KACDE Convention September 19-21, 2006

KACDE wishes to thank those who shined during our 3rd Annual KACDE Convention at the Kentucky Leadership Training Center in Jabez, KY. It was held September 18-20, 2007, and offered professional development sessions on Office Operations, Environmental Education, and Conservation Technical Applications. Two of the most popular courses included Grant Writing, presented by Ruthie Pike, and Publisher, presented by Martha Newby. More than 60 were in attendance, with 4 being out-of-state and from the Southeast Region.

Tuesday began with a general session and updates were provided by Steve Coleman (Division of Conservation), David Stipes (NRCS), John Finch (NACD), and Tommy Brooks (SECDEA). Ray Adams and Sandy Gay provided very resourceful presentations on Fiscal Court Funding Procedures. Their information can be located here.

Several "Shared the Light" during the sharing ideas presentations. Rayetta Boone, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, showcased the mobile science center. Ruan Jones (Tennessee DEA President) demonstrated how to make a prayer blanket to give to individuals to offer hope when facing a tough situation. Tommy Brooks shared the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) that provides cost share to urban/suburban community members on items such as small wildlife habitats, rain barrels, backyard wetlands, and more. This program is in its first year in North Carolina and has been extremely successful. Carly Burton demonstrated how a paint pan watershed can be resourceful and inexpensive to use in a classroom.

Later that night, a team building exercise was conducted with the "Seek the Sunlight" Scavenger Hunt. Teams, up to 3 players, worked together to figure out natural resource clues and collect items. Working together to support one another through this exercise proved to be successful in building new friendships and learning to work with different people. Martha Newby, Sandy Gay, and Valorie Floyd received first prize in the conservation and natural resources scavenger hunt!

Wednesday morning, groups broke out and rotated through different stations during the Sunshine Education Session. Cindy King's session provided the items needed to plan a successful field day. Linda Russell shared how to put together a grandparent kit and how their district works with local community groups. Rayetta Boone highlighted the Ag in the Classroom trailer, Ag Adventures, and the new Kentucky Proud classroom lessons for teachers. Cheryl Bersaglia shared her experience and excellent resources on training a winning Envirothon Team - Jefferson County's team won the state contest and competed at the national level. Joe Broughton and Kim Abernathy from the Kentucky National Wild Turkey Federation addressed the programs offered through the federation. J.R. Williamson led participants on an environmental trail blazing excursion and discussed how to develop and implement environmental trails in their own counties.

In the afternoon, participants were able to attend sessions on Grant Writing, PRIDE, Pipeline & Watering Facility Design, Health Screening, Publisher, and WHIP. That evening, everyone came together for the Lake Cumberland Boat Ride for fellowship and teambuilding exercises. This networking opportunity allowed Participants to share ideas from their individual districts and learn new strategies to accomplish conservation goals they can take back home.

Thursday concluded with silent auction results (raised more than $600) and special awards recognition. John Jones inspired the convention attendees with his presentation on "An Ounce of Prevention-A Pound of Cure." Kevin Jefferies, KACD President, provided an update and insight on what's to come for KACD. That afternoon participants attended General First Aid training.

As we said our goodbyes to new friends and established friendships, we reflected on what a great time each of us had. Our notebooks were full of notes from sessions and contacts, our suitcases were a little full with our goody bags, and our cameras were full with memories for years to come. It proved that we all "learned to shine" with our conservation district counterparts. Thank you for attending this year's convention and we hope that you are able to join us next year.

To get directions to the center, go to mapquest then driving directions. Enter in your address in the Start window and in the end window put 17500 HWY 196, Nancy, KY 42544. It should get you there with no problem. But if you do get lost call the center at 270-866-4215.