1. Service Learning with Natural Resources Using GPS/GIS Technology
Ty Petty, Extension Agent, The University of Tennessee Extension, Unicoi County, 100 N. Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650, typetty@utk.edu
Goals Impact
Make Unicoi County a major destination for Created Appalachian Trail Map and Brochure
Distributed over 1,000 Trail Brochures
outdoor recreation Created Storm Drain Map
Increase awareness of local natural Created Pinnacle Fire Tower Trail Map
resources Created County Recycling Map
Over seventy youth hiked at least 8 miles
Take over fifty 4‐H members hiking Youth improved their teamwork, communication, fitness,
Improve teamwork, citizenship, conservation, career preparedness, and technology skills
communication, conservation, and Made over 15 presentations at conferences, government
meetings, and civic organizations
technology skills Won Best Student Map Award at ESRI International GIS
Increase number of youth GIS projects Conference
across the state and country Won inaugural State 4‐H GIS Project Championship
Trained 13 Extension Agents at first State 4‐H GIS In‐Service
Five 4‐H members were selected to join the National 4‐H
GPS/GIS Leadership Team
Abstract
Teen 4‐H members in Unicoi County, TN are using GIS
(geographic information system) to promote conservation,
tourism, and active lifestyles. The first project involved Hikers enjoy the view overlooking the Hiking across Big Bald Mountain on
mapping storm drains and labeling them with waterproof Nolichucky River along the AT the AT at 5,516’ elevation
stickers stating “No Dumping, Drains to Stream.” The GIS
team began hiking and mapping local sections of the
Appalachian Trail after the county was designated as an
Appalachian Trail Community. Current projects include an
online community resources guide, a greenway guide, a local
river guide, and a map of local recycling centers. The youth
hiked over seventy miles during the past two years while
learning about GPS/GIS technology, tree identification,
conservation, and natural resources. The youth improved
their teamwork, communication, fitness, career Best Student Map at ESRI International GIS Conf.
preparedness, and technology skills. Three of the team
members joined the National 4‐H GPS/GIS Leadership Team in
2011. The Unicoi County Appalachian Trail Map won the Best Big Bald Mountain along the Appalachian Trail
Student Map Presentation Award at the 2011 ESRI
International User Conference. Over a thousand local Map created to increase recycling and educate public
Appalachian Trail Brochures, created by the 4‐H GIS team,
have been distributed through the Chamber of Commerce
and U.S. Forest Service.
The 4‐H GIS Team’s first
Partners
major project included
labeling storm drains
with “No Dumping”
stickers and creating a
map of all the storm
drains in the Town of
Unicoi.
State Champion 4‐H GIS Project