Progress 05/01/09 to 04/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience of this project is the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Seed identification training. Fields trips educated youth about careers in agriculture. Turf management training. Reptile education programs. Tennis as recreation activities. Farmer's Market that traveled to all communities. Lunch and Learn programs in financial management. Invasive plants program. Cogon grass control. Aquatic weeds program. Pond management programs. Hunter education programs. Deer population management programs. Demonstration gardens for each community. Raised bed gardening programs. GAP/GHP and FSMA trainings. Radio and tv programming. Print media content. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information has been provided to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians through tv and radio broadcasts, telephone contacts, face-to-face individual conversations, educational presentations to groups face-to-face or via interactive video, email, social media, and articles in tribal publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Seed identification was taught to the tribal 4-H staff. Youth have not exhibited any interest in participating in state contests. Field trips have been conducted to a greenhouse operation, a coal mine, a sweet potato farm and packing shed, the Noxubee Wildlife Reserve, the Petrified Forest, the Mississippi State University dairy, and a catfish farm. Instruction was provided on soil testing technology. Turf management programs, reptile education programs, and tennis as recreation programs were conducted in communities. Train-the-trainer programs were offered to community club officers. Additionally, a traveling Farmer's Market visited each community. Lunch and Learn programs related to financial management were offered monthly. Fish population checks and water quality analyses were carried out for all tribal ponds and Lake Pushmataha. Approximately 100 tons of lime was applied to the lake, and fish size and quality were improved. Beaver trapping is ongoing. Wildlife enhancement programs have been conducted by a wildlife biologist. The tribe members were educated on deer population management. A Tribal Wildlife Jamboree was organized and has continued. Demonstration home garden sites are maintained in each community. Soil testing has increased from 25 to 95% as a result of the demonstration gardens. Several raised beds have been installed with interest in more. Choctaw Fresh Produce program was initiated and plot plans were developed for three locations. A full food defense plan including food handeling procedures, worker protection, and packing shed specifications to be in compliance with al food/worker safety measures was developed. GAP/GHP and FSMA trainings were conducted.Tribal departments were educated on the identification of cogon grass. Employees reported infestations to the tribal real estate mapping coordinator. Nine locations were mapped for herbicide treatment. Department Directors are now instructing employees to clean mowing equipment prior to transport. Both food and exercise programs have been implemented to combat obesity and diabetes for tribe members. Lectures have focused on growing herbs and vegetables, using specific vegetables, and low sodium diets. A tennis program is also provided. A need for more direct communication with tribe members was identified. A weekly radio program featuring relevant Extension topics was developed. Calls to the Extension office increased by 25%. Career programming has been provided by conducting field trips and by providing classroom lectures on various topics. This has evovled into a summer program. An invasive weed workshop was conducted. Additional programming was provided for cogon grass and aquatic weeds.
Publications
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Progress 05/01/12 to 04/30/13
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The FRTEP Extension Agent partnered with MBCI organizations such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, WIC, Choctaw Farmers' Market, Choctaw Tribal Schools, Choctaw Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Choctaw Housing Authority, Tribal Forestry, Tribal Wildlife Law Enforcement, Boys and Girls Clubs, Tribal 4H Program, and Tribal Recreation Department to assist them and implement their objectives and educational endeavors. The FRTEP Agent worked with them to develop and present needed information. Specific programs and activities that helped the FRTEP Extension Agent reach necessary objectives are as follows: H.E.A.R.T. "Horticulture Education and Resource Teaching" showed MBCI members the importance of good sound cultural practices, soil fertility, weed management, crop rotation and how to use herbicides correctly; Tennis as Exercise delivered free tennis lessons to MBCI members enrolled in the SDPI and any other members interested in learning how to play tennis. Tennis has never been a sport that MBCI members have identified with, but through this program the sport is introduced as a family oriented exercise activity; Ag-CEL "Agriculture for Choctaw Empowerment and Life" provided off-reservation field trips to Mississippi State University to introduce the students to agriculture advisors, agriculture and forestry educational activities, and the campus itself; 4-H Youth programs and growth opportunities were conducted to put the heads, hearts, hands and health of youth to work learning and applying the essential elements of the 4-H program: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity; the FRTEP office and the SDPI formed a partnership to assist with the established SDPI curriculum to promote better eating through gardening and exercise; and the annual Fall Festival had representatives from various MBCI programs and public service officials providing fun-filled and informative activities for the children, including agricultural activities such as a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and garden tour for Tribal youth. The FRTEP program also provided educational resources for all MBCI communities for access to current University research. The program used mass media outlets available to MBCI members to provide educational information. To achieve this, the FRTEP Extension Agent: Produced educational material for television, radio, and Community News; published a quarterly e-newsletter and Community News articles; Distributed educational materials to all MBCI communities; Attended IAC conference to represent FRTEP in Choctaw Mississippi and brought pertinent information back to the program; conducted department trainings for Pearl River Resort and Choctaw Wildlife and Parks; conducted annual Choctaw Farmers' Market growers meeting; and presented a safe handling of produce workshop for Choctaw Fresh Produce employees. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The MBCI Choctaw FRTEP office has changed the attitude of using a non-Indian educational resources by remaining on Tribal land for over 15 years and gaining the trust of the MBCI department directors, elected officials, community members, and Choctaw schools. Due to this attitude change by the MBCI as a whole, more than 30 educational programs were implemented annually specifically for the MBCI and many impacts are the result, are listed as follows: soil testing resulting in an estimated $3000.00 of savings for Choctaw Wildlife Department; approximately 1500 acres managed for wild hog control and 40% increase in animal harvest; approximately 30% more whitetail doe deer harvested; a chronic wasting disease (CWD) program implemented impacting approximately 30,000 acres; establishment of the largest educational venue on the Choctaw Reservation by the creation of the Choctaw Wildlife Jamboree; the suppression of the invasive weed cogon grass affecting MBCI land; creation of Ag-CEL program specifically for the MBCI youth to view agriculture and natural resource career options and educational majors on-site and hands-on; educational resources for Choctaw Youth Opportunity Program annually; implementation of an outdoor classroom to Choctaw elementary curricula; creation of new MBCI department, Choctaw Fresh Produce; more than 40 MBCI gardeners implementing beneficial herbicides to home gardens and approximately 20 additional soil analyses annually; implementation of monthly trainings for MBCI operated resort property; creation of three new health education programs for MBCI SDPI; and the creation of a FRTEP television educational venue, e-newsletter, and radio program. Due to these impacts, attitudes have been altered in all areas of MSU-ES programming: Wild hog populations are now viewed as a manageable species; health indicator numbers are recognized as important to the MBCI's overall health; tennis is appreciated as a sport for Native Americans; agriculture is perceived as an educational and career opportunity post high school as well as a rehabilitative resource for troubled youth; agriculture is accepted as a MBCI business opportunity; and the FRTEP program is seen as a viable partner for MBCI schools and communities.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 05/01/11 to 04/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Eight priority program areas (PPA) were addressed including 4-H youth development, early care and education, health, horticulture, wildlife and fisheries, animal science/production, environment/nutrient management and farm and home safety. A total of 57 events were conducted serving 1738 contacts. Three major accomplishments were recorded. The first major accomplishment educated the tribe about raised garden beds. The Choctaw tribe operates a Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI). The program's mission is to educate tribal members on ways to prevent becoming diabetic. The SDPI director contacted the tribal Extension Service office and asked if the Extension Service could conduct a month-long series of programs to educate tribal members on ways to grow their own vegetables and herbs. One common request was to teach tribal members how to construct and utilize a raised bed garden, other topics included easy-to-grow herbs, tomatoes and garden herbicides. A schedule of classes was made and each class was held each Monday in the Month of April with all topics being covered. The second major accomplishment focused on educating the tribal members about deer population management. Only 2% of the tribal members participated in the tribal hunting season and each year the tribe has approached the Extensions Office to take the lead on planning and help facilitating the tribal wildlife jamboree to help market the sport of hunting and to educate tribal members about the importance of wildlife management, especially the youth. The tribal wildlife jamboree was implemented for the third consecutive year and the participation increased from 150 to 250 participants with many new participants between the ages of 10-15 years of age. The third major accomplishment was establishing a new educational row at the largest annual county program, the Neshoba County Wildlife Jamboree. The event has grown to have more than 2000 attendants which were making it difficult for everyone to hear the educational speakers. In order to resolve the problem, the Extension service developed an idea to have an educational row where participants had stamped cards to prove they participated in each talk. At the end of the event, they could turn their cards in to be entered into a drawing for door prizes. 311 participants turned their cards in proving the educational row was a success. PARTICIPANTS: MBCI Schools MBCI Vocational Rehabilitation Program MBCI WIC MBCI Housing Authority MBCI Forestry MBCI Wildlife Law Enforcement MBCI Boys and Girls Club MBCI Tribal 4H Program MBCI Tribal Recreation Department Jason Grisham Allen Peoples Melford Favre Eddie Johnson Chris Evans Tim Oakes Louise Wilson Sharron Thompson Darlene Wilson Mitzi Reed Candy Jimmie TARGET AUDIENCES: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
As a result of the programming and planning by the Extension Service, three major outcomes can be identified. After the raised bed garden classes were held by the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), four tribal members have installed garden beds. In addition, several other of the SDPI clientele have verbally expressed interest in gardening and at least seven have contacted the MBCI Natural Resources Department to assist them with tilling new gardening sites at their homes. The tribal wildlife jamboree was considered a success by all tribal advisors and plans are continue the event next year and compare enrollment of tribal hunters this season to determine if new hunters participate in hunter educations for the 2011-2012 season. After implementing the educational row at the Neshoba County Wildlife Jamboree, additional speakers were able to participate. The venue was so successful the advisory committee asked for it to be a permanent addition to the event.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 05/01/10 to 04/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Seed I.D. competition training was implemented for the tribal 4-H staff. The FRTEP agent will encourage the 4H staff to compete in an intertribal community based completion to gain experience and confidence in competing. The FRTEP office did implement multiple off-reservation field trips to various agriculture, and environmental venues to expose 4-Hers to new things. Sites included the sweet potato farm and packing shed in Vardaman Mississippi, Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, a catfish farm in Noxubee County, Petrified Forest Park in Flora, MS, and MSU South Farm research facility dairy farm. Contacts were made in each community club and three programs conducted on various topics. Also the clubs have accepted the offer by the FRTEP office to conduct a series of "train the trainer" courses so the club officers will be able to conduct financial management classes for poverty level tribal members in each community. Regular scheduled programs were developed and implemented for the Choctaw Wildlife and Parks department. Wildlife enhancement programming did take place in a series of management programs carried out by a MSU Extension area wildlife specialist. Home demonstration sites were established in all communities using the H.E.A.R.T. demonstration program. An invasive weed identification workshop was carried out for three tribal departments. All efforts have been made by the FRTEP office to establish a niche market for Hominy corn. Labels have been created and clear plastic bottle manufacture was located to establish a beginning of production. A meeting was set up by the FRTEP office and presented to the tribal natural resource committee. The committee has given the blessing of the project but has not appointed a tribal department to coordinate the program. At this time the program is on hold until the tribe agrees on which program will claim ownership. A program short course was developed by the FRTEP office and Extension specialist for clients of the Diabetes Prevention Program. The program will address needs of newly diagnosed persons with diabetes and tribal members at high risk of developing the disease. At least two programs were implemented for tribal teenagers to introduce them to higher education options to pursue careers in agriculture or forestry-related fields. The program venue was changed to the summer program the tribe offers to teenage students, "Youth Opportunity Program" or YOP. The careers program was a success and is requested by the YOP director each summer. PARTICIPANTS: Jim McAdory-MSU Extension Harvin Hudson-MSU Extension Mike Reed-MSU Extension Karen Benson-MSU Extension Patricia Knight-MSU Extension Susan Cosgrove-MSU Extension MBCI Diabetes Prevention Program MBCI Tribal Wildlife Department MS Department of Wildlife and Fisheries US Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Lunch and Learn programs were created to meet the financial needs of MBCI Radio programs are offered to increase MBCI's exposure to MSU-ES A Tribal Wildlife Jamboree was initiated and continued TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience is the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
As a result of programming for the Choctaw Wildlife and Parks Department, fish populations checks and water quality analyses were carried out for all tribal community ponds and Lake Pushmataha. Approximately 100 tons of lime was purchased and incorporated into the tribes largest lake (Pushmataha) and fish size and quality was improved greatly as estimated by the tribal wildlife biologist. Beaver trapping has been ongoing for two years. As a result of a series of management programs carried out by a MSU Extension area wildlife specialist, MBCI will incorporate into a new management plan for 2011 an enhanced effort to provide openings and wildlife friendly zones complete with food plots and nesting areas appropriate for wild turkey and quail. A location effort of sites suitable for the endangered redcockaded woodpecker is planned. As a result of home demonstration garden sites, soil sampling increased from 25% to 95% in each community. In some cases it was the first samples ever taken of home vegetable gardens. A program has been planned that will address needs of newly diagnosed persons with diabetes and tribal members at high risk of developing the disease. The short course is estimated to educate a minimum of 100 newly diagnosed tribal members annually. An average of five mass media educational programs and/or announcements is utilized monthly by way of newspaper, radio, e-newsletter and television. The creation of an Extension Radio program named "Right Decision" is maintained by the FRTEP agent and county Extension personal weekly. An educational program to introduce Tribal youth to higher education was incorporated into the summer program the tribe offers to teenage students, "Youth Opportunity Program" or YOP. The careers program was a success and is requested by the YOP director each summer. The program has introduces approximately 30 youth each summer to agriculture and forestry careers.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 05/01/09 to 04/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Eight priority program areas (PPA) were addressed including, 4-H youth Development, Health, Family Life, Enterprise and Community Development, Family Resource Management, Horticulture, Integrated Pest Management, and Wildlife and Fisheries. Within the PPA, there were a total of 45 events which served 2,168 clients. Three major outputs were recognized, one in each quarter. The Neshoba County and surrounding reservation lands had access to a local radio station, however, it had not been utilized by the Extension Service for years. A meeting was held at the Neshoba County office to pitch the idea of hosting a radio program to the staff as well as a meeting at the radio station to ask if the program would be possible to start. The result of the meetings yielded that staff and most area specialists were on board with the idea of the radio program and the radio station agreed to run a weekly Extension program at no cost. The second major output is in the PPA, Family Resource Management. The Tribal Administration and other officials contacted the Extension Service office on the reservation wanting to address the needs of tribal members suffering in the slow economic time. They believed many tribal members were failing to pay bills, getting trapped by pawn shop and fast cash loan establishments and living an unhealthy lifestyle which in turn costs additional money that can put a strain on household income. After listening to the concerns of the tribe, several Extension Service agents and the tribe's Diabetes Prevention Program were contacted to devise a program that would meet the needs outlined. A program named "Lunch & Learn" was put together by a coalition of Extension and Tribal personnel. The program meets once a month, during the lunch hour. The third major output assisted with the creation of another outdoor education program. With great interest in the outdoors, the tribe approached the Extension Office and requested assistance in starting a larger education program that followed the same format as the County Wildlife Jamboree. The Tribal Wildlife Dept. and Natural Resource Dept. agreed to help and a date was set. Other departments that were requested to assist with the education delivery and details were the Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, and the US Fish and Wildlife Dept. The effort produced the first ever Tribal Wildlife Jamboree and approximately 200 tribal members attended the event. Also, it was the first time the US Fish and Wildlife Dept. was asked to play a part in any type of educational program hosted by the tribal Wildlife Dept. and Extension Office. All the invited parties worked together to form a successful event. PARTICIPANTS: Jim McAdory-MSU Extension Harvin Hudson-MSU Extension Mike Reed-MSU Extension Karen Benson-MSU Extension Susan Cosgrove-MSU Extension MBCI Diabetes Prevention Program MBCI Tribal Wildlife Department MS Department of Wildlife and Fisheries US Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Lunch and Learn programs were created to meet the financial needs of the MBCI. The program was so succesful the initial six month run was extended. Radio programs were offered to increase the MBCI's exposure to what Extension offers. MBCI Wildlife Jamboree was initiated at the request of the MBCI. Neshoba County offers a Wildlife Jamboree, but a second was created on the reservation. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience was the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
There are three outcomes that correlate with the above outputs for the project. The Extension radio program has broadcasted ten shows on the local station that generated an increase in phone contacts on the reservation by 25%. The county has also seen an increase in phone contacts. Many comments to local staff are that the public did not know the Extension Office covered such a wide range of educational material, such as Money Matters. The radio personnel have also stated that they have received many favorable comments on the new show. The radio station reaches approximately 15,000 listeners each week. Because the original six-month plan for the Lunch & Learn Program was such a success, the tribe requested that the Extension Service head the project and make the program a monthly training that continued the entire year. The outcome of the Tribal Wildlife Jamboree is that the tribe has requested the event be held again in 2010 and the MDWFP was asked to work in conjunction with the tribe on several 4H fishing rodeos and other events. Not only was the first Jamboree a successful education event, but it was also an important networking event that will produce better relations between agencies.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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