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The Extension Center has received several inquiries about Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) over the past couple of weeks. This is a herbaceous plant and is in no way related to the tree that grows native in North Carolina. Poison Hemlock is often confused with Queen Anne's lace (Wild Carrot) both belong to the Carrot family, mis-identification is very common. All parts of this plant are poisonous (leaves, stems, roots, and fruits) and are highly toxic to livestock and humans. The plant was imported from Europe, because the flowers are stunning and unique. However, the plant escaped cultivation and found favorable habitats along fencerows and roadsides. Poison Hemlock has been found in 21 North Carolina counties, the plant was found in Mitchell County in 1967 near the Glen Ayre community. A rare occurrence due to Poison Hemlock favoring the Piedmont region over the mountains and coastal plains.
Proper identification is a must to avoid severe skin inflammation and poisoning, Poison Hemlock is often a biennial (grows for 2 years), but in ideal locations can evolve into a perennial plant. Flowers are a useful identification aid, the flowers form small white clusters that resemble umbrellas which will eventually develop into a grayish-brown fruit. Plant height is another key in distinguishing Poison Hemlock from Queen Anne's lace, Poison Hemlock is almost double the height reaching 5-6 feet at maturity. Leaves resemble fern fronds and are shiny green in appearance; the stem is hairless and hollow, purple blotches or streaks are present along the stem. Poison Hemlock is basically a cluster of leaves (basal rosette) during the first year of growth, termed botanically as the vegetative stage. The plant will overwinter and in April or May will develop into an upright 5-6' plant (Bolt Stage) which will flower and produce seed bearing fruits, please note that Poison Hemlock can only reproduce by seed due to the taproot declining as the plant dies.
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Poison Hemlock is very toxic to livestock and if ingested can be fatal, symptoms usually occur within an hour after ingestion. If untreated animals will succumb to respiratory paralysis in 2 to 3 hours. Gestating livestock should not be exposed to this plant due to the potential of skeletal deformation and cleft palate induction in offspring. Humans need to be cautious with this plant as well, gloves should be worn when handling this plant and in regards to ingestion poisoning is serious, whistles constructed from this plant have caused deaths in children. Poison Hemlock is controllable treatment should occur before plants begin to bud 2,4-D plus dicamba are very effective with follow up treatments as needed. Please log onto the NCSU Extension website and use research based information for proper identification and treatment.
For more information, please contact Shane Biddix at 828.688.4811 or sabiddix@ncsu.edu.
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Let's Rock...with Geology!
Summer 4-H
The kids rocked at geology during their week long camp. They explored the stages of rocks, the different kinds of rocks, and were able to discover what was inside of a geode. They really enjoyed hitting those rocks with a hammer! To end the week off, they went to the mine and were able to see where the rocks they learned about came from plus some other interesting facts.
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Upcoming 4-H Summer Fun
Put it Up!
Food Preservation Workshop for Kids!
ages 10 and up
August 2 (Tues) 9am-noon
Cost:$20
Location: Bakersville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
Learn how to prepare and preserve favorite fruits and vegetables (instructor's choice)! Youth will learn about canning techniques and, once completed, take home what's been preserved! Learn a skill that will serve you
(and your family) forever!
4-H Back to School Bash
August 10 (Wednesday)10am-2pm
Ages 8-11
Cost:$10
Location Bear Creek Baptist Church, Ledger
Join us for one last hoorah before school starts! We'll play water games, have sack races, make our own sponge water bombs, try our hand at an obstacle course, make and eat homemade ice cream and just have fun!
For more information on either of these events, please call 828.688.4811
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Spruce Pine Public Library in partnership with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Mitchell County Center presents: Chopped Teen Edition
Teens, If You Can’t Take the Heat, Get into the Library Kitchen!
Are you a teen who cooks up a storm? Does your sister saute? Can your kid cook everything but the kitchen sink? The Spruce Pine Public Library presents Chopped Teens: Food Pantry Edition as part of the 2022 Summer Reading program. The challenge: create a delicious healthy meal using items from a local food pantry box provided by the fine folks at Shepherd's Staff. Join Katie Elkins, Mitchell County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for an all out battle of the taste buds. All cooking equipment and ingredients will be provided, and participation is free. Learn about food insecurity and how to get involved with local food access in Mitchell County. The timed competition will be held July 21 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Spruce Pine Public Library. Teens can sign up for a 3 hour cooking competition, working solo or in teams of up to three people. Deadline for sign-up is July 14th. Space is limited. Call the library at 765-4673 or email sppl@amyregionallibrary.org. The winners will be chosen by a panel of local judges, and fabulous prizes will be awarded!
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Nineteen Mitchell County residents traveled to the West District 4-H Activity Day at A-B Tech in Asheville to support the 4-H’ers competing for gold and a chance to compete at the state level.
Josh Silver, President of West District 4-H Council and Jesse Silver, Sec/Treasurer of West District 4-H Council, and other District Officers lead the Awards Presentation, where we were able to celebrate four Mitchell County 4-Hers, placing in their respective categories.
Emery Brown- placed GOLD in Poultry Production/ Preparation (8-10)
Owen Young – placed GOLD in Pork Char-Grill Outdoor Cookery (11-13)
Bransen Pittman- placed SILVER in Pork Char-Grill Outdoor Cookery (14-18)
Craig Young- placed GOLD in Electric (8-10)
All four of the presenters will go on to compete at State Finals on July 16 on the NC State Campus.
NC 4-H Congress
4-Hers will travel to Raleigh to NC State University on July 16-19 for NC 4-H Congress. These 4-H teens will meet new friends, participate in fun, learning workshops, explore the NC State University campus and more!
Jesse Silver will be campaigning and running for State Vice President. GOOD Luck, Jesse!!
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Now Hiring!!!
Empowering Youth and Families Program (EYFP) Program Assistant
The EYFP Assistant will recruit participants, prepare for and implement EYFP, network with partners, and market the EYFP. This person will participate in the confluence weekend as well as assist cohorts in the creation and implementation of required community events.
This is a grant funded position and will be 40 hours a week (20 Yancey / 20 Mitchell). This can be during work days or evenings. Nights and some weekends will be required. According to NCSU policy, this individual is required to take a 32 consecutive day leave from this position each year. Time of leave will be sometime in the summer of each year. Health Insurance is allowed as a fringe benefit with this position.
For more information visit https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/165897
County Extension Director (CED)
The County Extension Director (CED) is a member of the faculty of North Carolina State University. The primary responsibility of the job is to exercise sound judgment and provide leadership for and coordinate the efforts of the county Extension staff in developing an effective total county Extension education program. In addition, the CED will have programming in 4-H Youth Development.
For more information visit https://jobs.ncsu.edu
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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.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made
to Spring WIlliams-Byrd spring_williams@ncsu.edu.
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