Implementing Behavior Change in Natural Resources to Senior Citizens
Extension Education
James Davis
County Extension Director
UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County
BUSHNELL
Abstract
The Villages, located in Sumter County Florida, is one of the largest retirement communities in the United States. The influx of seniors to Sumter County has made it one of the highest median age counties in the United States. 58% of residents are over 65 years of age. UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County was invited to participate in The Villages Enrichment Academy. The Enrichment Academy was developed for community education and enrichment to its senior citizens. The objective of Extension was to provide classes emphasizing and educating local wildlife and natural resources to enrich the lives of its residents. Each class is two-hours long. A fee of $21.00 is charged for each guest and $15.00 for each resident. The Enrichment Academy promotes all classes within The Villages. They also provide a meeting room at no charge, along with all necessary audio and visual components. A total of 12 events were conducted in 2022, having 228 registered participants. Behavior change was measured using a end-of-the-year follow-up survey captured by Qualtrics. 100% of surveyed participants (n=13) stated they had a greater knowledge and appreciation of native wildlife after attending one or more classes. 92% (n=12) stated they shared their new knowledge of native wildlife identification skills to at least one person. 61% (n=8) stated they shared their new knowledge of invasive species identification skills to at least one person. 30% (n=4) stated they provided habitat for native wildlife in their landscape after attending one or more classes. 83% (n=10) stated they now have successfully identified native wildlife in their landscape after attending one or more classes. 30% (n=4) stated they now have taken up birding after attending one or more classes. 38% (n=5) have visited a new park or wildlife management areas as a result of attending one or more classes. As a result of successful programming, The Villages Enrichment Academy has now included programming from our Family and Consumer Sciences agent and Horticulture agent.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
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Authors: Jim Davis
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Davis, J. Multi-County Extension Director , UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County , Florida, 33513