It's 4-H Plant Sale Time!

Cherokee County 4-H is conducting its annual plant and fruit tree sale. All proceeds will go to Cherokee County 4-H. As usual, the plants and trees will be of high quality and reasonably priced. The plant and tree sale starts on February 1 and ends the middle of March. Plants will be available for pick up in April.

Extension Food Drive

Please help us collect non-perishable food items in February and March for our 3rd Annual Extension Food Drive. Food may be dropped off at the N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cherokee County Center (40 Peachtree Street, Murphy) through March 31, 2025. Items will be distributed among Cherokee County Food Pantries. 

For more information, please contact Marlana Baker, FCS Agent 828-837-2210

Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer: Interest Form

The Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Cherokee County are planning certification training beginning January thru April 2026. This is a selective process that will include interviews and an orientation session. Interviews will occur in October with an orientation in November. 12 to 15 applicants will be chosen for the training.

Kitchen Kit Drive for Hurricane Relief

During the month of February, Extension Offices across the state will be collecting new kitchen items (see list below) to assemble into kitchen kits for Hurricane Helene victims. If you would like to purchase items, you can drop them off at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Cherokee County Center (40 Peachtree St., Murphy) or purchase from the Amazon List using the QR code below and they will then be shipped on location. 

For questions;

Please contact Marlana Baker, FCS Agent

828-837-2210 ext 5

Enroll or Re-Enroll in 4-H 2025

The 4-H Online system is open for enrollment and re-enrollment so log into your account today! If have trouble logging in then please contact Shannon Coleman, at shannon_coleman@ncsu.edu or call (828)837-2210 ext. 4 for help.

Foundations of Telehealth Workshop

This workshop will provide an opportunity to consider various conferencing systems, how to establish an online account, and when it may be appropriate to reduce routine office visits. Register at the link below. For more information contact Danny Ferreira at 828-837-2210 x6 or at daniel_ferreira@ncsu.edu.

Shiitake Mushroom Production Workshop

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers℠ in Cherokee County will teach a hands on Shiitake Mushroom class. The class will include a 1 hour of classroom and 1 hour hands on instruction. There will be an overview about cultivation, types, uses, and methods for different types of mushrooms. Workshop will include hands on instruction, including the seeding of Oak logs which participants will take home to grow Shiitake Mushrooms.

Creative Writing Workshop, Including Use of Generative AI

Discover new tools to support creative writing and storytelling activities. Test prompt development and output evaluation.

Learn new platforms for content generation and determine if these tools are suitable for producing creative fiction. Use the PROMPT model to engineer queries and relate the output to established frameworks of storytelling structure. 

Gardening Basics Offered By Extension Master Gardners

Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Cherokee County will be offering free gardening classes each month from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m.   Classes will be held at Konehete Park located at 699B Connahetta Street in Murphy, NC.

Join the 4-H Cooking, Crafting and Community Club

This club will be focusing on being creative with crafts, learning cooking skills, and giving back through community service. Youth will create projects to enter in regional fairs and contest. We will focus on 4-H presentations and community service projects.

Find a Job You Love, Workshop

If 2025 is going to be the year for your big career breakthrough, then get your profile set up and gain hands-on experience searching for job listings.

Secure WiFi is available at the Education Annex at 699B Connahetta Street in Murphy, and the use of devices for the session can be provided for up to 10 participants.

ECA: Advanced Sewing Class-Zipper, Buttonholer and Walking Foot

In this 3 hour instructional sewing class, hosted by the ECA: Sew Much Fun Sew Club, you will master and complete 3 projects to take home with you. Supplies including all materials and sewing machines will be provided.

You must have at least a beginner's understanding of how to sew and be 18 or older to participate.

Resources for Homeowners, Landowners and Gardeners on Soil Sampling

Soil Sampling is an important tool for homeowners and gardeners. Farmers have been relying on this information for many years to be successful in growing crops, pasture, and tree farms. Soil sampling materials can be picked up at our office location during normal business hours. We have a self help table located on the 2nd floor in which you can pick-up the boxes, forms, and instructions.

Cherokee On the Fly 4-H Club is Open for Enrollment

This Cherokee On The Fly 4-H Club will started back January 2025. They had been on break from June 2024 to December 2024 to allow our volunteer recovery time from surgery. The February meeting is the 20th, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00p.m.

Beginner Sewing Series

Learn the Basics of Sewing! No Machine Required! 

All 3 classes are included in your ticket fee.

Sewing machines are provided.

Build your confidence and learn basic sewing skills!

For adults 18 and over.

WNC Farm Succession School

Attend the Western NC  Farm Succession School and learn how to secure your farm’s future and leave a legacy for future generations. Topics will include Family Communication, Retirement, Long-Term Care Planning, and Estate Planning. The program will be held  March 27 at the  WNC Regional Livestock Center located at 474 Stock Dr, Canton, NC 28716 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Assistance Can Be Requested On-line!

If you are a citizen of Cherokee County and have questions about farming, gardening and other type information, assistance can be requested online.  You can even include pictures along with your question or concern to help us better assist you.

Community Help Desk At The Welcome Table

The Community Help Desk is a series of drop in events scheduled at different dates, times and locations throughout Cherokee County. The February session will be at The Welcome Table at Andrews United Methodist Church, from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday February 27th.

Quantum Computing:

The Breakthrough of 2024

The start of a new year is often a good time to look back at the year that has passed. It is not unusual to see “top ten” lists during this season, and prognostications abound. 2024 certainly has provided robust candidates, including trends that have become media darlings such as Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.