JANUARY 21, 2010 ISSUE
Cooperative Extension Offers Gardening, Ag Programs
The Watauga County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has several upcoming programs of interest to farmers, gardeners, homeowners, beekeepers and anyone interested in becoming a Master Gardener.
The Watauga Cooperative Extension office is located at 971 West King Street in Boone. For more information, call 828-264-3061 or email Meghan_Baker@ncsu.edu.
Present Use Tax Assessment: Will It Work for Your Farm?
Thursday, January 21
The Cooperative Extension will offer a free educational workshop on the present use assessment program in Watauga County this Thursday, January 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Conference Center in Boone.
The North Carolina Present Use Value Assessment is a program providing preferential tax treatment of land actively involved in agricultural, horticultural or forestry production. The program reduces tax rates from a market value to a “present use” value on parcels of land that are in active crop production, though there are additional requirements to qualify for the program.
Representatives from both the state and local level will discuss the full details and benefits of present use assessment.
Fruit and Essential Plants for Your Backyard
Thursday, January 28
The Watauga Extension is holding a series of workshops this spring to help people learn how to produce food from their backyards. On Thursday, January 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Conference Center, learn how to incorporate fruit (strawberries, brambles, apples and blueberries) and native plants into the backyard landscape.
The free workshop will discuss site selection, soil needs and basic planting instructions to maximize success for new landscape additions. This program will include plant varieties that will be available for purchase through the 2010 Watauga County 4-H Plant Sale.
Blueberry Pruning Workshop
Thursday, February 4
Effective pruning is useful for removing dead, diseased and damaged plant tissues. It can also help rejuvenate tissues for an overall healthier plant. Pruning is both a combination of skill and art and is best learned from hands-on learning sessions.
The Cooperative Extension will offer a blueberry-pruning workshop at the farm of Wayland Cox, just east of Jefferson, for both hobbyists and professionals to help ensure bountiful harvests and healthy plants for years to come. The Thursday, February 4, event is free and open to the public and will take place from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Carpooling is encouraged. A snow date is scheduled for February 18.
From Boone, take Highway 421 South to Highway 221 North toward West Jefferson and turn right onto Highway 163. Travel to North Beaver Church and turn left onto Boggs Road. Travel 3.5 miles to Cox Road. Turn left onto Round Knob Church Road and take the first road to the right after the Church. Bear right to the nursery, located at 1003 Round Knob Church Road in West Jefferson.
Watauga County Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Application Deadline February 12
The Cooperative Extension Service offers the Master Gardener volunteer program for the purpose of training citizens in numerous aspects of practical horticulture. The program involves 10 to 12 weeks of intensive training in the subjects of plant propagation, botany, soils and fertility, plant problems (insects, diseases and abiotic disorders) and edible and ornamental plant care.
The 2010 spring training will begin on March 2 and meet every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Agricultural Conference Center in Boone. After completing the initial training and passing a comprehensive exam, Master Gardener volunteers must commit to a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service with the Watauga Cooperative Extension.
Interested individuals must fill out an application form available at the Watauga Extension website (watauga.ces.ncsu.edu) or pick one up at the Watauga Cooperative Extension office, located at 971 West King Street in Boone. All applications must be returned to the Extension Center by Friday, February 12.
Watauga County Beekeeper Shortcourse
Saturday, February 20
The Watauga County Beekeeper’s Association will host the 2010 Beekeeper Shortcourse at I.G. Greer Hall on the ASU campus on Saturday, February 20 (a snow date is scheduled for February 27). Anyone interested in learning more about these amazing insects or those wanting to get into beekeeping should not miss out on this event.
Participants will learn about useful equipment, where to locate a bee yard, how to install a package of bees and how to manage the beehive year-round in the High Country. The cost is $15 for an individual or $20 for a family of two, to be paid the day of the event.
Lunch will be provided. Registration will be at 8:30 a.m. with the workshop beginning at 9:00 a.m. and lasting until 5:00 p.m. Preregistration is recommended; call the Cooperative Extension office at 828-264-3061 to reserve your spot.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
