To secure your spot, please visit the Iredell County Cooperative Extension office to register and pay in person. We are unable to accept online sign-ups at this time.

Participating in County Activity Day helps youth:
* Build confidence by speaking and performing in front of others.
* Develop communication and public speaking skills that are valuable for school, careers, and leadership roles.
* Explore personal interests and talents through presentations, demonstrations, or performances.
* Practice goal-setting and preparation skills while working toward a meaningful achievement.
* Earn Cloverbucks and recognition for their hard work.
* Qualify for district and state-level opportunities.

County Activity Day is a great way for youth to challenge themselves, grow their skills, and celebrate what they’ve learned in 4-H. Encourage your child or club members to register and be part of this rewarding experience! 

Whether you need a prescription for pest control, a check-up on your soil, or help identifying a mysterious leafy visitor, our experts have the cure. Bring your questions (and your plant photos!) our Master Gardener Volunteers are standing by to share their down-to-earth tips.

If you have any questions, or would like more information about Farmers Markets in Iredell County, please contact Melinda Roberts: melinda_roberts@ncsu.edu or 704-873-0507.

In North Carolina, outdoor fire safety is overseen by the N.C. Forest Service (NCFS), a division of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). Because careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in the state, the NCFS emphasizes a "prevention first" approach.

Core Guidelines for Safe Burning

• The "If it Doesn't Grow, Don't Burn It" Rule: State law strictly prohibits burning trash, plastic, tires, or treated wood. Only natural vegetative matter (leaves, limbs, brush) is permitted.

• Permit Requirements: You must obtain a valid burn permit for most outdoor burning. These are available for free online at NCForestService.gov or through local county rangers.

• Preparation: Before lighting a fire, ensure you have a cleared 10-foot radius around the site. You must have a water source (hose/bucket), a shovel, and a rake on hand.

• Supervision: Never leave a fire unattended. A fire is only considered "out" when it is cold to the touch.

• Time and Weather: Most residential burning must occur between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Avoid burning on dry, windy days or during "Code Orange" (or worse) air quality days.

Current Status (Early 2026)

As of late February 2026, Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler has urged extra caution due to prolonged dry conditions and drought across much of the state. In Western NC, there is an increased risk due to debris left behind by previous storms (like Hurricane Helene), which serves as heavy fuel for potential wildfires.

Agricultural Specifics

• Land Clearing: Fires for land clearing must be at least 500 feet from occupied structures and 250 feet from public roads if the wind is blowing toward the road.

• Equipment: Farm machinery, chainsaws, and tractors should be equipped with functional spark arresters when operating near dry brush or fields.

DO NOT BURN:

•   Trash
•   Metal, including wire
•   Plastic
•   Newspaper, cardboard or paper
•   Treated or coated wood
•   Tires and other rubber products
•   Heavy oils
•   Asphalt shingles
•   Paints and household or agricultural chemicals
•   Buildings, including outbuildings and mobile homes
•   Any man-made, artificial or synthetic items

ONLY BURN THESE ITEMS:

•   Leaves
•   Limbs
•   Brush
•   Firewood
•   Natural vegetation from your own yard
•   Logs, stumps, limbs and other natural vegetation as part of land clearing
•   Untreated clean wood

Open Burning Rules

Even when burning allowed materials, make sure to follow all applicable rules.

Residential yard waste and commercial land clearing burning can only occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

(No new vegetation can be added to a burn pile after 6 p.m.). Also, burning is only allowed when the air quality forecast is Code Green or Code Yellow. Burning on Code Orange, Red or Purple days is prohibited.