Progress 04/01/06 to 03/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: AG OBJECTIVES: A variety of events and programs have taken place during this grant period, including annual farm and ranch days, pesticide applicator trainings (over 100 Pine Ridge area producers and government representatives have received training and certification through CES), and workshops that addressed concerns regarding production in drought conditions, systems-based management plans in range management, integrated pest management, prairie dog management, environmental management plan coordination, recordkeeping, and rangeland monitoring and management. The fall of 2009 saw the commencement of the Beginning Farmer/Rancher Development Program: CES and Hands of Faith Ministries partnered to provide intensive ranching and vocational training from September through February, followed by periodic workshops. In 2007, the NC SARE Circle of Sustainability program was held in Pine Ridge. Participants included representatives from tribal government, tribal colleges, youth and other service organizations, CES, USDA SARE, and other agencies. The program included a tour of sustainable practices and facilitated conversations on sustainability and the role of SARE and CES with partner groups. YOUTH OBJECTIVES: Over 750 youth were served by CES programs, including community garden efforts with Roots and Shoots, rodeos, camps (including ecology and traditional teepee camps), horse programs (such as the sobriety ride and an equine therapy program), traditional cultural education and arts programs (archery, horsemanship, quillwork, crafts, traditional games, and performing arts), Earth Week activities, and other environmental and agricultural programs and activities. In April 2008, a new youth program assistant was hired, renewing interest in--and creating the capacity to expand--these programs. Using Josephson Institute's Character Counts! program to demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character within traditional Lakota virtues, the Extension Educator provided training to over 200 youth, teachers, and agency staff in the past two years. Drug and alcohol awareness training and materials, such as the portable "impairment simulation goggles" and other materials from Fatal Vision (R), were used with over 500 youth and adults. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES: The Northwest Area Foundation Horizons project was previously implemented in two Pine Ridge communities (Kyle and Porcupine). This includes study circles, facilitation, and leadership training for community members. Individuals and organizations assessed optional projects and implemented recommendations from the community. In addition, a Community Innovation and Leadership Educator position was developed and filled, expanding the office's capacity to serve community objectives. In 2003-08, a West Nile Virus task force, including tribal government, Indian Health Service, and State personnel, reached over 3,000 youth and adults in 14 schools with education and materials on West Nile Virus prevention and mosquito control. In 2007-2008, a visit from Dr. Chicoine to Oglala Lakota College was organized, and two national program liaison officers from CSREES visited OLC and Sinte Gleska University. PARTICIPANTS: Shawn Burke, Extension Educator through May 2008, Steve Hernandez, Extension Educator through March 2010, Arlo Iron Cloud, Youth Program Assistant from April 2008 (funded 50% by South Dakota State University, 50% by FRTEP), Karen Pearson, Principal Investigator. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this program is primarily composed of individuals and organizations on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Other audiences reached include colleagues through South Dakota State University, and partner tribal colleges in shared efforts to expand programs to reach underserved audiences throughout the state and region. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
AG OUTCOMES: After the NC SARE Circle of Sustainability discussions, participants concluded more emphasis needed to be placed on sustainable agricultural development in "Indian Country." Many had been unaware of the opportunities SARE offers, but became very interested in participating in the programs they learned about. The networking among educators, tribal representatives, and other organizations was very helpful in developing short-range goals and an interest in pursuing longer-term projects and partnerships. Other important outcomes included: three new farmer/rancher grants, two community grant proposals, and one research and education grant that was invited for full proposal. In '07-'08, Shawn was a partner in writing a grant for Meat Goat research with Roger Gates and others, resulting in a multi-state conference and a research study. Several presentations during '06-'07, including the Intertribal Agriculture conference on FRTEP programs and collaboration, contributed to the development of a comprehensive environmental management plan. The office, tribal partners, and the Badlands RC&D submitted a grant to NRCS Grazing Lands Conservation Alliance that was funded for over $220,000 federal, with local match and in-kind. YOUTH OUTCOMES: Each year, a number of requests for Extension services and 4-H programming come from reservation schools. Teachers using Character Counts! program consistently in their classroom report a significant decrease in behavior problems among students. In surveys regarding drug and alcohol awareness training, several youth reported a change in attitude about driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; many were impressed by testimonials from their peers. An ecology camp for 10-12-year-olds, developed in collaboration with Oglala Lakota College and Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation, was held in 2008 and 2009. After attending camp, class leaders and volunteers used their enhanced knowledge to promote tree planting, community clean-up, and conservation in their communities. This camping effort is being expanded into a full youth outreach program for the Parks. Funding is being sought in collaboration with the Indigenous Diabetes Education Alliance to duplicate this model. Other important outcomes are that three Parks staff were trained in the 4-H Shooting Sports program and fourteen new youth enrolled in this project. COMMUNITY OUTCOMES: New organizations were set up in two communities through the Horizons program. These now have projects in entrepreneurship and gardening. Other community programming has been offered in board training, strategic plan development, and partnerships. As a result of the extensive educational campaign about the West Nile Virus, the incidence of the virus in humans and horses on Pine Ridge dropped significantly from 2003 levels. Finally, the SDSU visit in '07/'08 seemed successful in introducing the new president to opportunities and challenges on Pine Ridge and in working with Oglala Lakota College.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 04/01/08 to 03/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Facilitate leadership and training opportunities for individuals, organizational leaders, and community leaders, (CES GOAL #8) The educator continued to maintain contact with the primary organizers for the Kyle and Porcupine Horizons' projects; assisted with a walking path and community orchard in Kyle. Worked with local individuals to partner 4-H youth efforts with the newly formed Community NGO in Kyle. New efforts at continued partnership, including gathering information on the potential for relocating the Extension office in the Porcupine community, as a partnership with the administration of the newly built Porcupine community school. Objective 2: 4-H, character education, NR/Ag Education, and youth financial literacy. (concentrating on staff and volunteer training and teen leadership) (CES GOAL #1,3,8) Provided a continued partnership with community garden efforts with Roots and Shoots, and on-going 4-H support in club work, rodeos, and 4-H camp. Continued efforts have been made this year with traditional arts and cultural camping programs; including the second year of an ecology camp with the Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority. Horse programs include the youth horsemanship group, partnering with the sobriety ride organizers, and an equine therapy program on Pine Ridge. Over 150 youth participated in programs including 4-H camp, a traditional teepee camp, traditional games workshops. These were held in partnership with OLC, the OST Natural Resources Regulatory agency the Shannon County school system, and other local organizations and private individuals. Two fundraisers were organized with 4-H clubs this year including fruit and tree sales. The tree program also included several educational sessions with local groups on tree planting and care. Over 200 people purchased trees, and received educational materials. New youth program assistant position; the current incumbent began in April. With this change came a renewed interest and capacity in the expansion of the traditional youth cultural education and arts program with 4-H, including archery, horsemanship; and performing arts. We are still developing a framework for a youth financial literacy partnership. Objective 3: Producers and organizational staff continue to receive educational services through extension, including planning, animal husbandry, range management, and pest management. (CES GOAL #2,3) We turned in a final time/effort report against the Grazing Lands Conservation Alliance grant, including pest management and education along the White River Watershed. A prairie dog research program included Pine Ridge sites. The North Central SARE Circle of Sustainability program was held on Pine Ridge and other locations see outcome) The annual farm and ranch day was held, with other producer programs throughout the year. Lastly, the educator worked as a community coach through the Creating Value Added Communities program with Gregory County, as part of a partnership between Extension and South Dakota PARTICIPANTS: Shawn Burke, Extension Educator through May 2008. Arlo Iron Cloud, Youth Program Assistant from April 2008-Present Professional Development Training included annual and spring educator conferences, specific conferences in Leadership training, traditional arts and culture, community engagement, and staff development. TARGET AUDIENCES: Youth programming targeted towards Native youth residents of Pine Ridge Reservation. Producer programming targeted towards staff of partner organizations and producers on Pine Ridge Reservation. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major changes in approach from previous cycle.
Impacts
Below is an impact statement for a specific program that encompasses much of the integrated programming worked on over this grant period. TITLE: Circle of Sustainability Impact WHAT WAS DONE: The Circle of Sustainability program represents an effort by the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program with North and South Dakota Extension Services to examine opportunities for improved programming in Native communities. The original exploratory meeting was held in June of 2007 in Bismarck, attended by over 40 representatives from reservations as well as Cooperative Extension and the SARE Administrative council. The meeting included a dialogue on traditional sustainable practices and a tour of activities on Standing Rock Reservation. The participants concluded that a more robust conversation including more tribal partners was required, and planned the Circle of Sustainability listening sessions that were held this year at four South Dakota and two North Dakota reservations. South Dakota events were held on Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Reservations this summer. The over 100 participants included representatives from tribal government, tribal colleges, youth and other service organizations, Extension, USDA SARE and other agencies. Each location hosted tours of sustainable practices and facilitated conversations regarding sustainability and the role of SARE and Extension with the partner groups. IMPACT: Evaluations were held in each location. Some of the conclusions drawn were: More emphasis needs to be placed on sustainable agricultural development in "Indian Country" People were unaware of the opportunities available through SARE, but very interested in participating in the programs. The networking among educators, tribal representatives and other organizations during the meetings was very helpful in developing short-range goals. There is a strong interest in pursuing longer term projects at each location, involving SARE and Extension partnerships. Other Impacts: Three new Farmer/Rancher grants initiated Two community grant proposals started. One Research and Education grant invited for full proposal COOPERATORS: Agencies and other Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, SDSU Cooperative Extension, North Central SARE, other community organizations. FUNDING SOURCES FOR YOUR ACTIVITIES North Central SARE.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 04/01/07 to 03/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Goal One: Facilitate leadership and training opportunities for individuals, organizational leaders, and community leaders, on Pine Ridge reservation, so that participants actively engage in community development activities for their community and the reservation as a whole. Between last year and this year, I worked with SDSU Human Resources and the Board of Regents to develop a job description and classification for the new Community Innovation and Leadership program. We were successful in getting the Pine Ridge Extension position reclassified, and I was then able to assist with recruitment and interviewing of an educator in the Rosebud program. I've worked this year with the SDSU Horizons program, and in partnership with the communities under the Sitting Bull College Grant. I've helped organize, advertise and conduct study circles, leadership plenty training and visioning sessions within Kyle and Porcupine communities. I organized a visit from Dr. Chicoine to Oglala Lakota
College, and hosted two national program liaison officers from CSREES in visits to OLC and Sinte Gleska University. The SDSU visit seemed successful in introducing the new president to opportunities and challenges on Pine Ridge and in working with Oglala Lakota College. Goal Two: Through partnerships with SDSU (CES and other departments) and other agencies, ensure that youth and youth organizations and staff continue to receive educational services through extension, including 4-H, character education, NR/Ag Education, and youth financial literacy. (concentrating on staff and volunteer training and teen leadership) With the assistance of Tim Nichols, I was able to present a short seminar on my experience in working on Pine Ridge Reservation, and some ideas for future collaborative efforts among SDSU faculty and departments. My intent was to identify synergistic opportunities among different departments and grant programs, to see where we could perhaps share resources and integrate
objectives. The office promoted state and national initiatives in Financial literacy, science and technology training and ecology, and continued on-going efforts in working with producers and tribal agencies to address ongoing concerns regarding production in drought conditions, and the need for systems-based management plans in range management.
PARTICIPANTS: Shawn Burke, Extension Educator, Community Innovation and Leadership. One vacant Program Assistant Position, funded 50% by South Dakota State University, 50% by FRTEP. Karen Pearson, Principal Investigator. Training received in this program term included: Foundations of Practice in Community Development, through Iowa State University; an on-line certificate program. Creating Value-Added Communities Facilitator training, provided through South Dakota Rural Enterprise Institute, funded by the Northwest Area Foundation. Transformational Leadership training, provided by Maggie Bethel, through South Dakota State University The Art of Hosting and Convening Conversations, provided by the Rural Learning Center and NOrthern Great Plains, Inc., through SDSU. Preserving and implementing Traditional Games, through the International Traditional Games Society.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this program are primarily individuals and organizations on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Other audiences reached include colleagues through South Dakota State University, and partner tribal colleges in shared efforts to expand programs to reach underserved audiences throughout the state and region.
Impacts
TITLE: Ecology Education in Pine Ridge ISSUE: Youth on Pine Ridge Reservation have few opportunities to learn about their natural environment and associated traditional outdoor skills. WHAT HAS BEEN DONE: The Pine Ridge Extension Office has worked with Oglala Lakota College and Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation to implement an ecology camp for 10-12 year old youth. An ecology camp has been held with Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation, and this effort is being expanded into a full youth outreach program for the Parks. Funding is being sought in collaboration with the Indigenous Diabetes Education Alliance to duplicate this model for local youth. An additional component is to secure transportation of urban youth from Rapid City to participate in the camps. Another outcome is the training of three Parks staff in the 4-H Shooting Sports program, fourteen new youth enrolled in this project. FUNDING SOURCE: SDSU Extension, Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority.
COLLABORATORS: SDSU Extension, Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority Title: Range Management program Issue: A lack of comprehensive management strategies that address stocking rates and range management, including drought conditions and prairie dog concerns. What Has Been Done: This year I've continued to work with Badlands RC&D and the Tribe to help implement the three year Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) grant that Sandy Huber and I helped write last year. (This provided federal match of about $220,000 to help implement noxious weed control programs on the White River watershed) We still need to identify plots for research on pesticide efficacy, and I've been working with the Project Manager to identify biocontrol plots for insect introduction and potential goat grazing this next Spring. Over the past two years, I've been working with a loose group of collaborators on trying to help develop range management plans, including prairie dog management plans on Pine
Ridge. Late in 2007, a formal group was formed to develop an Agricultural Resource Management Plan for the reservation, under the development of a full Integrated Resource Management Plan. We have begun to set up the plots for our SARE-funded study of vegetative response under different grazing pressures on former prairie dog towns. This is a three-year, $330,000 grant. I wrote a mini-grant with Roger Gates and Kathy Reeves to put together Rangeland Education kits for YD educators, and was a partner in writing a grant for Meat Goat research with Roger Gates and others. This has resulted in a multi-state conference, and a research study. I have a small project with a local producer in studying the efficacy of goats in controlling weedy species in some of the drainage areas on Pine Ridge. I also was invited to attend the North Central Sare Administrative meeting, with Karen Pearson, as an Extension representative in discussing how SARE can better understand and expand it's programs
among Reservation communities.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 04/01/06 to 03/31/07
Outputs
Pine Ridge Reservation FRTEP Project, 2007 The Pine Ridge FRTEP project provides programming and access to information to assist producers to improve their use of natural resources and agricultural inputs, and to empower youth through experiential learning and training. The goals for the Pine Ridge FRTEP project are: 1) Economically viable and sustainable agricultural management practices on Pine Ridge reservation; 2) improved wellness among youth through natural resources education, gardens and nutrition programs, 3) improved capacity for organizational development among target communities. This office has continued to provide information and assistance to producers and also to provide staff training and life skills education for youth and adults on Pine Ridge reservation. Notably, the office engaged in producer education activities in conjuction with other extension offices and specialists, Oglala Lakota College, and other local partners. Agricultural program
activities include producer education in integrated pest management, prairie dog management and environmental management plan coordination, record keeping and rangeland monitoring and management. Two grants submitted in collaboration with this office were funded, for a total of over 500,000 over a five year period. Youth programs included school enrichment and 4-H club development; the office coordinated and assisted with programs that served over 500 reservation youth during 2006. The most significant growth area for this office is in formal collaboration activities and programs in youth programming, natural resources planning, and community development. The initiatives started in 2006 have yielded solid partnerships that will enable more sustainable and community-driven projects in the future.
Impacts
Impacts from the April - March time frame include: Several presentations including the Intertribal Agriculture conference on FRTEP programs and collaboration; contributed to the development of a comprehensive environmental management plan. The office, tribal partners, and the Badlands RC&D submitted a grant to NRCS Grazing Lands Conservation Alliance that was funded for over 220,000 federal, with local match and in-kind. The office conducted a Fall Ag expo that served 19 producers and tribal employees; an additional six individuals recertified as private pesticide applicators. A local partnership hosted a tour during the annual Land Grant Administrative Conference in Rapid City. Ten local residents received a certified guide training, 120 folks attended the tour. The office assisted with: an animal identification with the tribe and other FRTEP partners; with 43 producers and stakeholders. The office coordinated Earth week activities at one school for 111 students,
including ecology and GPS training. Twenty-three Pine Ridge youth attended 4-H camp. A traditional quillwork program at another school educated 15 youth as teen leaders and mentors; these subsequently assisted with 43 4th and 5th graders in a quillwork program. Another 150 youth were served by craft and afterschool activity programs through the office. The educator also assisted with regional programs for agriculture and youth serving over 200 additional youth. Teacher training on 4-H curricula was provided to 34 teachers. Over 30 youth were enrolled in various 4-H projects.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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