Horse Group Forming

Love horses?  A 4-H horse group is in the process of forming.  An informational meeting is targeted for Tuesday, January 29 at 6:00 at the  Agricultural Conference Center.  Parents and children of all ages can join us for a fun meeting with activities for kids.   For more information and to confirm the meeting, contact Watauga County 4-H at 264-3061 or karee_mackey@ncsu.edu

There is so much you can do through the 4-H horse program.  Check here for a listing of some of the programs. 

National 4-H Week

4-H Science Night

Join us for the 4-H National Youth Science Day.  The 2012 National 4-H Science Experiment, the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge, explores how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment.   Youth will assemble an Eco-Bot.  4-H science day is designed for 8-14 year olds and will be held at the Agricultural Conference Center on Wednesday, October 10 at 6:00 pm.  To register, contact Watauga County 4-H at 264-3061 or email karee_mackey@ncsu.edu

Science Fair Opportunity

Is your family looking forward to participating in a science fair this school year?  If you are not plugged in with a science fair, there may be an alternative for you.  Not all schools may offer a science fair.  The process of creating a science experiment can be rewarding and educational in many ways.  

A 4-H Science Fair will be held Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the Catawba Science Center.  This 4-H Science Fair has been successfully held for four years and for the last two years has been a qualifying event allowing youth to take their projects on to the regional and state science fairs (optional).

The fair is open to 5-18 year olds.  It is designed to be a thorough, educational experience.  The science fair is open to many counties in our region and youth from Watauga County are eligible to participate.  The organizers have some great materials on putting together a science project and will be offering information sessions to help navigate through the process.   Contact the Watauga County 4-H office if you are interested.  More science fair resources are posted on our science link... see here....

Categories include:

Life Science

Physical Science

Earth and Environment

Technology and Engineering

Teacher Workday Fun

Photo Credit:  http://www.kenthomas.us/

Looking for something to do this September's teacher workdays?  Here is an opportunity for 9 year olds and older.  It will be led by Extension staff.     The times are Thursday Sept. 27  from 1 to 3 and Friday September 28 from 8:00 am until 5 pm.

Learn about the flora and fauna found on Appalachian Balds and in Spruce-Fir Forest ecosystems.  We'll investigate the plants, wildlife, and insects that are unique to these habitats and discover how these organisms have adapted to the harsh conditions of some of the highest and most exposed ridges in the Southern Appalachians. The dates are September 27 and 28 2012. Friday we will have a hike in Grayson Highlands State Park and have the chance to observe many different types of plants and animals. We will observe the Wild Ponies that are used for vegetation management in the park. Great photo opportunities! As the hike is considered moderate to difficult, this class is for kids 9 and up.  Please call 264-3061 to register.   

Find Out About 4-H

Explore the world with 4-H.  4-H information session Tuesday, September 4 6:30pm at the Agricultural Conference Center.  Learn about ways your family can explore topics from plants and animals to science, earth education and more!  For more information, contact Watauga County 4-H at 264-3061.

Mountain State Fair

Did you make or grow some interesting items this summer? 

Why not share them with others and display them at the Mountain State Fair.  Winning a ribbon or prize money is a pleasant reward for making something fun. 
The fair runs September 7-16 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.
To make it easier for us, the fair offers the Pony Express.  They will pick up your non-perisable items and return them- at no charge.
Then, all you need to do is go down and see all the great entries and entertainment (if you want to).  
Drop off your items at the Watauga Extension office by the morning of Wednesday, August 22.  

Adult and youth categories are available.  
Here are some fun youth categories:
Oddities of the garden
Largest fruit or vegetable
Giants of the Garden
School art
Decorating a pumpkin or gourd
Shoe box float parade- make a float out of a shoe box

All sorts of crafts and arts, from sewing, photographs, jewelry, tie dye, model kits, pottery, woodworking and more!

The deadline for most entry forms is August 24. See the website for more details.  The Extension office has copies of the fair catalog as well, if you would like to stop by and take a look.