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NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION - GUILFORD COUNTY

February

In This Issue:

  • Monthly Round-Up–Extension Events

  • AnnouncementsΒ 

  • Upcoming Events, Workshops, & ClassesΒ 

  • Other Community Events & Resources

January Round-Up

Photo from NC Cooperative Extension Guilford County Center Open House. People conversing and visiting information tables in the lobby.

The 4-H North Central District WinterFest this month was a success with about 70 youth in attendance from ages 11-18! The 4-H youth joined the North Central District 4-H Officers for a day of learning, leadership, and friendship at the Guilford County Extension office.


Photo from NC Cooperative Extension Guilford County Center Open House. People conversing and visiting information tables in the lobby.

Guilford County 4-H teams kicked off the NC A&T Game of Drones season on January 10th at the A&T Farm Pavilion, where they received their equipment and dove right into coding their drones. The hands-on kickoff gave teams plenty of opportunities to practice flying, problem-solve, and sharpen their troubleshooting skills as they prepare for competition.

Announcements

What to Know About Soil Testing
Testing Services for Nutrients and pH is provided by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Soils Lab for free to North Carolina residents except during peak season (December 1- March 31) when there is a $4 fee. Soil test boxes are available at the Ag Center. Please mail your soil test boxes to the testing lab in Raleigh using the address listed on the form. Learn More

SAVE THE DATE:Β 

May 1st-2nd, 2025

Passalong Plant Sale 2026Β 

An assortment of perennials, natives, vines, shrubs, trees, fruit plants, herbs, and houseplants will be available along with a selection of gently used gardening items.

Extension Master Gardenerβ„  volunteers will be on site to answer your gardening questions.


Proceeds go towards supporting the activities of the Extension Master Gardenerβ„  volunteers in Guilford County.

Direct any questions to (336) 641-2400 or email passalongplantsale@gmail.com.

Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards accepted!

No need to sign up for a time to come this year; open shopping both days!


ATTENTION:Β 

Winter Clothing Drive

The NC Cooperative Extension - Guilford County Center is hosting a winter clothing drive throughout the month of February! We are collecting new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, as well as new socks and disposable hand warmers. Donations can be placed in the collection box in the lobby under the AED (address: 3309 Burlington Rd., Greensboro, NC 27405).
Β 
These items will be added to the blessing box outside the building for community members to take as needed. Please consider donating if you’re able, and feel free to share this with others who may be interested in contributing! Thank you!

Everyday Wins

With FCS

Series

Check out our Everyday Wins With FCS series for simple tips and tricks to increase your life skills! This series is a great opportunity to learn modern tips and stay "smart!"

Med instead Meds - Recipe of the Month

Barley is a great grain with lots of nutty flavor and a nice bite. We often see barley in soup, but it can be used for many dishes. This risotto takes advantage of this grain’s great taste and creamy texture when cooked using this method. Risotto is often thought of as a dish made with rice, but it is actually a cooking method. It seems hard at first, but it is not difficult. Just get a glass of your favorite beverage, stand and stir, and contemplate life for a few minutes. The extra effort is worth the trouble. The Med Way includes plenty of healthy and nutritious meals that are also delicious and satisfying. We teach Eating the Med Way through the Family & Consumer Sciences Program.Β 


Wild Mushroom and Barley Risotto

This dish is a great example of adding lots of vegetables in a grain dish to decrease calories and boost fiber!

RECIPE

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

Community & School Gardens

Seeds to Share 2026


Join us at our Seeds to Share 2026 events in February to access free seeds reserved just for community & school gardens in Guilford County! Seeds for vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even heirlooms will be available! Our February 7th date will be at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Guilford County Center in Greensboro. Our February 14th date will be at the High Point Public Library, hosted by Growing High Point. Questions? Contact Crystal Mercer, Community and School Gardens Agent, (336) 641-2427 or crystal_mercer@ncsu.edu


Gardens Under Glass Workshop


March 14th

10 AM - 12 PM at the High Point Public Library


Learn the horticultural principles of how to create a healthy, long-lasting environment in your terrarium (for older adult learners).

Learn the horticultural principles of how to create a healthy, long-lasting environment in your terrarium. This event is for older adult learners. All materials included. The workshop will be led by Hollingsworth, founder of Gardens Under Glass.


For more information: Crystal Mercer, County Extension Agent, crystal_mercer@ncsu.edu or (336) 641-2427


REGISTER

Horticulture

Pruning Basics

February 4th

1:30 - 4 PM at the Ag Center

Come learn the basics of pruning woody ornamentals to bring in the new year with Extension Agent, Taylor Jones! There will be a lecture and an outdoor hands-on portion of the class, so please dress comfortably. Feel free to bring your favorite pruning tool for use in the hands-on portion. If you do not have your own tools, there will be limited ones available on-site for use.

REGISTER

Grow with Us Classes for Spring 2026

For 2024, the Extension Master Gardenerβ„  volunteers will be offering their free gardening classes to the public both virtually and in-person. Feel free to sign up for as many classes as you like!

CLASSES & REGISTER

AgricultureΒ 

Growing Together: Connecting Farmers & Community Buyers

February 17th

6 - 8:30 PM at the Ag Center


This event is a dynamic, relationship-focused meet-up designed to strengthen the local food supply chain by bringing Guilford County farmers and food buyers together in one room. This creates meaningful opportunities for connection, conversation, and collaboration β€” helping farmers expand their markets and helping buyers source fresh, reliable local food.

REGISTER

Scale Calibration & Certification Workshop

March 19th

9 AM - 12 PM at the Ag Center


Get your scales calibrated and certified for legal trade at this annual event!
Join us at this essential event for farmers and vendors in Guilford County on March 5th from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The workshop will be at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Office at 3309 Burlington Rd, Greensboro NC 27405.


Contact Extension Agent, Marcus Williams at: mjwill34@ncsu.edu, (336) 641-2416 to learn more information.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

4-H

4-H Survey


Guilford County 4-H is gathering input from youth, parents, caregivers, volunteers, educators, and community partners to guide future programming. Your feedback and the feedback from your audiences will help ensure our programs remain relevant, accessible, and impactful for local young people. The survey takes only a few minutes, and responses are confidential and anonymous (unless you indicate you'd like to be contacted). Please share this survey with your friends and family!

SURVEY

Community Development- Digital Skills

Digital Literacy

Select Wednesdays


10 AM - 12 PM at the NCWorks Career Center, 2301 West Meadowview Road, Greensboro, NC 27407


Join us to gain familiarity with current technology!


Questions? Contact Jeffrey Cates at:

jeff_cates@ncsu.edu, 336.641.2436

REGISTER

Teen Filmmaking Series: Basic Lighting & Sound Design

Next: February 19thΒ 

at the Glenwood Branch Public Library


Calling all creative teens! Dive into the exciting world of filmmaking during this workshop series! Learn how to use cameras, record audio, and edit videos using professional software. This spring, the Glenwood Branch is offering a series of hands-on workshops, from storyboarding and shooting to editing your final project. Learn from a professional in this field and bring your questions. Unleash your creativity, collaborate with your friends, and bring your stories to life on screen! Meetings will take place on Thursdays (5:30 - 6:30 pm). No registration is required.


February 19 - Basic Lighting/Sound Design
March 19 - Storyboarding
April 16 - Introduction to Adobe Editing.


Call 336-297-5000 to register!

FCS- Health & Nutrition

Harvest To Home

February 11th

9 AM - 12 PM at the Ag Center


From our local farms, to your family's table!

This full-day workshop empowers Guilford County farmers to create their own simple, seasonal, and market-ready recipe cards using the produce they grow.

During this workshop, you will:

  • Create original recipes using your farm's produce
  • Collaborate with other farmers
  • Build your farm's educational marketing tools
  • Develop shopper-friendly recipe cards

These recipe cards will be handed out to shoppers throughout the 2026 season to:


- Increase sales
- Boost customer engagement
- Showcase your farm products
- Make your booth stand out

REGISTER

FCS- Financial Literacy

Smart Budgeting & Food Planning Guide: Stretch Your Dollars & Eat Well


Please share this smart budgeting and food planning guide to help folks stretch their dollars and support healthy eating habits!


Don't hesitate to get in touch with FCS Agent, Maritzaida Amador, for more information at 336-641-2415 or maramador@ncsu.edu

LEARN MORE

General Community Resources & Events

Let's Talk Trash


Guilford County is asking residents and businesses to share feedback through a brief online survey on how they manage garbage and recycling as the county develops its upcoming Solid Waste Management Plan. The survey gathers information on service satisfaction, recycling habits, accessibility, and community priorities related to waste management.


Residents and businesses can visit GuilfordCountyNC.gov/LetsTalkTrashΒ to share their input on waste and recycling services.

LEARN MORE

Additional Resources

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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.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

N.C. Cooperative Extension - Guilford County Center, 3309 Burlington Rd, Greensboro, NC 27405, United States
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