- Evaluation
Tools
The
Healthy Landscapes
Program Evaluation Methods and Tools have been developed
and overseen by Dr.
John Boulmetis,
Director, URI Institute of Human Science and
Services.
A
series of evaluation tools have been developed
to assist with tracking and identifying the knowledge gained
and actions
taken
as result of the Healthy Landscapes Education Program
efforts.
- Town
of North Kingstown MANAGE Summary
(Method for Assessment,
Nutrient loading, And Geographic
Evaluation of watersheds -- GIS
Based Pollution Risk Assessment Tool for watersheds
and aquifers)
As
part of the URI CE Healthy Landscapes Program, we have
applied the MANAGE model to estimate the potential
impacts of residential landscape best management practices
(BMPs) on water quality and quantity in the Town of
North Kingstown. Using several “what if” scenarios,
we have applied MANAGE to estimate impacts from fertilizer
use as well as water consumption based on adoption
of recommended BMPs.
final
fact sheet summary
For more information about MANAGE visit the following website, http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq/NEMO/Tools/pollution_assessment.htm#manage
Surveys
During
the first year of the Program, a general survey of
individual landscape practices and features was developed.
This survey was administered to program participants
at workshops, tours, and events.
Click here for a printable
version of the General Survey.
As of June 2005,
200 people had taken the general survey.
Click here for a summary of the
results ( spring 2003 - June 2005)
A
post survey was completed in June 2006 with 129 program
participants to track
the
knowledge
gained
and
actions taken
as a
result of Program. A total of 48 surveys were returned
for a 37.2% return rate.
Click
here for a printable version of the Post Survey
Click here for a summary of the results (June
2006)
Program Evaluation
Two program evaluation forms
(indoor workshop and garden
tour) were originally developed
to allow
Program participants the opportunity
to provide
feedback on the quality and content of the workshop
or tour presented. They also asked the Participant to indicate
how they heard about the program and to indicate which
practices they may consider adopting at home.
During year two of the Program, it was determined that when
asking participants to fill out both a general survey and
program evaluation, participants usually filled out one or
the other.
Very few participants would fill out both. A combination
program evaluation and general survey was then developed
for
year three programming. It contains all of the general
survey questions along with some key questions from the original
program
evaluation.
Click here for a Printable version of the combined Program
Survey and Evaluation Form.
Demonstration
Site Questionnaires
The first year of the Program also focused on the establishment of local demonstration
sites. Letters were sent to URI Master Gardeners and 4-H Members living in North
Kingstown. Town staff and board members participating on the Project steering
committee also identified additional small acreage livestock owners for direct
outreach. Site visits were made to interested respondents and the Project steering
committee selected final sites for development.
In screening and evaluating each site, a questionnaire was developed to collect
important information about the site conditions and features, as well as the
goals and concerns of the landowner(s). This questionnaire was administered in
addition to the earlier version of the general survey which concentrated on specific
lawn and garden care practices. Many of the items addressed in the demonstration
site questionnaire were incorporated into the final general survey.
Click here for a printable
version of Demonstration Site Questionnaire.
A
follow up questionnaire or "exit interview" was
developed and conducted with three demonstration
sites
(5 owners) during 2006
to assess and document the overall success, as well as
identify
the
pros
and cons of using demonstration sites as a method of Program
outreach.
Click here for a printable version of the Demonstration
Site Exit Interview
All
of the owners interviewed:
- Strongly
agreed that their 3 years as a Healthy Landscapes Demonstration
Site were
positive and enjoyable.
- Indicated
that their involvement as a demonstration site with the
Healthy Landscapes
Program came up as a topic of conversation with friends,
family, neighbors,
co-workers, and others “frequently” or “very
often”.
- Indicated
that they gained new knowledge as a result of participating
in the project
and plan to maintain or expand upon the majority
of practices implemented during their three
year committment to the Program.
Professional
Training Evaluation Tools
During February 2004, the URI Cooperative
Extension GreenShare Program incorporated a Healthy Landscapes
training
module within its WinterSchool Program--an intensive
three-day seminar series for Landscape Professionals and
Green Industry Employees. Professionals within the North
Kingstown and surrounding areas were targeted with a special
coupon offer. Landscape professionals had the option of taking
a pre-test questionnaire and post training module exam to
obtain a Healthy Landscapes Trained Practitioner Certificate
and Window Sticker
Decal. 50 landscape professionals participated
and received the Certificate, 9 of which were from the North
Kingstown area.
Click here for
a Printable version of Green Industry Pre-test Questionnaire.
Click
here for a Printable version of Healthy Landscapes
Trained Practitioner Post Exam.
Sustainable
landscaping principles are incorporated into all of the
URI Cooperative Extension GreenShare training for landscape
professionals including their Certified Horticulturist
Program, WinterSchool programs, and seminars presented
to the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Assocation annual
training and short course programs.
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