EXTENSION TRENDS: BONNER COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Bonner County • www.uidaho.edu/bonner
2019 Impact UI Extension, Bonner County programs include the Idaho Master Gardener program, forestry and various programs for small scale farmers. An Idaho Master Gardener class is held whenever there is enough interest from community members to warrant scheduling a class. In 2019, seven participants in the class completed the requirements to become new Idaho Master Gardener Volunteers. Master Gardeners are engaged by offering a newsletter and periodic classes geared towards returning Master Gardeners. An Advanced Master Gardener training was also held with 34 returning volunteers.
2019 By the Numbers • 793 direct contacts • 395 youth participants • 140 volunteers • 350 volunteer hours • $456,860 extramural funding
Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Bonner County: Diane Green, Breigh Peterson, Greg Becker, Harry Menser, Eileen Esplin, Connie Trotter, Vicki Kelling, Chris Elliot and Sarah Garcia.
UI Extension Educator Jennifer Jensen 208-263-8511 jenjensen@uidaho.edu
Chris Schnepf 208-446-1680 cschnepf@uidaho.edu
Workshops were held on weed management and pesticide use. The 10 Acres and a Dream class was held as well as the Bonner County Farm Tour. A total of 193 participants attended these workshops, learning more about natural resource management and sustainable farm production. More than 300 forest owners, loggers and professional foresters in Bonner County attended UI Extension forestry programs in 2019, including The Forestry Shortcourse, Pruning to Restore White Pine, the Thinning and Pruning Field Day, Measuring Your Trees, and three training sessions for Idaho Master Forest Stewards. Currently 15 Bonner County forest owners are certified volunteers in the Idaho Master Forest Stewards program and an additional 25 are in training. Idaho Master Forest Stewards provided over 1,126 hours of volunteer service in the Idaho Panhandle in 2019.
4-H in Bonner County The UI Extension 4-H Youth Development program in Bonner County focuses on a traditional 4-H program. In 2019 there were 395 youth participants and 106 volunteer leaders. Animals, sewing, hiking and shooting sports represent just some of the projects that are offered.
On the Horizon In 2019 funds were awarded to develop advanced hands-on production courses for livestock and crop production. This will build on a previous course for beginning farmers and ranchers that just covered basic principles. The curriculum is currently being developed and will be offered at four locations around the state, including Bonner County.