YOUTH MAKE AN IMPACT WITH 4-H GPS/GIS NATURAL RESOURCE PROJECTS
4-H & Youth
Ty Petty
County Extension Director
University of Tennessee
Knoxville
Abstract
Teen 4-H members in Unicoi County, TN are using GIS (geographic information system) to promote conservation, tourism, and active lifestyles. The objectives were to improve technology, communication, conservation, fitness, and career preparedness skills in youth while developing GIS resources that would positively impact the community. The GIS team began hiking and collecting GPS data along local sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT) after the county was designated as an AT Community. Forty 4-H’ers hiked 8-13 mile segments of the AT for a total of 53 miles and twelve members of the 4-H GIS Team began meeting weekly afterschool in a computer lab to develop an AT poster map and brochure. The team continues to meet weekly. Current projects include a new trail map, greenway guide, river recreation guide, and recycling map. Questionnaires and interviews have shown that the youth improved their teamwork, communication, career preparedness, and technology skills. All participants report they can make a difference in their community. Three of the team members joined the National 4-H GPS/GIS Leadership Team and the team made presentations at four professional GIS Conferences, county and city government meetings, and to local civic groups. The Unicoi County AT Map won the Best Student Map Presentation Award at the 2011 ESRI International GIS User Conference. Since receiving a $1,000 grant from the Conservation Fund, over a thousand local AT Brochures have been distributed through the Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Forest Service to promote tourism and active lifestyles.
Authors: Petty, A.T.
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Petty, A.T. Extension Agent, University Of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee, 37650