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NC Cooperative Extension Cherokee County Center
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August 2026 Newsletter - Cherokee County Center 

* 4th Annual Tomato Fest August 1st *


Homegrown | Selecting the Best Tomato Varieties for Your Garden



Homegrown | Selecting the Best Tomato Varieties for Your Garden

What types of tomatoes should I grow? What are the differences? And how do I not kill them? With more than 10,000 varieties available, taking home the right tomato can be challenging. Learn how to pick a tomato variety that will produce results in both your garden and your kitchen!

Back to School Bash!

Get your School Supplies


Extension and other community partners will gather to engage with Cherokee County families, and hand out donated school supplies (backpacks, pencils, folders, papers, notebooks, markers, coloring pencils, crayons, etc.).

This event is hosted by Cherokee County Department of Social Services (DSS), Vaya Health, and Reach of Cherokee County.


LEARN MORE HERE!

Sew Happy to Learn to Sew, Register Now!


Cherokee County 4-H is hosting a summer day camp opportunity for youth to learn to sew.  This will be a basic learn-to-sew class for youth ages 8-18. We will learn machine and hand sewing techniques.  The day camp is 4 days, August 3rd-August 6th. The time is from 9AM-3PM each day.  No experience is necessary.

LEARN MORE HERE!

Get Ready for Local Food Bingo!


This fun, community-wide challenge is all about celebrating the incredible flavors of our region, while directly supporting the hard-working farmers and roadside stands that keep Cherokee County fed.


LEARN MORE HERE!

Update Your PC's Secure Boot Keys


Don't leave the digital front door unlocked before your operating system even turns on. Check your system status today to ensure your boot process remains secure.

Organization


SIGN UP HERE!

New Funding and Technical Assistance Available for Farmers


If you have been looking for an opportunity to fund major infrastructure upgrades, enhance your soil health, or scale up your farm’s marketing and business infrastructure, a unique new opportunity has arrived.


SIGN UP HERE!

Local 4-H Members Participate in State 4-H Presentations & 4-H Congress


At State 4-H Presentations, Cherokee County had five presenters, and three out of those five placed. Youth attending 4-H Congress attended workshops including: iCreate: Movies, Art, and Motion; Making it Count: Turning 4-H Activities into Resume Gold; Direct Your Dreams: National 4-H Events; and many more great workshops.


LEARN MORE!

Beyond the Pickle Jar: Creative Ways to Use Your Backyard Cucumber Bounty


If your home garden is currently overflowing with cucumbers (Cucumis sativus), you are not alone. Cucumbers are notoriously prolific producers mid-season, often leaving gardeners overwhelmed by a sudden, green wave of produce.


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Digital Disruption: A Practical Guide

 


Just like interruptions of electric service, a widespread and prolonged digital disruption is a question of "when," and not "if." Many households that rely on internet connectivity will be completely unprepared for a long term interruption of service. This will be true even in households that are technologically savvy.


READ MORE!

Pressure Canning: Mastering the Pressure Canner


By the end of this session, that "intimidating" piece of equipment will become one of your favorite preservation tools. You’ll leave with the practical skills and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home-preserved goods are both delicious and safe for your family.


REGISTER TODAY!

Stay Ahead of Pests and Plant Diseases


Maintaining a healthy yard, garden, or small farm in western North Carolina takes work, especially when unpredictable pests and plant diseases strike. To help homeowners and growers anticipate these issues before they become severe, the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC) at NC State Extension provides a highly valuable resource known as the BOLO (Be On Look Out) lists.


READ MORE!

WNC AgOptions Grant Information Sessions: Grow Your Farm Business


Are you looking to grow, diversify, or increase efficiencies on your family farm? The 2027 Western North Carolina (WNC) AgOptions grant program is here to help. Since 2004, WNC AgOptions has supported small farm sustainability across our region by providing vital funding directly to farmers.


LEARN MORE!

Enter the 2026 Dr. Kim Ingold

4-H Photography Contest Now!!

 


Cherokee County 4-H lets get ready to show off your photography skills by entering the Dr. Kim Ingold 4-H Photography Contest.  If you are interested in entering the contest and are not a member of 4-H please contact Shannon Coleman, 4-H agent for Cherokee County to learn how to become a 4-H member.

 


LEARN MORE!

Pasta Making


Join us for an immersive, hands-on pasta making workshop designed for culinary enthusiasts of all skill levels. In this session, you will master the foundational techniques of pasta from scratch cooking.


REGISTER HERE!

Tech Assistance Drop In at Andrews


Stop by the Andrews Senior Center for help with computer, internet access or device related problems. The center is located at 54 Park Street in Andrews, NC 28901.

 


LEARN MORE!

Speaker's Bureau Classes For 2026- August Class is on Pollinators!


Our gardens depend on the hard work of bees, butterflies, and birds. This class explores the vital role pollinators play in our environment and provides practical tips on selecting native plants and creating habitats that will keep your garden buzzing with life throughout the seasons.

 


FIND CLASSES!

Sewing Make & Take Series


If you have been looking to expand your sewing skills, create beautiful holiday gifts, or just spend a productive day crafting alongside a great community, the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Cherokee County has an incredible lineup for you.

 


SIGN UP!

2026 Forage and Livestock Webinar Series

 


The NC State Forage and Grassland Management Program has announced the schedule for the 2026 Forage and Livestock Annual Webinar Series. This educational series is designed to provide practical tools and research-based information to support pasture-based livestock production in North Carolina. To register for the program click on the dates below.



LEARN HERE!

Reclaiming Human Value in the Age of AI

Twenty first century paradigms relentlessly focus on efficiency, speed, and algorithmic optimization. But efficiency is a metric designed for engines and microprocessors, not humans. Has human value ever truly resided in rapid throughput or flawless execution?



LEARN MORE HERE!

Fall 2026

(August-December) Pesticide Safety Schools


The fall 2026 Pesticide Safety Schools are for pesticide applicators seeking initial licensing in one or more subcategories. Participants are encouraged to pre-order their pesticide manuals well in advance of the school by visiting pesticidemanuals.com

LEARN MORE HERE!
Pesticide Class ScheduleCan Be Searched Online

Move More, Live Better: Physical Activity Programs in Cherokee County

 


Staying active is one of the most impactful choices you can make for your health. No matter your age, fitness level, or past experience, finding a routine that fits your lifestyle is key to long-term well-being.

 


LEARN MORE HERE!

Soil Sampling for Homeowners, Landowners and Gardeners


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.


READ MORE!

Extension Community Association in Cherokee County


The mission of the North Carolina Extension and Community Association (ECA) is to strengthen families through; Leadership Development, Volunteer Work, Educational Support and Research-based education from North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University.

Members of ECA volunteer in many capacities across North Carolina to enhance their club, county and community.


READ MORE!

Agriculture 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. Please use the link below to access our website and google form.


REQUEST ASSISTANCE HERE!

Cherokee County 4-H Clubs Meeting Times


Check out one of our great 4-H Clubs and enroll in one of our great 4-H clubs here in Cherokee County. Youth do not have to own animals, know how to tie flies, or know how to cook to join our clubs, but youth should be interested in learning about the focus areas of the clubs.


LEARN MORE!

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHEROKEE COUNTY CENTER CALENDAR
RESERVE YOUR SPOT


COMMUNITY RESOURCES

RESOURCE GUIDE

RECIPE OF THE MONTH


Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa

RECIPE

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.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

N.C. Cooperative Extension - Cherokee County Center, 40 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC 28906, United States
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