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Sep-Oct, 2024
Volume 5, Issue 5
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Working to improve lives, communities, the environment, and economies throughout Pima County. | | |
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Pima Extension Master Gardeners Host Propagation Workshop
So many people are interested in learning how to propagate their own plants and the Pima Extension Master Gardeners are thrilled to be partnering with Free Plant N Garden Stands to host a propagation workshop this Fall. The workshop will be held on Saturday, September 21, from 9 – 11:30 am at our Campbell Road offices (4210 N. Campbell, Tucson). At the workshop, Master Gardeners and community experts will be on hand to teach and answer questions so that you can learn to successfully propagate from either seeds or cuttings. We will have seven stations so that you can pick and choose what interests you or do them all. Stations include: 1) cutting propagation, 2) seed propagation, 3) the value of a tree, 4) seed matching game, and 5) free seed exchange table. Station 6 will be a garden tour starting every half hour to learn about harvesting seeds. Finally, station 7 will be a 30-minute class on seed storage and tips, starting at 9:15 and 10:15. In the class, you will learn about seed handling and get answers to questions like do you need to stratify your seeds and how to do this, how to tell if your seeds are viable, & identifying seeds for each season. We will also talk about orthodox and recalcitrant seeds and teach you how to ship seeds. The cost of the workshop is $30 for adults with kids 12 and under free and you can pay via cash or check at the door. The cost covers admission to all the stations including the tour and the class, plus a potted seed and cutting start to take home. We hope you can come out to meet other gardeners and learn about seeds and propagation.
To learn more about the Pima Extension Master Gardeners (MG), you can sign up for the MG newsletter or explore the MG website. If you have a question about your garden or plants, submit it using the Plant Gardening Question Form and get a personally curated answer from a Master Gardener. On October 19, come on over for the MG Plant sale or, later this year, come celebrate with us when we launch our new greenhouse.
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Director's Note
Pima County Extension
Has a New Marquee
We are excited to showcase a new marquee sign on the east side of Campbell Avenue. With a glance, you can learn about the Master Gardener plant sales, Tucson Village Farm Mid-Week Markets, Smartscape classes, and more! Pima Extension offices are located throughout the County and at each site, we strive to reach and support our surrounding community. Our main office is located on Campbell Avenue, at the northern edge of the University of Arizona Campus Agricultural Center and just south of the Rillito River. It is a great central Tucson location and an average of 30,000 cars travel past our office each day. What an opportunity to share our message, but how? After struggling for years to keep a letter-board sign current and relevant, we have graduated to a lit marquee that is easy to update and brightly lit to bring you the latest news. It is still new and we are learning how to make the messages clear, incorporate fun colors, and how to not be too bright at night. Admittedly, it feels a bit like having a big new Lite-Brite toy for the street, but over time, we hope that the many Campbell Avenue travelers will have a richer understanding of how Pima Extension can help them in their lives, with their kids, in their gardens, and more!
Claire L. Zucker
Director, Pima County Cooperative Extension
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Tucson Village Farm Expands School Field Trip Program
Thanks to a generous comorbidity intervention grant from the Pima County Health Department, Tucson Village Farm is excited to announce that we will be able to significantly expand our Field Trip Program for the region's schools. This funding will enable us to increase beyond the nearly 5000 youth that attended last year's schoold field trips, to offer field trips to additional schools including those serving underserved populations throughout Pima County. Our aim is to provide schools serving these communities access to our farm's educational programs, which focus on sustainable agriculture, vaccine awareness, healthy living, and environmental stewardship. Field trips will offer participants the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, learn about local food systems, and experience the benefits of connecting with nature. By reaching out to more schools, we hope to foster a greater understanding of the importance of nutrition and wellness while promoting a sense of community and inclusion. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to making impactful, positive experiences for youth in our region. With the support of this grant, Tucson Village Farm can now reach more individuas and families, helping to address disparities and enhance the well-being of our county’s diverse populations. We are thrilled about the potential of this grant to make a meaningful difference.
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National Extension Association Conference to be Held in Tucson
The University of Arizona’s Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences (FCHS) are excited to host this year’s National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) annual session here in Tucson from September 16 – 20. NEAFCS is the nationwide association of agents and staff working in Family and Consumer Sciences across the country and this year NEAFCS celebrates its 90th year as an organization. Offering leadership, professional development, and scholarly recognition for people specializing in nutrition, fitness, family support, and financial literacy, NEAFCS hosts a conference in a different state every year. One key feature of the conferences is that the hosting location also shares local work, community, culture as a means of broadening national understanding and networks. The conference promotional video is a beautiful invitation piece created for the event. Over the past year and a half, Arizona Agents and staff, including the Pima Extension Family Engagement Program, have been planning a welcome event to showcase the diversity of Arizona music, dance, and traditions as well as site visits to locations such as Biosphere 2, the Garden Kitchen, and Sonoita wine country. The state office of Arizona Extension has provided financial and technical assistance for this event and our 4-H colleagues have contributed funds as well as their time to make hundreds of table decorations by hand! This event has strengthened the bond of Arizona colleagues through collaboration and has set us up to feature the beautiful work, landscapes, and comradery that make Arizona special. We are excited to meet, share, and learn with the 727 colleagues from the 50 states and Guam who will be here next week to enjoy this unique networking and learning experience.
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Libraries Help Us Reach the Community
Our county libraries are such an amazing resource to residents in a variety of ways, including forming deep relationships with Pima County Cooperative Extension so that we can bring programming to the community. Our Master Gardeners hold library talks, in addition to Zoom presentations to give people direct education on a wide variety of topics. Pima Extension's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) team relies on libraries to attract new participants and they hold classes in many library locations. The Valencia Library is the location for The Garden Kitchen’s Promoting Local Arizona Agriculture (PLAZA) mobile market, providing a safe location, outreach, and staffing in true partnership for this project. We are also fortunate enough to participate in the annual One Seed Program with our seed libraries, where we share seeds, recipes, and food demonstrations with the community. The Garden Kitchen also provided trainings and resources for five library gardens this year, so that everyone who wants to expand their gardening knowledge is able to learn more. Check out the garden spaces at Valencia, Flowing Wells, Joel D Valdez Main, Santa Rosa, and Sam Lena libraries! Libraries continue to provide an integral, trusted community space for conducting Extension programming and we are very grateful for their partnership.
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Tips for Raising Chickens!
Why are my hens laying fewer eggs and looking so disheveled? They might be molting! Molting is when hens replace old feathers with new ones, typically once a year, often in the fall. It’s triggered by shorter daylight hours and the end of an egg-laying cycle. The molting process varies among birds and can last for several months. Some hens lose feathers all at once or in patches, resulting in a very disheveled appearance. Others grow new feathers more evenly, with new feathers appearing gradually as the old fall out. During molting, hens often reduce or stop laying eggs because their energy is focused on feather regrowth. To help, provide free access to a balanced diet and consider boosting their protein intake with higher protein feed or supplements like mealworms. After completing the molt, they should resume laying. Egg production and quality usually improve after their first adult molt. Would you like more education about raising poultry. Today is your lucky day – the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension is conducting a Poultry Needs Assessment Survey to help us tailor our education to help small-scale poultry farmers and backyard growers in the state. There's still time to participate in the survey, it will be open through September 30th!
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4-H Project Enrollment
Starts October 1
Open enrollment season is quickly approaching for Pima County 4-H. On October 1st, new and returning youth members and volunteers can begin official enrollment on our Pima 4-H Website. On the website, new members can find a club prior to enrolling online. Once a club is selected, it’s time to determine what projects youth will be involved in. One of the largest project areas in Pima county is our 4-H shooting sports program. Youth ages 8-18 participate in a variety of shooting sports disciplines such as air rifle, air pistol, archery, .22, shotgun, hunting skills, western heritage, and small bore. Members compete in various competitions at the county, state, and even national level. Through these competitions, members learn many valuable skills such as teamwork, independence, responsibility, and most importantly when working with firearms, they learn safety. Safety is a huge aspect for our program. We strive to ensure that all youth participating understand safe handling practices when working with firearms. 4-H shooting sports has helped many members find their spark or their passion in 4-H. Last year we had 98 participants in shooting sports accompanied by 20 certified volunteers. We hope to continue to grow those numbers as enrollment begins to open this year. For questions regarding our shooting sports program or 4-H enrollment, please reach out to our 4-H agent, Ashlea, at agideon@arizona.edu. We look forward to seeing you and your youth join 4-H this coming year!
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Learn About Water through the Water Resources Research Center's Online Webinars
As we begin the Fall 2024 semester, the University of Arizona's Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) is preparing for another exciting season of water webinars and featured events. On Monday, September 16, the WRRC will host a webinar titled Re-Imagining Water Resiliency – The San Diego Story, featuring Dan Denham, General Manager of the San Diego County Water Authority. Denham will provide an overview of how San Diego went from being almost 100% reliant on one imported water supplier to developing one of the most resilient water supplies in the southwest. On the following Tuesday, September 24, the WRRC will host another webinar titled Using Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects to Develop Partnerships, Address Stakeholder Needs, and Build to Future Work. This presentation will highlight the work of the Water RAPIDS team in collaboration with the Town of Superior and other stakeholders to develop the Coleman Alley Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project, build partnerships, and address water issues on Queen Creek. Zoom registration is now open for both webinars. This fall, the WRRC will also host a hybrid in-person and webinar event on Thursday, October 31, featuring author and photographer Dave Showalter, who will give a presentation on his recent book, Living River: The Promise of the Mighty Colorado, followed by a book signing. Registration and more details will be forthcoming. Additionally, planning for the WRRC 2025 Annual Conference is well underway. It will be held May 20–21, 2025, so please be sure to mark your calendars and save the date! The 2025 conference theme is Shared Borders, Shared Waters: Working Together in Times of Scarcity. Stay tuned for more updates via the Weekly Wave and/or visit the WRRC events webpage to stay informed about upcoming events, publications, and other relevant water news.
Image: Kim Holmes. Oak Creek, Sedona, AZ. WRRC 2023 Photo Contest
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Welcome to TVF
Field Trip Coordinators
We are excited to announce that Sheree Whiting and Sabra Mayer have officially joined the Tucson Village Farm "FARMily" as new staff members! Many of you may recognize Sheree and Sabra from serving one of their three AmeriCorps terms, and we're thrilled to welcome them into their new roles. They will be taking on the crucial task of coordinating all of our field trip programming which reaches thousands of students each year. We look forward to the innovative ideas and energy they will bring to our farm programs. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Sheree and Sabra as they embark on this exciting new chapter with us!
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UA Pima County Cooperative Extension
Programs and Upcoming Events
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Agriculture and Natural Resources
Residents and growers have ready access to research-based horticultural information at PCCE. Get gardening answers from our Master Gardener experts and learn about water conservation, xeriscape, irrigation, and more through our Smartscape courses.
Master Gardeners | Smartscape | Invasive Species Program
Family and Consumer Health Sciences
PCCE health education helps people improve their nutrition, family dynamics, and lives. Parents and caregivers gain tools to enrich children’s lives through the Family Engagement Program. Find nutritional and life-skills education through the SNAP-Ed/Garden Kitchen and EFNEP programs.
Family Engagement Program | Garden Kitchen |
Expanded Food and Nutritional Education Program (EFNEP)
4-H Youth Development
Youth build lifelong skills and have great fun through Cooperative Extension 4-H. Become involved in one of our many clubs or projects, capped by participation at the County Fair. Enjoy seed-to-table programming at Tucson Village Farm, a working urban farm built by and for the youth of our community.
4-H Clubs | Tucson Village Farm | High Ropes | 4-H Ranch Education
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Pima County Cooperative Extension
Website | 2023 Annual Report
Main Office: 4210 N Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719-1109
Green Valley Location: 530 E Whitehouse Canyon Rd
South Tucson, The Garden Kitchen: 2205 S 4th Avenue
Email: pcce@arizona.edu
Our Main Office on Campbell is open M-F 8:30 - 4:30
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SUBSCRIBE to the PCCE e-newsletter, The Round-Up
All PCCE program subscribers also receive our bi-monthly Round-Up. To be removed from the Round-Up e-list, choose the "Update Profile" link below. Do not choose the "Unsubscribe" link unless you wish to be removed from all PCCE program correspondence
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