Strawberry season means paying a visit to your local farms and produce markets for some fresh pickings! Check out the NC Farm App to find locations near you.

Native Pollinator Guide

Late spring is the time for sowing seeds and planting summer transplants! Our summer bounty of NC crops would not exist without the wonderful work of pollinators. This guide lists excellent native pollinator-attracting plants that will keep our gardens flourishing for years to come. The birds, butterflies, and bees will thank you!

In 2022, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners established the Food Security Program through county’s Cooperative Extension office using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Our work includes improving access to food, building the capacity of existing organizations that connect people to food, strengthening our farming system and farmers’ markets, minimizing food waste and improving food reclamation.

Since it's establishment, the Food Security Program has gotten to work on several projects, including the formation of a Food Security Steering Committee. This Committee had another successful meeting in April and is comprised of 15 individuals across Guilford County, representing a wide range of populations, defined by who they serve or by their own identities. Ultimately, each committee member will serve as a leader in a project of their choice that will focus on bettering food security in their communities over the coming year.

Additionally, the Food Security Team highlights the importance of grant-writing education in our community. Together, Cooperative Extension and the Triad Black Faith Leaders Network worked together on a grant which was successfully awarded! Now, the TBFLN has the education and experience of writing grants that will create new opportunities in the future. 

Cooperative Extension has partnered with Fuse, a national non-profit focused on improving equity and innovation in local governments to bring an Executive Fuse Fellow to Guilford County. Jennie Ann is in the process of confirming IRB approval for a Photovoice Project that will be conducted over the next year. Collectively, these actions form the groundwork for improved grassroots leadership and a stronger food system for Guilford County.

4-H Retreat

On April 12th and 13th, 4-H teens from across the North Central District gathered at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center in Reidsville for a weekend of networking, community service, professional development, and fun! Over 40 youth attended, and we packed 25 goody bags for soldiers that included at least one handwritten note from 4-H’ers in attendance. This event was planned by the North Central District 4-H officers that were elected by their peers at last year’s Teen Retreat. The team elected last weekend will be inducted during NC 4-H Congress in July. 

In April, 4-H and FCS hosted a program with the Pathways program from the Family Justice Center. Youth learned all about plants and what they need to grow, as well as how to make healthy choices when cooking. Youth learned kitchen safety, knife skills and made an amazing chicken and vegetable pasta with pesto. 

Ernestine Alston won a 2023 NC 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award for Guilford County 4-H!

Food Security Coordinator Alyssa McKim (right) with Food Security volunteer Susan Cox.

Free Herbs for School Gardens!

Earlier this year, Community & School Gardens Agent Crystal Mercer applied for a grant to receive herbs for school gardens from The Davis Education Fund of the North Carolina Unit of the Herb Society of America. In April, we were notified that $1,000 was awarded to the Community and School Gardens Program to purchase herb transplants for Guilford County School Gardens. Herbs were purchased at the annual spring plant sale at the Guilford County Farm Greenhouse, and have since been distributed to schools!

Food Security - SNAP Sun Bucks

The Food Security Program is working towards getting more families enrolled in Sun Bucks, the summer food assistance program through SNAP. Over 300 paper flyers have been distributed and over 1,000 people are aware of the program thanks to digital distribution. Learn more or contact Beverly Chester for more information.

Horticulture - Learn about the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program

There are 90k+ Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers℠ across the United States who deliver research-based information and gardening education that supports and protects local communities and plants everywhere. Here in Guilford County, we are grateful for our 100+ active Extension Master Gardener volunteers℠ that support our Karen C. Neill Demonstration Garden, Infoline, “Ask a Master Gardener” Booth, and other horticultural education programming. Last year, Guilford County had 102 Certified EMG volunteers and Interns that dedicated 7,277.25 hours toward serving residents of Guilford County and beyond. In 2023, NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers contributed 225,136 volunteer hours, or an estimated $6.7 million of volunteer time, and reached 280,934 North Carolina residents.

Grow With Us

Workforce Ready Classes

NC State College of Education Workshops & Listening Session

May 13th, 2024

5:30pm-7:30pm at the Ag Center

Join in conversations & workshops about education-related resources and needs for kids learning at home or outside of school. Choose 1 of 3 available workshops with dinner provided. 

Canning with Cooperative Extension - Strawberry Jam

May 14th, 2024

5:30pm-7:30pm at the Ag Center

Join FCS Agent Vincent Webb to learn more about canning strawberry jam and take home your own batch!

Digital Literacy: What Is Artificial Intelligence?

May 14th, 21st, 28th,  2024

4-5pm at the High Point Public Library

In this hands-on series for tweens, learn about the different ways AI is already a part of your daily life. Practice using it for greater personal and professional productivity.

Eat The Med Way: Plant-Based Edition

May 16th, 2024

12-12:30pm, Online

Learn kitchen skills and cooking tips for great meals with FCS Agent, Vincent Webb. In this session, you will learn how to build plant-based meals that reinforce the habits of the Mediterranean eating pattern.

Equine Law: Tack Room Talk

May 18th, 2024

1pm-3pm at the Ag Center

Join us as guest speakers cover each stage of horse ownership and provide helpful insight to make it an enjoyable experience for all parties. The topics will include buying/leasing a horse, boarding contracts, liability for injuries, insurance and more!

Get Ready for 2024 Summer Fun with 4-H!

Guilford County 4-H is offering a wide variety of camps this summer for youth of all ages, from technology to agriculture and everything in between join us for a summer of learning, adventure, and FUN!