grazed pastures requirements,soil fertility,nutrient availability,business
and grasslands have a safe level of management and how to make fullest use of resources at
vegetative cover remaining to increase
water infiltration, protect the soil from their disposal.
rain-drop impact and reduce the speed of • Producers in western Colorado,like in many parts of the
water flow across the soil surface. West,have experienced conflict over livestock grazing
(Natural Resource Conservation Service,2003) on public lands.In Colorado's Tri-River Area,Cooperative
Extension,the U.S.Forest Service,Bureau of Land
Almost 75%of the nation's wildlife live Management,Natural Resources Conservation Service
on private land, most of which is open- and ranchers designed a"Range Management School"to
space rangeland and grassland on farms address this conflict.The primary objective of the School
and ranches. These highly diverse lands, is to help grazing permit holders evaluate forage and
extending from eastern pastures and hay changing range conditions while improving communication
fields to western prairies and deserts, between federal land managers and ranchers.Of the
provide habitats for a multitude of plant more than 2,000 permitees,federal land managers,
and animal life, including 20 million environmentalists and private range owners who have
deer, 500,000 pronghorn antelope, attended,86%reported increased knowledge about how to
400,000 elk, wild horses, and a number integrate production practices with environmentally sound
of endangered species. Songbirds,
pheasants, and countless smaller decision-making;65%reported reduced production costs
animals thrive in these habitats. They due to improved or more efficient management practices.
also play a vital role in providing The School has directly impacted improved grazing
open space, air and water quality, and management on over 4 million acres of public land.
_ a variety of • In fast-growing Larimer County,public open-space
recreational managers,homeowners associations and small-acreage
opportunities. residents have joined farmers as land stewards,and many
(Agr cultural want to return the land to native habitat.Cooperative
Council ofAmer ca, Extension with the Natural Resources Conservation
2002; Service,presented a five-day short course titled"Shifting
American Forage
and Grassland the Picture:Prairie Improvement and Re-vegetation."Two
' J- Council,2001) dozen participants experienced hands-on studies at project
sites performing resource inventories and developing// re-
vegetation II plans;all reported increased knowledge about
PK4'.4h0 -to ,Wo� enhancing the quality of natural resources on their land.
• For three years,Cooperative Extension in Routt County had
Colorado State University received increased requests to help with an expanding
Cooperative Extension grasshopper infestation.After researching control methods
Fort Collins,CO 80523 and providing information on best options to landowners
970.491.6281 and residents,the Extension agent coordinated treatment
on 30,000 acres of land using a method developed by the
We're on the Web at: University of Wyoming that used less pesticide,achieved
www.ext.colostate.edu 85%to 90%control,and saved landowners$70,000 over
www.answerlink.info conventional control methods.
s� ' ¢, o till nn u- P at F�1"otite °r , p, . (��cw,w; •, •• ttt ` rwirf e r
' .,
dtio ' pt-" ' n K �L, ' ) dJ rk ay,
4941 :.44C c C le tv,0 �,4 pis e ' tvelit Nu k' 14 ' '. ® I •ga 4 a
��„�, r � , � ,h �,..V ttIe4 pub Kt -
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension programs are helping Coloradans
• understand and meet the challenges of rapid growth and changing land-use patterns;
• increase knowledge and skills related to the challenges of living on a few acres;
• address growth-related issues and develop land-management plans.
74 Cam•. Helping Citizens Manage Property
Investments & Address Land-Use Issues
•The state demographer predicts that
Colorado will continue to experience Colorado is part of the region that opportunities.In this climate of disparate
a significant population growth is characterized as the fastest growing values,management of land and natural
in the upcoming decades—from area on earth(measured by population resources poses particular challenges to
4.335,OOOin2000toGOQd000by increase).Moderate climates,scenic the people and communities of Colorado.
2020. Colorado has 5 of the US:s 10; features,natural amenities,and access One audience targeted for Cooperative
fastest growing counties. The Denver
Regional Council of Governments to recreation stimulate rapid population Extension programs in meeting land-use
says that the Denver-metro area is growth in all areas of the Rocky Mountain challenges is the"small acreage"owner.
expected to grow more than 33%from West.What were once considered More than 20,000 Colorado landowners
1995 to 2020.In that same period,the primarily ranching and farming lands are manage more than 1 million acres in
amount of developed land is expected now dominated by urban sprawl. small farms,ranchettes and tracts of land
to grow by more than 100%,or over For some long-time residents,the ranging in size from one to 100 acres.
three times the amount of population growth process is painful as traffic Cooperative Extension's goal is to assist
growth, increases,open space sprouts new them in becoming more proficient in
•A 2001 CSU survey found that housing developments,neighborhood management of natural resources,more
implications of growth on local shops are replaced by"super stores," knowledgeable about the challenges of
land and natural reresources were housing costs rise,and communities Colorado rural living,and more aware of
the most pervasive concerns of
Colorado County Commissioners. grapple with the need for additional the economic opportunities their land
A 1999Talmey-Drake Research services and schools.Many new might provide.
Poll of Colorado registered voters immigrants take up
revealed that growth and sprawl residence on small ,
issues were their top concerns.Low- acreages and find lb
density sprawl has been shown to themselves responsible t" w
eliminate open space, increase traffic managing ""'' 9r
P P for mana in
congestion, displace wildlife habitat, unfamiliar parcels of I
cost cities and counties millions of land and meeting new
dollars in increased infrastructureo
rural challenges
and services, and often destroy the challenges. >l'ac.: , •
very features of the natural landscape
some traditional rural • k: - F o
communities,residents °"r�� ( C + ., '.
that were valued in the first place. _ �{ x e
•The Colorado Department of struggle to survive '4,4 <
Agriculture reports that agricultural as the traditional a ' r'::'tt ,'.1'..*;‘, ;t S. E` t ' ;A, g
lands were convened to urban agricultural economic ak t ‘, g • y xr 'ag ' - , t
expansion, low-density residential, base changes and they
or other uses at the average rate of often watch young Colorado State University Cooperative Extension provides
270,000 acres a year for the past ten people migrate to cities objective,policy-neutral information to communities and
years. in search of higher- governments as they grapple with growth,quality of life,and
paying jobs and greater sustainable resource use.
erdene,.4 st uben xy, 11.5. n a4 Aticat oz ,1 er44.4.4 c“4,zzt,.t.,,, r .
Tit �//,/r�� '1""-'"b Kawlvts ≤c it uton/F
��" . .rweele-t- Welk p.Tti..i
A group of Cooperative Extension • With more and more residents choosing to live on the
educators from eight western states land,demand has increased for information and technical e W"� ` fr "k`
including Colorado, developed the assistance to help this growing and diverse audience tar,../., 6,,&.,1‘,1/4<,xe to
program, "Living on the Land," targeted understand the importance of land stewardship.ln
at "lifestylers"—those who live on northwestern Colorado,Cooperative Extension's Small °°k `" t4 p" "s
small acreages for the pastoral, back- Acreage Team undertook a major effort to provide small- tefero1 NV ,c K, -4Ici
to-the-land lifestyle. The comprehensive acreage owners education about water and soil issues,weed
u.urr,,1--, Ka.rw4e1{,.- Ukw7
curriculum helps staff teach soil, water, and pasture management,property rights&fencing laws,
plant and animal management in a way organic-crop production,pesticide safety,living with wildlife, K,,,,,,kq iz. I+,a,G e,.p.,
that can be customized to meet local and horse care and management through workshops,
needs. newsletters,bulletins,news articles,Web sites and videos.
(CSU Cooperative Extension With Agricultural Experiment Station staff they also
ePOWER,2004) designed"The Western Small Acreage Expo;'a multi-county
event that attracts 600-800 people annually and offers `r ``'""F`5
Last year in Colorado, almost 6,600 hands-on demonstrations,lectures and exhibits to help p,.xt:.„ k.-nuked ze
small-acreage owners requested land- regional small-acreage owners improve land management.
managment assistance. Of those, • Extension staff in many of Colorado's Front Range counties
52% reported they adopted best designed educational programs for realtors and appraisers- K,.e ttig.to Itie"A N.n “.r
management practices for successful -usually the first point of contact with new landowners-to
rural living including livestock nutrition, provide continuing certification credits and up-to-date ° 'p" ' s "k d"
pest control, and pasture and weed information on rural land management,weed and natural
management; 48% reported an increase resource issues and local land-use requirements.100%
in their knowledge on how to maintain the participating realtors noted that they would incorporate
or enhance the quality of natural one to three topics into their work with landowners in the K,.awi2.,-ttt t. t'e4 Pr-*. :�
resources on their land; 33%of those immediate future including fencing&zoning requirements,
who attended programs on economic water usage,animal carrying capacity and weed control. "' to""�` °''F`
opportunities appropriate for small • Rural landowners who own forest acreages have benefited ..T1:-„i K+,cwLo4 CCTO ,it,,4
operations indicated they learned about from collaborative efforts among Cooperative Extension,
enterprise possibilities, and 26%said the Colorado State Forest Service,Colorado Division of K+ew2 ze t&,,,-.3&. D<.t, g
they increased income by adopting new Wildlife,Natural Resources Conservation Service and others. 7^rtf p,. :,,,c ,c,,,,,.6:4
economic activities for For the past several years,this group has offered in-depth
A their acreages. workshops to address the challenges of maintaining forest
(CSU Cooperative health,timber management and fire prevention on private ;,:rwµ&4elepe.,uf.cot
Extension land.A survey of participants showed that 100%increased
ePOWER,2004) their understanding of the challenges of rural living and U"a pMTz" '4"" R `' '
-,
70%increased their knowledge about natural resource and N.r;.,-c K„e„F� <te !ty'i,
r r •'
forest management,including tree thinning practices.
`a8�h p. 7 J • Southwest Colorado has a high influx of new residents Ka w& p.: tc K M
Le .' C 1IS> 4 who are interested in niche-market operations for specialty tIrt,14 pHry,,t K„,. 2e,Ftt xe
1"V 1 ` 4 j*� 4 4 crops and high-quality agricultural products from their
'1.„-n.fr... Kc,c
small acreages.Collaborative efforts between Cooperative
Ce.t. ./., ^.tell
Extension,government agencies and the private sector
established demonstration plots,weed-management
symposiums,field days and commercial applicator
workshops.A new position for an Extension horticulture teed 11,-T;',4•< '<,.? :,':u t ,
agent in that area of the state allowed renewed relationship '
f) !..044 le w.04. building,a focus on organic and other sustainable practices
for smaller operations,creation of a farmer's market,
Colorado State University participation in community-supported agriculture and
increased viability of small-scale agriculture.
Cooperative Extension • Following workshops aimed at helping Front Range small- p•, :,,&,, f f-n;t. i
Fort Collins,CO 80523 acreage owners improve their land management practices,
970.491.6281 a survey showed that 100%of respondents said they would
develop a weed-management strategy for their property,
We're on the Web at: 88%said they would adopt xeriscaping practices,and 60%
www.ext.colostate.edu said they would develop a wildlife plan. d
www.answerlink.info ,:,
4 Ai a."'"'117a 144 r • r4 ,, ' 0 I 1 r r „gi l' " IF
o l -- ' , leWelkp r • . usciapag wt � ' �py
, F { w 'i6 '� ' Z
y;/." i0G Pk"
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension programs are helping Coloradans
• enhance investments in gardens,yards and landscapes through research-based
information and best management practices;
• increase knowledge and skills related to the challenges of gardening in arid and
semi-arid environments.
14 G'4 Enhancing Landscape Investments
Through the MasterGardener5M Program
• Demand for urban water is
becoming a critical issue in the Gardening is one of the most popular centers;and career-development efforts
arid West. It is estimated that hobbies in America.According to the through schools,prisons,detention
35% to 60% of the water used in National Gardening Association,each centers and youth programs.Cooperative
western U.S. metropolitan areas year homeowners spend almost$40 Extension's use of trained knowledgeable
during the summer is applied billion taking care of their yards and talent in a volunteer network
gardens.Landscapes,gardens,parks enhances Coloradans'quality of life by
to landscaped areas, including and green spaces provide economic, extending knowledge-based education
lawns. Landscape plant selection, environmental and social benefits.ln throughout Colorado communities to
and irrigation system design, Colorado,maintaining trees,shrubs, foster successful gardening,enhance
maintenance and management lawns and flowers helps the environment environments,and strengthen green
techniques are key factors in increases property values and generates industry partnerships.
determining water usage. $2.2 billion to the state's economy.Since
• According to data from the its beginning in 1975,the Colorado State 7_..al ac— t
University Cooperative Extension Master 'a.?0 t 1-- �`
Plant Health Care Industry, sm a ' &r ,; . f, d
Gardener Program has responded to r .ti�• * '�,
more than 90% of the pesticides increasing demands from the gardening r, ! ,
typically applied in landscape public for trustworthy,science-based t ' .,aid , n , r
maintenance are unwarranted information.Each year advanced and r ` •-ir- 'f
and have little to no benefit. novice Master Gardeners take part - 'a 41. I ••
Homeowners Homeowners who strive for the in training provided by professional ,
perfect lawn have been accused horticulture staff.Once trained,they"give
of using four to six times more back"hours and expertise expanding the ri", "� `` -
capabilities of Extension staff to answer
chemicals per acre than farmers consumer horticultural questions and
do, and may use twice as much multiplying Cooperative Extension's ..,—
water as turf needs to survive. ability to reach a greater number of i -
Excessive or careless fertilizer or clientele.Their volunteer efforts include a • t 'v ;''
pesticide applications contribute staffing information desks at Extension 1...
to water-quality problems. offices,Farmers'Markets,county fairs,
s'
• Replacing sod lost to poor nurseries,clinic sites and garden s,ks
management or drought costs an shows;making field visits and public { ,
presentations,answering telephone t .^; N• r_ w
average of$1-$1.50 per square calls,and writing for mass media and -< -4.
foot, or$1,500 for a 1,000- newsletters.Master Gardeners also serve �4 a u
square foot lawn; replacing as catalysts to encourage community
sod consumes more water gardening activities.They coordinate and The Cooperative Extension Master
than maintaining the current participate in school and service projects; Gardener Program uses trained volunteers
landscape. horticultural therapy programs through to provide Coloradans with research-based
prisons,hospitals,senior and disability horticultural information.
e4Qont.Qk Slat Un.;Nentiay, 14.5. De&a .emx.o?As^'a2t.,.it a.A eal nea co...att.Ceet 1,441.
Cetfre^Ax`n E4rn.aton.t4011,44.4 Am,awA'Palkexe 41104444.440,;.:4,41,;•,
,
T4 p. ,ei. . .
In addition to being a popular hobby, • Colorado State University Cooperative Extension makes
gardening can add dollars to the value of a major yearly investment in basic training for Master . .
a home. Two university studies found that Gardeners.Attention focuses on retaining skilled '
It
homebuyers value a landscaped home Master Gardeners by increasing volunteer options
up to 11.3%higher than its base price. and educational opportunities.Qualitytsaining allows ''
Another survey showed that landscaped volunteers to expand community outcomes and �y .4
curb-appeal raised a home's value by proactively address environmental issues such as water
4.4%and a landscaped patio by 12.4%. �',, „,:,41?,
Research by USDA found that a large and energy conservation,alternative pest management, 4, .'',A c4.,i
front-yard tree increased the sales price waste management and chemical reduction.An st Y
evaluation of the recently upgraded hands-on curriculum '`' ' ;,
of residential property by I%or about
$25 each year annualized over a 40-year showed that it put Master Gardeners onto a fast track for r`'y'
period.A large tree on public property critical thinking skills and diagnostic abilities.Last year, rt `
pays back taxpayers nearly$60 per year 1,700 Colorado Master Gardeners supported Cooperative
in environmental benefits. Extension horticulture programs in 34 counties by t ' "�'
(Clemson University, University of Michigan, providing 72,000 hours of volunteer time worth more
P%%;
2002;USDA Forest Service, 1999) than $1,000,000.
Colorado green industry leaders • Pueblo County Master Gardeners answered more than
readily recognize that Cooperative 1,300 calls on garden and landscape management
Extension Master Gardeners directly during last year's growing season.They also answered 4-
impact the success of local gardeners. questions from a large percentage of the 12,000 people
This in turn supports the success and who frequented the local Farmers'Market.Through
growth of the Colorado Green Industry a recent clientele survey requesting feedback on ,
whose wholesale value of goods and the Master Gardeners'perceived knowledge,ability
services exceeds$2 billon annually to make recommendations and value of program,
-accounting for over one-fourth of the responses indicated that 90%planned to follow the
state's agriculture industry. The Green recommendations provided by Master Gardeners and
Indust!),employs more than 36,000 oto
100%agreed that the program services were valuable.
people with an annual payroll in excess The survey indicated a value of each educational
of$450 million. This sector is one part assistance at approximately$76 per client making the
of the economy that reaps the benefits
of Colorado's population growth from total value of all telephone and field calls approximately
homeowners with abundant disposable $100,000 to Pueblo County clientele.
income. The average household in • For the past 10 years,the Boulder County Jail's one- ,
Colorado spends from $200-$600 acre garden has provided inmates an opportunity
annually for community service.Master Gardeners and other -
It
on yard volunteers spend countless hours planning,networking,
�J care and gathering resources and working in the garden.They
/ gardening share a common labor experience-and a problem- ,,„ s
supplies. solving environment-with the inmates.In addition
Colorado Maser, c.r,de�e, (Colorado to the dividends reaped in human development for •"-
Department of volunteers and inmates alike,the thriving garden • w Als.,;[,C,
Agriculture, produces between 12,000-19,000 pounds of produce " '"
2003) each year,which translates to about a $7,000 annual "'
�y , �, /� savings for the Jail's food budget.
" ' ,t`4e-
P KHpW wpb Community gardens blend combine healthy behavior 1t
with the ability to share produce with neighbors,senior F
f �Y
centers and shelters.Denver County's team of Master `r, i •' .tColorado State University sa Gardeners participate in the national"Plant A Row for s, , ., x,'
Cooperative Extension the Hungry" ,Program,which involves gardeners in ° ,,,,s;
Fort Collins,CO 80523 community hunger issues and allows them to share the
970.491.6281 harvest.Each year plans are made to grow more produce ." ' rir
We're on the Web at: to donate to Denver food banks.In nearby Boulder
www.ext.colostate.edu County,Master Gardeners and other volunteers donated
www.answerlink.info 3,017 pounds of fruits and vegetables from the Jubilee
Garden to Community Food Share of Boulder County.
/ ' i B D
✓f,'
5 ..ii.
' Mr iPp�]aaiutl♦�.
. i
If rlllp!liffir.1JfIF1 llt1M410.0 I*9PM �- , .;,/, ',44 7 ti 5
r a
a
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension programs are helping Coloradans
• improve their food-resource-management skills by stretching food dollars and making
healthful food chokes;
• increase food security and improve overall health of the state's limited-resource
populations.
Helping Colorado Families Stretr '•i Fn xi
14 C-04144.. Resources and Improve Nutritior
•Food insecurity occurs whenever One of the most disturbing aspects line.Also,households with children
the availability of nutritionally of life in a wealthy country like America experience food insecurity at more than
adequate and safe foods is limited is the persistence of hunger—the double the rate for households without
or uncertain. In 2002, 12 million recurrent and involuntary lack of access children."Food security"-a term used
U.S. households(more than 35 to sufficient food due to poverty or to describe assured access at all times to
million individuals) reported limited constrained resources,which can lead to enough food for an active,healthy life-is
access to sufficient food because of malnutrition over time.While starvation the most basic of human needs.
inadequate resources. In Colorado, seldom occurs in this country,children
436,000 people including 182,000 and adults do go hungry and chronic
children were food insecure; of under-nutrition does occur when
these, 42,000 experienced hunger financial resources are limited.Many ,`
•Hunger has a big effect on established food programs help provide
children's health—a Food Research a safety net for many low-income
&Action Center survey showed families,but the mental and physical
that hungry children from low- changes that accompany inadequate t«
income families suffer from two food intake can have harmful effects
to four times as many individual on learning,development,productivity, ,
health problems, including fatigue, physical and psychological health,and
irritability, and inability to family life.A 2002 U.S.Census Bureau •'a
concentrate as low-income children survey revealed that 11.1%of U.S.
whose families do not experience households were"food insecure,"or
food shortages. lacking resources to access enough ;•,
• The Census Bureau reports that a food to fully meet basic needs.Adults
family of two adults and one child in food-insecure households often run t
in Colorado must make$20,448 out of food,or reduce the quality of foodq e V;'f
per year to be self-sufficient. The their family eats,or feed their children ,, - a
National Low Income Housing unbalanced diets,or skip meals so their '
Coalition reports that a minimum- children can eat,in order to adjust to the
Colorado State University -ooperaU S.
wage worker must work 133 hours economic problems that threaten the
a week to afford a two-bedroomExtension,in cooperation with the U.S.
adequacy of their family's diet.Thesurvey Department of Agriculture provides
apartment in an urban area like showed that those at greatest risk of Nutrition Education Programs that
Denver. At this income level, after being hungry or on the edge of hunger target at-risk audiences most likely to be
other payments, a family has only a live in households that are headed by undernourished,in poor health or with
few dollars left for food each month. a single woman,are Hispanic or Black poor nutrition habits,and in need of
and have incomes below the poverty assistance.
CoL STate. U 4 y, U.S. D e"44 itkp Co¢o a4o a.i4:t,..caoy.ei4,;4,5.
Coote4a e Eats- .om.{,woiia Altai/4;14Uxo 416X4 441.11,41+. 4,4,;424,,
r i y,;1vx,
P' 4 . .
4
A national cost-benefit analysis of the • Administered by Cooperative Extension and funded by
Extension Food and Nutrition Education the U.S.Department of Agriculture through the Colorado
Program proved substantial economic Department of Human Services Food Stamp Program,the
impacts. Behaviors taught and measured Colorado Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program(FSNEP) e�
in EFNEP programs including decreased primarily addresses the problem of food insecurity among pR
intake of sodium and fat, reduced limited-resource Coloradans who receive food stamps. �n
weight, increased intake of fiber, fruits The Colorado FSNE Program is committed to providing
& vegetables and improved physical at-risk audiences such as children,the elderly,immigrants,
activity and other behaviors could emergency food assistance participants and welfare
contribute a yearly$30,0 0 savings per recipients with nutrition,food safety and food-resource-
person if disease was avoided, management education aimed at promoting food security
$28,000 per patient if diet-related cancer
was avoided, and$22,000 if stroke was and overall health.Each year,the program reaches more
avoided. than 6,000 adults&seniors through classes,demonstrations
(Virginia Tech University, 1999) &other methods,and 17,000 children through child care&
school programs.
Across the country,for every$1 invested • The Adult FSNEP program has improved the nutritional
in Extension Food and Nutrition well-being of low-income Coloradans and increased their
Education Programs,from$8-$10 in ability to manage food resources—88%of adult FSNEP
benefits from reduced health-care costs graduates reported a positive change in their eating habits
can be expected. A CSU study showed an and improvement in nutrition practices;77%showed
average return of$7.06 for every federal improvement in one or more food-resource-management
dollar invested in teaching nutrition practices(planning meals,not running out of food,using a
and resource management to those who shopping list,etc.);also 64%showed improvement in food
receive and are eligible for food stamps. safety practices.
(Extension Committee on Policy,2003;CSU • 10%of all Americans or 26.9 million people receive food
FSNEP Cost Benefit Study,2003) stamps;60%are children or elderly.The average length of
food stamp usage is two years,and half of new recipients
Increasing the food stamp participation use them six months or less.ln 2002 in Colorado(last
rate helps local economies as well as available data),federal funding for food stamps contributed
recipients; each $5 in federally funded $165,442,169 to the state's economy.
benefits generates . Hunger relief advocates say the best assistance is helping
approximately people help themselves.Cooperative Extension's Food
$10 in economic and Nutrition Education Program(EFNEP),funded for 34
activity. years by the U.S.Department of Agriculture,is designed to
/ , (USDAResearch Service,Economic
teach limited-resource families with young children how
to make healthy food choices,stretch their food resources,
2002) and use safe food-handling practices.National EFNEP data
reveal impressive improvements in participants'food-
related behaviors—more than 100,000"graduates"across
the country show that 83%improved one or more food-
resource-management practices;87%improved one or
more nutrition practices;and 67%improved one or more
food safety practices.EFNEP has also proven effective in
increasing the dietary intake levels of six key nutrients that
piz L`& are often limited in the diets of low-income individuals
(protein,iron,calcium&vitamins A,C,B-6),increasing the
servings of grains,and decreasing consumption of fats and
Colorado State University sodium.
Cooperative Extension • One of the many consequences of poverty is the lack of
Fort Collins,CO 80523 money for food.Learning"food resource management"is
970.491.6281 key to stretching food dollars and making healthful food
We're on the Web at: choices.As a result of what they learned in the programs,
FSNEP participants reported an average savings of$75.64
www.ext.colostate.edu on monthly food bills;EFNEP graduates reported an average
u
www.answerlink.info savings of$52.80 per month on food bills. �,
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Statewide Network of County Offices
MOflI T ROUTT IWMSON "'_ LARIMER WELD LOGAN •
Northern SEDGWICK
PHILLIPS
•
Region
MORGAN
• WASHINGTON YUMA
GRAND •
RIOBkANCQ - BOULDER
•
• BROOMFIE D
• ADAMS
FART P GIL PIN •
• z jIDINVER
CLEAR-
CREEK
1 , Sµm: LL ARAPAHOE •
%estern • ' PARK • ELBERT LINCOLN KIT CARSON
•
SOL ',Region PITNIN
LAKE
•
DOUGLA •
S
•
I5FY,TA.'. EL PASO
DONNISON • y¢j CHEYENNE
F • •
• - CHAFFEE • -
MON AOSE FREMONT
KIOWA
•
PUEBLO CROWLEY •
x SAGUACHE •
CUSTER • BENT PROWERS
• HiNRnuG •
•
OTERO
MINERAL
HUERFANO
• • ALAMOSA
SSObritZUta LA PAtA RIO GRANDE LAS ANIMAS BACA
•
COSTILLA Southern •
.' ARCNIjETA CONEJOS
• • Region
Regional Offices
• County Offices
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension County Offices:
Adams County (303) 637-8100 Kit Carson County (719) 346-5571
9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton 80601-8114 251 16th St., Suite 101, Burlington 80807-1674
Alamosa County (719) 657-0213 La Plata County (970) 247-4355
See San Luis Valley Area Office 2500 Main Ave., Durango 81301
Arapahoe County (303) 730-1920 Larimer County (970)498-6000
5804 S. Datura St., Littleton 80120-2112 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins 80524-2004
Archuleta County (970) 264-5931 Las Animas County (719) 846-6881
344 Highway 84, Pagosa Springs 81147-0370 200 E. 1st St., Room 101, Courthouse,
Baca County (719) 523-6971 Trinidad 81082-3000
772 Colorado St., Springfield 81073-1456 Lincoln County (719) 743-2542
Bent County (719)456-0764 326 8th St., Hugo 80821-0068
1499 Ambassador Thompson Blvd., Logan County (970) 522-3200, ext. 0
Las Animas 81054-1736 508 S. 10th Ave., Suite 1, Sterling 80751-3408
Boulder County (303) 678-6238 Mesa County (970) 244-1834
9595 Nelson Rd. Box B, Longmont 80501-6359 2775 Highway 50, Grand Junction 81502-5028
Broomfield County (720) 887-2269 Mineral County (719) 657-0213
6 Garden Center, Broomfield, CO 80020-2495 See San Luis Valley Area Office
Chaffee County (719) 539-6447 Moffat County (970) 824-9180
10165 CR 120, Salida 81201-9404 539 Barclay St., Craig 81625-2733
Cheyenne County (719) 767-5716 Montezuma County (970) 565-3123
425 South 7th W., Cheyenne Wells 80810-0395 109 W. Main St., Rm. 102, Cortez 81321-3155
Conejos County (719) 274-5200 Montrose and Ouray County (970) 249-3935
17705 Hwy. 285, La Jara 81140-9427 1001 N. 2nd St., Friendship Hall,
Costilla County (719) 657-0213 Montrose, CO 81401-3731
See San Luis Valley Area Office Morgan County (970) 542-3540
Crowley County (719)267-4741, ext. 7 914 East Railroad Ave., Fort Morgan 80701-0517
601 North Main St.,Courthouse Annex, Otero County (719) 254-7608
Ordway 81063 411 North 10th St., Rocky Ford 81067-0190
Custer County (719) 783-2514 Park County (719)836-4289
205 South 6th, Westcliffe 81252-0360 880 Bogue St., Fairplay 80440-0603
Delta County (970) 874-2195 Phillips County (970)854-3616
525 Dodge St., Delta 81416-1719 127 E. Denver, Holyoke 80734-0328
Denver County (720) 913-5270 Prowers County (719) 336-7734
201 W. Colfax, Dept. 107, Denver 80202 109 W. Lee Ave., Suite 7, Lamar 81052-3838
Dolores County (970)677-2283 Pueblo County (719) 583-6566
409 North Main St., Dove Creek 81324-0527 212 W. 12th St., Suite 220, Pueblo 81003-2976
Douglas County (720) 733-6930 Rio Blanco County (970) 878-4093
410 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock 80104-2699 779 Sulfer Creek Rd., Meeker 81641-0270
Eagle County (970) 328-8630 Western Annex (970) 675-2417
551 Broadway, Eagle 81631-0239 17497 Hwy 64, Rangely 81648
Elbert County (719) 541-2361 Rio Grande County (970) 657-0213
325 Pueblo, Simla 80835-0128 See San Luis Valley Area Office
El Paso County (719)636-8920 Routt County (970) 879-0825
305 S. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs 80910-3123 136 6th St., Courthouse Annex,
Fremont County (719) 276-7390 Steamboat Springs 80477-2830
615 Macon Ave., LL1 0, Saguache County (970) 657-0213
County Administration Building, See San Luis Valley Area Office
Canon City 81212-3390 San Luis Valley Research Center (719) 754-3494
Garfield County (970)625-3969 0249 E. Road 9N, Center 81125-9643
902 Taughenbaugh, Suite 303, Rifle 81650-1112 San Luis Valley Area Office (719) 657-0213
Gilpin County (303) 582-9106 865 Oak, Del Norte 81132
230 Norton Dr., Golden 80403 San Miguel-W.Montrose (970) 327-4393
Grand County (970) 724-3436 1120 Summitt, Norwood 81 42 3-01 30
210 11th St., Extension Hall, Fairgrounds, Sedgwick County (970)474-3479
Kremmling 80459-0475 315 Cedar, County Courthouse,
Gunnison County (970)641-1260 Julesburg 80737-1532
275 S. Spruce,Gunnison 81230-2719 Summit County (970) 668-3595
Huerfano County (719) 738-2170 37 County Road 1005, Frisco 80443-1270
401 Main St., Suite 101, Courthouse, Teller County (719) 689-2552
Walsenburg 81089-2045 112 North A St.,Cripple Creek 80813-0368
Jackson County (970) 723-4298 Washington County (970) 345-2287
312 5th St.,Walden 80480-1077 181 Birch Ave., Courthouse Annex,
Jefferson County (303) 271-6620 Akron 80720-1513
15200 W. 6th Ave., Suite C, Golden 80401-5 01 8 Weld County (970) 356-4000, ext.4465
Kiowa County (719)438-5321 525 N. 15th Ave., Greeley 80631-2049
County Courthouse, 1305 Goff, Eads 81036-0097 Yuma County (970) 332-4151
310 Ash, Courthouse, Suite B,Wray 80758-1800
nit `iirritswitowt6 4
1 ) 441;44 1640401411410 t41044
p 1
University
Cooperative
liraWireffairPOINIFNII!)WF&wa Extensiort
2003-2004 Cooperative Extension is the off-campus educational
arm of Colorado State University.The Cooperative Extension
Cooperative Extension Funding system,a nationwide educational network,is a partnership of
county,state and federal governments working cooperatively
with the private sector.The Smith-Lever Act established
state Extension Services as a third program branch,along
'> �f
County State with resident instruction and research,of the land-grant
43.5% .%`� " 32.1% universities in each state.Cooperative Extension agents and
..: x , specialists are faculty of Colorado State University.They work
.1.1 with local constituents throughout Colorado in planning,
y developing and implementing the educational programs of
Cooperative Extension.Volunteers also have an important
role in the delivery of Extension programs.Cooperative
Extension programs serve Coloradans wherever they live.
Federal Funding for Cooperative Extension is provided from
Other Grants 16.2% multiple sources: federal,state,county and non-tax monies.
8.3% Federal funds are allocated to the states on the basis of law
and formula.Additionally,some federal funds are earmarked
Total Funding=$24,165,014
to meet special national priority needs.Cooperative Extension
receives state funds from Colorado State University's
allocation through the Colorado Commission on Higher
Appropriated Budget Education as part of the state's higher education budget.
County commissioners appropriate annual budget funds to
Campus Programs
48°/ support the operation of the Cooperative Extension office in
their county.Some funds are received from non-tax sources
such as program grants and cost recovery fees.
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension is a
dynamic flexible organization dedicated to delivering quality,
relevant programs most needed by people throughout the
state.Extension engages a responsive network of citizens,
scientists and educators who can anticipate and address
local needs and problems.We focus on programs in the areas
in which we have a research base and can make significant
contributions.Our six statewide priority programs are:
Field Programs *Enhancing Families and Communities
52%
*Growing Horticulture in Colorado
Appropriated Budget=$10,615,014 *Improving Nutrition,Food Safety and Health
*Integrating Natural Resources
*Strengthening Youth Development
*Sustaining Agriculture and the Environment
4
kp
WQ'44'4 W4 4: www.ext.colostate.edu • .www.answerlink.inf
` • .
,r
A ₹X
t*; ,�* rY d
y 4tuil ,
h x i
,Pf�jJ]�s+ # i# 2# #i Yr
ra 1 / .1 r .#
tx na
�/� pp t �,y< 4
t
,t • {r
I/ •
µrY▪ # try
{ ti I 4F
Y e
V
# r 4r+•
,,
₹ `• ';If,'i 1 x74
lie
r r (.
x r r r yA:,'
1St M.
A
#
at Y e
# ‘4 x .t -t Civ tm.
#, 3 x x
me - r gir) ?, `Rr !,f/.a
l;,, , t Sr x%kt
P.r ?i. ,4,..
J. .j.P. �' 51x� ,
,, ,fi F #1 vl 4r _F Yix.
f � � �,
M ee r .y #
EH:::. 4 r
.e YF # pv
.1:::1::",::,::
#� v fia p� '[tl•-Pj� 4J" Rt WI"tL}� ' ^+ 'Yy 'C4T t
h
a Y,x4 Al
`` r v 7714,4!
Me 1.,_ fSlm"y W
4' ill
ii: „F:,
G4r4s<.. it i A!!rj it.M, IV' • .Lb,* V
���//v`iii. t4(( !F 2## .'Jr+*hi: J IV '
I :aka
i
Issued in furtherance of Colorado State University Cooperative
Extension work, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Cooperative Extension programs are available to all
without discrimination.
Hello