The development of a fenced riparian area, while good for the health of the stream, denies water access to horses in the North paddock. To solve this problem, a perennial spring was developed to gravity-feed a water tank, providing an alternate water source. The spring is fenced off from the horses, and water is piped to a tank that sits in a shaded structure, which keeps the algae down and the water cool.
“The spring water stays at 57 degrees year-round, so the horses drink more,” says Higgins. “Consequently, the horses are healthier because animals have access to clean, cool water.”
Excess water is piped to the stream eliminating an unused, unsafe wet area that previously covered a large portion of the North paddock. The development of the spring was done in a manner that allows easy access and viewing for visitors of educational tours.
“As a result of the paddock renovation efforts, there has been a noticeable increase in stream bank stability, riparian
A large gulley formed by high traffic near the stream was repaired and the area is now deemed a “no-mow” zone. Photo provided by the UK College of Agriculture
Several businesses, individuals, organizations and communities have elected to become environmental leaders by joining KY EXCEL, Kentucky’s voluntary environmental leadership program. These new members have committed to a variety of projects to improve and protect Kentucky’s environment that go beyond the environmental regulations. Call 1-800-926-8111 for more information or visit http://www.dca.ky.gov/kyexcel/.
BA Engineers Inc., Louisville Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment, Lexington
East Kentucky Power Cooperative—J.K. Smith Power Station, Trapp East Kentucky Power Cooperative—John Sherman Cooper Power Station, Burnside East Kentucky Power Cooperative—William C. Dale Power Station, Winchester East Kentucky Power Cooperative—H.L. Spurlock Power Station, Maysville East Kentucky Power Cooperative Headquarters, Winchester
Kentucky Utilities Co.—E.W. Brown Generating Station, Harrodsburg Louisville Gas & Electric Co.—Muldraugh Station, Muldraugh vegetation and an overall improvement to water quality due to fencing and access restriction," explains Higgins. "The development of the North paddock took the longest, but the benefits are already evident. The rotational grazing is taking place, and the horses are utilizing the alternative watering source. Because of this, the South paddock is recovering from its extended use." The college has hosted several field day and demonstration events for county extension agents, students, the general public and equine producers. This site has been identified as a resource for education and outreach about agricultural water quality BMPs and visited by water quality professionals, as well as state and government officials from the southern region. The site has served as a demonstration site for both undergraduate and graduate-level students, as well as the UK Robinson Scholars.
vegetation and an overall improvement to water quality due to fencing and access restriction," explains Higgins. "The development of the North paddock took the longest, but the benefits are already evident. The rotational grazing is taking place, and the horses are utilizing the alternative watering source. Because of this, the South paddock is recovering from its extended use."
The college has hosted several field day and demonstration events for county extension agents, students, the general public and equine producers. This site has been identified as a resource for education and outreach about agricultural water quality BMPs and visited by water quality professionals, as well as state and government officials from the southern region. The site has served as a demonstration site for both undergraduate and graduate-level students, as well as the UK Robinson Scholars.