Progress 05/01/09 to 04/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Residents of Pine Ridge Reservation Changes/Problems: The project was extended one year to continue program objectives not completed within the previous grant cycle. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Staff have been trained in leadership development and youth engagement principles, and have attended the annual IAC/FRTEP conference and SDSU Extension conferences. Community capacity building programs included training in farmer/rancher skills, food preservation, marketing, food safety, pesticide applicator training, How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Radio, newspaper articles, social media, newsletter, direct email. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will continue primary program initiatives as outlined on the current grant application, with some constraints due to severely curtailed funding from USDA.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A strong partnership with the project funded through the Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program provided significant opportunities in this grant cycle to engage with beginning producer outreach in ranching and horticulture. Staff turnover hampered youth engagement in the first part of the grant period, but shared funding through SDSU extension allowed for elevation of an additional position from assistant to program level, which helped build partnerships. Progress was slow through 2011 with the restructuring of SDSU Extension, but new staff in the new program model led to engagement wtih the OJJDP mentoring program, as well as new intiatives such as shooting sports. OVer seventy youth are currently enrolled in various projects through the 4-H program.
Publications
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Progress 05/01/12 to 04/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this project is the residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The office partnered with Lakota Funds and the Beginning Farmer Rancher grant on producer training, including specific certification programs in farrier work, food preservation, pesticide application and farmer's market management. Program staff attend training related to leadership and community development and youth engagement, and two staff attended the annual grant-funded FRTEP conference. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The continued emphasis on youth- centered activities from the previous year has had a substantial impact on the growth in enrolled 4-H members participating both in traditional 4-H events and in 4-H School Partnership and STEM based programming. The Youth Horse Program resulted in 30 youth participating in youth play day rodeos with a primary focus on increased saddle time and comfort level handling horses. Participant ages ranged from 5-18 so all levels of 4-H were represented from cloverbuds through seniors. The total contact hours from the program were nearly 600 with the five events the office hosted. The success of this program has led to the 2013 program utilizing the 4-H Horse Program Guide that will expand beyond a focus of Saddle Time to classroom style education in the areas of Horse Nutrition being served in both a hands on approach and classroom style presentation with local volunteers hosting power point discussions and interactive workshops. The 2013 schedule will be expanded to include 2 practice county horse show events and the Pine Ridge/Shannon County Horse Show to go along with the Play Day Rodeo Series. The program to date has also provided a development of local volunteers to the youth horse program with parents actively participating as judges, record keepers, and timers. Last year’s program utilized around 10 volunteers per event and looks to grow as we increase participation. Expected participation numbers for this year should see 40-50 participants expanding contact hours to 800+. The OJJDP Grant Produced two certified archery instructors in the Pine Ridge Area and an active 4-H Shooting Sports Club with 24 enrolled 4-H members participating in the 4-H Shooting Sports Program where 11 qualified for the State Finals in April of 2013. The Summer School Partnerships that have developed will expand partnering relationships with a program evaluation set to happen in July of 2013. The plan is to continue working with our three partnering schools during the school year as they will utilize the 4-H afterschool club model and have site coordinators promoting 4-H at each school. These efforts will involve a minimum of 4 hours of after school programming a month, and include a family fun night where participants will share their projects and experiences with family members once a month from September-May 2014. The profile of the Extension Office continues to grow and succeed in their youth based and local foods efforts also increasing in their level of commitment to the community involves the development of partnerships between the Extension Office and the local tribal government system where in April of 2013 the tribal council passed a resolution to participate in the application process for the Stronger Economies Together Program which is a partnership between SDSU Extension and the USDA. The President’s Office of the Tribe also accepted a proposal from the Pine Ridge Extension Office to coordinate training efforts provided by Extension Staff to local community governing bodies focusing on the development of Community Engagement and Economic Development Planning along with Strategic Planning Sessions. This training is set to happen in June 2013. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? For the subsequent grant cycle, we'll continue efforts in agricultural training with adults and youth, partnerships in science and technology for youth, and continuing to build our network and capacity in implementing culturally relevant engagement and leadership programs for youth and communtiies.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Pine Ridge Office has new staff members currently in the community development position and have had the 4-H Advisor Position filled throughout the remaining time of the grant cycle. The 4-H Advisor Position was filled by Keith Ferguson in March of 2012, being a position he fulfilled until October of 2012 at which time he moved into the Community Development Position that was vacated by Jessica Eikmeier in August of 2012. The transition was effective from August to October while Keith looked to further develop partnerships in the communities on various development projects and maintained a youth outreach component for 4-H. Youth Programming from May- August continued to focus on recruitment of participants and project days focused on food safety, cooking and baking courses along with equine programs with 30 local youth and families participating in a local play day rodeo series developed by Pine Ridge Extension Office Staff, Jessica Eikmeier, Keith Ferguson and 4-H Summer Intern Lea Puckett. This program was funded primarily through local sponsorship that was sought after by Lea. The program with 30 youth participating resulted in nearly 600 contact hours spread out over five separate events. The office also continued efforts on the OJJDP grant they were awarded during the previous year. The focus on family based activities that couples both traditional 4-H activities with a strong engagement in STEM activities continues through the partnership of three local schools: Red Cloud, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Red Shirt with the Extension Office. Our Lady of Lourdes successfully implemented a traditional shooting sports program with 24 enrolled 4-H members participating in the program of which 11 qualified to participate in the State Finals in April of 2013. Red Cloud and Red Shirt along with Our Lady of Lourdes in March of 2013 finalized a partnership with the Extension Office to utilize 4-H STEM Curriculum, programming, and training provided by other Extension Staff and the Pine Ridge Office Staff. The program will have 73 participants in the grades of 5-8 participate. The end result of these efforts will include nearly 3000 contact hours in STEM based programming provided by Extension Staff and trained school teachers in 4-H Extension Programming, training that was provided by current Extension Staff. Promotion of the office and programming efforts were again handled thru utilization of local media outlets and radio stations along with the Lakota Nation Invitational and Education Conference. The Extension Radio Show is held two Friday’s a month at KILI from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Local media outlets include the Lakota Country Times that is utilized at least once a month for an update of completed programming and upcoming events. Extension Character Education Specialist Karrelyn Farrands was also utilized during the Lakota Nation Invitational Education Conference to present on the “We are all Related” Character Education Program that is centered on Native American Ideals and Traditions. Garden Planning Meetings were expanded in the spring of 2013 starting in January and Ending in March with 8 total trainings happening in 4 communities. The focus was on both the experienced and novice gardeners with “Beginning Gardener Classes and Gardening 101”. Other efforts towards training in the Local Foods Program was a series of five Local Foods Workshops held in the Community of Kyle starting in January and ending in February of 2012.
Publications
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Progress 05/01/11 to 04/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This report covers the period April 2011 through March 2012. The previous progress report covered from May 1, 2009 through April 2011. The final report due next April will cover the full grant period. South Dakota State University restructured in October 2011, changing from a county-based structure to a structure that housed specialist staff at regional centers, with 4-H advisors in predominantly multi-county arrangements, cofounded by county governments. The structure of the FRTEP program offices did not change, other than some clarification of roles of staff members within the offices. The Pine Ridge office has a community development position and a 4-H position that was changed from the program assistant level to an advisor level (bachelor's level), which is indicative of a larger degree of autonomy in developing programs. Grant funds cover 100% of the community position and 50% of the youth position; the remainder is covered by South Dakota State University. The community development position was vacant from March 2011 until November 2011, at which point Jessica Eikmeier was transferred from a former county educator position. The youth position was essentially vacant throughout this this grant cycle (re-filled in April 2012). Programming during this transitional period was provided by additional SDSU staff and partners. The Beginning Farmer Rancher Development program continued it's program offerings in rancher and commercial vegetable production, and this program provided continuity to public outreach efforts for the Extension office during the spring/summer of 2011. 4-H youth were enrolled through the Bennett County office during this period. Local enrollment through 4-H was reinitiated in fall 2011, with multiple promotional events and leaders training. The office held activities including craft programs, a bridle/halter making workshop, cake decorating, youth leaderships and other programs designed to introduce 4-H to new youth and adults. Pine Ridge Extension was awarded an OJJDP grant to provide a 4-H mentoring program to middle school aged youth. The Tech Warriors program has been developed to engage youth in STEM activities, traditional 4-H work, mentoring, and family-based activities. The program is taking place in two reservation communities to increase the number of youth impacted. In Kyle, portions of the program have been offered to 56 middle school and high school youth for a total of over 280 contact hours of science content; in Oglala, 15 youth have taken part in other aspects of the program. This grant continues through 2012. Other program promotions were offered at Lakota Nations Invitational Basketball tournament and Education conference. A garden planning meeting was held in January to engage local growers and partner agencies for the upcoming growing season. PARTICIPANTS: The individuals who worked on the project included the community development associate, the 4-H youth advisor, as well as Extension Specialists in veterinary science, range management, livestock production, horticulture, nutrition, and community development. TARGET AUDIENCES: The residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation are the target audience for this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The extension office moved from its location in buildings owned by Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority near Wounded Knee to new space across from the main campus of Oglala Lakota College in Kyle. This new location has increased public access to the extension office tremendously and has helped with promotion of partnership programs. There has been a renewed concentration on youth-centered activities with a number of youth who regularly participate in Extension programming. This has resulted in a vibrant plan for youth engagement through the spring/summer season in crafts, horsemanship, foods and nutrition and gardening. A drive to increase the number of traditional 4-H members has resulted in an increase in 4-H enrollment of 30%, which should continue to grow. Program offerings in rangeland management, rancher education and gardening have continued to raise the profile of the Extension office with the local community. The Extension office has worked with a number of Reservation-based agencies to develop a cohesive plan for programming centered around gardening, farmers markets, and food preservation, in response to a clear desire from community members for programming in local foods production and entrepreneurship.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 05/01/10 to 04/30/11
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 various workshops that addressed concerns regarding production in drought conditions, the need for 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. A partnership between CES and Hands of Faith Ministries provided 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 regarding sustainability and the role of SARE and CES with the partner groups. YOUTH OBJECTIVES: Over 750 youth were served by CES programs, including community garden efforts with Roots and Shoots, rodeos, various camps (including ecology and traditional teepee camps), horse programs (such as the sobriety ride and an equine therapy program), traditional youth cultural education and arts programs (archery, horsemanship, quillwork, crafts, traditional games, and performing arts), Earth Week activities in the schools, and other environmental and agricultural programs and activities. In April 2008, a new youth program assistant was hired, renewing interest 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 has 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 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. 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. From 2003 to 2008, a West Nile Virus task force, including tribal government, Indian Health Service, and State personnel, reached over 3,000 youth and adults in 14 reservation schools with education and materials on West Nile Virus prevention and mosquito control. As a result, the incidence of West Nile Virus in humans and horses dropped significantly from 2003 levels. The SDSU visit in 2008 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 05/01/09 to 04/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Community meetings with two former Horizons groups; planning for farmers market, community garden and art markets. 4-H Club activities with three active clubs, including horse games, archery, bridle/halter making, traditional crafts, traditional games programs and environmental programs. Leadership programs at regional conference with over 200 educators working with Native Youth. A youth Summit involving over 500 reservation youth. Assistance with ag and natural resource agencies in providing producer programming in pest management, range management and financial planning. Training of educators and youth in financial literacy skills; participation in statewide survey on existing skills for new program development. Garden outreach program including home and community garden consulting, educational workshops in schools and by radio program, a demonstration garden of techniques and crops at the Extension office. Assistance with starting/operation of the new Beginning Farmer/Rancher program, funded through a NIFA BFRDP grant. Health and nutrition programs with adults and school youth involving heathy eating, vegetable selection and cooking, fitness and health benefits. PARTICIPANTS: Steve Hernandez, Educator Arlo Iron Cloud, Program Assistant for youth programs Chester Marks, Garden program assistant (summer programs) TARGET AUDIENCES: All programs provided the community members of Pine Ridge Reservation. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
A new farmer's market developed for a part of the reservation with little access to vegetables. Strengthened strategic plan for encouraging entrepreneurship programs. Two new 4-H clubs started in late 2009. Archery programs at three schools resulted in 7 adults and 150 youth trained in basic archery skills. Leadership programs at regional conference with over 200 educators working with Native Youth. A youth Summit involving over 500 reservation youth. Results were the establishment of an action forum to set goals and baseline for youth behavior and community action. New efforts at next level training with other agencies on financial literacy skills including CORE4 training, in conjunction with other service organizations on Pine Ridge. Seven new home, one school and one community garden established in 2009. Beginning Farmer/Rancher program, funded through a NIFA BFRDP grant, awarded in October 2009; over 700k total funding over three years. Initial training period completed in February; comprehensive short course schedule beginning in March for the first year students.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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