TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY CENTER
TRANSYLVANIA FEBRUARY UPDATE
March 2021
Home Gardener News
From the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers:
March is when the gardening year really starts to ramp up in Transylvania County. The longer day length, along with the warming air and soil, triggers plants and insects to wake up from their winter hibernation. While the to-do list is starting to get pretty long, not every item listed needs to be done in your garden. Tackle the tasks that will address past problems first. Once those are complete, move along the list as time and energy allow. Remember, you should pace yourself to get the most benefit from gardening. It is a hobby that is meant to be a relaxing way to spend time in the sunshine, exercise your body and your mind, and appreciate the natural world. Enjoy!
Livestock News
From the Board of Directors for WNC Communities:
Following the announcement of the retirement of John Queen, the Board has chosen new market operators for the WNC Regional Livestock Market: Doctors Stephen and Melissa Matthews. The new market operators should be in place for the first sale in April.
Green Industry News
For those employed in the Green Industry in Western North Carolina read the Green Industry News for the most up-to-date information and to enroll in educational programs.
Family and Consumer Science News
March Is Extension “Living Well Month”

Visit the webpage and take a look at the calendar for some excellent ideas for you and your family to live well starting now.
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Learn to make Fermented Foods

This series will show you what it takes to make fermented foods through demonstrations and shared materials. We will cover the ins and outs of fermentation, plus the benefits and storage recommendations. We will demonstrate a different type of fermentation each week.

Registration: The sessions are free and registration is required.

For more information on how to register: Eventbrite registration
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Natural Resources News
The Transylvania Natural Resource Council will have its monthly meeting via Zoom on March 12, 2021 beginning at 9:00 AM. This month's presenter is David Lee from Conserving Carolina. He will discuss information about the population of muskies in Mud Creek.

To join this presentation via Zoom please call our office at 828.884.3109 or email bmrenner@ncsu.edu and we'll send the Zoom link information.
Ag Advisory Board Meeting
The Agricultural Advisory board will meet Thursday March 11th to discuss a variety of issues affecting the agricultural community. This meeting is free and open to the public. Please call us at 884-3109 or email bmrenner@ncsu.edu for the zoom link.
Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program
Enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plan?
You can make certain plan changes each year during the Open Enrollment Period from January 1 ‒ March 31.
NCSU Homegrown Monthly Digest
Homegrown is an ever-changing source of information that will be of interest to everyone. Timely articles are posted continually throughout the year, covering topics relating to In the Garden, In the Kitchen, and On the Farm.
You can sign up to receive a monthly newsletter directly to your inbox by visiting the NC State Extension Homegrown website. 
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.