Dates Set for Donation Station! Every Second Saturday, May-September

The Extension Donation Station will be held each Second Saturday at the Murphy Farmers Market! The Donation Station helps to supply nutritious food to those in need by donating healthy, local food to food pantries in Cherokee County. This supports our local growers as well as diverts food waste at the end of the market day.

For those who would like to participate, come to the Murphy Farmers Market on May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 13!

Cherokee County Best in Show at ECA West District Day

Winning “Best in Show” out of all entries at the Cultural Arts Contest, the “Labyrinth Walk” quilt is a stunning piece of artwork. The quilt showcases varied shades of purple hues in geometric designs. The quilt was machine pieced and machine quilted. Lovingood says the quilt was made as a gift to her daughter.

Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Certification Class Planned For 2026

The Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Cherokee County are planning certification training each Wednesday beginning January 7 thru April 22,  2026. This is a selective process that will include interviews.

NC State Extension Announces NC Work From Anywhere Program With 2025 Training Dates

NC State Extension is pleased to announce the NC Work From Anywhere program, aimed at equipping individuals in rural communities with the skills necessary for remote employment. This initiative offers comprehensive training to help participants secure remote jobs while remaining in their local areas.

Support 4-H Camp and Congress

Buy a Paper Clover NOW! 

Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with 4‑H to prepare youth to be ready for work and life. The success of the Paper Clover campaign has raised more than $24 million to impact local youth with the technical skills and life skills that prepare them for whatever comes their way.

Ag Agent Assistance Can Be Requested Online!

If you are a citizen of Cherokee County and have questions about farming, gardening and other type information, assistance can be requested online.  We also have some great online information to help solve problems with Weed ID, Plant ID, Pest, Pathogens and more!

Join Our Bunnies, Bovines, Bees & Birds 4-H Club

The Bunnies, Bovines, Bees, & Birds 4-H Club is geared up for the year ahead and has some fun learning experiences planned for the upcoming meetings. The Bunnies, Bovines, Bees, & Birds 4-H Club focuses on teaching youth about livestock animals, honey bees, and other animals other than horses.

Gardening Tech at a Glance Class

Mobile technologies may be able to help determine plant types and ailments, as well as assist with other tasks around the garden. Gain a broad overview of new options that are now available for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Hurricane Helene Relief: Kitchen Kit Drive Impact Report

Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact left numerous families without access to basic cooking and food preparation necessities. Recognizing the critical need for immediate support, Marlana Baker, of Cherokee County Extension, initiated a kitchen kit drive, leveraging the network of FCS Agents statewide.

Streaming and Smart Tvs

Streaming videos or music does not have to download files. Learn about “Cutting the Cord'” and consider whether or not that might be an option for you. Topics include streaming without subscriptions, online entertainment services, live-tv replacement and Smart TVs.

Smart Basic Money Moves for Financial Success

Take charge of your financial future with these must-know tips for budgeting, saving, credit/debt, and financial knowledge.

Tell every Dollar where to go, budget, keep track and spend wisley. Learn about savings, credit/debt management and overall financial knowledge!

Join the 4-H Cooking, Crafting and Community Club

This club focuses 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.

Squarefoot Gardening, Herbs, and Tree ID Classes Are Available For Registration

Learn how to grow a thriving garden in small spaces at our Squarefoot Gardening event, learn how to grow herbs with a hands activity on workshop on herbs and spices and learn the keys to identify trees and practice tree identification along the Riverwalk.

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 County Ag Day

This year Ag Day was held on April 17th, which provided a warm day to welcome over 230 Cherokee County Schools 3rd graders. We also opened the event to homeschool families, which resulted in a wider range of ages participating this year. In total, over 240 youth participated in 13 educational booths at this year’s annual Ag Day.

Locally Delicious Session at Region A: Partnership for Children

More than just a sweet treat, the strawberry became a vehicle for learning and connection at a recent ‘Locally Delicious’ workshop. Families with young children gathered to explore everything about this vibrant fruit, from its journey in the garden to its goodness for growing bodies.

Register for a Free Forest Farming Tour

Join experienced forest farmer Ben Kitchen for a tour of his unique operation in a rich cove forest in Cherokee County, North Carolina. With decades of experience growing wild-simulated native herbs, Ben will guide participants through his multi-aged understory plantings. Learn about his stewardship approach and sustainable management practices for forest farming in the Southern Appalachians.

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

The members learn to tie flies, learn how to cast so no previous experience is necessary. The club is free to join. Members will also be learning about the environment and different insects and creatures that they are tying fly’s to mimic. Youth do not need to know anything about fly fishing to join the club.

HealthyWoods App Will Assist in Forest Health Decisions

A great way to log changes in your woodland lots is through the HealthyWoods App that was created by several Universities including NC State Extension. The tool can help you quickly identify common issues and learn about Forest Health. To get started with the app you will need to do the following:

Enroll or Re-Enroll in 4-H

For 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.

The Alliance for Grassland Renewal

The Alliance for Grassland Renewal is a national organization focused on enhancing the appropriate adoption of novel endophyte tall fescue technology through education, incentives, self-regulation and promotion.