CLAY COUNTY CENTER April 2020 Newsletter

COVID-19 Resources and Information

NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives. That’s our mission, and we’ll continue to deliver on it throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, there’s a need for timely, trustworthy information and resources. With this site, Extension will continue to provide research-backed information from our experts and specialists to help individuals and families, farmers and agribusinesses, communities and leaders navigate this unprecedented public health event and the challenges associated with it. Together we’ll see it through, one day at a time. Click here to visit website

Fun Activities for Children at Home Here are a variety of online activities for children to do while the schools are closed. Visit  Georgia Aquarium  or  National Parks  online Nature Activities Virtual  Campus Tours   in North Carolina Read more by clicking here

Resources for Farmers COVID 19 Every sector of the area has been affected by the COVID 19 including farmers. Here are some resources to answer some of the concerns farmers may have during these uncertain times. See Resources

I am So Glad I Love to Garden! By Lucy Bradley - Urban Horticulture Professor and Extension Specialist I woke up this morning with such gratitude. I am a gardener. I am happy at home puttering in the yard, or curled up reading about gardening. I am growing food for me, my family and my neighbors and surrounding us in beauty. I feel empowered rather than helpless, I have plenty to share rather than being concerned about hoarding, I have reason to get up and go outside and enjoy the sunshine. I wish for you the many gifts of gardening. Whether you are just getting started or experienced, the following resources may be helpful.

Soil Testing Limited to Essential to Agriculture Starting March 30, 2020, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) will only accept soil samples for testing that are deemed priority or essential to agriculture. To help limit the spread of COVID-19, the soil testing labs will be operating on a limited basis. Agricultural soil samples that will be accepted include the following: Soil diagnostic Nematode diagnostic Nematode pinewood Nematode molecular diagnostic Plant tissue Solution Soilless media Waste samples not covered by the NCDEQ waiver on liquid animal waste. Agricultural samples that are currently in the lab will be processed as timely as possible. By taking t hese measures, the NCDA&CS hopes to maintain the functionality needed to meet the essential needs of NC agriculture while providing a safe work environment for employees. Unfortunately, soil samples from the general public will not be accepted or tested at this time. If you have any questions please call our office at 828-389-6305, Some one will get back to you as soon as possible.

4-H Activities for Youth 4-H is providing a variety of activities for children of all ages. You may find them under the 4-H Youth and Development tab to the left side of our website: clay.ces.ncsu.edu and activities on our Facebook page :  N.C. Cooperative Extension, Clay County Center

At this time all of our upcoming programs have been cancelled. We are working to get future programs scheduled online.

NC State Extension Forestry NC State Extension Forestry has put together a series of lunch and learn webinars for forest landowners and agents over the next few months. The webinars will be conducted live through the  forestrywebinars.net  portal. These webinars will be recorded as well. Pre-registration is not required. The first webinar will be on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 12pm. The focus of the webinar will be: Timber Sales: Is it Time to Sell? The webinar can be accessed here:    http://www.forestrywebinars.net/webinars/woodland-owner-lunch-and-learn-timber-sales-is-it-time-to-sell

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist businessowners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA. To keep up to date on when these programs become available, please stay in contact with your local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office, which you can locate here .

Residents asked to reconsider burning yard debris due to spring wildfire season and COVID-19 pandemic  Raleigh–N.C. Forest Service officials urge citizens to reconsider burning yard debris through the end of May, which historically marks the end of spring wildfire season in North Carolina. Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned but used for mulch instead. "In North Carolina, most wildfires are caused by human action and careless debris burning. When left unattended, debris burns can escape, igniting tragic wildfires," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "Minimizing the number of escaped debris burns will reduce the risk of wildfires while also reducing the risk of community exposure to COVID-19 by allowing first responders to limit close-contact interactions and maintain social distance." During the COVID-19 pandemic, the N.C. Forest Service continues mission critical work such as wildfire suppression and other emergency response functions. For tips to protect property, prevent wildfires or to access the Online Burning Permit System, visit  ncforestservice.gov .

Super Simple Sweet Potato Fries The sweet potato is the official vegetable of North Carolina. It should come as no surprise, given that the state leads the country in sweet potato production. This sweet-tasting root vegetable is filled with fiber and comes in a wide array of colors, but you probably recognize it best in vibrant orange. Click here to read more.

VISIT THESE WEBSITES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CLAY COUNTY CENTER'S UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS  CLAY.CES.NCSU.EDU GO.NCSU.EDU/CLAYCOUNTY CLAY.CES.NCSU.EDU/EVENTS CLAY COUNTY FACEBOOK PAGE   -  Make sure to "Like" and "Share" us!

We are working remotely from home and will be checking emails and voicemails several times a day, making farm and home visits if necessary, and developing our online educational programs. If you have any questions please call us at 828-389-6305 and leave a message or contact us by email at: doug_clement@ncsu.edu - County Director julie_lyvers@ncsu.edu - 4-H Agent craig_wininger@ncsu.edu - Agricultural Agent kelli_miller@ncsu.edu - Administrative Assistant We are here for you!

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. Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by [INSERT DATE] to [CONTACT NAME & PHONE/EMAIL]