The best source for timely, accurate information in Johnson County, Kansas.
April 2018

Passion. You hear it from our staff. You hear it from our volunteers.

Why do we do what we do? Passion! Passion for the mission of the Cooperative Extension Service. Passion for the individual volunteer programs like the Extension Master Food Volunteers, Extension Master Gardeners, Extension Master Naturalist, and our 4-H and VITA volunteers.

National Volunteer Week is April 15 - 21. That is the week when we celebrate nationally the noble cause of volunteerism.

We've said it many times before; we think our volunteers are the best. Both our adult volunteers and our youth volunteers.

So in this issue of Knowledge for Life, we celebrate our volunteers -- all 928 of you. Thank you for your time. Your gifts. And, your passion.

Have questions? Give us a call at 913.715.7000. Or email us at [email protected]
To Our Volunteers -- Thank you!
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
You heard our call and responded. Thank you to everyone for volunteering your time preparing and filing the tax returns of our eligible citizens. This year, the IRS audited our site and found it in 100% compliance! We thank you for your service.
Extension Master Food Volunteers
Our Extension Master Food Volunteers are smart, witty and very much into food: food safety, nutrition, education and outreach. Did you know this national program was started here, in our Johnson County office back in 2001? We thank you for your service.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
Are nearly 500 strong, our Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program is one of the largest and most active in the county. If you've been to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead or the Monet Garden at the Arboretum, you have seen the work of these dedicated volunteers. We thank you for your service.
You're Invited
Earth-friendly lawn and garden event / Saturday, April 7
Free Plants, Lectures, and Puppet Show. And a Native Plant Sale. Attend the Healthy Yards Expo!
Discover how to have a beautiful lawn and garden while being environmentally friendly. Talk with the experts and get tips. Kids Hour is from 10 - 11.

Get 2 native plants and a tree seedling! Sign up for door prizes. Locally grown native plant sale -- choose from a large variety.
Free! Sat., April 7 / 9am - 2pm
K-State Olathe Open House
Free entertainment, food and fun will be in full force at K-State Olathe's All University Open House. Staff from our office will be there with information, advice and activities about healthy eating, how to safely store produce, bluebirds and more
Tuesday, April 17 / 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Volunteer Appreciation Party
Johnson County Extension has 928 volunteers. In 2017 they donated 69,960 hours of service to the citizens of Johnson County. We'd like to show our appreciation with a party. Drop in for refreshments, fun and gifts of appreciation.
Tickets on sale! Buy early & save
Seven private gardens: May 18 & 19
EMG Public Garden Tour
This year's Extension Master Gardener Public Garden Tour will feature 7 private gardens for you to enjoy. One-of-a-kind handmade garden art and the newest hosta varieties will also be available for purchase. Tickets are now on sale at a discounted rate.
April in Johnson County
Clematis Pruning Made Simple
Clematis are easy to grow. Don't let pruning keep you from enjoying these beauties in your landscape. We make pruning easy with these simple steps.
Grow Your Own Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the #1 home-grown veggie. We know you're eager to get started, but hold your horses. Don't plant in April. Plant in mid-May. If you'd like to try your hand at growing your own tomatoes in KC (it's really quite easy), here's everything you need to know to get ready.
Avoid These Tree Mistakes
Over the years we've written extensively on selecting and planting the perfect tree. Not everyone has gotten the word. Driving around the city we've seen some boneheaded choices. So, we're calling out the dogs of the tree world to help people make wiser choices.
Become an Extension Master Gardener
If you have a passion for gardening, like sharing horticulture information, and love to have fun, consider volunteering with the Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs), an educational outreach program. Program details and application form here.
4-H Youth Development
Now Registering Kids for Camps
Your child does not need to be a 4-H member to enjoy our camping experience. There are several camps to choose from including overnight camps and day camps. Please note that our camps are very popular and fill up quickly.
Last chance: April 14
Free Income Tax Preparation


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