Determining Environmental Extension Programming Effectiveness and Reach Following Assessment of a Natural Resources Webinar Series
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 17, Issue 2 - December 2024
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
Extension is important in educating the public about science-based good practices for environmental protection. The “Earth Day, Every Day” webinar series was implemented to address environmental topics and covering actions people can take to address specific issues. Short, free online programming proved to be effective for increasing the adoption of good practices. On a practice-by-practice basis, the intention to implement a practice only moderately predicted actual implementation, suggesting that surveys of asking about intention to adopt may not be sufficient in assessing program impacts. Practices with the lowest adoption rates included some that may be relatively difficult to implement, suggesting that education needs to also include those practices that can be readily adopted by participants. The implementation of practices was also correlated to knowledge about the corresponding topic, suggesting that education and continuing education is important in effecting practice adoption. Relative to the state population,
audience members were overrepresented in the categories of 45 or older, female, and White, indicating the need to reach non-traditional audiences following diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
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