|
From the Desk of the Director | Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter. I hope that you’ll spend a few minutes taking a look at the wonderful information we’ve created and curated for you. As we look forward to the arrival of Spring, we have much to offer throughout this issue. Whether it's best practices for assisting Mother Nature in the fields and landscapes across Douglas County or technical tidbits for improving your household or community, we’re sure you’ll find something to pique your interest. |  | |
Here at the Douglas County Extension Center, we have much to celebrate. We have welcomed Cheyenne Bartz as our newest employee and Savannah Bray for the semester as our Community Health Intern. We’re searching for a food and farm business Resource Navigator and a new Kaw Valley Farm Tour Coordinator. The Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield is wrapping up and we’re delighted that we allocated all of the $300,000 in implementation grants across the community through that work. Our volunteers are gearing up for their big events. And our staff are as busy as ever providing you with the one-on-one assistance you need and providing world-class group learning opportunities.
If you haven’t engaged with us recently, we invite you to reach out. Whether you have a pressing need, are looking for a willing partner, or just want to learn more, we’re here for you. Our goal is to answer the questions you have, help you stay healthy and happy, and get you connected to the community. We look forward to hearing from you!
|
|
- Agriculture
- New Frontiers of Soil and Plant Health
- Health & Wellness
- A Kitchen Sale with a Cause
- Celebrating Nutrition in March
- Walk With Ease
- Horticulture & Natural Resources
- Pruning Your Ornamental Shrubs
- Plants & Pets Don't Always Mix
- Groovy Garden Show
- Youth Development Programs
- Citizenship in Action
- 4-H Learning Experience
- Summer Enrichment Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
|
Stay Up-to-Date & Follow Us! | | |
|
Tractors tuned? Planters ready? Migration is full on the wing! We are gradually warming up and that means the soil is also waking up beneath our feet. Preparation for a ‘Soil Health’ seminar to be shared with the Master Gardener’s Garden Show, March 2nd, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, has provided yet another opportunity to get back to basics, highlighting the intriguing mysteries of the soil. Soil is far more complex than first meets the eye, and we do well to dig deeper in unearthing its secrets. What isn’t fair is they’ve only provided 30 minutes. So, you have the chance to glean some extra nuggets here, of a quick retrospective of Soil Science and the leading frontiers into plant nutrition that are at the forefront of ecological agriculture.
Soil Science in the classic sense started to gain traction in the mid-late 1800’s as German chemist Justus von Leibig (1803-1873) created the “balance-sheet theory” of plant nutrition. Soil was seen as an inert ‘storage bin’ where chemical nutrients could be used and replaced. Soil Geologists such as Vasily V. Dokuchaev from the Ukraine, in Russia, accepted the ‘balance sheet’ theory, but Dokuchayeva's, Russian School of Soil Science also developed further understandings of the complexities at work in the soil, “The Russian workers conceived of soils as independent natural bodies, each with unique properties resulting from a unique combination of climate, living matter, parent material, relief, and time.
| |  |
|
They hypothesized that properties of each soil reflected the combined effects of the particular set of genetic factors responsible for the soil's formationi”. Curtis , who served as the Director of the Soil Survey Division of the United States of Agriculture (1913-1935), adapted the Russian concepts to soils in the United States by examining soil profiles, and began classifying soils according to their morphology...
| Click Icon Below for local Agriculture updates! | |
|
Kaitlyn Peine
Community Health & Wellness Agent
2023 brought the return of the Extension Master Food Volunteer Kitchen Sale. The kitchen sale is an opportunity for our community to donate gently used kitchen equipment and the Extension Master Food Volunteers work to host a sale. The volunteer led effort is more than just a kitchen sale. The organization is committed to helping our neighbors in need.
While the kitchen sale is open for all to shop, participants in extension’s SNAP-Ed program were invited to early shopping hours and provided a $20 gift certificate. At last year’s kitchen sale $200 worth of certificates were redeemed. The Extension Master Food Volunteers will be working again with our SNAP-Ed program and community partners to offer invitations and gift certificates to ensure early access to the sale.
| Click Icon Below for local Health & Wellness updates! | | | |
Sofia Diaz Buezo | SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator |  | |
Started in 1973 as National Nutrition Week and later becoming a month-long observance, National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that is celebrated during the month of March. Every year, agencies such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) come together to discuss topics and to educate the public about the different aspects of nutrition, health through food, and physical activity.
This year’s theme is Beyond the Table. This topic will address the farm-to-table aspect of nutrition, educating the public about food production and distribution, how to navigate grocery stores and farmers' markets, as well as addressing home food safety and storage practices. It will also describe the different ways we eat – not only around the dinner table, but also on the go, in schools, restaurants, games, and events. The theme will also focus on sustainability and how we can make an effort to decrease food waste in schools, work, home, and beyond....
| | |
|
Walking regularly can improve health and fitness and lead to less pain for people experiencing all types of arthritis. But sometimes we need a little help from our friends to make this a reality. And that is what has happened over the last 6 weeks at the Community Building.
SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators Hilary and Sofia are trained to lead this six-week, three times per week walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation called Walk With Ease. Designed for all people that want to improve their ability to walk for fitness while giving special attention to those experiencing arthritis, the program consists of a 5-step walking plan: warm up, stretching, walking, cool down and final stretching.
| | |
|
Walk With Ease is proven to:
- Reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis
- Increase balance, strength, and walking pace.
- Build confidence in your ability to be physically active.
- Improve overall health.
"You don’t have to be a regular walker already to start, because Walk With Ease is aimed at all fitness levels."
-Walk With Ease Participant
| Click Icon Below for local SNAP-Ed Nutrition updates! | | |
|
Every year we work hard to provide Summer Enrichment opportunities for the youth of Douglas County! Join us this year for any of our events below!
*REGISTRATION ENDS MAY 31st for ALL Summer Programs!*
| |
This day camp will introduce a variety of science topics including STEM, animal science, and food and nutrition. Campers will practice teamwork with their peers as they navigate a series of action-packed science lessons! | |
Explores Camp will be a hands-on science day camp experience. Campers will tackle a series of science-themed challenges while practicing teamwork with their peers. This day camp experience will cover a variety of topics including STEM, animal science, and food and nutrition! | |
This hands-on cooking camp experience will introduce youth to food safety, knife skills, and cooking techniques while exploring the five food groups. | |
|
Sharon Ashworth,
Horticulture & Natural Resources Agent
It’s time to prune your shrubs! But before you start cutting it’s important to have a plan. Construct a pruning strategy by considering the types of shrubs in your landscape. Ask yourself two basic questions for each shrub: Is it deciduous or evergreen? Is it a spring-blooming or summer-blooming shrub?
Identifying these two basic features of each shrub will determine when and how to prune. If you have a deciduous, spring-blooming shrub wait until after it blooms before you prune. These shrubs produce flowers on last year’s growth so if you prune before they bloom, you will sacrifice this year’s flowers.
If you have a deciduous, summer-blooming shrub, prune now. Summer-blooming shrubs produce flowers on this year’s growth. Evergreen shrubs, including junipers, boxwood, holly, mugo pine, and yews are best pruned from now into April.
Next, consider the condition and shape of the shrub. Is the shrub too big for its space? Does it have a lot of dead stems? Is it no longer flowering as profusely as it has in the past? There are three basic methods for pruning shrubs – thinning, heading back, and rejuvenation...
| |
|
Spring is a favorite for many in the Midwest. Warmer, longer days, the return of birds and flowers are all part of what makes Spring special. Spring bulbs are often some of the first to pop up in our yards and grocery stores. They are bright, cheerful and often fragrant. Unfortunately, cats may also show interest in your flowers and plants that contain irritating or toxic compounds. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, peonies and lilies are all popular spring blooms that can cause harm to your furry friends.
Although many cat owners share that their felines show little or no interest in household plants, it is best to be aware of which plants are toxic or harmful to cats. Toxic plants include members
| | |
|
of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species, such as Easter lilies, stargazer lilies, tiger lilies and daylilies. Although the toxic compound is unknown, even a very small amount (piece of leaf, petal or pollen) consumed by a cat can be potentially life-threatening and warrant immediate veterinarian intervention.
Another houseplant to be wary of is sago palm, Cycas revolute. Sago palms are not true palms, but part of the cycadaceae family. The entire plant is considered toxic, with the seeds containing the highest amount of the toxin, cycasin. Sago palms are toxic to animals and humans alike and immediate treatment is necessary if consumed. The ASPCA reports that up to 50% of consumption cases are fatal...
| Click Icon Below for local Horticulture & Natural Resources updates! | | |
|
DOUGLAS COUNTY EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS
2024 GARDEN SHOW!
An Extension Master Gardener Highlight
Saturday, March 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper Street, Lawrence KS.
This FREE Groovy Garden Show features expert speakers, educational booths, workshops, raffle & silent auctions, garden art, and a garden garage sale as well as vendors and food trucks!
Consistent with our educational mission, EMG-staffed educational booths will provide guidance and expert advice on garden topics including Youth Gardening, Utilizing Native Plants, Identifying Beneficial Insects, Growing Vegetables, and Creating Self-Watering Planters. You can also receive help dealing with your garden problems, plan your landscape, learn money-saving sustainability tips, prepare for gardening with yoga-based stretches and the healing energy of crystal singing bowls.
|  | |
Dr. Kristen A. Baum, the new Director of Monarch Watch is a featured speaker, sharing the importance of Monarch Waystations to support pollinators. Additional presentation topics will include Medicinal Plants for Your Garden, A Garden Soil Health Primer, Groovy Gardening as We Age, and Edible Landscapes. Our partners at Common Ground will be on hand to discuss community gardens. Lastly, you can learn about Square Foot Gardening in our Fairground’s hoop house. Speakers will begin at 9:30 am and continue on the hour. The last presentation will be at 1:30 pm.
For a hands-on experience, sign up for a workshop. Projects include creating whimsical garden mushrooms, pie pan garden art flowers, or recycled wood oriole feeders. All abilities are welcome. There are material fees for these “make and take” home projects. Details and registration information can be found at dgemgks.org.
| Click Icon Below for local Extension Master Gardener updates! | | | |
Below are updates and upcoming events from us and our community partners! | |
*Click anything that interests you below for more information! | |
|
Kaw Valley Farm Tour Coordinator Position
K-State Research and Extension Douglas County is hiring for the position of Kaw Valley Farm Tour Coordinator! Now in its 20th year, the Kaw Valley Farm Tour is an opportunity to visit local farms and learn about farm practices directly from the farmer. It is a self-guided tour through northeast Kansas to meet local farmers and visit local farms. Held the first full weekend in October each year, the tour continues to grow and offers learning opportunities for children and adults. APPLY HERE
| | | |
|
Douglas County CORE 2nd Annual Pitch Competition
Are you an entrepreneur looking to pitch your business idea?
Or maybe you'd like to help aspiring entrepreneurs grow?
Either way, CORE has you covered!
Please join us this Spring for our 2nd Annual Pitch Competition! We're looking for neighbors who would like to:
- Pitch their business idea,
- Donate money to the competition,
- Volunteer to help stage the event,
- Work with entrepreneurs as a mentor, and/or
- Attend the competition
If any of these sound like you, click the link below to learn more and let's get started!
APPLY HERE
| | | |
|
The Local Foods Transdisciplinary Team within K-State Research and Extension is serving as a partner organization with the Heartland Regional Food Business Center (HRFBC). The HRFBC is lead by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and includes 13 partner organizations and other collaborating organizations. It serves 5 states (Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma) and northwest Arkansas. The Heartland Regional Food Business Center is one of 12 centers established by USDA in 2023 that are designed to provide coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building, for food and farm businesses. The mission of the Heartland Regional Food Business Center is to help farm and food enterprises develop local and regional food businesses and markets. Partners of these efforts provide assistance from startup through growth, and also support supply chain connections.
As a partner in the HRFBC, the K-State Research and Extension team aims to:
- Hire two food systems entrepreneurial resource navigators
- Host two Edible Food Business Startup Summits
- Provide scholarships for business trainings
- Develop a magazine publication to highlight local food systems efforts
- Work with collaborating organizations to:
- Provide workshops and 1-1 business technical assistance (KS Small Business Development Center)
- Provide training on compliance, licensing, and permitting, training on marketing and access to From the Land of Kansas trademark program (KS Dept of Agriculture)
- Provide business support to food-based business operators (Shop KS Farms)
- Provide business support to processed-food based businesses (KS Value Added Foods Lab)
Our Collaborators:
- Kansas Department of Agriculture
- Kansas Small Business Development Center
- Kansas Value-Added Foods Lab
- Shop Kansas Farms
For more information on the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, click here, https://heartlandfoodbusiness.org/about/.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Check out any Upcoming Events!
| | | | |
|
K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact us or program leader two weeks prior to the start of the event at their or our number, 785-843-7058. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
|
| | | |
