Kids’ Tech University returns for 2011

As the nation’s government and education officials search for ways to better prepare students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, a program developed by the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute and Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H youth development program is returning to Virginia Tech’s campus in January of 2011. A groundbreaking program for youth ages 9 to 12, Kids’ Tech University offers sessions with internationally recognized scientists and hands-on activities. Read more.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Volunteer Month

Representatives from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University join Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and several Extension volunteers to celebrate the beginning of Virginia Cooperative Extension Volunteer Month at the Virginia State Fair on Oct. 1. Following Gov. Bob McDonnell’s declaration of October as Extension Volunteer Month, Virginians have been recognizing the accomplishments of the more than 36,000 Extension volunteers who donate their time and talents every year. Extension has been focusing on specific aspects of the organization each week: first, 4-H volunteers; second, ELC members and community viability volunteers; third, agriculture and natural resources volunteers; and fourth, family and consumer science volunteers. Share your stories about Extension volunteers on our Facebook page.

4-H camping teaches valuable life skills

With the summer in full swing, many of Virginia’s youth are looking for fun activities to connect with their peers and pursue their interests. Each summer, the 4-H camping program teaches more than 16,000 young Virginians about decision-making, communication, teamwork, and other valuable life skills. The 4-H camping website has information on the different types of camping experiences available at the six 4-H educational centers located throughout Virginia.

Training program to assist Virginia's beekeepers

Modeled after the successful Master Gardener program, the newly developed Master Beekeeper program provides field experience and guidance to volunteers who will assist beekeepers across the state. The program, which has already attracted about 60 beekeepers in its first module, will systematize the commonwealth’s beekeeper training through individual certifications ranging from Certified Beekeeper to Master Beekeeper. Read more in Master Beekeeping Program – Sweet as Honey, an article in the 2010 issue of Innovations.

Piecing Together the 4-H Puzzle

More than 400 teens, volunteer leaders, and Virginia Cooperative Extension agents pieced together the 4-H puzzle at the 90th annual 4-H State Congress on Virginia Tech’s campus from June 14-17. This year, 4-H delegates had an opportunity to discover the science behind the operation of a typical dairy farm, turn trash into recycled treasures, rehearse and perform a step routine, learn about interesting career paths in the horticulture industry, or extract DNA from strawberries. In addition to workshops, competitions, and assemblies, 4-H State Congress let participants experience what life might be like as a Tech student.

Learning by doing 100 years

The first 4-H clubs in Virginia started 100 years ago. Although much has changed in the past century, Extension’s 4-H youth development program continues to form a community of young people who learn about leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on experiences. A university spotlight on achievement highlights a few of the many ways 4-H has a positive impact on more than 150,000 youth in Virginia.

4-H Heritage Club prepares for future, relives past

Members of the 4-H Heritage Club learn about life on a family farm during the pre-Civil War period from a National Park Service employee at the Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy, Va. The group of teens and preteens, which was preparing to interpret farm activities for the public in the above photo, conquered their fear of public speaking and learned about Virginia’s history and agriculture along the way. Read more in Preparing for the Future by Reliving the Past, an article in the 2010 issue of Innovations.

Extension helps vineyard and winery owners

Tim Mize, agricultural and natural resources Extension agent and unit coordinator in Fauquier County, and Al Kellert, owner of Gray Ghost Vineyards, discuss the winemaking process. A network of Extension agents and specialists provide educational resources and find solutions to the problems that Virginia’s emerging wine industry faces. Read more in From the Vineyard to the Winery, a cover article in the 2010 issue of Innovations.

Diagnosing the Fungus Among Us

The Plant Disease Clinic, part of the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science at Virginia Tech, is one of several facilities offering diagnostic and laboratory services to Extension agents and the public. Read more.

Extension helps growers find markets for specialty fruits and vegetables

Reze Rafie (left), commercial vegetable specialist at Virginia State University, connects fruit and vegetable growers with markets for their unique and locally-grown produce. Read more.

Food Expo promotes locally grown foods

More than 800 people sampled fresh and flavorful local foods from 45 vendors at the Taste of the Roanoke Valley Food Expo, held recently near Daleville, Va., and coordinated by Extension’s Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke offices.

The day was pulled together under the leadership of Extension agents Sheri Dorn, Cassie Driskill, and Andy Allen. The crowd well exceeded the group's hope for 500 attendees for this first-time event. Photo: Ann Harrell/Cassie Driskill

Learn more.

Master Gardeners help urban oasis grow

The Hampton Master Gardeners devote countless hours to maintaining and improving the gardens at Bluebird Gap Farm, bringing demonstration gardens and an arboretum to city residents for learning and enjoyment. Read more.

Virginia 4-H for Life

Many Virginia 4-H'ers put the life skills they learned in 4-H to good use as successful young adults. Mary Catherine "M.C." McGinn, shown above with a young camper, is one example. Read more about M.C. and other former 4-H'ers in Virginia 4-H for Life.

The Local Foods Movement

John Thompson, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent in Fluvanna County, discusses locally-grown eggs with a producer participating in the Fluvanna Farmers Market. Learn more.

Smart Choices in the Grocery Store

What better place to talk nutrition and economics than right in a grocery store – and better yet – in a Walmart? Learn more.

4-H Youth Attend 89th Congress

4-H'ers work on a recycling project while attending the 89th Virginia 4-H State Congress on June 15-18. 

Youth from across Virginia participated in hands-on workshops, competitions, service learning, assemblies, and social events during the week, while focusing on the theme, "Constructing the Future Through 4-H." Learn more about 4-H programs.

Agents Get Beef Quality Assurance Training

Extension agriculture and natural resources agents David Smith, of Cumberland County (left), and Jason Carter, of Augusta County, work with cattle at the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Teaching Arena at Virginia Tech during a recent Beef Quality Assurance training session.

Learn more about Certified Beef Quality Assurance Producers.

4-H Cabinet Meets with 4-H Foundation Board

A recent event at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts brought together the Virginia 4-H Cabinet and the Virginia 4-H Foundation Board to better acquaint the two groups with each other. The 4-H'ers represented the tangible outcomes of the 4-H program for the board members, and the youth learned more about the Foundation and its role as an advocate for the 4-H program. The venue, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, promoted the inclusion of the arts in 4-H programming, and also allowed the cabinet members to participate in 4-H Day at the Capitol. 

• Learn more about the State 4-H Ambassadors and Cabinet team.
• Learn more about the 4-H Foundation.

We've Put on a New Face!

Welcome to the new Virginia Cooperative Extension website. We are pleased to unveil our new look and improved navigation. You'll find updated versions of most everything from our old site here, as well as some new features. Please pardon a little construction dust as we fine tune the site and check back often to see what is new.

Peter Huber Recognized by VCE

Peter Huber, Pulaski County Administrator, was recognized with the Virginia Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences' 2009 Advocate Award on May 12. Huber, who currently serves as Chair of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Leadership Council, was commended for his support of the entire Extension program in his community and for his volunteer service to VCE. He was honored for his strong advocacy for family and consumer sciences programs at local and state levels and for publicly supporting the importance of strong families in building strong communities.