Clay County Center
August 2018
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Master Gardener Volunteer
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Betsy Hall is the spotlight volunteer for August. Betsy is in charge of the Community Garden. She has been in this role for the last few years. This year was slightly different since the garden space was no longer available to the Master Gardeners. Betsy orchestrated the move of the shed, greenhouse, and the raised beds. This was done all in time for a garden to be planted. The Master Gardener volunteers donate the produce to the local food pantries. That is one of the ways they give back to the community.
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New Species of Tick Found in NC
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Haemaphysalis longicornis, an exotic East Asian tick also known as the Longhorned Tick, hasn’t previously been known to have an established population in the United States. However, recently the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed the finding of the Longhorned tick, it was found on an opossum in Polk County, NC.
The current known host for the tick are: cattle, dogs, goats, sheep, white-tailed deer, opossum, equine and raccoons. It is known as a serious pest to livestock in the Australasian and Western Pacific Regions where it originates. The tick can reproduce parthenogenetically (without a male). So, a single female tick can create a population quickly. It has been
found to be susceptible to common acaricides used to control other tick species in the U.S.
Early removal and prevention is the best way to control tick-borne illnesses. Protecting yourself while outdoors by wearing long clothing, and using DEET, picaridin, other Epa approved repellants and showering immediately upon returning home as well as checking for ticks can help deter their attachment.
Also, talk to your veterinarian about all the options available to treat livestock and pets.
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Mountain Explorers 4-H Club
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The Mountain Explorers 4-H Club have been raising money at the Hayesville Farmers Market to support club activities. The money raised from the fundraiser will help the club to take field trips, go to the State Fair, purchase a hog for next year, plus a lot more.
August 9 and 23, they will have fresh zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and homemade birdhouses-a donation can be given to purchase any of these. One of the members is raising chickens-stop by for some fresh eggs-$3/dozen. Or get a cold bottle of water to hydrate you on a warm August day. If you are interested in joining this club, please call Lori Allen, . The club meets on the third Friday.
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Plan to go to the 1
2th Annual Tractor Parade/Ag Day on September 29, 2018 on the lawn of the Old Courthouse and see the hogs being raised by this group. The hogs will be auctioned off that day after the parade.
Come out and support the Mountain Explorers!
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Youth at the Mountain Climbers Summer Program learned about rabbits on July 16, 2018. Julie Lyvers, 4-H Agent, and Craig Wininger, Ag Agent, presented a variety of information about rabbits. The presentation covered different varieties, types, and of course caring for a rabbit. There were games and crafts for the participants. If you are interested in joining a 4-H Rabbit Club or interested in being a volunteer for 4-H, please call Julie Lyvers, 828-389-6305. There are many different volunteer roles available. If you would like to be a guest speaker, a club leader, or have
a special interest group (6 meetings-can be done in 1 to 2 months), please call or come by the NC Cooperative Extension Clay County Center.
A special thank you to Becky Lyvers for allowing Babs to visit the group.
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Why is summer
the shortest of all the seasons?
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Summer seems to zip by at lightning speed! All too soon the television and all other forms of media begin the onslaught of back to school ads. School supplies, clothes, and all the other necessities of going back to school begin to catch our attention. If your child prefers mom’s lunches to school lunches, you no doubt have started thinking of ways to add to the standard peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A nutritious lunch is crucial for the energy needed to stay focused during the afternoon hours of school. As a teacher, I have watched student behavior when I had lunch duty. I realize that the dietitians had the right idea when every student was forced to get a piece of fruit and add to their pizza and fries on the tray. But I also watched those same students throw the fruit in the trash can without even taking one bite!
When I asked students why they tossed the fruit the usual answer: “too messy, takes too long to eat, or I don't like fruit.” I suspect that many were just rebelling, as teens will do when forced to do anything. While perusing some recipes I found an interesting idea. It sort of looks like a taco-good. It also does not need to be refrigerated- another plus. It does use peanut butter but you could easily make a substitution here if your child has a peanut allergy.Try hummus!
So good luck with back to school! Let the countdown begin before Christmas break!
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TVA will be partnering with Clay County 4-H Youth Development to conduct water quality experiments on a pond at Truett Baptist Camp, August 3, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:30. Participants will be engaging in a FUN, HANDS-ON science lab testing conditions of a local natural source of water. Youth will take on the role of being environmental scientists by collecting, recording, and interpreting data, and utilizing science equipment. Please call the NC Cooperative Extension Clay County Center to register for the class, 828-389-6305. The class is limited to 25 middle school participants.
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