University of wyoming extension. Project abstract for smith lever 3(B) and 3(C) capacity grant

Wyoming is the least populated state in the nation with 576,851 people spread out across 97,089 square miles, 99.8 percent of which is rural. The state is divided into 23 counties and the wind river indian reservation. Fifty-three percent of land in wyoming is owned by the federal or state government. Most of the state's economy is concentrated in three sectors: agriculture, minerals, and tourism. The university of wyoming extension (UWE) will enhance capacity for success and the resiliency of wyoming people, communities, organizations, and businesses through educational opportunities. A team-based approach to educational program leadership is tasked with assessing the needs of wyoming residents and communities, prioritizing, and developing educational programs to address those needs. UWE will continue to engage community members and organizations as partners and collaborators in educational efforts to build capacity in local communities throughout wyoming. Critical issue: communities, families and youth. Wyoming needs strong, dynamic, sustainable communities and voluntary sectors to thrive and grow. To help foster the growth and development of communities, families, and individuals, UW extension will focus educational efforts on the following program priorities: civic health; individual and family resource management; volunteer support and engagement; and youth development programming and engagement. Critical issue: community socio-economic prosperity. Wyoming's economy is vulnerable because of its historical economic dependence on agriculture and extraction industries, coupled with its sparse population. Socio-economic prosperity can be achieved through educational programs focused on strengthening community economic vitality, maintaining viable and progressive AG operations, foster crop diversity, promoting livestock health and limiting infectious disease. Critical issue: human health, wellness and nutrition. Many health, wellness and nutrition decisions depend not only on the individual but also on social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Evidence-based policy, systems, and environment (PSE) strategies will be used to increase healthy lifestyle changes and decrease the risk of obesity and chronic disease. The goal will be to increase the number of participants who meet the national physical activity guidelines and the national dietary recommendations. Participation in horticulture programs will also encourage residents to be more self-sufficient in food production and live a healthier lifestyle. Critical issue: natural systems, food and fiber production. Increasing climate variability, global population growth, and environmental degradation have placed unprecedented burdens on our natural systems. Wyoming's economy is based heavily on natural resource use (mineral extraction, tourism & recreation, agricultural production), with nearly half its land area publicly owned and managed by government agencies. A multidisciplinary, systems-based educational approach that contributes to thoughtful management of wyoming's abundant natural resources is essential to understanding the increasing complexity of a rapidly changing world. UWE's programs seek to increase knowledge and awareness of sustainable resource use including productive and sustainable agricultural systems, healthy forests and rangelands, water and soil quality, and sustainable land use. With stakeholder input, programs will advance sustainable agriculture and livestock production to improve food security, reduce hunger, increase economic returns, and support thriving rural economies.