NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION - GUILFORD COUNTY
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In This Issue:
Monthly Round-Up–Extension Events
Announcements
Upcoming Events, Workshops, & Classes
Other Community Events & Resources
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The Food Security Team was hard at work coordinating the annual Farm Fresh Holiday Food Distribution Program, a heartfelt initiative designed to bring the warmth and joy of the season to senior citizens and homebound individuals in our community.
In Greensboro, they partnered with the Triad Black Faith Leaders and Black Farmers Network (TBFL&BFN), Hopkins Poultry, Guilford Backpack Ministry (GBM), Greensboro Chapter of Links, and the Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) to distribute 751 produce boxes and 156 small chickens. These boxes were delivered to Harrison Middle School, GBM's Christmas Store, an apartment complex, two GHA locations (Stoneridge Apartments and Hall Towers), and through participating churches to reach families in need.
In High Point, they are joining forces with Growing High Point and Helping Hands to distribute 90 produce boxes and 90 small chickens for seniors and homebound individuals throughout the county, continuing a collaborative tradition of community partners and producers working together to source fresh food from local farmers.
This year, the team worked with a total of seven community partners to distribute 841 total boxes of fresh food and 246 small chickens, with a combined estimated weight of 2,391 lbs! Thank you to everyone who was involved in this program. We couldn't have done it without you!
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The Junior Master Gardener Training, led by Liz Driscoll, JMG® Program Trainer, had about 15 attendees. Trainees learned how to implement the Junior Master Gardener® curriculum, integrate garden-based STEM learning into youth programming, facilitate hands-on activities aligned with 4-H and Extension goals, and strengthen school, after-school, camp, and community garden programs. Master Gardener Volunteers℠, Extension agents, teachers & youth educators, 4-H volunteers, and community leaders attended the training.
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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
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SAVE THE DATE:
January 28th, 2025
Growing Together: Connecting Farmers & Community Buyers
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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 — helping farmers expand their markets and helping buyers source fresh, reliable local food.
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| REGISTER
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Everyday Wins
With FCS
Series
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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!"
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Med instead Meds - Recipe of the Month
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Packed with veggies, Caponata has a wonderfully delicious sweet and sour taste. 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.
Caponata
Serve on slices of Olive Oil Toast for a wonderful appetizer or use as a sauce on your favorite whole grain or pasta!
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| RECIPE
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Upcoming Classes & Workshops
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Community & School Gardens |
Recognition of Service
Crystal Mercer, County Extension Agent, Community and School Gardens, celebrates her 10-Year Service Milestone Achievement! 🎉 The Service Awards program honors employees for their years of service and dedicated commitment to the university and the State of North Carolina.
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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
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Horticulture
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New Extension Master Gardener℠ Class for 2026 |
We are excited to announce that we will have a new Extension Master Gardener℠ class in 2026!
If you have been thinking about joining the Extension Master Gardener℠ program, now is the time to apply! For this upcoming class, we have made some changes to the delivery of the training classes in hopes of better accommodating a larger group of interested individuals. A full schedule can be found on our website.
Today is the last day applications for this class will be accepted.
For any questions, contact: Holly Key (hmkey@ncsu.edu)
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| LEARN MORE & APPLY
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Pruning Basics
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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.
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| REGISTER
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Grow with Us Classes for Spring 2026
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For 2024, the Extension Master Gardener℠ 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!
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| CLASSES & REGISTER
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Agriculture
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Growing Together: Connecting Farmers & Community Buyers |
January 28th
6 - 8:30 PM at the Ag Center
Join us for our second "speed dating" event between buyers and farmers, in which we are linking local farms, local plates, and local institutions! 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 event will take place at the Guilford County Center (3309 Burlington Rd., Greensboro, NC 27405) on January 28, 2026, from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
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| REGISTER
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4-H
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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!
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| SURVEY
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Community Development- Digital Skills
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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
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| REGISTER
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FCS- Health & Nutrition
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Cut the Clutter |
January 13th
12 PM Online
Ready to reclaim your space and reset for the New Year? Join N.C. Cooperative Extension for our highly anticipated "Extension at Home" Virtual Series this month! This session will give you the tools to finally tackle that mess:
The surprising benefits of reducing household clutter
Expert tips for overcoming the emotional and practical barriers to decluttering.
Practical ideas for keeping your space beautifully clutter-free all year long!
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| REGISTER
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FCS- Financial Literacy
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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
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| LEARN MORE
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General Community Resources & Events
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Guilford Soil & Water Conservation Annual Tree Seedling Sale |
Seedlings available are:
Eastern Redbud, Mulberry, Crape Myrtle, Dogwood, Sugarberry (all $2.00 each)
White Pines - $10.00 (bundles of 20)
Pre orders will need to PRE-PAID to guarantee their order! First come first serve. Cash and Checks ONLY. To preorder, mail completed form (HERE) and payment to: Friends of Guilford SWCD.
Located at 3309 Burlington Rd. Greensboro, NC 27405. Orders may be placed the day of sale however seedling supplies are limited and may be sold out.
Checks should be made payable to “Friends of Guilford SWCD” and mailed with order form to the address above no later than Tuesday, January 20th.
Orders NOT picked up by January 30, will be resold without a refund.
(Call for more information 336-641-2440)
Proceeds are used for educational programming in Guilford County
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| LEARN MORE
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Living Landscapes |
January 10th
10 AM - 12 PM at Kathleen Clay Family Library.
Hear from two dynamic, regional speakers on native plants! Shannon Currey, Education and Outreach for Izel Native Plants, will speak about native perennials for shady situations. Preston Montague, Landscape Architect and Instructor at NC A&T University will talk about planting native perennials in North Carolina's urban environments. He is an artist working to strengthen relationships between people and the natural. Please email Melanie Buckingham to register.
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Methods of Teaching Environmental Education |
January 10th
10 AM - 4:30 PM at Kathleen Clay Family Library.
Learn about a variety of teaching techniques, methods and instructional strategies that include multiple interactive components through this workshop. There will also be pre and post work as part of the workshop. Earn credit towards the NC Environmental Education Certification and CEUs. Registration is required. Please email Melanie Buckingham to register!
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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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