Tennessee

TN AgrAbility, represented by Eileen Legault along with Susan Turner, outreach specialist for the Progressive Ag Foundation, made a presentation to 17 Extension agents at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Association of Extension 4-H Workers (TAE4-HW) in Knoxville. This presentation gave information about offering Progressive Ag Safety Days in their communities along with lessons that can be taught in classrooms on ag safety. Learn more about Ag Safety Days HERE.

Therapeutic horticulture is a practice that embraces the healing power of nature to promote physical and emotional well-being. It involves using plants, gardens, and cultivating a sense of connection with nature to help people improve their health, well-being, and quality of life. Dr. Derrick Stowell, UT Gardens education and horticultural therapy program administrator and immediate past president of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, led a horticultural therapy workshop attended by fourteen veterans and hosted by the UT Gardens in Knoxville and TN AgrAbility. Topics included: career options for veterans, how TN AgrAbility and Frontline Gardens can assist veterans, hands-on gardening/horticulture activities, and opportunities to network with other veterans with similar interest.
Horticultural Therapy Outreach | UT Gardens - The State Botanical Garden of Tennessee
https://frontlinegardens.org/

TN AgrAbility promoted through Facebook posts concerning the USDA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships workshop series weekly in May. This series convenes farmers and ranchers, technical assistance providers, local leaders, and federal, state and university partners to discuss mental health challenges, stressors, and the resources to address them. To learn more and view the recorded webinars visit https://www.usda.gov/ocr/eia/fbnp.

TN AgrAbility participated in the Haywood County Progressive Ag Safety Day with 150 elementary students. The disability awareness station consisted of a wheelchair obstacle course, reading with Dyslexia activity, and speech impairment and mental challenges. The students had a fun time with this event while also realizing the challenges faced by those with physical limitations.

The Upper Cumberland Extension Team hosted the 3rd annual "Women in Ag Summit" in Carthage, TN. The goal of this event is to celebrate the impact that female producers are having in Tennessee agriculture and assist them in honing skills for future success. Over 150 women attended the summit. Those visiting the TN AgrAbility booth were able to try the assistive technology tools on display that help producers who may suffer from arthritis, joint pain and other chronic diseases.

Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility Project