The Extension Master Gardener℠ Program of McDowell County is looking for new volunteers who are ready to dig in—literally and figuratively. This volunteer program is your chance to learn more about gardening while helping others in our community grow their own knowledge. From soil to seeds, veggies to pollinators, you’ll become part of a statewide network that shares research-based gardening know-how with North Carolina citizens.
Empowering Mountain Food Systems Offers Invaluable Training
This Fall, Empowering Mountain Food Systems with North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the Small Business Center will be offering invaluable training opportunities. If you are a new farmer or looking to diversify your markets, these trainings will be of benefit to you.
Fall Cover Crop Restoration Program– Applications Open McDowell County farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene will soon have a renewed opportunity to rejuvenate their lands through the McDowell Fall Cover Crop Restoration Program. Beginning September 26 applications open for this limited-time program. Learn more & register>>
Cotton Jassid Leafhopper Reported on Okra in NC
The cotton leafhopper is native to Asia and was first reported in the US in Florida in 2024. It has rapidly spread
throughout the Southeast, and in 2025 has been reported in FL, GA, AL, SC and now NC.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension-McDowell Center “Keep McDowell Beautiful” program will be coordinating the annual Lake James clean-up on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. We would like to invite everyone to remove litter from Lake James and its shoreline.
Imagine cutting down the amount of trash you take to the dump by 25%. Join us as discuss how to set up a backyard composting pile for your home. This webinar will teach effective methods for transforming your yard waste and kitchen scraps into compost in your own backyard.
Money Made Easy With Apps: Digital Skills Workshops
Handling money has changed a lot in recent years. From online banking to digital wallets, apps that track your spending to P2P services, these tools are everywhere. But if you’ve ever thought, “That’s too complicated for me,” this is your chance to see how simple (and even fun!) it can be. Learn more & register>>
NC Work From Anywhere Program
The NC Work From Anywhere program is 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.
Did you want to know more about preserving food and saving what is available now to eat throughout the winter and later months? These classes are for you. We will be doing two classes at the Marion Library in the next few weeks. So make your plans now to attend.
Have you ever thought of making a new food product or maybe expanding on a food business you already have? Getting from the initial ideas or dreams to reality is a process and there are organizations and programs that are out there that can help you.
I used to love a rainy day. Now, even the summer storms that I know are regular occurrences can make me feel more uneasy than before. With the one year anniversary of Helene, we need to remind ourselves that this may be a time of unease.
Since 1996, October has been known as National Apple Month, with Apple Day recognized on October 21st. Celebrate this Apple Month with this Cinnamon Apple Crisp recipe from NC EFNEP. It will be sure to become one of your favorites! Enjoy!
As it starts to cool down and kids getting back to school, it is the perfect time to start a new 4-H club. We have the youth but are always in search of dedicated volunteers to help share your expertise with youth from our community.
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local
governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
