USDA Block Disaster Assistance Program, Spring Fling Plant Sale, Lake James Cleanup, Estate Planning, It's Time to Check Your Canning Equipment, & SO MUCH MORE!!!
Hurricane Helene left a significant impact on many farms across Western North Carolina. From damaged pastures and lost crops to infrastructure issues and financial strain, many producers are still working to recover. In response, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is offering support through the USDA Block Grant Disaster Assistance Program to help agricultural operations rebuild and move forward.
Annual Spring Fling Plant Sale
The Master Gardeners of McDowell County will hold their 6th Annual Spring Fling Plant Sale on Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Historic Marion Tailgate Market, 67 West Henderson Street, Marion.
Celebrate Earth Day with a Powerful, Hope-Filled Film
This Earth Day, the community is invited to gather for an inspiring evening centered on connection, climate solutions, & the power of local food. Join us for a FREE screening of the acclaimed documentary Kiss the Ground. Free dinner & childcare. Learn more>>
Grass Tetany: What Producers Should Know
As pastures green up, livestock producers should be aware of the potential risk of grass tetany While this condition is more commonly associated with cattle, it can also occur in small ruminants & can lead to serious health issues if not recognized & managed properly.
Thank you to Marion East Community Forum, West Marion, Inc., and the YMCA for your partnership in helping keep McDowell beautiful. Eight volunteers spent 2 hours cleaning up Baldwin Ave. and West 4th St. in Marion.
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Lake James Clean Up May 2026
N.C. Cooperative Extension-McDowell Center’s Keep McDowell Beautiful program will be coordinating the annual Lake James clean up on Saturday, May 2, from 8am to noon. To arrange for pick up of supplies ahead of the event, please contact Matt Burneisen.
Join us for an interactive session with Attorney Sharon Parker, who specializes in estate planning. Ms. Parker will break down the documents every adult needs to ensure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are spared from unnecessary stress.
Information Sessions for Extension Master Food Volunteer Program
NC Cooperative Extension-McDowell Center, is pleased to announce an exciting new volunteer opportunity for anyone who wants to learn about nutrition, cooking & local food systems, while also serving their community!
April is the time to get out your canning equipment and make sure you are ready for the canning season. Before you know it, fresh produce will be available to preserve for use during the colder fall and winter months. Your local Extension office is here to help! Learn more>>
All About Brunch
April is National Brunch Month! Sometimes we just wake up too late for breakfast, but it's too early for lunch, so brunch it is! April is a great way to try all the different brunch recipes you can find. This Chicken Broccoli Quiche is one of the easiest ones to try first.
The West District 4-H District Activity Day will be held on June 13 at AB Tech Community College in Asheville. 4-Hers from all across the district will come together and present presentations on topics of their choice. Join the fun & work on your public speaking skills.
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.
