Flower Hammering Workshop

Flower hammering, also known as leaf pounding or tataki-zome, is a traditional art form where the colors and patterns of leaves and flowers are transferred onto fabric or paper by pounding them with a hammer or mallet. The Cherokee tribe, particularly Cherokee women, were known to use this technique to decorate fabric. You are welcome to bring flowers from your garden. All supplies are included.

Butterflies and Baby Chicks Hatching Across Cherokee County

Cherokee County 4-H has been busy this spring at our local elementary schools. A portion of the 4-H program provided here in Cherokee County is to provide 4-H School Enrichment Programs to the local schools.  Second grade classes at Martins Creek, Ranger, Andrews, and Murphy Elementary Schools all participated in two 4-H school enrichment programs, Hatching Classroom Projects(Embryology) and Winged Wonders(Butterflies).

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.

Locally Delicious Work Program at Region A was so Sweet

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.

Cherokee County 4-H Club Meeting Dates and Times

Cherokee County currently has five active 4-H Clubs. All of our clubs are open to youth ages 5-18 except for our Cherokee On The Fly 4-H Club and 4-H Cooking, Crafting, & Community Club. Cherokee On The Fly 4-H Club is open to grades 6-12. 4-H Cooking, Crafting, & Community Club is open to all youth ages 12-18. All of our 4-H clubs are free to enroll in. If there is no club that your child is interested in please give us a call and we will talk to you about other ways to be involved in 4-H. Or if you would like to start a 4-H club we would love to have new 4-H adult volunteers.

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!

Goat Care on a Few Acres

Are you interested in learning about goat care and production on a few acres? The workshop will be free and will discuss shelter, fencing, handling facilities, nutrition, reproduction, parasite management (FAMACHA), hoof trimming, predator control, and marketing meat goats. The training will conclude at Noon.

MED Instead of Meds Class was a Healthy Favorite

The N.C. Cooperative Extension held their MED Instead of Meds cooking and nutrition class series in May. Participants learned how to eat the Mediterranean Way, a dietary pattern that can help people decrease their risk for chronic diseases (such as diabetes and heart disease). The class is being taught by Marlana Baker, Family & Consumer Science Agent in the new Extension Education Annex with a recently updated teaching kitchen.

Register Now for the 2025 Wets District 4-H Horse Clinic

June 16-18 in Fletcher, NC will be some of the best days for area 4-H horse club members and youth equestrians ages 5-18. June 16th is the start of the 2025 West District 4-H Horsemanship Clinic. Participating youth with get professional instruction in their horse riding discipline of their choice for the first two days and then on Wednesday we will have a full day of fun.

Herb and Tree ID Classes are Available for Registration

Learn the Keys to identify trees and practice tree identification along the Riverwalk!

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.

Two Local Schools Complete The Busy World of Bees

The Busy World of Bees 4-H School Enrichment Curriculum is crafted to engage youth in celebrating bees and their pollinator allies and build an understanding of the benefits that bees and other pollinators provide to humans. In a series of lessons, 1st graders will discover that the bee is one of nature’s wonders.

Grow and Graze Podcast

The Grow and Graze Podcast provides another way for Cherokee County citizens to learn tips on gardening/farming, youth programs, food safety, and healthy lifestyles. The podcast focuses on topics that are relevant and practical. The podcast will also include guests that will share their knowledge. Help us grow our podcast by subscribing to your favorite podcast hosting site.

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

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.