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Jan-Feb, 2025
Volume 6, Issue 1
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Working to improve lives, communities, the environment, and economies throughout Pima County. | | |
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Gardening to Parenting Connections Help Incarcerated Dads and Their Kids
In the dry desert soil of Tucson, Arizona, incarcerated fathers are planting more than seeds—they’re cultivating relationships, skills, and hope for the future. Through the Pima Extension Family Engagement Program, 80 fathers at the Arizona State Prison Complex participated in Down to Earth Dads, a six-session course that uses gardening as a metaphor for parenthood. “I can’t believe these plants grew in this dirt,” one father reflected, drawing a poignant parallel to his own upbringing. Master Gardener and Parent Educator Cassie Burruel created Down to Earth Dads to combine gardening and parenting in an engaging, transformative program. Funded by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, the program invites fathers to explore parallels between nurturing plants and raising children—planning for the future, fostering a positive environment, and providing individual care. One participant noted, “Children are like plants because…the more love and attention you give them, the better they turn out.” The program incorporates the Partners in Parenting Education curriculum, which strengthens parent-child engagement through active listening, recognizing a child’s autonomy, and improving communication. Hands-on activities help fathers reflect on their parenting and develop new strategies. Surveys conducted at the end of each series reveal the program’s success. Ninety-six percent of participants agreed with the statement, “I can plant seeds in my child that will turn into life skills as adults,” and 88% felt confident in their parent-child relationships. One father shared, “I have really opened my eyes to my impact on the outcome of my children’s future.” By equipping fathers with tools to nurture their children, Down to Earth Dads can contribute to improved family bonds and reduced recidivism. It shows that with the right care, growth is possible even in the most challenging environments.
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Director's Note
Our Pima Extension Office - The Story
Just a few years ago, Pima County Cooperative Extension celebrated 100 years serving the community and fulfilling the land-grant mission of the University of Arizona. As I shared in a previous newsletter, our first location was in the Tucsonia Hotel in downtown Tucson, and the County Fair was held near Rosckruge School. Our main offices were relocated to the current site (4210 North Campbell Rd.) in 1991, and here is the story of our relocation. By the 1970s we had left the Tucsonia and were located in a downtown Tucson County building. With Pima County Wastewater expanding and needing additional space, advocates in the community asked that the County build a dedicated facility for our Extension work. It took several years, but in 1984 a bond was issued combining funding for our building with a funding request for libraries into a single bond because at the time Extension was so popular that combining the asks would help pass the library funding. The story does not end there because in 1993 torrential floods on the Rillito River threatened to sweep our building downstream. Heroic efforts by the County to shore up the river banks were successful although the road between our building and the river, a nearby gas station, and other properties were lost. If you have not visited us, our building is a unique space, fashioned to have a barn-like feel with windows ringing the top to bring in natural light. It is still County-owned and managed, but its location on the University of Arizona Campus Agricultural Center has enabled us to expand the Tucson Village Farm campus and to create a 1-acre Master Gardener Pima Demonstration Garden on site. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful location and historic building for our work. Come visit!
Claire L. Zucker
Director, Pima County Cooperative Extension
Photo: Heavy earth-moving equipment shored up eroding banks along the Rillito and saved the Pima Extension facility. Photo by Xavier Gallegos / Tucson Citizen, January 9, 1993.
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Kids Get Ready
for Fair at the
4-H Stock Show!
4-H is excited to hose the annual Arizona 4-H Stock Show and Round Up at the Pima County Fairgrounds on February 14th-16th. The Stock Show is open to 4-H and FFA youth ages 8 to 18 from across the state. Check-in starts Friday afternoon and shows begin on Saturday and continue into Sunday. At the Stock Show, youth have the opportunity to learn more about their projects while showcasing what they have learned through their clubs with diligent practice and hard work all year. For Pima County 4-H members, this show helps youth gain experience and knowledge before the upcoming county fair scheduled for April 17th-27th. Each member will have a chance to participate in showmanship and market/breed classes as well as knowledge contests such as judging, quiz bowls, and skill-a-thons. 4-H members who want to participate in the show can register through their 4-H zsuites account. FFA members can also register for the show using an external zsuites link. Please check the 4-H Stockshow Website for entry fee information and rule breakdowns. This event is something that exhibitors look forward to every year and we would love it if you joined in on the fun to see youth do what they love! Entry is free for spectators. We look forward to seeing you there!
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The PLAZA Mobile
Market - An Outstanding Success in 2024
The Garden Kitchen’s PLAZA Market (Promoting Local AZ Agriculture) successfully completed its first year of operation in 2024. Over the course of 47 markets, $1100 of foods were purchased from local organizations including small farmers and producers, keeping more local foods local and more money in our local economy. At the market, 3,800 pounds of local fresh produce and staple goods were sold during 1,200 transactions. Of those transactions, 41% of sales were with nutrition assistance benefits, underscoring the usefulness of a local foods access point in the neighborhood where nutrition assistance benefits are accepted. Team members were also able to enroll 132 people in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and distribute $11,940 in coupons for local produce purchases. A huge thank you to our partners in this market including the small farmers working with the International Rescue Committee’s New Roots program, Iskashitaa Refugee Network, Barrio Bread, Tucson Village Farm, UA Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, and special thanks to the whole team at the Valencia Public Library. The PLAZA market’s success is because of this community commitment and partnership in changing the local food system. We look forward to adding a new location in 2025 so that more local food access points are available in our community!
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Pima Master Gardeners Donate Fruits and Veggies to Those in Need
In 2024, the Pima County Master Gardeners made an inspiring contribution to the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, donating an impressive 2,657 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in our demonstration garden. This generous donation aligns with the national mission of Master Gardener program, which aims to educate communities on sustainable gardening while providing fresh, nutritious produce to those in need. Pima Master Gardeners enjoy leading the community on tours of our gardens and holding classes educating the public on how to grow their own food. Among the harvest were an array of leafy greens, vibrant herbs, peppers, tomatoes, pomegranates, and figs—ingredients that have not only enriched the meals at Casa Maria but also helped nourish individuals facing food insecurity. Casa Maria’s mission to feed and clothe those in need is made stronger by such contributions, because they rely on community support to provide their vital services. The Master Gardener’s efforts go beyond planting seeds; this effort cultivated sustainable solutions to hunger by contributing fresh, locally grown food to those who might otherwise struggle to access it. This year’s donation is a testament to the power of gardening and collective effort in addressing food insecurity. We are so thankful to the over 250 Master Garden Volunteers who made this and all of the ways we enrich Pima County possible.
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Arizona Residents Guide Extension's Poultry Programming
The Arizona Poultry Needs Assessment surveyed participants across the state in the Fall of 2024, with Pima County residents making up the largest group (51%). Respondents primarily raised poultry as a hobby or for personal egg and meat production, with laying hens being the most popular focus (93%). Other interests included meat chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quail, and guineas. Key educational needs were identified, including nutrition for laying hens, disease management, biosecurity, pest control, and care during extreme weather. Timely information on emerging diseases, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and proper use of over-the-counter animal health products were also highlighted. A significant concern was the lack of veterinary care for poultry, with 62% of respondents reporting no access to a poultry veterinarian in their area. These results underscore the importance of providing practical, accessible education and resources to support Pima County's poultry enthusiasts in managing their flocks effectively. Cooperative Extension is dedicated to addressing these needs through tailored programming and materials designed to empower poultry keepers, whether they are beginners or seasoned experts. For more details about the needs assessment, educational resources, and upcoming events, visit the Extension Poultry Website to access information designed specifically for Pima County poultry producers.
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The UA Water Center Improves Arizonans' Understanding of Their Water Resources
The University of Arizona’s Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) is excited to share that the Arizona Water Factsheets for all 15 counties are now complete and available on the WRRC Website! These visually appealing 4-page (or expanded 8-page) documents include text, maps, and figures that provide answers to common water-related questions in each county across the state. They cover topics such as water sources, water demands, land management, water challenges, sustainable management strategies, and the future of county water. The Factsheets were developed with input from local Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) and a wide range of external reviewers from municipal, nonprofit, Extension, county, state, and federal partners. A County Factsheet Development Overview document, which explains the process used to develop the factsheet, is also available on our website. The Factsheets have been well-received and are now posted on various local government websites, with partners using them for outreach and community engagement. As the WRRC continues to update and refine these resources, they will remain an essential tool for understanding Arizona’s diverse water challenges and solutions. Please visit the WRRC Website to explore the factsheets for your county and subscribe to the Weekly Wave to find out more about the WRRC’s upcoming Water Webinars, Chocolate Fest, 2024 Photo Contest winners, and Annual Conference!
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Congratulations Celeste Gambill
We are very excited to share that Celeste Gambill has been promoted to Manager I overseeing the Pima Master Gardener Program. In 2021, Celeste was hired as professional staff and since that time she has moved mountains and shown great dedication and ingenuity to grow the program. Under her leadership, the program now has over 275 Master Gardener volunteers, two new educational outreach programs, and a thriving and revamped demonstration garden. She has already laid the groundwork to create a new sustainability garden and soon we will have a new greenhouse. Thank you to Celeste for her hard work and congratulations on your new position!
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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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