June 2014

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

June 2014 * Vol. 7, Issue 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Upcoming events … page 2 Council news… page 3 Pam Duitsman… page 4-5 Nutrition program… pages 6 Jeff Barber … page 7 4-H Report … pages 8-9 David Burton … pages 10 Agriculture … page 11 Patrick Byers … pages 12-13 Master Gardeners … pages 14-16 Master Naturalists… pages 15 2014 Friends list … page 21 Sponsors & Partners page 22

“I am More Alike Than Different” Online Event Calendar The most up-to-date list of reported upcoming MU Extension programs in Greene County is available online at extension.missouri.edu/greene

Calendar is visible on right side of page.

The Southwest Region Extension Council meeting was held on June 24 inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center. The most anticipated speaker of the evening was Jack Neidigh, a 9-year old with both Down’s syndrome and autism who is member of the Sac River Stablemates 4-H Club north of Willard in Greene County. Jack and his mother Lynn talked about the full scope of 4-H. His presentation, “I am more alike than different,” highlights the difference in communication for Jack who uses a tablet computer to speak. A video is available at www.youtube.com/MUExtension417.

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated June 25, 2014

Selected Upcoming Extension Events in Greene County Business Development Classes

Salute to Century Farms

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

To be a sponsor or purchase tickets call Greene County Extension at 417-881-8909  Sept. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Fee: $25 per person  Held at the Round Barn Event Center between Ash Grove and Willard  Get tickets at our office or order tickets online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene.

Organic Gardening Academy Topics will help you balance your garden with naturally occurring products and practices. All classes are at 6 p.m. Call MU Extension 881-8909 Jul 16 -- Organic Pest Control Jul 31 -- Organic Weed Control Aug 7 -- Organic Gardening for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects Aug 21 -- Garden Planning for the Next Season Sep 18 -- Composting Sep 30 -- Sustainable Gardening

Quality Producers Have Until July 10 to Submit Entries for Hay Show Entries are being accepted from now until July 10 for the Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show. The hay show gives farmers a great opportunity to enter their 2014 hay and have it tested and subjectively evaluated for quality. The sampling must be done

by July 11. The entry fee for the complete evaluation is $20. To have a hay sample taken contact Tim Schnakenberg at 417-357-6812 or Andy McCorkill at 417-345-7551.

www.botanicalcenter.org

Put on your jeans and boots and come celebrate our agricultural heritage in an historical setting and help honor the Century Farms in Greene County. Our guest Round Barn Event Cnt. speaker will be David Baker, Assistant Dean of Agriculture Extension at the University of Missouri. He will discuss the 100 year history of Cooperative Extension and the specific challenges facing family farms in the coming 15-20 years. We will honor those being named “Century Farms” this year and have musical entertainment provided by Acoustic Essays, a traditional bluegrass and classic country band based in Springfield. Over 110 farms in Greene County have been owned and farmed by the same family for over 100 years. That is a great example of successful family farmAcoustic Essays ing and a good reason to celebrate. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Greene County Extension Council.

Program Calendar Online 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.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated June 25, 2014

Greene County Extension Council News

Council Chair George Deatz Honored as a Top Volunteer in the Ozarks George Deatz (pictured above at left with wife Linda and daughter Leslie) was honored June 24 with a Springfield Council of Churches “Gift of Time Award” which recognizes the most outstanding area volunteers. There were 39 nominees this year and 10 of those (with one being George Deatz) were selected for special recognition. Miles Park, Assistant Parks Director (shown at top right) made the nomination to recognize Deatz for his instrumental contributions to our community through Friends of the Garden, Master Gardeners of Greene County, and the Greene County Extension Council. In the photo at mid-right, Lisa Rose of KY3 interviews George Deatz during the program. At right is the award received by George and shown below are the volunteers and program representatives that attended the event in support of George Deatz.

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated June 25, 2014

Nutrition and Health Specialist with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments.

2014 Fiscal Year Impacts The MU Extension fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. This June report contains impact data from programs taught by Pam Duitsman during FY14.

Chronic Disease Self-Management  Pam has offered 66 sessions of Chronic Disease Self-Management this past fiscal year, with 681 total participants. Partnering with Mercy Health Systems, CoxHealth, and Jordan

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Valley Health Clinic to coordinate classes and ensure physician referrals has allowed University of Missouri Extension to teach these very popular courses.

Results from Pam’s post-class evaluations indicate that 100% of participants are more confident in their ability to take care of their chronic condition; 96% report an improved ability to deal with problems caused by their chronic condition; 96% report increased independence and ability to carry-out routine daily activities; 85% report improved physical symptoms; 96% say the course has improved their emotional distress (i.e. depression, etc.) caused by their chronic condition; and 100% agreed that participation in the class has led them to change something based on what they learned or experienced.

The class focuses on building success at achieving health goals. The workshop meets once each week for 2.5 hours, and helps participants to maintain “quality of life” when faced with chronic medical conditions.

Subjects covered include: techniques to deal

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Duitsman

Health Insurance Education Initiative  Pam offered seven courses on Health Insurance Education this past fiscal year, with 158 attendees. This course was taught to prepare Missourians to make informed health insurance decisions, to increase their knowledge and skills about health insurance, improve health-literacy, and increase their confidence in complying with the new health-care law (Affordable Care Act).  A few details of what participants gain from the program:  Awareness – who is eligible for what, how to obtain insurance, etc.

 General health insurance literacy  Unbiased education for making informed

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health insurance decisions  Education on how to use the plan purchased  Connect Missourians with resources In post-class surveys, greater than 75% of participants indicated that due to the class, they now had what they needed to make informed health insurance decisions for their family.

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Nutrition Specialist 

Pam has worked closely with the SW MO Community Marketplace Partnership to provide coordinated programing to reach audiences in Greene and surrounding counties.

Healthy Eating and Local Food programming Pam has taught 1,606 Greene county residents through a variety of nutrition and health programs this past fiscal year. The primary focus

has been on the relationship of food to health.

Additionally, Pam has partnered with multiple community initiatives to improve the food available to Greene and surrounding counties, and to provide education about the importance of food quality and food-related health behaviors on the overall health of our community.

USDA “Voices for Food” Project  The majority of Pam’s position and work is funded through this project. The goal is to reduce food insecurity. Pam has worked this past FY with a multi-state team to develop educational materials to assist rural communities toward that end.  During the past six months, Pam has worked to develop three toolkits to assist communities in improving Food Insecurity.

These toolkits were published in June with a limited distribution throughout the six states.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Voices for Food program work has begun in four SW Missouri counties. Pam has been meeting with Food Pantry personnel and community leaders in June.

MU Extension Program Integration: Pam works as a member of the state-wide Health Systems team to integrate MU Extension health-related programs with research; maximize the impact of our programs by exceeding participant expectations; develop sustainable resource generation; and elevate MU Extension’s value. The work takes an interdisciplinary approach to increase the flexibility of the organization, and the ability to move resources quickly, based upon program needs.

Healthy Lifestyle Initiative Pam works with communities to form partnerships and coalitions to help develop healthy communities with policies and environments that support access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activities, and support of healthy lifestyles. Pam is involved each month in community meetings and coordination of relevant programs. Over 300 individuals have been reached through these programs during the past fiscal year.

Seminars and workshops in June 2014: To continue professional development, Pam attended the following trainings this month:  Nutrition, Health, and the Optimum Diet  Gut Microbiota and Health  Physical Activity and Health  Polyphenols and Health: More Than a Berry Good Idea Articles in June 2014   

Celebrate summer: taste the difference in local foods Bountiful Benefits of Blueberries Your Move: Feeling better could be as close as your next meal Part III

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Family Nutrition Education Program

Becky Roark Team teaching summer school classes with Sherri—359 students at Willard North and Orchard Hills Elementary Schools Teaching 3rd-5th grades in summer school in Republic at Price Roark Elementary—193 students Republic WIC clinic—21 clients Well of Life Food Pantry—275 families

Sherri Hull Summer School lessons at Willard North Elem., K-6th , 394 students; Summer School lessons at Orchard Hill Elem., K-5th, 352 students; Victory Mission Family Ministries Food Pantry – Display & Discussion about “Fruits & Vegetables”; 148 Participants; Republic WIC Clinic, lessons on “Fruits & Vegetables” 32 clients

Hull

Wood

Nevatt

Adults — 1479; Southwest Mo. Indian Center , “Labels Display,” Adults — 19; Harter HouseStrafford, “Consumer Smarts Display,” Adults — 47; Southwest Missouri Office on Aging-Strafford, “Eating Smart, Being Active,” Adults — 25; People Helping People, “Breakfast Display,” Adults — 25.

Jenni Nevatt I taught 92 high school students at Central high school. These students chose to get ahead on their high school credits by taking summer classes. It was a pleasure working with these bright young adults and helping them to simplify the often difficult health choices in today's world.

Marty Wood

Family Nutrition Education Program 2160 W. Chesterfield Blvd. Suite F200 Chesterfield Village, Springfield, Mo. Tel: 417-886-2059

Willard WIC, “Eating Smart, Being Active,” Adults—27; Willard Food Pantry, “Fruits and Vegetable Display,” Adults — 29; Pregnancy Care Center, “Eating Smart, Being Active,” Adults —67; Hand Extended Food Pantry, “Consumer Smarts Display,” Adults — 40; Crosslines Food Pantry, “Functional Foods Display,”

Call the office to inquire about nutrition education.

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

DeFord

Edmondson

Williams Page 6

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

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Housing and Environmental Design Specialist Look for Performance Labeling on Homes and Dwellings When buying a car, the window sticker displays useful information that can help the consumer. As the cost of fuel continues toward new heights, the miles-per-gallon or MPG ratings have become even more crucial to buyers.

In a similar way, available ratings and certifications can help buyers achieve a more efficient option when selecting a residence.

“A low cost, competitive certification for homebuilders and landlords exists to encourage building or renovating homes to obtain Home Performance with Energy Star,” said Jeff Barber.

This type of certification offers consumers a site verified dwelling that meets or exceeds program standards. This whole-house approach improves comfort and energy efficiency while helping to lower utility bills by 20 percent or more.

“This certification is also available to existing homeowners for efficiency renovation,” said Barber.

An option that can be included with Energy Star is the EPA’s new Indoor airPLUS certification, introduced in 2009. Included in the Indoor airPLUS label are more than 30 additional home design and construction features.

“The intention of these designs is to help protect qualified homes from moisture and mold, pests, combustion gases, and other airborne pollutants,” said Barber.

To complete the EPA program of health and conservation measures, WaterSense certification offers a process to verify efficient water use both inside and outside the home. According to Barber, a WaterSense label is earned by verifying specific measures of water use and making sure certified fixtures are used.

With a WaterSense label, a future occupant can be assured of the home’s performance.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

“EPA labels can offer consumers confidence that the homes they choose to rent or buy will provide efficient and healthy performance,” said Barber.

Jeff Barber

Springfield Housing and design barberj@missouri.edu Student Attends MU School of Medicine High School Mini Medical School Elani Barber, a senior at Parkview High School, was among the 100 students selected for participation in the University of Missouri School of Medicine’s High School Mini Medical School (HSMMS).

The program, now in its 16th year, is designed to give high school seniors who are already interested in medical careers a oneweek preview of medical school. Students attended the summer sessions June 15 to 19.

During the session, Barber participated in a medical-school style curriculum, which includes problem-based learning, a method of teaching that combines independent learning in small groups with patient care cases.

Students also participate in sessions with clinical and research specialists; gain handson experience in anatomy, microbiology and clinical skills; interact with medical school students, faculty and staff; and attend seminars on college and medical school life.

For more information about HSMMS, contact Lindsey Gentry, Program Coordinator for the MU Office of Medical Education at (573)882-9219.

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4-H Report for Greene County Teens from Greene County Attend 69th Annual State 4-H Congress

More About 4-H 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.

Youth from every corner of the state gathered on the University of Missouri campus May 28-30 for the 69th annual State 4-H Congress. In all, 294 teens ages 14-18 participated in a variety of hands-on workshops that fit their interests.

Choices ranged widely, from leadership development to acting, writing, and meteorology.

“4-H is about building life skills," said Karla Deaver, 4-H youth development specialist.

“State 4-H Congress helps teens develop important abilities, explore careers and make positive new friends from across the state.”

Attending from Greene County were AB Burkhart and Lora Wright of Lucky Eleven 4-H; Anthony Gott of Highmark 4-H; and Trinity Gray and Breanna Hollis of Bois D’Arc Braves.

State 4-H Congress delegates also elect 36 peers to represent them on the state’s 4-H council for the coming year.

This council works with faculty from MU and Lincoln University to provide a youth voice in Attending from Greene County were AB Burkhart and Lora Wright the continued develop- of Lucky Eleven 4-H; Anthony Gott of Highmark 4-H; and Trinity ment of Missouri 4-H Gray and Breanna Hollis of Bois D’Arc Braves. programs. ly to pursue careers in science, excel in 4-H in Missouri is a program of MU Extenleadership, have higher educational goals, sion. Over 22,000 Missouri children and youth and embrace fewer unhealthy behaviors participate in 4-H clubs, and over 276,000 were such as alcohol and tobacco. reached by Missouri 4-H programs in 2012. Research shows youth involved with 4-H more likeContact 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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4-H Report for Greene County

Five Greene County 4-Her’s Attend Equine Tour Fifty-one Missouri 4-H teens embarked on the eighth annual 4-H Equine Career and Horse Industry Tour in late May, 2014 traveling to destinations in Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado.

The tour visited ranches, rodeos and some world famous horse related sites (like Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and the Denver Polo Club).

Participants also got to learn about equine welfare issues by visiting a wild horse facility.

The highlight was a trail ride in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park with a steak dinner on the trail. Kate Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery the owner of Secretariat, visited with the group.

Over the past eight years, this equine tour has helped over 500 young people make informed decision with regards to their future with horses.

Tour participants from Greene County were: Rebecca Hensley, Madison Hynek, Serena Peterson, Jessica Stacy and Taylor Wieder.

The 2014 group is shown in the photo below.

4-H Robotics Training A “4-H Robotics: Get Started & Move Forward” training was held June 21 at the Greene County Extension Center. Missouri 4-H and the Missouri AfterSchool Network offered this training to help adults get youth robotics groups started and help interested community organizations and volunteers discover robotics education.

Participants did hands-on activities with robot kits, learned to work with software, and reviewed lesson plans.

Ann Boes, a 4-H robotics consultant, was the instructor for this program with assistance from Lynna J. Lawson, a state 4-H youth specialist.

Volunteer 4-H leaders from Ash Grove, Springfield, Joplin and Neosho attended.

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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Civic Communication Specialist and County Program Director KEY PROGRAMS OR EVENTS  Internal reporting known as webapps.  KOLR TV Spots and KWTO radio spots.  I submit three special newspaper columns each week. These are provided free-of-charge as part of our mission in public education.

BY THE NUMBERS (for the month)  News Service Subscribers: 9,822 weekly  Requests for advisement: 24  Regular weekly news columns: 18  TV/Radio Interviews – 3  Total articles written this month – 42 CPD DUTIES & PROGRAMS  Financial oversight, travel authorizations.  County Commission meetings.  Friends of Greene County Extension.  Edited monthly “Reaching Out Report”  Regular updates to county extension website  Coordinating meetings of council committees  Working on funding options to place a parttime Youth Program Assistant in Greene County to support local 4-H programs.  Working on funding options to expand the position of Horticulture Educator to full-time.  Coordinated the following extension council committee meetings.  Marketing of Extension programs to local businesses for local specialists.  Spoke at national conference for historic schools group in St. Joe.  Robotics training in Springfield.  Took some vacation time during June also.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH (May 2014): Individuals reached during this month via the regional extension social media tools: 172,339.

UPCOMING  Firming up sponsors for our “Salute to Century Farms” event.  New videos posted online including a 4-H presentation made to the regional extension council at www.youtube.com/ MUExtension417.  Greene County 4-H Fair.  Regional 4-H Shooting Sports event.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

COMING THIS SUMMER TO PRINT Newly added this month: “Media Basics for Community Leaders and Volunteers.”

Coming this summer: “Directory of Historic and One-Room Schools in David Burton Missouri.”

Civic communication Eight other publications already exist online burtond@missouri.edu for purchase from Greene County Extension. These can be purchased at https://www.distribly.com/user-profile/14114.

VEHICLE DONATIONS TO FRIENDS OF GREENE COUNTY EXTENSION Donations continue to be made to CoPart on behalf of the Friends of Greene County Extension from individuals wanting to support local MU Extension efforts.

During the past month a car has been donated and a SeaDo which sold for over $2,000. Information about donating vehicles is on our website or interested individuals can contact the Greene County Extension Center.

CoPart 2889 E. U.S. Hwy 60, Rogersville, Phone: (417) 753-3300 Monday through Friday Sales every Wednesday at noon PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS IN DEVELOPMENT  Expert Source Program that will build a list of clients and participants who are willing to be media sources for stories relevant to what they do or have learned from Extension.  Quarterly Affinity Education Program for members of the Missouri Historic Schools Association. Various specialists will give timely presentations to members.  Writing three separate grant proposals for future projects and operations.

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Agriculture in Greene County

North American Manure Expo in Springfield July 8-9 When it comes to learning about nutrient and manure management, the 2014 North American Manure Expo held July 8-9 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant in Springfield, is the place to go.

The theme of the 2014 two-day event is “Valuing Manure and the Environment.”

The free expo offers practical demonstrations, classroom teaching, and the opportunity to interact with industry representatives and regulators, according to Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Webster County.

“The manure expo is not just for producers.

It is for everyone who works with nutrient management,” said Schultheis.

TOUR STOPS July 8 is tour day and pre-registration is required for the free bus tour. The first stop will be a pasture-based dairy for concrete tank and lagoon agitation equipment demonstrations.

The second stop will be at the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant, where participants will see how wastewater is turned back into clean water and how biosolids, anaerobic digestion, nutrient management planning and field mapping work together to improve the soils and protect the environment.

The tour buses will return mid-afternoon to the fairgrounds for the opening of the trade show. The trade show will provide opportunities to see the latest technologies and innovations involving manure management and environmental protection from over 80 exhibitors.

Participants can also take part in one of the three informational sessions: pump school, recycling dairy bedding, and precision nutrient management.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

DAY TWO On July 9, there will be solid and liquid application demonstrations, continuation of the equipment and trade show, plus educational sessions.

Speakers include several MU Extension specialists: agricultural engineer Joe Zulovich, economist Ray Massey, water quality specialist Bob Broz and nutrient management specialist John Lory.

The 2014 North American Manure Expo will conclude with demonstrations on manure gas and safety, and manure spill response and management.

REGISTER ONLINE Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. To learn more and register for the expo, visit online at www.manureexpo.org.

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Horticulture Specialist Community Contact: TV and Radio  4 live interviews with KOLR10’s Chris Smith (3 delivered by Kelly McGowan)  4 radio interviews with Morris Westfall’s “Farm Page of the Air” Print media  Contributed to several articles and interviews Requests for information  Telephone contacts – 37 for advisement  Email contacts – 22 contacts  Office visits, professional contacts – 3 for consultation and advisement  Farm site visits – 8 for advisement Programs Presented:  “Organic vegetable gardening,” Organic Gardening Academy, Springfield (6/12/14) – delivered by Kelly McGowan  “Elderberry nutritional management,” Elderberry Producers Workshop, Jefferson City (6/12/14)  “Elderberry cultivar development and performance,” Elderberry Producers Workshop, Jefferson City (6/13/14)  “Elderberry propagation,” Elderberry Producers Workshop, Jefferson City (6/13/14)  “Blueberry and blackberry production,” Growing Growers small fruit workshop, Kansas City (6/14/14)  “Training and pruning woody ornamental shrubs,” Springfield (6/17/14)  “Organic disease management,” Organic Gardening Academy, Springfield (6/19/14)  “Comparing Apples to Apples– Add Value to Your Current Farming Operation with Horticulture Farming,” MU Extension Council to Campus conference, Columbia (6/20/14) Coordinated:  Master Gardeners of Greene County board meeting, Springfield (6/2/14)  FMO Hydroponic Vegetable Production Tour, Taney/Stone Counties (6/10/14)  Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter meeting, Springfield (6/10/14)  Master Gardeners of Greene County Hotline Development meeting, Springfield (6/16/14)

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist chapter meeting, Springfield (6/16/14) Burmese garden project site visit (with John Hobbs), Noel (6/18/14) Orchard site visit, Rutledge Wilson Patrick Byers Farm Park, SpringHorticulture field (6/23/14) byerspl@missouri.edu Horticulture soil test reports - recommendations and distribution for SW region – 22 reports during reporting period

Participated in:  MELD VI Session 3 (6/3-6/6/14)  Master Gardeners of Greene County/ Springfield Water Garden Society annual garden tour (6/7/14)  Farmers Market Produce Grading Workshop, Fortuna (6/9/14)  Horticulture IPM teleconference (6/11/14, 6/18/14)  Elderberry Producers Workshop, Jefferson City (6/12-6/13/14)  SW Regional Faculty Meeting, Springfield (6/17/14)  FMO Board meeting, Springfield (6/17/14)  Quarterly UMEA board meeting, Columbia (via Adobe)(6/18/14) Upcoming programming and events  “Grape disease identification and management,” Fruit Disease Management ISE, Jefferson City (6/27/14)  “Opportunities with volunteerism,” South Africa exchange program, Springfield (6/29/14)  “Food Safety from Farm to Fork,” West Plains (6/30/14)  Master Gardeners of Greene County board meeting, Springfield (6/30/14)  Burmese garden project informational meeting, Noel (7/2/14)

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Horticulture Specialist CONTINUED from previous page  First Thursday informational display, Farmers Market of the Ozarks, Springfield (7/3/14)  First Friday informational display, Webb City Farmers Market, Webb City (7/4/14)  “Basics of urban fruit production,” Community Gardens conference, Manhattan, KS (7/7/14)  “Advanced fruit production,” Community Gardens conference, Manhattan, KS (7/8/14)  Master Gardeners of Greene County chapter meeting, Springfield (7/8/14)  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist Board meeting, Springfield (7/9/14)  Tomato Field Day, MU SWREC, Mount Vernon (7/15/14)  “Organic insect control,” Organic Gardening Academy, Springfield (7/16/14)  National Association of County Agriculture Agents annual conference, Mobile, AL (7/207/24/14)  Master Gardeners of Greene County Hotline Development meeting, Springfield (7/21/14)  Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist chapter meeting, Springfield (7/21/14)  Global Food Systems Thematic Team meeting, Columbia (7/287/29/14)

Annual Twilight Horticulture Tour in Lawrence County July 10 Led by Byers The Lawrence County Extension Council invites the public to attend the annual “Lawrence County Twilight Horticulture Tour” starting at 6 p.m. on July 10.

The focus of the 2014 tour is community gardens and three gardens are on the tour.

The Verona 4-H club garden is in its first year, and includes beds of vegetables that are tended by the members of the Verona Wild Clovers 4-H club. The club includes children from kindergarten to sixth grade. The garden is located on grounds near Verona School.

A Harvest Supper celebrating the vegetable harvest is planned for later in the summer. MU Extension specialists will discuss vegetable garden preparation and planting at this stop.

The tour begins just east of the Verona School on Ella Street.

Watch for the signs.

From there the tour goes to the Aurora United Methodist Church at 1211 South Carnation Drive. Also in its first year, the church garden the produce from this garden will supplement a sack lunch program that serves over 150 children each Saturday.

Topics of discussion at this garden include weed management.

The third garden on the tour is the Aurora Community Garden, located at the junction of Hwy. K and High Street across the road from Casey’s. The garden was established over five years ago by MU Master Gardeners and members of the public.

Four families tend this garden and share in the harvest. MU Extension specialists will share information at this stop on garden irrigation.The tour is sponsored by University of Missouri Extension and the Lawrence County Extension Council. For more details call 417-4663102.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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Master Gardeners of Greene County

2014 Spring Garden Tour Saturday June 7th, the Master Gardeners of Greene County partnered with the Springfield Watergarden Society to host the 2014 Spring Garden Tour. There were 11 gardens on the tour located in Springfield, Nixa, Billings, and Republic.

The purpose of the tour was to not only showcase the beautiful gardens, but to give visitors ideas they could use in their own gardens, whether they live on a small lot in the middle of town or in the country with a lot of property.

The tour featured a wide variety of gardens including a formal British garden, a conifer garden, daylily and hosta gardens, shade gardens, water gardens with water features like fish ponds and waterfalls, tree and shrub collections, and vegetable gardens.

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 300 members. For more information visit the chapters website at http://www.mggreene.org.

Upcoming Events July 8th: Monthly Chapter Meeting 6pm Social Time; 6:30-8 Meeting at Botanical Center July 12th: 6th annual Friends of the Garden Butterfly Festival 9am – 3 pm; free admission; Kelly McGowan located at Botanical Horticulture Educator Center; all ages University of Missouri July 14: Hotline Extension training 4-5pm; Work- mcgowank@missouri.edu shop Studio in Botanical Center

Website Visit the Master Gardeners of Greene County website for information about the Demonstration gardens, diagnosing plant problems, speakers bureau, and calendar of events. It can be found at http://mggreene.org

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

Facebook Page Be sure to ‘like’ our Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/ MasterGardenersGreeneCounty.

The page has photos of our events, timely gardening news, and updates on what is going on in the chapter.

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Master Gardeners / Master Naturalists Springfield Plateau Chapter Offering Trunk Programs

Member Spotlight: Glenn Blake When did you join Master Gardeners and why?

I joined the Master Gardeners of Greene County in 2009. When I retired from the electric company I found myself with spare time and energy. Helping with the databases and with the mulching is a great balance of mental and physical activity.

What is your f gardening background?

I grew up in rural areas and my family relied heavily on gardening. I had gotten away from it for several years.

What is your favorite thing about the Master Gardeners of Greene County?

The Springfield Plateau Chapter offers several educational presentations, known as our “trunk” shows, suitable for schools, Scouts and other youth groups, covering: Bison - Learn how Native Americans used every bit of the bison.

Insects and spiders – Learn all about creeping, crawling or flying insects and spiders, how harmless most of them are and how we benefit from them.

Birds – Birding isn’t just for adults: learn to identify some of our common species.

Mammals – All about the wild critters in our forests, glades and prairies.

Reptiles and amphibians – All about snakes and frogs, toads and salamanders and other reptiles and amphibians.

Fur-bearing animals – Learn which animals are trapped for their furs in Missouri and how those furs are used.

Rotten log – Learn the inhabitants of rotten logs in the forest.

To book one of these presentations contact: Jay Barber, Missouri Department of Conservation’s conservation education consultant, 417-895-6881 or email him at jay.barber@mdc.mo.gov.

The knowledge gained by working with the others.

What is one of your favorite growing tips that you would like to share?

Research your plants before buying. Missouri Botanical Garden’s Plant Finder website is a wonderful tool to evaluate plants for your particular purpose. Hint: Don’t try to turn a rocky hilltop into a botanical garden.

What are a couple of your favorite plants?

I’m much more into shrubs than flowers. I have found viburnums and hydrangeas to be delightful plants.

Anything else you would like to share?

I’m trying to turn a rocky hilltop into a botanical garden. I enjoy trying new cultivars around the house while trying to establish a diversity of native plants on the hillside and river bottom.

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

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 and branded” 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/

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Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated June 25, 2014

Master Naturalists

Rain Barrels Part of Sustainable Gardening A rain barrel won’t make the rain go away but you will be able to save some of it for another day with one according to Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator with University of Missouri Extension.

"Rain barrels are gaining in popularity with home gardeners because this time of year we get a lot of rain," said McGowan.

Using a rain barrel has its advantages. For starters, it is a great way to save money on a water bill for anyone who gardens. Rainwater is also better than tap water for plants.

"Rainwater is nearly neutral in pH. It is also free of treatment byproducts such as chlorinated organics, and it is low in salts and minerals. Water collected in a rain barrel typically contains more nutrients and less of other chemicals that plants don’t want," said Clarissa Hatley, a University of Missouri Extension employee and volunteer with the Watershed Committee of The Ozarks.

James River Basin Partnership sells rain barrel kits at http://www.jamesriverbasin.com. Greene County residents can receive a rebate on rain barrel purchases through the JRBP program.

Barrels are also available from Wickman’s in Springfield and the Habitat Restore.

A person can also try making their own rain barrel. Large plastic barrels and fixtures can be found at different locations in Springfield and many area hardware stores. JRBP also has instructions on assembling your own barrel system online.

"You can buy kits with everything you need to make your rain barrel. So that would be an option.

Or you can buy the parts individually," said McGowan. "An entire setup would probably be less than one hundred dollars but in the long run

Online at http://extension.missouri.edu

you would save a lot of money.”

According to McGowan the average one thousand square foot roof can generate up to 600 gallons of water per inch of rainfall.

For more information, contact the Master Gardener’s Hotline in Greene County or University of Missouri Extension at (417) 881-8909.

Xeriscape Showcases Water Efficient Gardening The Master Gardeners of Greene County maintain a Xeriscape garden at on the corner of S. National Ave. and Linwood (southeast corner of Phelps Grove Park) in Springfield.

Xeriscaping is an excellent way to plan a landscape that has minimal maintenance, efficiently uses resources, and minimized the impact of the landscape on the environment.

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Donation period runs from October 1 to Sept. 30

2014 Contributors to “Friends of Greene County Extension” Corporate Level Master Gardeners of Greene County Sanford & Associates

Benefactor Level Richard & Janice Bemarkt

Patron Level William & Virginia Darr

George Deatz Friends of the Garden Ann Hall Joe Jenkins

Sponsor Level Greater Ozarks Hosta Society Greene Co. Soil & Water Conservation District James Mauldin RDW Family & Community Fund Jim & Nancy Tucker

Contributor Level Carl Allison Harold Bengsch Joyce Brown David & Stacey Burton Ramona Burton Marla Calico Galen & Pam Duitsman Dr. Greenthumb/Greg Peterson Family Rusty Hathcock Gaylen & Dedra Jones Jack Kaiser Old Missouri Bank Darrell & Danette Proctor Ryan Lawn & Tree Jody & Barbara Norman

Randall & Linda Sheridan Barbi Dickensheet Matthew Simpson Patsy Spindler Springfield Watergarden Don & Cassandra Carol & Edgar StephenSociety Garoutte son Gene Wallace Kathleen Goff Stewart Farm Douglas Green Elizabeth & Paul Taylor Fred & Elaine Hamburg Friends Level Randy Underwood Harrison Farm John & Lisa Bakerink Leslie Wilde Dulcinea Fisher-Smith Glenn & Beverly Blake Rob & Brenda Shelby Bradley Funkhouser Alice Counts William Hosman Bob Cirtin Rita Johnson Gale & Becky Edwards Bob & Barbara Kipfer Billie Sue Fuller Karen McDonald Mary Gallagher Dorothy Miller James Garton Frieda Morris Paul & Della Goodwin Edie Nelson Ruth Grant Albert Niewald David & Linda Hall Gladys O’Dell Avis Holloway Richard & Yvonne Jarvis Minuen Odom Cathy & Alex Primm Jeff Jones Crystal Quade Mary Sue Joplin H. James Roper MFA Agri Services Carolyn Schirmer Pauline Marsh Steve & Marlu McElhany Second Wind Companies Dellene Nelson Mike Sidebottom Join Friends of Greene County Steve & Pam Squibb Extension Kathryn Steinhoff Since 1914, Greene County residents have sought Ronald & Sue Carroll help in agriculture, gardening, 4-H youth, nutriTerry tion, families, business and community developLee & Julie Viorel ment from Extension. Members of “Friends of David & Glenda Welde Greene County Extension” contribute financialChris & Colette Wilbers ly to make it possible for Extension to continue having a positive impact on the quality of life in Associate Level Greene County. To learn how you can help by Jodie Adams contributing go to extension.missouri.edu/greene Ted Anderson or call (417) 881-8909.

Cindy Arrowood Mr./Mrs. David Bailey Robert & Jana Belk Mardell Bontrager Keith & Malia Bucher Carr Stock Farms, LLC Total Cash Contributed: Kim Chaffin Steven Counts $24,884.65

Greene County “Reaching Out” Report

Last Updated June 25, 2014

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 at 8:30 a.m. Call 864-1049 to confirm location of meeting.

4-H Leader’s Council Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month (except July) from 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.

Master Gardeners of Greene County-membership meeting: Second Tuesday each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Botanical Center.

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

Greene County Extension Office located inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65807 Tel: (417) 881-8909 Fax (417) 823-4818 Office hours: Monday - Friday * 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Corporate Sponsors 

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Sanford and Associates, CPA, Springfield, Mo.: (417) 886-2220, www.adifferentcpa.com Master Gardeners of Greene County: http://www.mggreene.org Meyer Communications, KWTO 560 AM / KTXR 101.3 FM: (417) 862-3751 www.radiospringfield.com/ American Business Systems, Springfield, Mo.: (417) 866-5083, www.ambussys.com Sunshine Valley Farm, 8125 E State Highway AD, Rogersville, ph (417) 753-2698, http://www.sunshinevalleyfarm.com/ Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Ph 417-864-1049, www.parkboard.org

Can I Help?

Lorri can help customers with material needs, soil tests or program registrations. Contact her at the Greene County Extension Center, (417) 881-8909.

Lorri Winters joined Extension in 2005.

Lorri Winters Office Manager

Videos on YouTube Watch the videos posted to our channel at www.youtube.com/MUExtension417.

On Facebook Get regular updates about programs and news from MU Extension in southwest Missouri. Find us at facebook.com/MUExtension417.

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 contact the editor, David Burton, at (417) 881-8909.

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