Celebrate ISU Extension and Outreach Week in Greene County

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 12-17. Iowa’s 100 county extension offices will host activities throughout the week to thank Iowans for their support of extension efforts throughout the state.

“The challenges of the past year changed how ISU Extension and Outreach serves Iowans, but not why: We want a strong Iowa. We are here for you now and always,” said Lori Mannel, Greene County Extension Director.

“This celebration is one way we say thank you to the many volunteers, community leaders, organizations, agencies and other partners who support our work in Greene County.” Mannel said.

Greene County Extension will host daily no or low cost activities throughout the week focused on celebrating extension’s presence in Greene County:

Greene County Extension is partnering with ShineOn Designs/More Time to hold a 4-H $15 Challenge Workshop on Monday April 12th from 2:00pm – 3:30pm. Youth will get a tour of ShineOn by owner, Jen Badger. After the tour More Time staff will help pick out the perfect outfit for you for $15 or less. Once your outfit is picked out, the group will walk to the Extension office where 4-H staff and volunteers will help fill out fashion entry form, clothing report form & fashion show summaries. This workshop is open to all Greene County 4-H’ers and Clover Kids. Please register by April 9^th and bring your $15 with you on the day of the event.

On Tuesday April 13^th from 6:00-8:00pm.  We will offer a sewing class lead by Cindy Adamson at the Extension office meeting room. Learn the basics of sewing and learn to make a basket.  Limited space, free of charge

Wednesday April 14^th is the start of our StoryWalk^® around the Jefferson Bell Tower square.  This self-guided tour begins at Angie’s Tea Garden at 100 State Street and work your way around the square clockwise, to read the book “Bea’s Bees”.  The walk will end at the Greene County Extension Office at 104 W. Washington Street in Jefferson.  The first 50 families to finish the walk will get a free jar of honey during business hours 9:30am to 4:30pm.  Some businesses will have an activity or prize when you visit their store. This is a self-guided tour through mid-May. This free family activity is sponsored by the Jefferson Rotary Club.

“Creating Your Pond Oasis” is the topic of our Thursday April 15^th from 12:00-1:00pm presentation at the Greene County Extension Office. Eric Twigg, Janet Twigg & Marj Hunt from Midwest Aquatics & Landscaping will be presenting.  They will discuss:  pondless water features, benefits of proper aeration & filtration, benefits of aquatic plants, beneficial bacteria.    Free of charge and must register to attend.

Do you have questions on planting, spring weather conditions, herbicides, farm management, farm bill, ag tourism, specialty crops or livestock? ISU Ag Specialists; Mike Witt, Tim Christensen and Ray Hansen, Small Business Development Coordinator, are here to help at “Ask the Experts- Ag Professionals” on Friday April 15 from 11:00am-1:00pm.  This is a free come and go event will be held at the Greene County Extension meeting room and is open to anyone. Come in and get personal, research-based advice.

“ISU Extension and Outreach engages Iowans in solving today’s problems and planning for tomorrow. We will continue finding new ways to deliver research-based education and information to Iowans,” Mannel said.

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service — a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.

For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach, visit www.extension.iastate.edu or contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Greene County office. 515-386-2138.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.

For more information: Lori Mannel, 104 W. Washington St, 515-386-2138 or email, lmannel@iastate.edu