January 2016

“Reaching Out Report” the Greene County Extension Newsletter 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Email: greeneco@missouri.edu * Tel: (417) 881-8909

January 2016 *

Vol. 9, Issue 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Financial Scorecard… pages 2 Upcoming events … pages 3 Nutrition program… page 4 David Burton … pages 5-7 Agriculture … pages 8-9 Patrick Byers … pages 10-11 Master Naturalists … page 11 Kelly McGowan … page 12-13 Jeff Barber … page 13 Renette Wardlow … page 14 4-H Report … page 15 Pam Duitsman… page 16 Staff & Partners… page 17 Friends of Extension… page 18

Subscribe Now! Become a subscriber and receive a monthly email with the direct link for reading the “Reaching Out Report” online. Send your request by email to burtond@missouri.edu.

Butterfly Girl in the Springfield Botanical Gardens after a 2015 snowfall.

Get Ready for Ozarks Winter with Easy Recipe for Snow Ice Cream What could be more fun than eating clean, white, soft snow gathered in our own yard? There are several simple ways to make snow ice cream. Every recipe begins with placing a clean container outside to collect clean, fresh snow as it falls. Then, in a smaller bowl combine one cup of milk or Half & Half, onehalf cup of granulated sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, a dash of salt and then blend it until the sugar is melted and mixture is smooth. Whatever you do, nutrition specialists agree it is best to stay away from some of the old-time snow ice cream recipes that included raw eggs according to University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialists.

University of Missouri Extension is an equal opportunity/ access/ affirmative action/ pro-disabled and veteran employer.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Greene Game of Business Greene County Extension Scorecard – December 2015 * Income

YTD #s

Budget #

DIFF

0100 · Student Fees

$16,516.26

0210 · County Appropriations

$24,160.00

$27,000.00

0400 · Gift/Grants/Contracts

$24,518.00

$25,000.00

$482.00

0900 · Resales/Fees/Soil Tests

$10,610.44

$2,500.00

-$8,110.44

2100 - Postage Allotment

$2,185.00

$2,400.00

$215.00

2600 - MCHP Subsidy

$3,850.00

$3,000.00

-$850.00

1600 - Balance Transfers

$5,035.00 -$11,481.26

$0.00

$0.00

$2,840.00

Total % 328%

OWNER

Forecast Actuals

K. McGowan

$200.00

$350.00

89% David Burton

$2,250.00

$2,250.00

98%

$4,000.00

$3,210.00

$450.00

$491.24

Council

424% McGowan/Byers 91% David Burton 128%

$0.00 #DIV/0!

$0.00

$0.00

M. Black

$0.00

$0.00

Council

$0.00

$0.00

$6,900.00

$6,301.24

126%

$81,839.70

$64,935.00 -$16,904.70

$28,294.11

$32,989.00

$4,694.89

86%

M. Black

$2,184.00

$2,080.00

2800 · Payroll Expenses

$9,986.83

$6,956.00

-$3,030.83

144%

M. Black

$530.00

$503.70

3100 · Travel 3600 · Postage & Postage Meter

$6,054.02

$6,000.00

-$54.02

101%

P. Duitsman

$417.00

$665.57

$2,482.36

$2,400.00

-$82.36

103%

M. Black

$1,000.00

$1,015.05

3700 · Telephone Service

$1,678.96

$1,000.00

-$678.96

168%

C. Hatley

$200.00

$506.52

3900 · Advertising

$1,219.00

$2,000.00

$781.00

61%

Jeff Barber

4700 · Publishing/Printing

$1,015.24

$1,000.00

-$15.24

102%

D. Burton

$750.00

Total Income Expense 2700 · Personnel - Wages

$0.00 $281.73

$125.47

$200.00

$74.53

63%

D. Burton

$500.00

$4,547.37

$2,500.00

-$2,047.37

182%

M. Black

$200.00

$410.87

5110 · Annual Meeting

$537.50

$500.00

-$37.50

108%

Council

$0.00

$0.00

6400 - Other Contract Services

$720.00

$1,000.00

$280.00

$500.00

$528.00

6800 - Insurance

$400.00

$350.00

-$50.00

$0.00

$0.00

4800 · Reproduction & Copies 5100 · Supplies/Services

7010 - Ext. Council Election 7100 · Soil Test Expenses 7200 · Publications for Resale 7300 · Repairs/Maintenance 7700 - Furniture / Equipment 7999 - Fee Generation MU Total Expense NET INCOME

72% David Burton 114%

M. Black

0%

Council

$0.00

$1,100.00

$1,100.00

$0.00

$0.00

$3,519.00

$1,500.00

-$2,019.00

235% Patrick Byers

$300.00

$213.50

$996.00

$500.00

-$496.00

199% Patrick Byers

$0.00

$0.00

$2,199.97

$1,740.00

-$459.97

126% David Burton

$170.00

$203.27

$965.73

$1,200.00

$234.27

80%

Jeff Barber

$300.00

$0.00

$7,708.88

$2,000.00

-$5,708.88

385%

R. Wardlow

$400.00

$75.00

$72,450.44

$64,935.00

-$7,515.44

112%

$7,451.00

$6,483.21

-$551.00

-$181.97

$ 9,389.26

$0.00

-$9,389.26

14%

Monthly forecast

On Dec. 31, the budget will be zeroed out. The profits for this year will be moved to the short course fund (to fund new programs or cover program shortfalls in 2016) and a professional development fund for staff. These moves were authorized by the council as part of the “stake in the outcome” portion of our Great Game of Business. * Numbers were run early in December due to the holidays. All bills will be finalized for 2015 by about midJanuary so the most up-to-date scorecard for the year will be printed in the annual report.

Our Critical Number this year is “Net Income” and our goal is to finish the year in the black (positive balance) so those funds can be applied toward additional programs in the 2016 budget.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 2

Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County Master Gardener Orientation Required informational meeting for anyone interested in the 2016 MU Extension Master Gardener core training. Orientation sessions will be held on Jan. 26 and Jan. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Botanical Center. This orientation meeting is free. The series of core trainings are $150. Call (417) 881-8909 Age: 18 yrs. & up | Fee: Free Date: Jan. 26 or 28 | Time: 6-8 p.m.

For details: http://mggreene.org/

Master Gardener Core Training The 2016 Master Gardeners of Greene County core training will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from Feb. 23 to April 14 at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center. For information, contact Kelly McGowan at mcgowank@missouri.edu

Potting Shed University

Winter Session of "Stay Strong, Stay Healthy" Starts Jan. 6 at Botanical Center "Stay Strong, Stay Healthy" program, a 16session exercise program designed for middleaged and older adults, starting Jan 6. Classes will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Greene County Extension Center inside the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield. The first class is on Jan. 6.

Participants will meet two times each week for eight weeks. There is a $40 cost to the program, payable at the first class. Call (417) 881-8909 to get your name on the registration list.

Business Development Classes Regular business classes are held at the Small Business Development and Technology Center, 405 North Jefferson Ave., Springfield. Register by calling (417) 836-5685 or check online www.ws.missouristate.edu/sbdc.

Invest in gardening skills for life and become a better gardener. Different topic every week.

Offered by MU Extension and Master Gardeners of Greene County. Call 891-1515.

Age: 18 yrs. and up | Fee: $5/class Time: Mon., 6-8 p.m.

Date: 29-Feb Herb Theme Gardens 7-Mar Winter Sowing 14-Mar Bring Back Monarchs 21-Mar Houseplants 28-Mar Frugal Gardening 4-Apr Small Gardens Trees 11-Apr Haybale Gardening 18-Apr Twilight Gardens For details: http://mggreene.org/

Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Place: University Plaza Hotel, Springfield Time: 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $35 per person (registered by Feb. 18th) OR $45 per person after Feb. 18th

Program Calendar Online

Key Note Speaker:

The most up-to-date list of reported upcoming MU Extension programs in Greene County is available online at http:// extension.missouri.edu/greene Calendar visible on right side of page.

32nd Annual SW Missouri Spring Forage Conference

Trent Loos, Farmer and Advocate for Agriculture For more information: www.springforageconference.com OR call (417) 532-6305 ext. 3

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Family Nutrition Education Program Becky Roark

Family Nutrition Education Program

By the numbers:  340 Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders at Bingham, Fremont and McGregor Elementary schools started our series of nutrition lessons this month  225 families viewed the “Healthy Celebrations” display at the Well of Life Food Pantry  155 families viewed the “Healthy Celebrations” display at the Central Assembly of God Food Pantry Fossett

Impact: The “Healthy Celebrations” display, along with nutrition information and a recipe are set up at the Well of Life Food Pantry for a month. I am physically there about twice a month to interact with the clients. One day a young man signed in to get food and then came immediately over to my spot. He asked what recipe I had that day so I gave him a card and asked him if he liked to cook. He said that he was just learning, but he liked our recipes because they didn’t have too many ingredients or steps to follow. He asked me how he could use the canned evaporated milk that seems to be a staple at food pantries and I gave him some suggestions. He left that day very excited to go home and try the new recipe out!

Sherri Hull

2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo. Tel: 417-886-2059 * http://missourifamilies.org

Nevatt

Roark

Edmondson

Hull

Williams

Wood

One of them read, “You taught me so much. I will tell my parents to buy more healthy food. I will watch what I eat. I will also keep a list of fun activities to do, when I am bored. You inspired me to eat healthy.” This simple note demonstrates how our lessons can impact a student and their family.

By the numbers:  Completed series of lessons for 4th, 5th and 6th graders at Bois D’ Arc Elem – 139 kids  Completed series of lessons for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Westport Elem – 211 kids  Various display and discussion at Hovey House Community Center – 39 adults  Display and discussion about Breakfast at Victory Mission Food Pantry – 147 adults  Hosted a Food Power Adventure at Sequiota Elem – 343 kids Impact: After completing a series of six lessons, a fifth grade class gave me “Thank You” notes.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 4

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director Direct contact where learning is occurring is considered teaching. This includes one-to-one calls, emails to individuals who have asked questions or sought information, meetings that include learning, and classes.

CPD RESPONSIBILITES  Attended County Commission meeting.  Write and edit “Reaching Out Report”  Regular updates to county website  Great Game of Business details/planning.  Organize and conduct weekly staff huddles  Developed 2016 budget request for county.  Conducted public input on our budget.  Facilitated input on council 2016 election  Submitted computer replacement plan to MU.  Approved travel for Greene County programs  Computer upgrade process COMMITTEES  Republic Chamber of Commerce  Wrote proposal for Social Media Team TRAINING  Regional faculty mtg.  Online training in Constant Contact  Online training for Donor Snap  Online training in the council election and reporting system  Public Relations Society of America meeting in Springfield FUNDRAISING  Wrote and submitted three grants for the funding of specific programs in our office.  Managed donations given in fall campaign.  Preparing materials for 2016 Give Ozarks.

PROGRAMS LISTED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PUBLICATION

Regional News Service Earns $2.5 Million in Media Coverage and 75 Million Impressions Annually David Burton

Based on local reCivic communication search, the Southwest burtond@missouri.edu Region News Service has been generating media coverage valued at more than $2.5 million annually for University of Missouri Extension since 2007.

The news service also generates over 75 million reader impressions annually.

A poll conducted in 2015 found 93 percent of subscribers to the emailed news service increased their awareness of MU Extension programs. Over 92 percent said the news service provided information that caused them to do something differently, and 78 percent were able to give examples of how those changes impacted them or their family.

Southwest Region News Service has two audiences.

Members of the public who subscribe to receive this information by e-mail are the secondary audience. As of November 2014, over 8,770 members of the public receive this news service by email along with nearly 500 journalists.

David Burton’s focus of work as civic communication specialist: Community and civic engagement through communication and media relations, leading and moderating focus groups, non-profit education and support, social media in support of disaster recovery and response, marketing extension regionally, heritage tourism with an emphasis on restoring historic schools; and engaging council members with media relations efforts like the Southwest Region News Service and the Expert Source Program.

As county program director: David also works with the elected council to operate, fund and administer the local Greene County Extension office and to plan local programs, to engage council members in this and other work, and to generate local revenue to support programs in Greene County

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 5

Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director Based on a 2014 demographic study of the email audience for the news service this is what is known: Missouri residents comprise 92 percent of the readership.

From now until April 2016, extension staff are working to get public subscribers added.

Individuals signing up for the news service prior to then can win a $50 gift card.

The Southwest Region News Service operates out of the Greene County Extension center and uses a variety of techniques and tools to reach about 300,000 southwest Missouri residents every week with research-based MU Extension information.

Some of the tools used include an e-mailed weekly news service which reaches nearly 9,000 individuals a week. The use of social

media like Facebook, a blog and YouTube reach an additional 10,000-plus people per week. Three weekly columns in urban newspapers reach an audience of over 150,000 each week.

Regular interviews of MU Extension specialists on Springfield and Joplin television and radio stations expand the weekly audience further (with an estimated 40,000 households reached). In addition, over 120,000 people each week read printed versions of the media releases sent out via the weekly Southwest Region News Service in a variety of print publications in southwest Missouri and beyond.

SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT CARD FOR THE MONTH Online reads of the "Reaching Out Report" Monthly = 128 2015 Cumulative = 1677 Total news releases written this month= 38 TV/Radio Shows this Month Regular columns written this month= 12 2 Southwest Region News Service Monthly Impact (2015) Total '15 views on I encourage county extension New subscribers Total subscribers AgEbb councils to provide content to 16 8822 2,134,924 MUExtension417 Twitter and Facebook pages and to have cliRequests for story advisement this month= 12 ents follow those regional opYouTUBE Subscribers Total Views tions. I also schedule social media 2015 472 488958 posts. All media releases are postTWITTER Followers 2015 Activity ed to AgEbb and social media by me using Hootsuite. KLOUT rating 2015 110 1399 is a national measure of our social FLICKR Followers Total 2015 Views media effectiveness.

2015 48 183,245 Facebook Followers Monthly Reach managed pages = 70200 80,542 KLOUT rating (current / highest) = 2015 Annual Cumulative Facebook Reach = 1,281,789 66 / 72 (out of 100) SWRN Blog Monthly views 2015 Annual Views Total 2015 Social/Online 2144 25,728 Impressions = 3,845,672 Open Rate of News Email this month 18% National average open rate on emails 13%

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Page 6

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Civic Communication Specialist & County Program Director

Annual Meeting Feb. 29 to Focus on Leaping Ahead The 2016 Annual Meeting of the Greene County Extension Council will be begin at 5:30 p.m. on Family Financial Specialist Monday, Feb. 29 at the Botanical Center.

Conducts Program on Taxes This year’s meeting, ironically held on Leap Day, will focus on ways we can leap ahead as an extension for VITA in Greene County Report from Nellie Lamers: Dec 7, 8 and program in the increasingly urban Springfield area.

10: I co-taught training sessions for New A potluck dinner will be enjoyed to Taxes Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (ham provided by staff), followed by (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elthe swearing in of new council memderly (TCE) Volunteers with the SW Misbers, honors to outgoing council memsouri Office on Aging. 35 – 45 volunteers bers, a presentation by two outstanding attended the sessions, which were held at 4-H members from Greene County, and the Fire Station in Battlefield, MO. (I cothe revealing of a new council mini-game for 2016. taught on Monday and Tuesday afterThree individuals will also be presented the noons and Thursday morning.)

“Honor Roll” Award. Leaders Honor Roll program is intended to honor outstanding University of Missouri Extension community leaders who have excelled in supporting or co-teaching named programs. This year’s recipients are: Ryan Squibb of Bois D’Arc (for media and 4-H); Parish Witt of Ash Grove (for 4-H shooting sports program) and Ben Faqua of Missouri State (for Soils projects).

“This coming year is going to be another leap forward for Greene County Extension as we get closer to a fully restored budget and support staff of some sort for the 4-H program,” said Burton.

Burton said he is especially excited to unveil the council mini-game for 2016. Staff and council members have had input on the game and it is designed to address what many council members have expressed as a weakness in the organization. The theme of the game, rules and prizes will be unveiled during the annual meeting and will remain top secret until that time.

Friends of Greene County Extension Campaign Ongoing Members of “Friends of Greene County Extension” contribute financially to make it possible for Extension to continue having a positive impact on the quality of life in Greene County.

Learn how to help by calling (417) 881-8909 or going to http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Space for Rent The Botanical Center offers meeting space for social gatherings and business functions. Contact us for all of your needs!

Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park.

417-891-1515 | www.botanicalcenter.org

Page 7

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Agriculture Report for Greene County Every month, MU Extension specialists contact agriculture related training and programs in Greene County. The challenge with reporting is that there are at least six specialists doing this work inside Greene County on a regular basis. During 2016, we are going to use this space to highlight some of those programs and the MU Extension specialists who provide agriculture education in the county.

Report from Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist headquartered in Stone County who serves Greene County.

Winter Meeting Planning Meetings – Planning meeting in January with farmers for the Soils & Crops Conference Greene County.

Hay Production Schools – A hay school in Springfield is set for January 12, 14 and 21.

Soil and Forage Analysis - Signed off on soil test recommendations and gave advice on tests in Greene County.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Commercial Pesticide Certification and Recertification Training – Scheduled to teach crop insect management and scouting in Springfield over these two-day sessions on Jan. 6 and 7.

Spring Forage Conference – This program is Tim scheduled for March 1 in Schnakenberg Springfield. I am working on obtaining pictures, bios, proceedings and speaker info sheets for three of the speakers.

Farm Visits / Consultations – Did farm visits and answered phone calls with local producers (including calls from Greene County). Farm visits focused on fescue stand evaluation, wheat weed control, hay testing and new farm enterprise decisions.

Page 8

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Agriculture Report for Greene County

Hay School Comes to Greene County and Begins Jan. 12 University of Missouri Extension will conduct a regional hay school in Greene County during January. The three-session program will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, Thursday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 21 inside the Missouri State University Bond Learning Center at the Darr Ag Center, 2401 S Kansas Expy, Springfield.

Dinner will be served at the beginning of each session followed by presentations.

“The course is specifically designed for livestock producers who already have their own hay equipment or have hay custom harvested on their land. The goal is to give attendees the knowledge needed to improve their hay operation,” said Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist with MU Extension.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Hay School attendees will learn what kinds of forages are best for the area. Speakers will also address nutritional requirements for livestock, supplements, hay testing, field fertilization, round bale silage, the economics of hay and managing pests. Also, attendees will also learn how to effectively cut, rake, ted and bale hay and to reduce losses when storing and feeding hay.

A registration fee of $20 per person covers all three sessions. Each night’s dinner has been generously sponsored by WL Alfalfas, Larson John Deere, S&H Farm Supply and FCS Financial.

For more information or to register, contact the Greene County Extension office by telephone at (417) 881-8909 or by email at burtond@missouri.edu. The preregistration deadline is January 6. Additional information can be found online at http:// extension.missouri.edu/greene.

Page 9

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio  4 live interviews with KOLR10’s John Ziegler (1 delivered by Kelly McGowan)  Interview with Joe Lancello, radio station KZRG, on poinsettias (12/16/15) Print media  Contributed to several articles and interviews Requests for information  Telephone contacts – 12 for advisement  Email contacts – 10 contacts  Office visits, professional contacts – 1 for consultation and advisement  Farm site visits – 2 for advisement Programs Presented:  “MU Extension and Resources for Local Foods,” Workshop, West Plains (12/4/15) Coordinated:  Grow Your Farm program, West Plains (12/1/15)  Hmong High Tunnel workshop, Seneca (12/3/15-12/4/15)  Grow Your Farm tour, West Plains (12/16/15)  Grow Your Farm program, West Plains (12/15/15)  Hmong high tunnel workshop, Seneca (12/17/15-12/18/15)  Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 18 reports during reporting period Participated in:  Ozarks Technical College Turf and Landscape Management advisory committee meeting, Springfield (11/20/15)  Grow the Grower grant planning meeting, Ozark (11/30/15)  Hollister Farm to Table grant planning meeting, Hollister (12/1/15)  Produce Safety Alliance regional training committee meeting, Springfield (12/1/15)  Local Foods Workshop, West Plains (12/4/15)  National Vegetable Grafting Symposium and Training, Grand Rapids, MI (12/7/15-12/8/15)  Metropolitan Food Systems team meeting, Columbia (12/15/15)

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Upcoming programs and events  Grow Your Farm program, West Plains (12/22/15)  Grow Your Farm program, West Plains (12/29/15)  Great Plains Growers Conference, St Joseph (1/7/15-1/9/15)  “Updates in the 2016 Patrick Byers Small Fruit and Horticulture Grape Spray Guide”, byerspl@missouri.edu Great Plains Growers Conference, St Joseph (1/9/15)  “Determining harvest date for berry crops”, Great Plains Growers Conference, St Joseph (1/9/15)  “Common Garden Pests”, Springfield Library program (1/11/16)  Grow Your Farm tour, West Plains (1/12/16)  Grow Your Farm program, West Plains (1/12/16)  “How to Tap New Markets for Your Crops through Food Hubs”, Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference, Marshfield (1/16/15)  Grow Your Farm program, West Plains (1/19/16)  Winter Vegetable Conference, Webb City (1/21/16-1/22/16)  “Growing Garlic in Missouri”, Winter Vegetable Conference, Webb City (1/22/16)  “Update on Food Safety Modernization Act”, Missouri Farmers Market Association conference, Webb City (1/23/16)  “Starting with Produce Farming”, Grow the Growers workshop, Branson (1/25/15)  Grow Your Farm program, West Plains (1/26/16)  Master Gardener Core Training orientation, Springfield (1/26/16)  “Beekeeping and Horticulture”, Willow Springs (1/27/16)  Master Gardener Core Training orientation, Springfield (1/28/16)

Page 10

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Master Naturalists  

“MU Extension resources”, OFAC Conference, West Plains (1/28/16) “Saving and Germinating Seeds”, Springfield Library program (1/30/16)

Human interest: Patrick Byers and Kelly McGowan are anticipating an exciting 2016 Master Gardeners of Greene County core training. The Master Gardeners of Greene County are a professionally trained group of horticultural volunteers who operate under the University of Missouri Extension – Greene County office. The Master Gardeners serve the gardening public of Greene County in a variety of volunteer activities that focus on education – through demonstration gardens, gardening classes, the Hotline question/answer service, written educational materials, and many other ways. Anyone who is least 18 years of age and who has an interest in volunteer horticultural service is invited to become a Master Gardener. All volunteers receive an in-depth horticulture training through the Core class, which includes classes on a variety of topics such as annual and perennial flowers, vegeta-

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

bles, fruits, woody plants, soils, pruning, propagation, insects, plant diseases, landscape design, and trees. The core class begins with orientation in late January, followed by the twice weekly classes that begin on Feb. 23.

The Missouri Master Naturalist Program results from a partnership created in 2004 between the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and MU Extension (MUE). The Missouri Master Naturalist Program is recognized as a named program within MU Extension. The MU School of Natural Resources is the academic home for the Program. See www.springfieldmasternaturalist.com or springfieldmn.blogspot.com/

Page 11

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Master Gardeners of Greene County

Kelly McGowan Horticulture Educator mcgowank@missouri.edu

New Milkweed Research Project to begin in 2016 With all of the news lately about the declining population of the monarch butterfly, people are wanting to do anything they can to help which includes planting milkweed. Missouri is home to 17 species of milkweed (Asclepias spp.), but several of those are uncommon or hard to find.

There are many, however, that are available and there is a great opportunity and need for more outreach programs providing information about the different types.

Beginning in 2016, a milkweed research project will take place at the Dr. Bill Roston Native Butterfly House. This project will consist of trials on different milkweed species and which is the most attractive to monarchs. Little research of this type has been done, especially in this area, and having an active research project will be a great educational tool for the Butterfly House. The Dr. Bill Roston Native Butterfly House, located at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, is the only all native butterfly house in the state of Missouri and one of the most popular attractions at the Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

park. Over 35,000 visitors enjoyed the butterfly house from May through October of 2015. The mission of the House is to educate visitors about the many types of native butterflies and moths as well as the host and nectar plants that they need for survival. Admission is free and is open from 10 am to dusk, 7 days a week during months of operation.

The Master Gardener Program is a popular and successful statewide volunteer community-service organization administered through University of Missouri Extension. The organization’s goal is to train gardeners who are willing to share their knowledge with others. Master Gardeners become volunteers of University of Missouri Extension and donate hours for community educational projects in horticulture. Volunteer activities include working with non-profit organizations, maintaining community gardens, conducting workshops, participating in a Master Gardener speakers’ bureau and staffing the Master Gardener “Hotline.” The Master Gardeners of Greene County can boast of over 275 members. For more information visit the chapter website at http://www.mggreene.org.

Page 12

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Master Gardeners of Greene County

2016 Master Gardener Core Training

Here's some of the fresh vegetables that Kelly McGowan and volunteers harvested from the low tunnel in the Master Gardener vegetable garden (located north of the Botanical Center) yesterday. Brussel sprouts, carrots, broccoli, beets and kale.

A new year means a new class of Master Gardener trainees in Greene County. Classes will begin on February 23 and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm through April 5. This year’s class topics will include plant propagation, soil, home vegetable production, home fruit production, pruning, herbaceous ornamentals, botany and plant structures, trees, insects, woody ornamentals, plant disease and diagnostics, turf and landscape design. The cost will be $150 per person or $255 for a couple sharing a book. Attendance of an orientation session is mandatory; if interested contact Kelly McGowan at mcgowank@missouri.edu or call 8818909.

Housing and Urban Development Specialist

Each “Reaching Out Report” is used by Greene County Extension specialists to concisely communicate activities, contacts and events to members of the Greene County Extension Council, Greene County Commission and residents of Greene County. For more about this report, or to learn how you can reach 1,000 readers a month by advertising in the Reaching Out Report, contact David Burton, civic communication specialist, at (417) 881-8909. If you would like to receive this by email each month, contact David Burton at burtond@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Jeff Barber is working with leaders in area communities and students at Drury to develop projects and visioning documents that improve living and expand economic options. Information about his work can be Jeff Barber found on the Greene Housing and design County Extension barberj@missouri.edu website or contact him at (417) 8818909 or barberj@missouri.edu.

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Human Development, Family and Health Poverty Simulation in Spokane Spokane, Missouri high school students participated in a poverty simulation. Students were given a packet that told them what their life situation was.

The students received a sense of what a person who is unemployed, has no financial resources, has children to care for, and has bills to pay might have to go through. Each student was given a fictitious role to play. They were expected to go to each of the booths that were set-up around the room to ask for assistance, obtain charity, get help with child care and in many cases, go to jail.

The program was sponsored by Ozarks Community Action Corporation and several other agency people, businesses, and individuals volunteered to assist with the simulation.

The stations in the room included, a bank, a church, the electric company, payday loan facility, the landlord, division of social services, the unemployment office, grocery store, OACAC, and a jail. Students who were unemployed had to ask for help from OACAC, the church, or obtain a payday loan.

The first phase of the game was a reactive approach. Students found themselves in a situation that was very frustrating to them. Many were unable to pay their rent and were evicted from their home.

Some students had their electricity turned off, some took their children to childcare while looking for work and forgot to pick them up; resulting in going to jail for a brief period of time. Some youth took out or tried to take out a payday loan until they realized that if they borrowed one hundred dollars

they'd have to pay back $200. Many students were really upset that they were in the situation that they were in. My response, "this is reality, a lot of people are living this way."

The second phase was a little easier for the youth. Renette Wardlow Human Development All were employed, wardlowr@missouri.edu had checks to cash, and were able to pay their bills. The students realized that getting an education, having a job, and having money to pay bills make life less frustrating. The two and a half hour simulation was well received by the youth. They said that it was frustrating and they didn't know what to do, but it was a great learning experience. The students agreed that they hope that they don't end up in a situation in their real life.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Fourteen senior citizens are participating in a 16 session, “Advanced Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” course. The participants meet each Monday and Wednesday to improve their strength, increase their flexibility, and beef up their balance. All of the current participants took part in the regular Stay Strong, Stay Healthy course. They all enjoyed the class and saw significant improvements in their ability to do everyday life tasks.

The Greene County Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class is coming up. The sixteen session course will begin January 6. The class will meet Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 am at the Botanical center. Call to sign up; you too can benefit by helping to take care of yourself.

To learn more about this program or others impacting children and families, contact Human Development Specialist Renette Wardlow at (417) 881-8909 or by email at wardlowr@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out� Report

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4-H Report for Greene County More About 4-H

Representatives of Greene County 4-H Teen Council present Orscheln's of Republic with the Friend of 4-H Award!

Council Approves $300 for New 4-H Members The Greene County Extension Council recently approved the use of up to $300 to cover enrollment fees for new 4-H members who have a financial need.

The council agreed it was a step to help out new members with the tope of developing additional long-term members in Greene County.

Council is continuing to work on finding ways to get a 4-H educator or specialist back in the county.

As the largest out-of-school youth organization in the world, 4-H is open to all boys and girls, ages 5 to18.

Children who are five to seven years old are eligible for 4-H Clover Kids, an introductory program. Youths who are 8 to 18 years of age can select from a variety of 4-H projects and activities that stress social and life skills in areas like decision making, communication, social interaction, civic responsibility and physical skills. Children do not have to live on a farm to join 4-H. Project opportunities include computers, robotics, foods and nutrition, horticulture, large and small animals and more.

Missouri 4-H is University of Missouri Extension's youth development program. Learn more online.

First Woman to Make National 4-H Missouri Shotgun Team is from Greene County 4-H Club Autumn Wilson is the first woman ever to make the National 4H Missouri State Shotgun Team. She is a member of the Sho-Me 4-H Club in Fair Grove (Greene County) and daughter of Robert and Gayle Wilson.

The shotgun team was established in 2002 and each year 4H members can tryout to make the team.

Autumn started competitive shooting four years ago in the Wayne County 4H Shooting Club. She has competed in the 4H State Shoot, the Grand National High School Shoot in Sparta, Ill., in the Missouri State Show Me Games, numerous other tournaments across the state, and was one of 20 youth selected to attend the Mizzou Trap Academy this year.

From here, Autumn plans to practice and successfully represent Missouri in the National Competition in Nebraska in June then plans to acquire scholarships for shooting to help with her college education where she is going to major in Graphic Design.

Contact 4-H Youth Development Specialist Karla Deaver at the Lawrence County Extension office by telephone at 417/466-3102 or by email at deaverk@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Nutrition and Food Policy Essential Work on Food Insecurity and Local Food Production: Year-End Summary Our American food system has not always provided what is needed for healthy people, healthy environments, or a healthy economy. As a result, local food has been the subject of Federal, State, and local government policy. Most recently, USDA has linked local foods to their program priorities: enhancing local economies; sustaining environments; improving food access and nutrition; responding to consumer demand; and strengthening farmers, producers and markets.

In response to food system needs in southwest Missouri, the Ozarks Regional Food Policy Council (ORFPC) released a 20 county regional food systems assessment: Good Food Matters: Cultivating a Healthy Southwest Missouri in the fall of 2014. The overarching goal is for 20 percent of all food consumed in southwest Missouri to be produced locally by 2030. Currently, 1.6 percent is locally produced.

The demand for local food has exploded nationally, with both consumer and producer participation in local food systems dramatically increasing in recent years. These trends are mirrored in the Ozarks, with both demands for local food and food system activity strong and increasing in southwest Missouri. However, the ORFPC assessment revealed that we lack good food. About 140,000 people in southwest Missouri (including 50,000 children) do not have a consistent, secure source of food every day. Nearly 88 percent of adults in the region do not consume enough fruits and veggies.

While the region has land, resources, and a rich agricultural history, gaps exist that threaten the sustainability of the food system. For example, there is a lack of infrastructures like small-scale processing operations, localized distribution systems, and training programs to educate young farmers. A need to strengthen the ability of farmers to satisfy the wholesale, retail and institutional demand for local food is evident. Challenges in-

clude transportation, marketing, and distribution of local food to satisfy larger markets.

The ORFPC executive summary has 12 key policy recommendations.

These include working closer with local schools on farm-toPam Duitsman school programs; Nutrition Specialist duitsmanp@missouri.edu creation of a local farm financing collaborative; farm business and marketing resources; assisting connections in the local food marketplace; creating an awareness of food deserts; and the creation of food hubs to connect local buyers and producers.

To address challenges, provide possible solutions, and encourage greater communication and coordination of efforts, University of Missouri Extension has been offering workshops to bring local producers, buyers, and key food system partners together. Producers who have successfully increased production to source food to schools, colleges, hospitals and other institutions offer practical information and advice. Wholesale buyers provide models for food purchasing practices and opportunities for farmers and food businesses. A more prepared workforce is being created in the area of sustainable growing techniques to obtain maximum yield and higher farm profits.

Today, the Ozarks community food system is growing stronger. For the ORFPC and other stakeholders in southwest Missouri, next steps include completing a food hub feasibility study, reinforcing local relationships, helping local buyers source 20 percent of their food locally, initiating and facilitating infrastructure projects, and providing education to everyone involved in Missouri’s food future.

Contact Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Dr. Pam Duitsman at (417) 881-8909 or by email at duitsmanp@missouri.edu.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Can I Help?

Get Social with Greene County Extension

Maggie Black can help customers with material needs, soil tests and program registrations. Contact her at the Greene County Extension Center or email her direct at blackmag@missouri.edu. Maggie Black Office Manager Maggie Black joined Greene County Extension in 2015.

Extension Council Officers

Corporate Sponsors Sanford, Lea and Associates, CPA, Springfield, Mo.: (417) 886-2220, www.adifferentcpa.com Master Gardeners of Greene County: http://www.mggreene.org Greene County Commission, 933 N Robberson Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 http://www.greenecountymo.org/ Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Ph 417-864-1049, www.parkboard.org Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ph.417-831-5246, http:// swcd.mo.gov/greene/index.html.

Greene County Extension Office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 greeneco@missouri.edu Office hours: Monday - Friday * 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Follow us on Facebook: GreeneCountyExtension Follow us on Twitter @MUExtension417 Follow us on YouTube: /MUExtension417

The following individuals are officers on the Greene County Extension Council during 2015.  Matthew Simpson, chairman  Harold Bender, vice-chairman  Mary Sue Joplin, treasurer  Nancy Williams, secretary See our website (http://extension.missouri.edu/greene) for a complete listing of council members and contact information for each member.

Voices for Food Grant Clarissa joined MU Extension in 2013 and works with Dr. Pam Duitsman on the Voices for Food Grant. She assists with documentation and other details required by this USDA grant and works to make sure the overall program, research, and community work Clarissa Hatley is effective and operations smoothly. Office Support

Extension/Partner Meetings

County Commission meetings: 1st and 3rd Mondays of month; confirm agenda and meeting at http:// www.greenecountymo.org/commission. Commission building, Springfield, at 9:30 a.m.

Park Board Meetings: Second Friday of each month, 8:30 a.m. Call 864-1049 to confirm.

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month (except July),7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2852 S Dayton Ave, Springfield.

Greene County 4-H Foundation: meets 3rd Thursday of each month at Panera Bread on Battlefield (across from the Mall) starting at 6 p.m.

Master Gardeners of Greene County—board meeting: First Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

Master Naturalists Board Meetings: The board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the MDC regional office, on the second Wednesday of the month.

Greene County Farm Bureau — Second Monday of the month at Farm Bureau 2530 S Campbell Ave, Springfield. Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated December 22, 2015

Nutrition and Food Policy Donors to Fall “Friends” Campaign These donors have contributed over $5,260 during the fall 2015 “Friends of Greene County Extension” campaign.

Kathleen Goff Jeanie Skibiski Billie Sue Fuller William Hosman Edie Nelson Lamont Nelson Albert Niewald Minuen Odom Carr Stock Farms, LLC Tony & Carolyn Ahart Jim Arnold Kim Chaffin David & Nancy Chambers Peter Longley Steve & Marlu McElhany

Master Gardeners of Greene County Cathy Banks Shelby Bradley Ramona Burton Avis Holloway Larry & Nancy O'Reilly Dr. Greenthumb of Springfield Howard Schwartz Stephen & Sally Taylor Chris & Colette Wilbers David & Stacey Burton Bill & Virginia Darr S&H Farm Supply Marla Calico Jack Kaiser Galen & Dedra Jones Emma Valentin WL Alfafas Ann Hall

2015 Donations to Friends of Greene County Extension Cash = $24,518

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene