Progress 04/01/24 to 04/25/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences reached included both urban and rural populations, comprising youth, adults, and the elderly. Additionally, the target audiencesincluded college-age students, K-12 teachers, educators, stakeholders, federal and state funders, policymakers,environmental educators, businesses, partners, master gardeners, professionals, community organizations, communitygroups, and the general public. Changes/Problems:Due to the early termination of the grant, all planned efforts were brought to a sudden halt--including the development of the Environmental Education, Climate, and Outreach Academy (EECOA), the 365Green Podcast, the EECOA Task Force, and the 365Green Mobile Conservation Van. This decision interrupted critical progress on curriculum innovation, outreach infrastructure, and community engagement strategies that were positioned to drive long-term environmental stewardship. All co-investigators, undergraduate and graduate students, partners, and stakeholders were promptly informed of the grant's status change. The cancellation affected multiple institutions, regional networks, and collaborators who had invested time and resources in planning and implementation. For students, the discontinuation meant the loss of valuable experiential learning and internship opportunities designed to support career pathways in science, education, and conservation technology. To ensure responsible closure, the grant closeout process was initiated with urgency. Final expenditures were reconciled, financial documentation was reviewed, and all activities were cataloged. Materials were inventoried, and assets purchased with grant funds were managed in accordance with institutional guidelines. Communications and final reports were submitted to meet all closeout requirements, and project records were archived for future reference and auditing. Although the project concluded earlier than anticipated, it achieved significant outcomes that advanced the protection of beneficial pollinators, enhanced natural resource stewardship, and reduced environmental harm associated with improper disposal of electronic waste. Through educational outreach, hands-on conservation efforts, and strategic e-cycling initiatives, the team made meaningful contributions toward ecosystem resilience and sustainable practices that will continue to benefit communities beyond the life of the grant.The team also took every necessary step to bring the project to a close with transparency, professionalism, and respect for all collaborators involved. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Throughout the project, the team undertook monthly in-service training sessions. Several planning meetings were conducted to finalize the details of the Environmental Education, Climate, and Outreach Academy (EECOA), including its implementation strategies and agent training for program delivery. Investigators attended principal investigator meetings to gain a clearer understanding of reporting guidelines. The team participated in a wide array of professional development opportunities at the state, national, and international levels. These included the Climate U Network Conference in Nairobi, Kenya (September 27, 2024) [virtual]; the Alabama Water Resources Conference in Orange Beach, AL (September 4-6, 2024); the AGROSYM Symposium in Bosnia and Herzegovina (October 10-13, 2024) [virtual]; the International Conference on Life Sciences, Engineering and Technology (ILSET) [virtual] (April 16-19, 2024); the Regenerative Growers Conference in Birmingham, AL (November 2, 2024); the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists (AACAA) Meeting in Opelika, AL (June 5-7, 2024); the 30th Annual Beekeeping Symposium in Clanton, AL (February 1, 2025); the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) in Salt Lake City, UT (October 22-25, 2024); and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents 109th Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in Dallas, TX (July 14-18, 2024), and the Deepen Your Roots Project Learning Tree (PLT) Training (March 31, 2025). Team members routinely engaged in online and in-person training provided by organizations such as the American Horticultural Society, Alabama Rivers Alliance, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP), the National Extension Climate Initiative (NECI), and Southern Region Extension Forestry (SREF). Additional training included participation in the Climate Conversations: Women in Climate Science Webinar (March 22, 2025), a three-day Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) course, and the EcoActUs Beta Test Climate Course. These opportunities were utilized to gather research-based information that strengthened program development and delivery. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Program results were shared through various channels, including radio broadcasts, magazines, university calendars, internet platforms such as Facebook, newsletters, success stories, exhibits, and interactive demonstrations. They were spotlighted in local newscasts, newspapers, and in state and federal annual reports. Program outcomes were also disseminated at local, regional, national, and international meetings and conferences. This included an oral poster presentation entitled Assessing Outcomes of the Environmental Education and Climate Outreach Initiative at the Climate U Network Conference in Nairobi, Kenya on September 27, 2024 (delivered virtually). Results were also presented at the International Conference on Life Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (ILSET) held virtually from April 16-19, 2024; the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists (AACAA) Meeting in Opelika, AL from June 5-7, 2024; the 30th Annual Beekeeping Symposium in Clanton, AL on February 1, 2025; the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Conference in Salt Lake City, UT from October 21-24, 2025; the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Conference in Dallas, TX from July 12-19, 2024; and the Disaster Resiliency Summit in Mobile, AL on May 22, 2024. An array of educational materials and marketing tools was utilized, including approximately 560 publications, 335 brochures, and 450 flyers distributed to the public. A total of 36,880 indirect contacts were made through programming, digital platforms, and social media outreach. The social media response included an estimated Facebook reach of 17,500, 13,967 online page views, and 32,450 video views. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Component I:A curriculum lesson entitled Pollination and Honeybees was developed for the 365 Green Climate Literacy Program. It explored key concepts, including the pollination process, the critical contributions of honeybees to ecosystems and food security, and the challenges they currently face due to climate change and environmental pressures. To support the curriculum's foundation, the team gathered preliminary data by enrolling in the EcoActUs Beta Test Climate Course and participating in the American Climate Corps Listening Sessions, which served as a precursor to the Climate Change Training Bootcamp. Further efforts to enrich the team's knowledge included attending a webinar series on climate-resilient habitats, hosted by the University of Minnesota from January 27 to 30, 2025. These sessions featured pollinator conservation specialists who shared strategies for designing and maintaining ecosystems that can withstand the effects of climate change. On March 25, 2025, the team participated in the"Addressing Climate Emotions"webinar, where they received the Climate Emotions Toolkit. Component II:Throughout the project, design efforts were launched to develop the 365Green Mobile Conservation Van. Cost assessments were completed for the Transit Cargo Van, digital simulation devices, and portable components needed to retrofit the mobile unit. The first curriculum lesson was converted into a virtual reality (VR) experience by Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3), providing participants with immersive VR field trips that highlighted the vital role of pollinators and emphasized the importance of conservation. Component III:A range of activities was conducted throughout the project, including workshops, webinars, demonstrations, expos, e-waste drives, youth camps, and symposia focused on wildlife, natural resources, and waste management. The 365 Green Climate Literacy Program was integrated into the Plan of Work. Program delivery spanned in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats, with platforms such as Zoom and Facebook livestreaming used to extend reach and accessibility. Evaluation strategies employed formative and summative approaches, utilizing polling, impact surveys, and questionnaires. The resulting outcomes reflected meaningful increases in participant knowledge and a strong likelihood of positive behavioral change. Focus Area I: Wildlife Management Fifty new nestboxes were installed along birding trails, and five new trails were added to expand observation opportunities. In-person workshops provided hands-on learning experiences, includingSeed Starting for the Pollinator Garden,held on March 13, 2025 (n=35), aBeginner Beekeeping Workshopon January 25, 2025 (n=45), and theOakville Mounds Birding Festivalon March 9, 2025 (n=95). ASpring Community Garden Expotook place on February 25, 2025 (n=129), and theSpring Garden Symposium, titled"Earth, Wind, and Fire: A Concert of Issues Facing Today's Gardener in a Climate of Change," convened on March 20, 2025 (n=112), attracting enthusiastic participation. Presentations were delivered to beekeeping clubs, Master Gardeners, and Backyard Birdwatchers. The Team also contributed to the 30th Annual Alabama Beekeeping Symposium on February 1, 2025, and Earth Day celebrationson April 20, 2024, and April 12, 2025.Virtual pollinator programming included educational sessions for Senior Scientists (n=122) and a cross-institutionalAt Home Beekeeping Seriesthat reached 2,019 participants across 11 sessions. These efforts generated 29,726 minutes of video viewing, 206 live views, a Facebook reach of 10,002, and 319 engagements. Participants reported an average financial savings of $68 per person per session. Focus Area II: Natural Resource Management Throughout the project, interactive exhibits were presented at the Madison County Water Festival (n=600), the North Alabama Ag Expo (n=800), the Alabama Southeastern Ag Expo, and the Marion County Ag Expo (n=465). TheEco-friendly Fridays Webinar Seriesengaged 184 participants and supported efforts to reduce individual ecological footprints. Sixty-five percent of participants felt the information contributed to creating safer home environments, and 95% believed it enhanced their role as environmental stewards. An on-demand webinar series designed for undergraduates consisted of six sessions and attracted 67 participants. Evaluation results showed that 97% of respondents increased their awareness of environmental issues, and 95% achieved their goal of strengthening environmental protection efforts.ACamp Conservationfield day was held in collaboration with the Alabama Forestry Foundation, providing educators with effective environmental teaching strategies. Twenty-one CEUs were awarded through the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative. Survey results indicated that 58% of participants strongly agreed they felt more confident teaching about natural resources, and 50% strongly agreed they planned to apply their learning within six months. Youth education efforts included theLend an EAR Reading Challenge, which reached 83 participants. Fifty-five percent of youth reported improved vocabulary, 49% indicated gains in writing skills, and 88% felt inspired to protect the environment. Youth shared positive feedback such as, "I loved the stories!" and "It teaches you about the environment." Teachers praised the presenters' expertise and authentic delivery. TheLend an EAR Story Time Seriesreached 221 participants and introduced 12 STEM-themed books to 2,417 youth. Seventy-five percent of participating youth expressed a desire to read more, and 85% stated that reading aloud helped improve comprehension. Among educators, 75% agreed that the selected books supported STEM learning outcomes, and 78% believed that the storytime sessions contributed to literacy development. Focus Area III: Waste Management Waste management activities delivered measurable environmental benefits using industry-standard e-waste calculators. A total of 42,324 lbs. of CO2emissions were prevented. Toxic metals diverted from landfills totaled 1,216 lbs., comprising 1,182 lbs. of lead. Critical precious metals were preserved, comprising 1,870 lbs. of copper, 866 lbs. of aluminum, and 11,556 lbs. of steel, totaling 14,292 lbs.According to the ERI Carbon Footprint Calculator, these outcomes were equivalent to conserving 17,183 gallons of gasoline, saving 3,906 trees, and recycling 146,837 plastic bottles or 675,466 aluminum cans. The Montgomery County Environmental Calculator estimated that recycling 42,324 lbs. of e-waste saved approximately 1,685,342 hours of electricity. Printer cartridge recycling, tracked through the Clover Imaging Group Environmental Calculator, revealed that 195 recycled cartridges led to a reduction of 1,693 lbs. of CO2. emissions. Material recovery from those cartridges included 364 lbs. of plastic, 43 lbs. of aluminum, 123 lbs. of steel, and 71 lbs. of other metals.Overall, these efforts yielded widespread public benefits by conserving energy and natural resources, reducing pollution, deferring greenhouse gas emissions, diverting toxic materials from landfills, generating economic value, lowering costs, and creating green job opportunities. Component IV: The UEI-AFNR Program was set to begin in June 2025. Plans were initiated to establish a competitive selection process for applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. The internship would have lasted 10 weeks and concluded with a final report, completion of mentor and intern evaluation forms, and a summary presentation delivered through web conferencing. Component V: A competitive graduate assistantship was marketed to undergraduate students with an interest in climate science. Applicants submitted a resume, a transcript, and a one-page letter of interest. After a thorough review process, a student was selected and set to begin an M.S. program in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences in May 2025.
Publications
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Progress 04/01/24 to 03/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences reached included urban and rural audiences, including youth, adults, and the elderly. Target audiences also included college-age students, K-12 teachers, educators, stakeholders, federal and state funders, policymakers, environmental educators, businesses, partners, master gardeners, professionals, community organizations, community groups, and the general public. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Monthly in-service training sessions are being untaken by the Team. They ncludeparticipation in a four-part Climate-Resilient Pollinator Series. Several planning meetings were conducted to discuss details of the Environmental Education, Climate, and Outreach Academy (EECOA) and its implementation and train agents on program delivery. Investigators attended principal investigator meetings to understand reporting guidelines better. The Team participated in several professional development opportunities. They includeattendance at statewide, national, and international professional development (PD) meetings, such asthe Alabama Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Meeting in Guntersville, AL (February 21-22, 2024), the Climate U Network Conference in Nairobi, Kenya (September 27, 2024) [virtually], the Alabama Water Resources Conference in Orange Beach, AL (September 4-6, 2024), the AGROSYM Symposium in Bosnia and Herzegovina (October 10-13, 2024) [virtually], the International Conference on Life Sciences, Engineering and Technology (ILSET) [virtual] (April 16-19, 2024), the Regenerative Growers Conference in Birmingham, AL (November 2, 2024), the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists (AACAA) Meeting in Opelika, AL (June 5-7, 2024), the 30th Annual Beekeeping Symposium in Clanton, AL (February 1, 2025), the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) in Salt Lake City, UT (October 22-25, 2024), and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents 109th Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in Dallas, TX (July 14-18, 2024).Team members routinely engaged in online and in-person training offered by organizations like the American Horticultural Society,Alabama Rivers Alliance, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals(ANREP), the National Extension Climate Initiative (NECI), and Southern Region Extension Forestry (SREF). Other training included participation in the Climate Conversations: Women in Climate Science Webinar (March 22, 2025), a three-day Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) course, and the EcoActUs Beta Test Climate Course. These opportunities were used to seek out research-based information that would enhance the development and delivery of the program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Program results were shared using radio, magazines, university calendars, online internet sources (i.e., Facebook), newsletters, success stories, exhibits, and interactive demonstrations. They were spotlighted in local newscasts, newspapers, and state and federal annual reports. Program outcomes were also shared at local, regional, national, and international meetings and conferences. This includes an oral poster presentation entitled "Assessing Outcomes of the Environmental Education and Climate Outreach Initiative at the Climate U Network Conference in Nairobi, Kenya (September 27, 2024) [virtually]. Results were also shared at the International Conference on Life Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (ILSET) [virtual] (April 16-19, 2024), the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists (AACAA) Meeting in Opelika, AL (June 5-7, 2024), the 30th Annual Beekeeping Symposium in Clanton, AL (February 1, 2025), the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) in Salt Lake City, UT (October 21-24, 2025), the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in Dallas, TX (July 12-19, 2024) and the Disaster ResiliencySummit in Mobile, AL(May 22, 2024). An array of educational materials and marketing tools was utilized, with an estimated 450 publications, 300 brochures, and 420 flyers shared with the public. A total of 36,480 indirect contacts were made via programming, online, and social media resources. The social response to the output was as follows: an estimated Facebook Reach of 16,625, as well as 12,854 online page views and 31,130 video views. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The next reporting period will include planning, coordinating, and implementing in-person, hybrid, virtual, and traditional workshops, demonstrations, webinars, and field days to advance the Environmental Education, Climate, and Outreach Academy (EECOA). Efforts will include continued work towards developing the multidisciplinary curriculum, the 365Green Podcast, the EECOA Task Force, and the 365Green Mobile Conservation Van. Several advisor/advisee meetings will take place to lay the foundation for a graduate research/extension project. The project will involve an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and work on temperature and precipitation estimation for the study areas based on various climate change scenarios. The next reporting period will also entail the implementation of the UEI-AFNR Program. The interns will help coordinate educational programs, conduct fieldwork, partake in service-learning projects, and translate data. They will also help build client, volunteer, and partner relationships. Interns will be evaluated on performance in areas ranging from leadership ability to attitude toward work. Proposed activities will also include additional training and participation in local meetings and national conferences.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Component I: The first curriculumlesson, "Pollination and Honeybees," was developed for the 365 Green Climate Literacy Program. It explores the pollination process, the contributions of honeybees, and their challenges. Additional data for curriculum development is being acquired with team members enlisting in the EcoActUs Beta Test Climate Course and participating in the American Climate Corps Listening Sessions (January 16 and 25, 2024) as a part of the EECOA Climate Change Training Bootcamp. Seeking more resources, the team participated in a webinar series on climate-resilient pollinator habitats across landscapes offered by the University of Minnesota (January 27-30, 2025). Pollinator conservation specialists delivered strategies for building resilient ecosystems in the face of climate change. Component II: Efforts are underway to design the concepts for the 365Green Mobile Conservation Van. Estimates have been obtained for the Transit Cargo Van, the digital devices for simulation, and portable modelsneeded to retrofit the mobile unit. The first lesson is being developed into a virtual reality (VR) digital scene by Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3). Participants will take VR field trips that teach the importance of pollinators and conservation. Component III: Several workshops, webinars, demonstrations, exhibits, expos, e-cycling drives, and symposiums were carried out for the wildlife, natural resources, and waste management focus areas. The 365 Green Climate Literacy Program was written into the Plan of Work (POW), and activities used in-person, virtual, and hybrid delivery modes like Zoom and live streaming via Facebook. Programs were evaluated using formative and summative processes, with polling, impact surveys, and questionnaires. Program outcomes revealed significant increases in knowledge and anticipated positive changes in behavior for the participants. Focus Area I: Wildlife Management: During the program year, fifty new nestboxes were established on birding trails, and five new trails were added. In-person workshops included "Seed Starting for the Pollinator Garden" on March 13, 2025 (n=35), a Beginner Beekeeping Workshop on January 25, 2025 (n=45), and the Oakville Mounds Birding Festival on March 9, 2025 (n=95). A Spring Community Garden Expo was held on February 25, 2025 (n=129), and a Spring Garden Symposium entitled "Earth, Wind, and Fire: A Concert of Issues Facing Today's Gardener in a Climate of Change (n=112) was held on March 20, 2025. Presentations were made for beekeeping clubs, Master Gardeners, and Backyard Birdwatching groups.Team members helped host the 30th Annual Alabama Beekeeping Symposium on February 1, 2025, and Earth Day at Hays Nature Preserve on April 20, 2024. Virtual pollinator workshops included Senior Scientists (n=122) and a cross-institution At Home Beekeeping Series (n=2,019). The latter reached 2,019 live participants via 11 sessions. Video content received 29,726 minutes of views, with 206 live views, while social media responses showed a Facebook reach of 10,002 with engagements of 319 and an average savings of $68 per person per session. The pollinator workshop revealed that 100% of the respondents surveyed increased their knowledge of pollinators; 91% planned to plant more pollinator plants; 41% planned to apply pesticides more carefully; 73% planned to protect pollinator species diversity; 64% planned to help reduce the impact of climate change on pollinators; 89% planned to adopt a practice demonstrated, with 11% responding maybe; and anticipated cost savings were $0-50 (55%), $50-100 (23%), and $100-150 (23%). Focus Area II: Natural Resource Management: Interactive exhibits were provided at the Madison County Water Festival (n=600), the North Alabama Ag Expo [n=800], and the Marion County Ag Expo [n=465]. The Eco-friendly Fridays Webinar Series helped citizens reduce their ecological footprint (n=184). Sixty-five percent (65%) of respondents felt the information would provide a safer home, and 95% thought it helped them become better environmental stewards. An on-demand version for undergraduates (n=67) offered six webinars, with 97% of respondents increasing their knowledge of environmental issues and 95% achieving an environmental expectation of protecting the environment. A Camp Conservation field day conducted with the Alabama Forestry Foundation provided teachers with strategies to enhance student learning outcomes. Twenty-one CEUs were awarded via the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative; 58% of respondents strongly agreed that they felt more confident teaching natural resources afterward; 50% strongly agreed they planned to use what they learned within the next six months. A Lend an EAR Reading Challenge (n=83) revealed that 55% of youth respondents felt the program increased their vocabulary, 49% thought it improved their writing ability, and 88% felt the books encouraged them to protect the environment. Youth Comments:"I loved the stories!" "I like that it teaches you about the environment." Teachers' Comments: "The presenters were knowledgeable and authentic, which made the whole process quite enjoyable." A Lend an EAR Story Time Series (n=221) shared 12STEM books with 2,417 youth. Results showed that 75% of youth wanted to read more because of the program, and 85% felt reading books aloud helped them understand them better. Survey results for teachers participating in Lend an EAR showed that 75% of teachers agreed the books supported their STEM learning outcomes, and 78% agreed that the story time was helpful in their students' literacy development. Focus Area III: Waste Management: The environmental benefits of the waste management activities were demonstrated by applying e-waste calculators that underscore the social, economic, and environmental gains achieved via e-cycling efforts. Greenhouse gas equivalencies were determined using EPA's WARM Emissions Factors and Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator to average weights. The e-Stewards Global Impact E-waste Calculator showed the activities deferred 42,324 lbs. of CO2 from entering the atmosphere; diverted 1,216 lbs. of toxic metals from landfills [i.e., lead (1,182 lbs.)]; saved over 14,294 lbs. of critical precious metals [i.e., copper (1,870 lbs.), aluminum (866 lbs.), and steel (11,556 lbs.). The ERI Carbon Footprint Calculator indicated that the reduced C02 emissions were equivalent to conserving 17,183 gallons of gasoline, saving 3,906 trees, or recycling 146,837 plastic bottles or 675,466 aluminum cans. The Montgomery County Environmental Calculator showed that the 42,324 lbs. of e-waste recycled would help save 1,685,342 hours of electricity. The Clover Imaging Group Environmental Calculator revealed that the 195 printer cartridges recycled resulted in a total reduction of 1,693 lbs. of CO2. The recycled cartridges provided 364 lbs. of plastic, 43 lbs. of aluminum, 123 lbs. of steel, and 71 lbs. of other metals. Overall, the benefits for the broader public are conserved energy and natural resources, reduced pollution, deferred CO2 emissions, diversion of toxic metals, revenue,cost savings, and increased job opportunities. Component IV: The UEI-AFNR Program will begin in June 2025, and the selection process is underway. Applicants with a 3.0/4.0 GPA will submit official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a letter of interest. The internship will last 10 weeks and culminate with a final report, completion of mentor and intern evaluation forms, and a summary of the exit seminar via web conferencing. Component V: A competitive graduate assistantship was marketed to undergraduate students interested in climate science. Applicants were asked to submit a resume, transcript, and a one-page letter of interest. After careful review, a student was selected and will begin an M.S. program in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences in May2025.
Publications
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