Extension to the 3rd Degree: C.R.A.N.E. Takes Flight

C.R.A.N.E. on the Kentucky River

Over the past several months, a couple of the area Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agents and I have been planning a new Extension program that focuses more on our local natural resources.

We call this program "Conserving Resources through Agricultural and Natural Exploration," or C.R.A.N.E.

C.R.A.N.E. was developed to bring awareness and consideration to our natural resources by thinking outside of the classroom and learning about those resources through exploring our surroundings.

The first exploration took place this past Saturday as a canoe/kayak tour on the Kentucky River in Carroll County. Seventeen participants joined us for the tour that started at Lock and Dam 1 and ended at Point Park. Participants canoed and kayaked 4.1 miles on what was a perfect day to be on the river. Along the way, we looked at agricultural conservation practices, identified wildlife, and spoke about water quality.

Participants seemed to really enjoy being out on the water, and many expressed interest in joining future explorations. We were very appreciative to have an excellent group of people join us!

This first exploration of C.R.A.N.E. could not have been successful without the great people that helped make it happen. A big thank you goes to Brent Leite, owner of Two Rivers Adventures in Carrollton, for providing the kayaks and canoes, as well as being an excellent educational resource. Also, a huge thank you to Rhonda and Junie Welch, and the folks at Down on Main Street Restaurant for providing lunch for the event.

Finally, the development and first-time execution of this program was a success due to the great minds of Lindie Huffman, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for Pendleton County, and Rex McBride, Agriculture and Natural Resources/Environmental Education Extension Agent in Boone County.

Future explorations are planned through C.R.A.N.E. including exploring the Ohio, Little Kentucky, and Licking Rivers.

Check out pictures from the river tour!