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NCC Cooperative Extension to Offer Open House and Integrated Pest Management Walk and Talk

May 30, 2013 in New Castle County, Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 30, 2013

 

“Open House, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Walk and Talk Offered at NCC Extension Office”

 

University of Delaware NCC Cooperative Extension is offering “Open House, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Walk and Talk, in the Teaching and Demonstration Garden.

 

Join IPM Extension Specialist Dr. Brian Kunkel, Horticulture Educator Carrie Murphy, and the Master Gardeners in the Native Plant, and Vegetable and Fruit, Teaching and Demonstration Gardens for a plant, pest, and beneficial insect walk.

 

The class will be held on Tuesday, June 11, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the NCC Cooperative Extension Office, 461 Wyoming Road, Newark, DE.  The cost is FREE. For additional information and registration, please call 302-831-2506 or email cjmurphy@udel.edu.

 

It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the ground of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.

 

AMH/05/30/13

 

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NCC Master Gardeners Recognized for Outstanding Service for 2012-2013 Year

May 8, 2013 in New Castle County, New Castle County Slideshow

L: Master Gardener of the Year, Susan Foster R: Master Gardener Career Service Award Recipient, Rob Medicus

L: Master Gardener of the Year, Susan Foster
R: Master Gardener Career Service Award Recipient, Rob Medicus

The University of Delaware New Castle County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners celebrated their awards ceremony in April, also national volunteer recognition month.

The Master Gardener of the Year Award went to Susan Foster of Newark, Delaware.  The Career Service Award, with 8 or more years of service to the New Castle County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, Rob Medicus, also of Newark. 

Additionally, more than 20 Master Gardeners were presented the “100 or more hours of service” award for the 2012 year, and more than 20 individual and team awards were presented to the group.

New Castle County Master Gardeners play a key role in distributing information about environmentally friendly practices for the home gardener.  Topics include integrated lawn and garden pest and disease identification and management, plant cultivation, turf issues and problems, in addition to landscape design and wildlife habitat development.

New Castle County Master Gardeners are vital links in an educational chain that begins with research from the University of Delaware and the horticultural industry.  Delaware Cooperative Extension specialists then translate this research into practical, usable methods that can be used by Delaware gardeners.

Education is at the heart of all Master Gardener activities, which can take many forms, including teaching by example and demonstration, and hands-on work with people of all ages.

Master Gardener volunteer educators have undergone training in a wide variety of horticultural and environmental topics coupled with training in educational methods and program evaluation.  Monthly meetings bring all volunteers together to continue the learning process.  The result is volunteers committed to reaching out to help county residents—adults and children alike—improve the quality of their lives.

Meeting the educational needs of thousands of citizens requires the dedication, creativity, and hard work of many volunteers. Contact the University of Delaware’s Cooperative Extension Office at 302-831-COOP or visit our website for more information:  http://extension.udel.edu/lawngarden/nccmg.

 

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4-H Garden Club Learns About Violets

February 18, 2013 in New Castle County Slideshow

 

Violets

The NCC 4-H Garden Club meets monthly at Fischer Greenhouse on the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources campus. The 4-H club is organized by leader, Robyn Hunter.  In February, youth learned how to propagate African violets. Each month, the 4-H club has a different focus, learning how to grow different types of plants. Some even have fallen so passionate for the topic that they have entered their “favorite products” in the Delaware State Fair.

Terry Tse, who is extremely passionate about violets and a current Delaware Master Gardener, assisted in teaching the 4-H club various techniques to enhance the life of their African violets. This was an excellent educational experience as well as a fun time for all the members. The 4-H garden club receives guidance and expertise from Carrie Murphy, Extension Educator for Horticulture.

For more information about 4-H Garden Club and/or Delaware Master Gardeners please visit: www.extension.udel.edu or call 1 (302) 831-2507.

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Press Release: Master Gardeners Announces Home Gardener Workshop for Spring 2013

February 13, 2013 in New Castle County

NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Master Gardeners: Spring 2013 Workshops

New Castle County Cooperative Extension announces their Home Gardener workshops for Spring 2013.  To download our complete brochure and registration form, visit  http://extension.udel.edu/lawngarden/nccmg

 

Beginner Vegetable Gardening (2 sessions)                       $35
What could be better than delicious, healthful vegetables, fresh from your own garden? Join us for two evenings to learn about soil, site selection, tools and techniques, and of course, the specific vegetables. You will begin creating a specific plan for your own home garden!

Rob Medicus
Monday, March 11, 7-9pm
Thursday March 14, 7-9pm
Extension Office

 

Starting Vegetables and Flowers from Seed                       $25
This class is designed for the novice gardener. Learn techniques, and discover tips, to start and grow plants from seed. There is nothing better than growing your own fresh vegetables and flowers.  Be prepared to get your hands dirty!

Hetty Cumba and Frank Ebright
Tuesday, March 12, 7-9pm
Fischer Greenhouse

 

New and Unusual Plants!                                                                            $25
Discover the newest arrivals in the plant world.  More importantly, learn the cultural requirements to grow these plants successfully so they will thrive in your garden.

Nancy Bell
Thursday, March 28, 7-9pm
Extension Office

 

It’s the Berries                                                                                  $25

Imagine walking out of your door and picking your own delicious berries. There’s no sweeter reward. Come and learn the basics of growing your own strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. You’ll be berry popular!

Rob Medicus
Monday, April 1, 7-9pm
Extension Office

 

Puzzled by Pruning                                                                                         $25
Co-sponsored with the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens (UDBG)
Solve your puzzle. This course will demystify when to prune, what equipment to use and which techniques are most effective. We will display pruning tools and demonstrate proper pruning techniques using material supplied by the UDBG.

John Ritterson
Tuesday, April 9, 7-9pm
Fischer Greenhouse

 

Made in the Shade                                                                                         $25

If you live in an established neighborhood with mature trees and varying degrees of shade, consider yourself lucky!  There are lovely plants with beautiful texture and color to make your garden sing- learn how to lead the orchestra.

Nancy Bell
Tuesday, April 16, 7-9pm
Extension Office

 

Backyard Propagation                                                                    $25

Do you long for more of the plants you love?  Do you want to increase the number of favorite plants in your garden, and minimize the cost?  Discover the joy of reproducing plants in your own backyard.  This workshop will cover plant propagation techniques such as seed harvesting, dividing plants, taking cuttings, and layering.

Bill Huxtable and John Ritterson
Tuesday, May 14, 7-9pm
Extension Office

 

Beneficial Insects, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) & their Role in your Garden       $25

Beneficial insects play an important role in Integrated Pest Management.  Proper identification of the bugs in your backyard is key to successful management of your gardens with minimal harm to the environment.  Learn to use chemical control as a last resort, not the first defense, and learn who your friends are.

Frank Ebright
Thursday, May 16, 6-8 pm
Extension Office

 

Pollinators in the Garden                                                                                              $25

How does your garden grow? A so-so performance may mean that you need more assistance from native pollinators – hummingbirds, butterflies, beetles, and especially bees. Learn how pollination takes place and how to make sure that you attract these native pollinators to your home garden.  We will also tour the Vegetable Teaching and Demonstration Garden to see “pollinator attraction” in action.

Jane Murphy and Susan Foster
Wednesday, June 19, 6-8pm
Extension Office

 

SPECIAL EVENT

Open House, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Walk and Talk, in the Teaching and Demonstration Gardens                                                                                       FREE

Join IPM Extension Specialist Dr. Brian Kunkel, Horticulture Educator Carrie Murphy, and the Master Gardeners in the Native Plant, and Vegetable and Fruit, Teaching and Demonstration Gardens for a plant, pest, and beneficial insect walk.  Please register by email with Carrie Murphy, cjmurphy@udel.edu .

Tuesday, June 11, 6-8 pm
Extension Office

 

GARDEN DAYS

Master Gardeners work in the teaching gardens throughout the summer.  If you’re interested in visiting the garden when a Master Gardener will be present to answer questions, please call or email Carrie Murphy in advance of your visit, (302) 831-COOP, cjmurphy@udel.edu.

 

For more information about the New Castle County Master Gardeners visit their website, or visit the Lawn and Garden section of the Cooperative Extension website. 

It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.

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4-H Camp Counselors Preparation for 2013 Camps

February 11, 2013 in Impact Stories, New Castle County Slideshow

 

4-H camp counselors are hard at work learning leadership skills that they will put into action this summer. The Camp Counselor Club has been meeting since September and will continue to sharpen their counselor skills right up until camps begin in June. For more information on how you can be a part of the 4-H fun visit: http://extension.udel.edu/4h/new-castle-county-4-h-youth-development/4-h-camps-in-new-castle-county/

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Master Food Educator Training Off and Running

February 4, 2013 in New Castle County Slideshow

Our 2013 class of Master Food Educator (MFE) volunteers started training Tuesday, January 29th, connecting 19 in New Castle County and 4 in Sussex County via Adobe Connect technology.  Dr. Sue Snider, Maria Pippidis, and Cheryl Bush are leading their fourth group since 2009 and Kent & Sussex counties have jumped in this year, under the guidance of Kathleen Splane and Dr. Anne Camasso.  Check out current MFE initiatives at http://extension.udel.edu/fcs/master-food-educator-volunteer-program/ and look for an MFE at an event near you!

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New Castle County 4-H Announces 2013 Summer 4-H Camps

January 29, 2013 in New Castle County

NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OFFICE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

 

New Castle County 4-H Announces 2013 Summer 4-H Camps

 

Registrations are now being accepted for the individuals who are interested in participating in the 2013 Summer 4-H Camps with the Cooperative Extension Office in New Castle County. The following are details and general information about the camps:

4-H Cloverbud Day Camp – June 17-21, 2013

During the exciting camp, campers will rotate through mini-classes using our 4-H curriculum. Each day the campers will experience a new topic. Some of the topics from previous years include environmental science, healthy living, culture and much more! A variety of speakers will visit throughout the week as well as many opportunities for arts and crafts projects. Campers will have a wonderful hands-on experience in a fun-filled and safe environment.

Ages: 5-8 years old Location: UD Townsend Hall Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Cost: $200.00

4-H Newark Day Camp – June 24-28, 2013

Campers will enjoy our traditional 4-H camp which highlights a variety of exciting classes, including animal science, photography, outdoor cooking and more. Campers will pre-register for classes that they will participate in throughout the week. Each afternoon will feature pool time, water activities and game play. The week will commence with an exciting council circle where groups will show off their talents and skills to the camp. Campers will experience fun and active days on the University of Delaware campus!

Ages: 8-12 years old Location: UD Townsend Hall Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Cost: $200.00

4-H Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Camp – June 24-28, 2013

This counselor training program runs in conjunction with Newark Day Camp. Campers who are age 13 by May 30th are invited to train to become a certified 4-H Camp counselor. Training will involve camp counselor protocol, risk management, team building, camper safety, and problem solving. Completion of this program is strongly encouraged for those teens who intend to become a 4-H camp counselor for the 2013 summer camps.

15 camper maximum

Ages: 13-15 years old Location: UD Townsend Hall Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Cost: $180.00

4-H Science Adventure Weekend – July 13-14, 2013

Campers will enjoy a weekend filled with fun and exciting science related activities. Campers will be exposed to a variety of science-based 4-H curriculum including animal science, environmental science, aerospace and much more! Youth will also have an opportunity to participate in aquatic activities including canoeing and fishing. There will be a bonfire at night where the campers will gather to sing songs and reflect on their day.

30 camper maximum

Location: Mallard Lodge, Smyrna DE

Hours: Drop Off – Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 10:00 am & Pick Up – Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 2:00 pm

Cost: $100.00

4-H Animal Science Day Camp – August 5-9, 2013

Youth attending this camp will gain a remarkable up-close experience with a variety of animals. Campers will delve deep within animal science to gain a more in-depth understanding of farm animals through hands-on experiences at the University of Delaware Webb Farm. Campers will focus on dairy, equine, and poultry science at Webb Farm. Campers will also experience a variety of field trips, hands-on activities and speakers.

50 camper maximum

Ages: 8-12 years old Location: UD Townsend Hall Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Additional information such as the registration form, health forms and program information can be found on our website at www.extension.udel.edu/4h. Before and after care are available for each camp for additional fee. For details see registration form. If you have additional questions please contact us at the office at 302-831-8965.

It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.

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AMH/01/29/13

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Winter 2013 Master Gardener Workshops Announced

January 8, 2013 in New Castle County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 8th, 2013

 

New Castle County Master Gardeners have announced their 2013 Winter Workshops for the Home Gardener.

Grow Your Own Spring Salad

January 29, 7:00 p.m.

Instructor: Rick Judd

Start to grow your spring salad by mid-March. Grow salad vegetables including leaf lettuce, radishes, spinach, beets and others, in an environmentally sustainable way using techniques such as integrated pest management and building soil health by making and using compost.

Cost: $20.00

Prepare Your Landscape for Spring

February 7, 2013

Instructors: Frank Ebright and Rob Medicus

Are you prepared for Spring? Take the guesswork out of your Spring “to do” list, and discuss topics such as preparing your garden beds, pruning, insect and disease monitoring and control, early vegetable and ornamental plantings, and lawn and maintenance tools.

Cost: $ 20.00

Both workshops are held at the Extension Office, 461 Wyoming Road, Newark, DE 19716. For additional information please contact; Carrie Murphy at cjmurphy@udel.edu or call 302-831-2667. To register: http://extension.udel.edu/lawngarden/master-gardener-volunteer-educators/new-castle-county-master-gardeners/.

It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.

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AMH/1/8/13

 

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UD NCC Cooperative Extension Announces 2013 Master Gardener Volunteer Training

November 29, 2012 in New Castle County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

 

University of Delaware New Castle County Cooperative Extension Announces 2013 Master Gardener Volunteer Training

The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension in New Castle County is now accepting applications for Master Gardener volunteer educator training.  Training will run Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting March 7, 2013, and continuing through May 21, 2013.  “This training program is designed to make good educators out of good gardeners,” said Extension Educator Carrie Murphy. “Master Gardeners pledge to devote volunteer time to help Cooperative Extension provide research-based information to the gardening public.  Without this volunteer program, we could not reach nearly as many people as we do now.”

Training will consist of horticultural and educational topics, with emphasis on hands-on experience and active learning techniques.  There is a training fee of $150.  Scholarships are available based on financial need.  The application deadline is January 7, 2013.

Details on the Master Gardener program, training, and application materials are available on the Cooperative Extension website at http://extension.udel.edu/lawngarden/master-gardener-volunteer-educators/become-a-master-gardener/, or by email and phone request to Carrie Murphy, cjmurphy@udel.edu, (302) 831-2506

It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.

 

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AMH/CM/11/29/12

 

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Joy Sparks Spirit of 4-H Award Winner Announced

November 13, 2012 in New Castle County

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Photos available upon request

 

Joy Sparks Award Spirit of 4-H Award Winner Announced

 

Maureen Ernst was honored as the fourth recipient of the “Joy Sparks Spirit of 4-H Award,” as New Castle County 4-H Club held their annual Achievement Banquet at Kirk Middle School on Thursday, October 11, 2012. The dinner and awards ceremony were attended by nearly 100 active 4-Her’ers, and Mallory Vogl, 4-H Extension Educator.

The Joy Sparks Spirit of 4-H Award recognizes outstanding individuals who exhibit enthusiasm, dedication, and exemplify 4-H Spirit and Values. The award is named in memory of 4-H State Program Leader, Joy Sparks, who died February 17, 2009.

Vogl describes, “Ernst is a person who goes above and beyond in continuing to serve the 4-H community. She definitely carries out activities like Joy representing the four 4-H ideals: heads, hearts, hands and health.”  Maureen is a mother of four and all of her children are either current or past members of 4-H. Maureen has been involved in 4-H for about 14 years and is currently the organizational leader of the 4-H Club Future Discovery Team. Over the years, she has assisted in many committees and 4-H events. Recently, with the help of leader Robyn Hunter, the two have created the NCC 4-H Garden Club. The club has flourished with the help and direction of Carrie Murphy, NCC Horticulture Agent, and the NCC Master Gardener volunteers. In addition, Maureen also spends many summer hours volunteering with the 4-H garden at Nemours. “All of that combined makes Maureen a perfect fit for this award. New Castle County is truly honored to have a volunteer who represents and leads as wonderfully as Maureen does”, Vogl stated.

4-H is the world’s largest youth group, teaching leadership, creativity and other life skills. 4-Hers participate in many events, contest and project areas. Delaware 4-H is a nonprofit organization that does not discriminate against sex, race or religion. The New Castle County 4-H and Youth Development program is just one of the many programs offered by the University of Delaware’s New Castle County Cooperative Extension Office. For more information, visit: www.extension.udel.edu/4-h or contact the office at 302-831-2506.

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AMH/11/13/12

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