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Thank you for receiving this newsletter from your friends at K-State Research and Extension – Douglas County. We invite you to explore the topics here and dive in where your interest is piqued. You’ll surely find something-or someone–that you’ll want to learn more about. That’s our goal, after all.
As we transition seasons, we once again have much to celebrate on what we have achieved and what we have ahead of us. We have spent a lot of energy lately thanking the volunteers who amplify our work. National Volunteer Week was in late April, but we figured with so many groups of volunteers and over 400 individuals to acknowledge, one week was hardly enough. From spotlighting interviews with youth ambassadors to shout-outs for our hard-working boards, we spent the months of April and May saying ‘Thank You’ to the volunteers who pour energy into our efforts. On May 15, we hosted a picnic for the volunteers. Not unexpectedly, we were met with tremendous gratitude, even though this was our way of showing our gratitude! We, like so many of our partners across Douglas County, wouldn’t be what we are without volunteers. We are fortunate to have so many gracious residents working alongside us in the office, leading educational opportunities, tending gardens, extending resources, and engaging you across Douglas County.
The start of summer also means that we are experiencing some turnover within the office. As we say farewell to our Community Health Intern Ruby and Food System Fellow Olivia, we also welcome our Summer Youth Engagement Interns Lauren and Halley. We appreciate the opportunity to help these young professionals form the skills necessary to compete in the modern workplace – and we’re grateful for their contributions along their journeys.
Finally, the Douglas County Extension Council is busy this year taking stock of our strategic plan. We are in the final year of our current plan and we are working every month to refine that plan to set the stage for the next 3-5 years. As always, we welcome your input as much as we welcome your participation in our programs. If you have anything to share to help inform our direction, please do not hesitate to reach out and let us know.
Happy Summer!
Marlin B.
County Extension Director
K-State Research and Extension
Douglas County
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In this Newsletter
- AGRICULTURE
- Quirky Acronym, but a Great Resource
- Soil Health Principles pt. 2
- 21st Annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour
- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- We Launched a Podcast!
- Hands-on Summit for Kansas Food Entrepreneurs
- HEALTH AND WELLNESS
- Healthy Eating For Kids During the Summer
- The End of a Fulfilling Health Internship
- Food Fellow Farewell
- HORTICULTURE
- Looking Ahead to Tomato Troubles
- Get Out for the Garden Tour
- LIVEWELL OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
- Working Together to Improve Community Health
- NATURAL RESOURCES
- Land Stewardship Assistance Guide is Now Available
- SNAP-Ed NUTRITION
- Community Connections at Pinckney-Cooking Club
- YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
- The Power of Summer
- Engaging Local 4-H Members for Learning and Fun
- LOOKING AHEAD
- News
- Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Agriculture
- Health and Wellness
- Horticulture
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Quirky Acronym, BUT, a Great Resource
NCAT-ATTRA: One quirky acronym provides great resources for small farms
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Margit K.
Agriculture Agent
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Have you ever heard of NCAT-ATTRA? Didn’t think so.
NCAT-ATTRA stands for the ‘National Center for Appropriate Technology – Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas’. Oof! I can only imagine the folks in some backwater town in Montana who dreamed up this acronym in the 1970’s. Nonetheless, the ‘ATTRA’ program, for short, has matured through the years to become a leading resource for Sustainable Agriculture Topics, aimed at small farms, as a USDA funded Extension program of its own.
Originally a small core of creative agricultural scientists founded the staff in Fayetteville, Arkansas, handling direct case questions, from individual producers or Extension clients across the country.
No matter what ‘scale’ of production – as a row-cropper, or livestock producer, or beginning farmer looking for an internship or the next best niche market, the ‘ATTRA’ Program has something for everyone in their excellent On-Line Publications Library, including more video webinars as well.
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Some of my favorite publications include:
These are just a few!! There are innumerable resources, all scientifically researched with links to further resources. Any sustainable, or organic AG related topic you can think of – they’ve got it. Organic solutions for small ruminant parasite control, organic dairy resources, small grain production, adaptive grazing management….as well as fruit and vegetable production resources. If you love to read, it’s a great place to hang out!
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Soil Health Principles Pt. 2
Minimize Disturbance
Margit K.
Agriculture Agent
The NRCS came forth with Soil Health Principles through work with Jay Fuhrer at Menoken Farm between 2014-2017. Soil health and conservation continues to evolve as more producers succeed in adopting these management practices on their farms. NRCS defines Soil Health as: “The continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Healthy soil gives us clean air and water, bountiful crops and forests, productive grazing lands, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes”(USDA. Soil Health Natural Resources Conservation Service).
One of the first and most important practices to facilitate soil’s function as a vital living ecosystem is to minimize soil disturbance…whether at the biological, chemical or physical level.
Biological disturbance - from such things as overgrazing, or excess burning of grasslands, decrease plants’ ability to complete optimal photosynthesis and carbon capture, disrupting soil microbial life downstream. Biology can also be impacted by Chemical disturbance.
Chemical disturbances - are impacts such as excess fertilizer or pesticide applications that can disrupt the biological balance in the soil food web (resulting in a biological disturbance). Certain herbicides and nitrate ammonia are known to have an impact on soil life, affecting earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi, critical organisms for soil nutrient cycling.
Physical disturbance (through over tillage) is the most ubiquitous form of disturbance, having the most direct impact at various levels of the soil profile affecting the soil food web (macro and micro-organisms). Soil consists of roughly 45% mineral, 25% air and 25% water, and 0-5% organic matter. The portions of air and water are directly related to pore spaces created by water-stable aggregates derived from the combination of plant root exudates, and the soil-microbiome. Soil aggregates literally hold the soil mineral particles together, while creating a hospitable environment for soil microbial life essential to plant nutrient cycling.
As we witnessed from dust storms across Kansas earlier last March, some of the very real impacts of tillage include:...
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21st Annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour
Hilary K., Kaw Valley Farm Tour Coordinator
Get your calendars out and mark October 4th and 5th so you are ready to enjoy the Kaw Valley Farm Tour. This popular regional agritourism event is a favorite of all ages. Who would not enjoy two days in the fall exploring everything from baby goats and urban grown ducks to fresh flowers and pumpkins, and small batch wine? Plus, prairie walks and forest wandering. All of this and more while supporting local agriculture.
Agritourism Success
In 2024 approximately 3000 people enjoyed visiting 39 farms where they were able to see up close and learn how small farms throughout our region work to produce so many wonderful products. Over the 2 days these visitors spent over $120,000 to bring home fresh apples, tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, onions, garlic and peppers plus jars of honey, jam, salsa, flowers, seeds, herbal teas and body care products and wine.
New farms are joining now and we expect a lively tour this fall. Tickets will become available in August. See www.kawvalleyfarmtour.org for more information about farms and tickets. Any other questions please reach out to me at hilarykass@ksu.edu.
Kaw Valley Farm Tour Website
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Available Resource Update!
Soil Test Funding is Here!
The Conservation District offers many services for the citizens of Douglas County, Kansas, including a quarterly newsletter, conservation education, state cost-share funds, technical assistance from the Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation District (NRCS) staff on conservation practices, sale of grass seed, and native grass seed drilling.
Select Soil Tests ( for producers and home owners) are free at K-State Research and Extension Douglas County thanks to the generous funding from the Douglas County Conservation District!
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We Launched a Podcast!
“We Are Extension" is a podcast hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Douglas County, KS. It showcases all aspects of Extension, including various segments hosted by our office’s staff!
Every week will highlight a different program area that will bring you unique segments filled with seasonal research-based information for practical use and so much more!
Look forward to learning something new as we all work towards making Douglas County, KS, a better place to live for all!
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Coming This Fall: A Hands-On Summit for Kansas Food Entrepreneurs
Quinlan C.
Food Business Resource Navigator
This fall, food and farm entrepreneurs from across Kansas will come together for a new kind of business event — one built not around lectures or panels, but around real progress.
The Kansas Food Business Start-Up Summit, hosted by the Heartland Regional Food Business Center and Douglas County Extension, will take place September 11–13, 2025 in downtown Lawrence. This three-day working retreat is designed to help early-stage food and farm entrepreneurs tackle the real-world challenges of building a business — and leave with forward momentum.
Participants will work side-by-side with their own business partners — funders, marketers, spouses, or farm managers, for example — in a collaborative environment focused on problem-solving. Each team will also receive tailored, one-on-one guidance from experienced Key Informants in specialized fields: from finance and operations to shared kitchens and rural development, and much more. We will enlist the expertise of 30+ of these Key Informants.
The goal is for food and farm entrepreneurs to walk away not just inspired, but with real traction on a key business goal. We’re creating space for deep thinking, practical support, and meaningful connection.
To ensure a valuable and productive experience for all participants, we are using an application process—not to limit access, but to better understand the needs, backgrounds, and goals of those interested in attending.
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center is committed to supporting the full spectrum of our regional food system, from producers and processors to preservers, manufacturers, and culinary entrepreneurs. By learning more about the barriers and challenges faced by each applicant, we can thoughtfully shape a diverse cohort of business project teams and tailor the Summit experience to maximize learning, connection, and impact for all involved.
Participation in the Summit requires a $300 registration fee for selected business project teams. In addition to personalized coaching and working sessions, attendees can explore optional site visits to innovative food system projects, including a cooperatively owned grocery store, an incubator kitchen, and a thriving local farm. The event will also highlight local and regional food throughout, with meals crafted from Kansas-grown ingredients and free time to explore Lawrence’s vibrant culinary scene.
The priority application opens on June 2 to food and farm entrepreneurs across Kansas. Priority applicants will be notified of their selection by July 15, and standard applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until August 1, 2025, or until all spots are filled. Early application is encouraged!
For more information and to apply, visit the Summit application page linked below.
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Douglas County Extension Council Giving Fund
The Douglas County Extension Council is engaged in the critical areas of Global Food Systems, Community Health, Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders, Community Vitality, and Water/Natural Resources Conservation.
The Council’s reach into the community in these areas exceeds 10,000 Douglas County Residents annually and the efforts of their volunteers more than doubles that impact. Your support enhances the Council’s ability to deliver on its mission to expand community conversations, cooperative learning, and collaborative leadership.
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CONNECTING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE
in Kingman, KS June 26, 27. (First ever!)
Registrations are now open. A pre-conference concert is scheduled for June 25. Registration: https://bit.ly/KansasCEC $175; $100 for small business owners
What to Expect:
· Dynamic, embedded sessions held within local businesses and venues across a four-block radius in downtown Kingman.
· Tools, strategies, and connections to grow your business, enhance your marketing, and confidently navigate legal requirements.
· Networking with Like-Minded Entrepreneurs, industry experts, and resource providers who can help you overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
Watch the promotional Video: Kingman CEC Conference Video
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Healthy Eating for Kids During the Summer Months
Kaitlyn P.
Community Health and Wellness Agent
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Healthy Eating for Kids During the Summer Months
Summer brings long days, outdoor play, and more flexible schedules—but it can also disrupt regular eating patterns for kids. Without the structure of school meals, it's important for families to stay intentional about nutrition. Making healthy food choices during the summer helps support children's energy levels, growth, and overall well-being.
Use MyPlate as a helpful guide to build balanced meals:
- Half the plate should be fruits and vegetables: Aim for a colorful variety to provide a range of nutrients and antioxidants. Fresh, frozen, or canned (in juice or water) are all great options.
- One-quarter of the plate should be lean protein: Good choices include grilled chicken, beans, turkey, tofu, eggs, and fish.
- The other quarter should be whole grains: Brown rice, whole grain pasta, or whole wheat bread help provide fiber and lasting energy.
- Include low-fat dairy such as milk, yogurt, or cheese for calcium and vitamin D.
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Focus on Fruits and Vegetables
Summer is the perfect time to explore seasonal produce. Kids are more likely to try new fruits and vegetables when they're involved in choosing or preparing them.
- Try adding chopped veggies to sandwiches, wraps, or pasta salads.
- Keep cut-up fruits and vegetables in clear containers in the fridge for easy snacking.
- Create fruit kabobs or smoothie bowls for fun, refreshing treats.
Choose Lean Proteins
Protein supports muscle growth and keeps kids feeling full longer.
- Grill lean meats or fish for quick summer dinners.
- Incorporate plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and nuts.
- Use hard-boiled eggs, hummus, or nut butter for easy, protein-rich snacks.
Keep Kids Hydrated
Proper hydration is especially important...
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The End of a Fulfilling Health Internship
Ruby B.
Community Health Intern
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This semester, I had the opportunity to serve as the Community Health Intern at K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) Douglas County. As a student at the University of Kansas studying Community Health, I was interested in gaining hands-on experience in local health and wellness initiatives. This internship allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world health issues impacting our community. While my coursework provided me a strong foundation, this experience gave me exposure and insight into the practical side of community health. Addressing health disparities in rural communities was an interest that I was able to explore through my time at KSRE through focusing on food security and anti-poverty efforts.
One of the most rewarding parts of my experience was working with the SNAP Educators in delivering nutrition education in middle and high school classrooms. I contributed by developing activities to complement the curriculum, preparing materials, and assisting with classroom delivery. While it was challenging work, it allowed me to witness firsthand the impact that education has when engaging with diverse populations. Hearing directly from students with lived experience gave meaning to the work and reinforced the necessity of providing nutrition education to students.
This semester, I had the opportunity to serve as the Community Health Intern at K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) Douglas County.
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As a student at the University of Kansas studying Community Health, I was interested in gaining hands-on experience in local health and wellness initiatives.
This internship allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world health issues impacting our community. While my coursework provided me a strong foundation, this experience gave me exposure and insight into the practical side of community health. Addressing health disparities in rural communities was an interest that I was able to explore through my time at KSRE through focusing on food security and anti-poverty efforts.
One of the most rewarding parts of my experience was working with the SNAP Educators in delivering nutrition education in middle and high school classrooms. I contributed by developing activities to complement the curriculum, preparing materials, and assisting with classroom delivery. While it was challenging work, it allowed me to witness firsthand the impact that education has when engaging with diverse populations. Hearing directly from students with lived experience gave meaning to the work and reinforced the necessity of providing nutrition education to students.
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Food Fellow Fairwell
Olivia E., Food Fellow
During my time as a food fellow at the K-State Research and Extension office in Douglas County, I identified local food access points to better understand and address barriers to food security, with the goal of supporting equitable access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally relevant foods. Using the research and data I collected, I developed a digital food access map and an accompanying written report. This project was designed to support the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which aims to reduce food insecurity from 11.5% to 10.5% by 2029.
In researching local food systems, I focused on three key factors: locality, accessibility, and affordability. I also documented which establishments accepted SNAP and WIC, and compiled a directory of food assistance programs and farms. Despite Douglas County's strong agricultural presence, I found a surprising lack of fresh and local food options—31.7% of the food access points did not offer fresh fruits or vegetables. Accessibility emerged as another major concern, particularly in rural areas like Eudora, Baldwin City, and Lecompton, which lack public transportation. Only 20 out of 41 sites had a bus stop within a five-minute walk, leaving many residents isolated from essential resources. Additionally, affordability proved to be a significant barrier, with grocery prices in Douglas County exceeding the Midwest average, making it harder for residents to access healthy, fresh food.
After visiting and assessing all food access points, I created a digital map pinpointing grocery stores, small markets, culture-specific grocers, food assistance programs, and farms. The map clearly indicates which locations offer local food and accept SNAP and WIC benefits. Ultimately, this food mapping project serves as both a visual tool and a resource for the community. It sheds light on the critical barriers many residents face and provides valuable insight to guide future efforts toward building a more accessible, affordable, and equitable local food system.
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Looking Ahead to Tomato Troubles
Sharon A.,
Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent
| It’s been a fantastic spring for gardeners, and many of us eagerly anticipate a lush, flavorful summer tomato crop. From pests to disease to environmental stress, tomatoes can be finicky, but with the right care, you can keep your plants healthy and productive. Below are some common issues home gardeners face with tomatoes. | |
Blossom end rot
While the cause of blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency, your soil likely has plenty of calcium. Rapid fluctuations in soil moisture and air temperature, drought stress, excessive nitrogen, and root damage can all interfere with the necessary uptake of calcium during fruit production. While you can’t do much about rapid weather swings, you can maintain even soil moisture, refrain from using nitrogen once fruits have developed, and be careful not to damage roots while hoeing.
Leaf spot and blight
Septoria leaf spot and early blight are fungal diseases that cause leaf spots and eventually leaf loss. Defoliation of your plants can reduce yield and result in sunscalding of your tomatoes. Warm temperatures, abundant rain, and high humidity favor both diseases. Avoid overhead watering and mulch around the plants to prevent splashing water on the lower leaves. See references below for chemical control options.
Bacterial speck and spot
Bacterial speck and spot are diseases that cause black spots on tomatoes. Avoid overhead watering and mulch around the plants to prevent splashing water on the lower leaves. There are copper-based chemical treatments available, but they have inconsistent results.
Hornworms
Nothing is more disappointing than inspecting your tomato plants and noticing that most of the upper part of the plant is gone. Look carefully for the camouflaged tomato or tobacco hornworm. When you find it, and do find it quickly, pluck it off your tomato plant (it can’t bite or sting). You can do...
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Apply for a Garden Grant From the Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners
Sharon A.,
Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent
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The Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) of Douglas County, KS, announce the availability of grant funds for gardening projects that support our mission “To share research-based, horticultural information with residents of Douglas County, in partnership with K-State Research and Extension”.
Any Douglas County public school or community garden may apply for a micro-grant (up to $500) to support a new or existing vegetable, fruit, or pollinator garden project. Community gardens include those operated by Common Ground, non-profit service organizations, senior living facilities, and child-care facilities. Private gardens are not eligible. Find the guidelines and application on our website below (scroll down to “2025 Extension Master Gardener Micro-grants”).
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Get out for the Garden Tour
Niki K.
Agriculture and Horticulture
Program Assitant
The 2025 Douglas County Extension Master Gardener Garden Tour is almost here! The Garden Tour event will take place on both Saturday, June 7th from 10 AM until 5PM and Sunday, June 8th from 11AM until 5PM. This year’s offerings include six gorgeous gardens in Douglas County, with five of them within the Lawrence city limits and the last one located in rural Baldwin.
You may purchase tickets online below or in-person at the Douglas County Extension Office Monday through Friday, 8AM until 5PM, located at 2110 Harper Street in Lawrence. Tickets can also be purchased during the Garden Tour at any of the six gardens on the tour and also at the Douglas County Extension Office.
While at the Extension Office, take some time to then walk through the Demonstration Gardens maintained by the Extension Master Gardeners, boasting 16 themed beds; including a rain garden, expansive shade garden and a xeriscape garden.
The first garden on the tour, Configuring Conifers, offers a wonderful display of conifer trees and shrubs, combined with grasses, perennials, and a bermed pond in the backyard creating a relaxing four-season appeal.
The Cutting Flowers and Fruits Garden focuses on utilizing small spaces to grow a variety of berries, apples, and peaches in this urban orchard. Many homemade raised beds are filled with annuals perfect for cutting, plus the addition of tall native perennials balance out this East Lawrence attraction.
In Old West Lawrence, the Lawns to Landscape Garden highlights ...
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K-State Horticulture Newsletter
Reminder: Subscribe to the K-State Horticulture Newsletter for timely information on caring for your landscapes and vegetable gardens.
K-State Horticulture Newsletter Website
| | | | LIVEWELL OF DOUGLAS COUNTY | | |
Working Together to Improve Community Health
Ginny B.
LiveWell of Douglas County
Executive Director
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LiveWell Douglas County is one of over a dozen community partners leading efforts to implement strategies and make progress towards the objectives identified in the 2024-2029 Douglas County Community Health Improvement Plan. The Community Health Improvement Plan, often referred to as the CHIP, is a strategic plan for health and well-being. Based on a comprehensive community health assessment, the Douglas County CHIP includes goals, objectives, and strategies for advancing health equity in six key areas:
- Access to Health Services
- Anti-Poverty
- Behavioral Health
- Birth Outcomes
- Food Security
- A Place for Everyone Housing Plan
LiveWell Douglas County is helping move the work forward in several ways. For food security, our Healthy Food for All work group serves as a co-convener with the Douglas County Food Policy Council to address more equitable access to food and reduce food insecurity for single female-headed households and older adults. Our Safe and Healthy Kids work group is leading the birth outcomes objective to prevent sleep-related sudden unexpected infant deaths.
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Under behavioral health, the Tobacco-Free Living work group developed action steps to reduce vaping and tobacco use, specifically addressing youth, justice involved population, individuals with behavioral health conditions, and pregnancy/postpartum population. Our Sexual Violence Prevention work group supports several strategies outlined in the “A Place for Everyone Housing Plan,” including establishing a tenant’s right to legal representation.
LiveWell is also leading one of the cross-connecting strategies identified across several CHIP focus areas to create and expand a community health worker/navigator system. Work on this strategy was the focus of LiveWell’s Spring Action Summit in April 2025. All of these efforts support our vision of a Douglas County were we all thrive. If you are interested in learning more about this work or would like to be connected with a LiveWell work group, please contact Ginny Barnard at ginnyb@ksu.edu or call 785-843-7058.
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Land Stewardship Assistance Guide is Now Available
Sharon A.,
Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent
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The Land Stewardship Assistance Guide is now available online and in booklet form. Pick up a free hard copy at the Douglas County Extension office (2110 Harper St in Lawrence) or download the document from our website through the link below. Copies are also available at the Douglas County Zoning and Codes office (3755 E 25th St).
The resource guide was compiled for those living or planning to live in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County and consists of an alphabetized list of information and resources. Topics range from animal control to pond management to zoning codes.
All the agencies and organizations referenced in this document are committed to the health, safety, and welfare of Douglas County residents and the land they care for. It is designed to help prospective and current property owners find the information and resources to manage their land for health, safety, sustainability, and enjoyment.
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Community Connections at Pinckney-Cooking Club
Michelle T.
SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education
I never thought I would have the fortune to get to combine three of my passions into a job that positively impacts young people! Teaching, exercise and food are interests and talents I have been able to share the past eighteen weeks with the students enrolled in Cooking Club with Community Connections at Pinckney. Two, separate nine-week sessions were held with students that had an interest in learning about nutrition and cooking skills. Always receiving a warm welcome when the students would enter the classroom was one of the great rewards I earned throughout the programming!
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So many topics and skills were discussed and practiced by the Cooking Club students. Using the Create Better Health SNAP-Ed curriculum, some of the topics covered were MyPlate and the five food groups. Meal planning, grocery shopping and goal setting were discussed. Understanding nutrition facts was part of the instruction. Aerobic activity, food safety and resistance training were covered, finishing up with a review of healthy eating patterns. Students used a variety of fruits and vegetables to create delicious meals.
Each student was able to experience hands on cooking instruction and culinary skill building as part of Cooking Club and the Create Better Health curriculum through SNAP Education. A highlight for me was being able to provide the students with a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with low fat dairy and protein options that they might not have had a chance to experience eating before. Each class, I would hear comments on how they did not like a certain fruit or vegetable, but after learning how to prepare it and pair it with other foods, the students would comment on how they really liked what they had made!
Enriching the lives of the Cooking Club students through Nutrition Education has been a very fulfilling experience for me. Seeing the smiles on the students faces and the culinary skill building that happened along the way reminds me of the importance of Nutrition Education in the classroom setting. What a wonderful way to spend a work day!
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How Douglas County 4-H engages members for learning and fun!
Nancy N.
4-H Youth Development Program Assistant
The National 4-H Program is built on the premise of “Hands on Learning”, or experiential learning; in fact, a longtime 4-H motto is “Learn by Doing”. The research-backed and evidence-based national 4-H curriculum has the components to ensure that 4-H members are engaging all six of their senses in the learning, and that two overall goals are reached- learning is happening and they are having fun while learning!
In Kansas, and specifically Douglas County 4-H, Program staff has worked to build a cadre of volunteer adult leaders who have the skills and desire to help us achieve our goals of making learning fun.
In our countywide project clubs, we see oftentimes the leaders who share their interests in exciting ways and through hands on methods helping members to question, experiment, build, grow, achieve and reflect on their specific interests. One of the most important roles of the adult volunteer is to inspire youth to think about “why?” and “How” and What if?” Keeping open communication and room to experiment is essential. It is proven that there are at least seven different learning styles and designing meetings or club events to embrace these through varied delivery can increase learning retention.
You may ask what is the downside to creating these learning environments? Assuredly, there is more time spent on the part of the volunteer in preparation for experiences that will inspire 4-H youth. However, that member may be learning a particular method for baking foolproof piecrusts, designing a robotics car, or earning a spot on a Poultry Judging Team. These are all notable successes that have great payoffs:
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| Are you enjoying our Newsletter? | | | | NEWS, UPDATES, AND UPCOMING EVENTS. | |
| Coffee and Chat With Extension Master Food Volunteers | Join us for Coffee and a Chat about the Extension Master Food Volunteers. Learn about who we are, what we do, and how you can be a part of it!
Friday, June 6, 2025
10:15-11:30AM
North Room, Dreher Family
4-H Building
2110 Harper Street
Lawrence, KS | 66046
Friday, July 11, 2025
10:15-11:30AM
Deal Six Auditorium,
Douglas County Extension
2110 Harper Street
Lawrence, KS | 66046 | | | |
| Douglas County Extension Master Gardener 2025 Garden Tour | The 2025 Garden Tour will include six private gardens. You can visit the gardens between 10:00 am and 5 pm on Saturday, June 7, and between 11:00 am and 5 pm on Sunday, June 8. Rain or Shine! You will receive the addresses for the gardens and a map via email a couple of days before the tour. Purchase tickets and receive a map and wrist band at the Extension office on June 7th and 8th or visit any garden to start, present your receipt, and receive a wristband for entry on either or both days. Tickets are per person and good for both days. | | | |
| Prescribed Burn Association | Are you a landowner, rancher or farmer needing assistance with managing fire through controlled burns on your terrain?
Are you concerned about the heavy fuel load creeping across the landscape - through woody encroachment?
Are you interested in working together as 'neighbors helping neighbors' to protect property and livestock?
Attend this Organizational Meeting to launch one (or two) new chapters for area Prescribed Burn Associations in East Central and Northeast Kansas. Anyone is welcome!
Registration closes on June 9th! | | | |
| If you struggle managing pests in commercial specialty crops – this workshop is for you! Join us to learn 'Why Scouting is Important for Pest Management'. Dr. Raymond Cloyd will discuss the importance of scouting crops for early detection of insect and mite pests and determining trends in insect and mite pest populations throughout the growing season. We will practice some scouting in the field – as Dr. Cloyd provides details on the appropriate procedures and methods to effectively scout crops. | | | |
| Food Preservation Workshop | Canning food at home is a great way to preserve fresh foods for later use. The key is canning food properly and safely to prevent food borne illness. Our Food Preservation Workshop will include hands-on demonstrations of both pressure and water bath canning methods. Workshop participants will learn about food preservation safety and best practices. | | | | |
K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting the event contact our main office or the event's program leader four weeks prior to the start of the event at 785-843-7058. Please see the full Douglas County staff list for detailed contact information. Requests received after programs' deadline dates will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.
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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