Project Accomplishments

Livestock on Small Acreages: Protecting Water Resources and Health
A Train-the-trainer Extension Education Program

Current Progress at a glance...

February 2009 - present:

• Trained volunteers deliver phase II adoption-outreach education.
• Project staff monitor and support volunteer education delivery.
• Project staff track program objectives and outcomes through program evaluation plan.
• Project staff refine educational tools and methods based on program evaluation.
• Continue development of Project video.
• Developed a Project poster highlighting volunteer training program and attended the USDA CSREES National Water Quality Program Conference, St. Louis, MO, February 2009.

November 2008 - January 2009:

• Conducted follow up workshop with trained volunteers to initiate phase II adoption-outreach education delivery and evaluate independent site assessments and fact sheet series, January 24, 2009.
• Conducted volunteer training program on November 1, 2008. A second training was conducted on January 24, 2009.

September - October 2008:

• Finalized volunteer training program scheduled for November 1, 2008.
• Revised poster display - manure and livestock yard management and pasture management and stream buffers.
• Conducted education with freshman animal science students (AVS 102).
• Completed Annual Program Summary and other annual reports.

January - August 2008:

• Conducted volunteer outreach to RI 4-H Program.
• Developed and populated Program website.
• Developed volunteer training program materials and slideshow.
• Developed a Project poster highlighting year one accomplishments and attended the USDA CSREES National Water Quality Program Conference, Sparks, NV, February 2008.

December 2007:

• Developed Project Update, October - December 2007.
• Developed and printed an outreach post card and poster display for distribution at programs and events.
• Developed a framework and schedule for volunteer training program. Developed a Volunteer Outreach Flyer and conducted volunteer outreach.

October 1, 2007: Steering Committee Meeting

September 2007:

• Annual Program Summary, September 2006 - August 2007
• Conduct Education with freshman Animal and Veterinary Science Students (AVS 102).

Fall 2006 - Summer 2007: Conduct a Needs Assessment with livestock and horse owners in Rhode Island.

January 2007: USDA CSREES National Water Quality Program Conference - Project staff attended this annual conference with a poster about this Project.

October 2006:

• Begin needs assessment of target audience.
• Conduct education with freshman URI Animal and Veterinary Science Students (AVS 102).

September 2006: Form a Project Steering Committee and meet twice each year. First meeting held 1/5/07

On-going: Develop a formative evaulation plan to evaluate and refine education program and track program objectives and outcomes.

On-going: Provide periodic updates and develop and maintain website.