Knowledge for Life
May 2024
Research-based information you can trust
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See you at the Public Garden Tour!
Tour six of the most beautiful private gardens in Johnson County on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. Early Bird Pricing at just $25 per ticket is good through the end of today!
Purchase tickets here
Bonus stops this year:
- The Garden Gallery Demonstration Garden showcases plants and design ideas you can use at home.
- Shop the Garden Thyme Marketplace with hand-made garden products including mosaic birdhouses and mushrooms, concrete stepping stones, beaded plant stakes, art poles, flower pots, and more.
- Check out the Extension Expo featuring booths with free resources on a variety of topics, from gardening to nature, cooking to health.
Learn more about the Public Garden Tour.
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We are hiring a Horticulture Extension Agent to lead educational programming related to commercial landscapes, home lawn care, and ornamentals here in Johnson County. This agent will also manage the Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners, a thriving program of 492 volunteers who maintain nine community demonstration gardens. Applications are due May 14. Learn more | |
Become an Extension Master Gardener
Are you passionate about gardening, learning, and giving back to your community? Consider becoming a Johnson County Extension Master Gardener.
We are hosting an informational session about the program on May 1 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the Extension Office (Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive in Olathe). Learn more
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Volunteer in the Sunset Community Garden on Tuesday mornings
The Sunset Community Garden educates and grows food for the community. We are looking for garden volunteers to help out Tuesday mornings. No garden experience is required (though closed-toed shoes are!). Learn more
Sunset will host three pop-up markets this summer! These events are open to the public offering pay-as-you-can produce grown right on site. Mark your calendars for Tuesdays at lunchtime: June 11, July 9, and August 13.
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Spots still available for kids' Gardening Workshop in June | |
Saturday, June 8
10 AM to Noon
The Extension Master Gardeners will host a gardening workshop for 4th- and 5th-grade students, as well as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts working on their Gardening Merit Badges.
Learn gardening basics, visit a demonstration garden, design a butterfly garden, and more. Class fee is $8. Learn more
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You have questions. The Gardening Hotline has answers.
Our Extension Master Gardeners staff the Gardening Hotline, ready to take your questions. Contact us for answers about your yard, garden, trees, shrubs, pests, and lots of other topics. Call (913) 715-7050 (9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday) or email your questions to: garden.help@jocogov.org.
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Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health | |
Debunking Three Common Myths About Eggs
It was believed for a long time that we should limit egg consumption due to their cholesterol content. It was thought that eating too many eggs would lead to cardiovascular disease. The latest research debunks that myth.
Learn more about eggs, a great source of protein and nutrients.
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Partnerships with local educators lead to success
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we are highlighting some of the wonderful partnerships that Johnson County 4-H and Johnson County Extension have had the privilege of building with local educators.
We appreciate all the opportunities that local educators allow to bring 4-H and Extension resources into the classroom! Learn more
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We are hiring a 4-H Event and Communications Coordinator!
This part-time position works with the Johnson County 4-H team and will coordinate events and communications throughout the year. Applications are due May 9. Learn more
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Family and Community Wellness | |
Plan, Prepare, and Protect Your Pet Before, During, and After an Emergency
When it comes to planning for emergencies, pet owners should consider their pets, too. By making simple preparations now, you can ensure your pet's safety, health, and protection during any emergency. Learn more
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Making the Most of What's Available
In Urban and Suburban environments, wildlife habitat can sometimes be sparse and isolated.
A 2022 study by Megan Garfinkel identified utility pole corridors as potential solutions to expand available wildlife habitat -- but only if these sites are managed correctly. Learn more
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April showers = a rescheduled pond class in May!
Wildlife Management Aquatic Specialist Joe Gerken returns in a few weeks for an in-person workshop on how to manage a pond for fishing. Hour-long presentation will be followed by a hands-on look at multiple fishing ponds. Learn more
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Wild Kids! Summer Camps for 2024
Our local Junior Extension Master Naturalist program provides youth ages 7-14 opportunities to learn more about natural resources.
This summer we are hosting Saturday field trips at locations across the county to learn about specific topics like Reading Nature, Wildlife & Habitats, Rocks & Fossils, and more. Class fee is just $5 -- fun guaranteed.
Learn more
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Party on the Prairie -- Save the Date!
Wonders of Discovery
Friday, June 21, 9 AM to 2 PM
Pollinator Prairie in Olathe
Join the Extension Master Naturalists and learn about the wonders of pollination at this family-friendly event in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. Learn more
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Silver Clovers (ages 50+) | |
WITS Workout: Songbirds
Monday, May 6, 2024
Two identical afternoon sessions, online via Zoom
WITS Workout is an online, small group "workout," -- an opportunity to let your brain try new things. This month's activities relate to either songs and birds in theme, and we will focus on staying connected to others as a contributing factor in brain health.
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Silver Clovers from Johnson County Extension offers special opportunities for adults ages 50 and older. | |
Johnson County Extension Education Foundation | |
Save the date for the JCEEF Signature Event!
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Please join us for this annual fundraiser, which includes live music, a live and silent auction, dinner, desserts, drinks, and fun! All proceeds fund grant projects that extend Extension work into the community. Learn more
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Are you looking for a way to give back to your community, while having some fun and learning new skills? Explore our many Extension volunteer opportunities, including three K-State Master Programs. We would love to have you! | |
Family and Community Wellness Events | |
Agriculture / Natural Resources Events | |
Nutrition, Health, and Food Events | |
Silver Clovers (Ages 50+) | |
We are dedicated to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and to strong healthy communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis, and education.
Local Mission
K-State Extension, Johnson County is an organization of dedicated, passionate, hardworking staff who collaborate and connect people with university supported education, resources, and services – through volunteers, community, and partner organizations.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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