EXTENSION E-NEWSLETTER -
MARCH 2020
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Enjoy this educational video:
Growing Spring Greens
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Every month, "Homegrown" shares new videos featuring tips and tools from our Extension experts in three categories: In The Garden, In The Kitchen and On The Farm. This featured video is
"Growing Spring Greens".
We'll introduce you to what's raised and grown in North Carolina, and the farmers that help feed us. We'll show you what plants are in season and how to get a bumper crop from your home garden. We'll take you into the kitchen to learn how to safely prepare nutritious meals.
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New Registration System for Extension Programs
“Can I pay by credit card?” That is a question we frequently hear at N.C. Cooperative Extension in Cherokee County and, until now, the answer has been “no.” All of that will be changed on January 1, 2020, with
Eventbrite
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Agriculture Awareness Field Day
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Come join us for a free 2 hour field day experience. Topics will include:
Identification of insects that can cause damage to crops, livestock, and homeowners.
Randy Collins
, County Extension Director in Graham County.
Hemp Production.
Craig Wininger
, Agriculture Extension Agent in Clay County.
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Share Your Passion With 4-H!
Do you have a hobby or passion for wanting youth to learn how to do something you love like: sewing, canning, cooking, gardening, bird watching, hiking, fishing, or any other hobby or love that you would like to pass on to the youth of our county? Well if you do and would like to be a 4-H volunteer to teach youth about what you are passionate about come join us on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:00 p.m., at the Extension Educational Classroom, 699 Conaheeta Street, Murphy, NC. To preregister so we can provide lite refreshments please go to our
Eventbrite Summer/Fall 4-H Volunteer Opportunities
page and sign up.
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Become a Master Gardener
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f you like horticulture and enjoy networking with others who share your interest in plants, gardening and community involvement, then you may be interested in becoming a Master Gardener℠ volunteer. Through the course of several weeks you will go beyond the basics of beginning horticulture and learn about all the aspects of growing plants in the garden and throughout the landscape.
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Appalachian Beekeepers Club
The Appalachian Beekeepers Club meets monthly. Their meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month at the Extension Educational Classroom (699 Connaheetta Street, Murphy, NC). They have developed a nice website. You can enjoy this website that is pack with helpful information at:
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Learn to Macrame'!
IT'S NOT JUST A 70'S THING!
Two classes per week during the month of April.
9am-12pm
Mondays & Wednesdays in April.
Total Series for $20!
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4-H Horse Club Asking for Donations
The Cherokee Rider’s 4-H Horse Club needs a little help. In order to raise funds to support the members of the club’s activities, the club runs the concession stand at the Cherokee County Saddle Club events as well as the Battle Lines Barrel Race Events at the Nora Starks Arena in Ranger. Recently the hot water heater went out and flooded the concession stand. The flood happened during November when there were no events at the arena so when it was discovered most everything including the cabinets, walls, and even the ceiling had either water damage or mildew from the hot water standing in the room.
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$5,000 Grants for Young & Beginning Farmers & Ranchers!
The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) is launching a new grant program to help young and beginning farmers and ranchers start-up and grow their businesses. In 2020, Young Farmers will provide 50 farmers and ranchers $5,000 grants. Grant recipients will also receive a one-year membership to the National Young Farmers Coalition.
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Internet Connectivity Survey for Farmers
The North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office, with the Friday Institute at NC State University, is conducting a five-minute survey to gather data on internet connectivity from North Carolina farmers. The data will be used to inform research, policy and funding recommendations to assist communities where internet access is inadequate.
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Order Your Fruit Trees & Berry Bushes Through March 13
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Cherokee County 4-H annual plant and fruit tree sale continues through the middle of March. All proceeds will go to Cherokee County 4-H. As usual, the plants and trees will be of high quality and reasonably priced. The plant and tree sale started on February 1 and ends March 13, 2020. Plants will be available for pick up April 1 at the Extension Education Classroom, at 699 Conaheeta St., Murphy, NC.
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NC State Day of Giving is 3-25-2020
NC State University is having a fundraiser called the
“Day of Giving”
. Last year over $730,000 was raised in its first year. In 2020, the county Extension centers are participating in the Day of Giving to raise money for their programs. On March 25, 2020, you will have the opportunity to donate to either Cherokee County 4-H or Cherokee County Extension through an online process. The money for Cherokee County Extension will be used for Agriculture programs and Family Consumer Sciences programs. If you have any questions, please call 828-837-2210
.
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Horse Health Expo /
Coggins Clinic March 28
Does your horse need a current coggins test for Equine Infectious Anemia? We have the answer for you. Come on out March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to the Mountain Folk Center/Cherokee County Fairgrounds, in Murphy, NC and get a coggins test done with quick turn around on test results. We will have e-coggins available by 8 p.m. for you as well this year. Dr. Beverly Hargus, from Animals-R-Us, will be the veterinarian providing the shots and test. Major shots like East-West Tetanus, Rabies, Rhino Flu, and West Nile will also be available. Does your horse need its teeth floated? This can be done on-site this very day.
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United States Census 2020
2020 Census
Written By N.C. Cooperative Extension
Established by the US Constitution, the US Census Bureau is required to conduct a count of every person in the United States, including North Carolina. Everyone must be counted no matter their age, residence status or location.
The 2020 Census will be the first US Census to allow internet response. The internet response option will be convenient for many, but over 500,000 households in NC do not have internet access.
There are plans for Census staff to be available locally for 2020 Census questionnaire assistance.
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Tree Identification Workshop
We are offering a workshop on how to identify native trees on May 5th, starting 9 a.m. at the Extension Educational Classroom, 699 Connahetta St., Murphy. The class will start out with a short session on basics of tree ID and then proceed to the Murphy River Walk trail to do hands-on tree identification. This year, we have Tony Ward the Western Region Program Coordinator with Mountain True coming to assist with the training. Be prepared and able to walk a half mile or so. There is a $10 fee for this class. Class size is limited,
preregister
before May 4th and reserve your space. For more information call 837-2210.
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Backyard Poultry Workshop
Backyard poultry flocks have gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Many folks have come to enjoy fresh eggs each morning or even having fresh chicken at mealtime. Although backyard flocks are convenient, there is a certain degree of responsibility associated with keeping the flock happy and healthy.
N.C. Cooperative Extension Cherokee County Center has planned a program entitled “Backyard Poultry Symposium” to be held Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 at the Extension Educational Classroom, 699 Connahetta St., Murphy.
The program will begin at 6:30p.m. and will cover various poultry related topics such as poultry health and safety, breeds, diseases, management of the backyard flock and more. Lauren Greene, Area Specialized Agent for Poultry, will be leading the class.
There is a $10 fee for this class, seating is limited and
pre-registration
is required. The deadline for registration is Monday May 11th.
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Vegetable Gardening Class Series
Want to learn how to grow your own fresh vegetables? With rising food prices and more vegetables being shipped in from other countries, home vegetable gardening is regaining popularity. The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Cherokee County Center is offering a two-day series of vegetable gardening classes for those wanting to learn how to grow veggies or just improve your gardening skills. The classes will be held at the
Extension Educational Classroom
, 699 Connahetta St., Murphy, starting at 9 a.m. and lasting until noon. Topics to be covered include: April 29; site selection, soil sampling and amendments, planting techniques, plant, and variety selection. May 6; insect, disease and weed management, when to harvest and much more. There is a $5 fee for each of these classes. Class size is limited,
pre-register
before April 28 and reserve your space. For more information call 837-2210. Come learn how to grow your own fresh vegetables and get your hands dirty.
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Small Fruit Production Workshop
Date: Tuesday, March 31st, 2020
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center, 49 Mt. Carmel Road, Asheville, NC 28806
The workshop is aimed at training new growers and market gardeners to considering establishing a direct market channel for growing small fruit on the farm such as a "pick-your-own" operation, on farm sales as well as other direct market channels such as the tail gate market. The group will discuss strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for the region.
Specific topics include cultivar selection, site establishment (soil conditions and planting), fertilization, irrigation, pruning, harvesting, and resources for pest control. Workshop includes a lecture followed by a pruning demonstration at a small local farm.
Craig Mauney, Area Specialized Agent for Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Production, will lead the group in the discussion of producing small fruits in the region.
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Growing and Preserving Herbs
Make your plans now to learn more about growing herbs and preserving them to be used in your favorite recipes. There are culinary recipes as well as recipes for aromatherapy, sachets, or balms to ease aching muscles.
Register
today to take part in this fun and informative class!
A one time fee of $10.00 will cover the cost of class materials.
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MORE POPULAR EXTENSION YOUTUBE CHANNELS
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Appalachian Beekeepers Monthly Mtg
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Fly Fishing & Tying 4-H Club Meets Every Wed.
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* Refrigerator for New Educational Classroom.
* Man power and building supplies to repair the recently flooded 4-H Concession Stand at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds, Nora Stark Arena.
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The staff of Cherokee County Extension Center would like to invite you to volunteer for our office. Please contact us if you are interested in being a volunteer for Extension at 828-837-2210. Here are some volunteer opportunities coming up within the next couple of months:
*Putting together "Welcome Packets" for new residents.
*Preparing Soil Test Kits.
*Assist with answering phones in the Extension office.
*Assisting with the Fly Tying 4-H Club
*Starting a 4-H Spin Club
*Help 4-H Agent prep food for Steps to Health Program
*Assist our Agents with setting up, etc. for educational programs such as :
-Steps To Health plating food
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