EXTENSION TRENDS: GEM/BOISE COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Gem and Boise County • www.uidaho.edu/gem
2019 Impact
Gem and Boise Counties benefit from seven experienced Idaho Master Gardener volunteers who answer questions and diagnose issues related to home garden plants and pests. In 2019, these volunteers provided over 500 hours of service with nearly 1,400 contacts. A large portion of contacts were made during the summer diagnostic clinic held weekly at the UI Extension, Gem and Boise County office. With the help of other university resources and research-based publications, community members received, at minimum, a personal phone call and resource material in the mail regarding their question. In addition to the diagnostic service, the Master Gardener volunteers are regular instructors at the Gem County Garden Club that meets monthly in Emmett.
2019 By the Numbers • 5,335 direct contacts • 895 youth participants • 60 volunteers • 6,100 volunteer hours • $20,600 extramural funding
UI Extension Educator Rebecca Mills 208-365-6363 rmills@uidaho.edu
The Living on the Land: Stewardship for Small Acreages course returned to the Treasure Valley in 2019. Three registrants (out of 25) were Gem and Boise county residents. Participants completed the 10-week course as well as a follow-up farm visit by UI Extension educators. All participants reported increased knowledge in course topics such as weed control, pasture management, livestock and crop production, and water and soil management.
4-H in Gem and Boise County
The UI Extension 4-H program in Gem and Boise counties has a strong foundation in traditional clubs. The club structure provides learning and connection between youth and caring adults in a variety of subject areas. Livestock projects have the highest number of enrollments across nearly 200 possible projects. In 2019, four youth from Gem and Boise counties placed first at the Idaho 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest qualifying them to compete at a national contest in Denver in January 2020. In 2019, the UI Extension 4-H Youth Development program received grant funds to provide AmeriCorps service members to counties who could provide match funding. The Gem County Board of Commissioners agreed to allow a portion of the UI Extension budget to be used as the match needed to hire two AmeriCorps members. The AmeriCorps members expanded the in-school enrichment program and built a regular schedule of afterschool camps and clubs. They partnered with local businesses and the local library and hosted community service projects and contests in partnership with other community events to highlight all that 4-H has to offer. Having staff members dedicated to providing a positive presence in the community is broadening the reach of the 4-H program in Gem and Boise counties as well as changing perceptions about what is available to families.
On the Horizon
The 4-H AmeriCorps program will continue in Gem County and is looking for partners to expand the program to more youth in Boise County. A new curriculum for beginning farmers and ranchers is being developed which will teach hands-on livestock husbandry classes to new producers. The Living on the Land: Stewardship for Small Acreages course will also continue. Seven participants from Gem County attended the course in early 2020 and site visits will be held in summer 2020 to assess implementation on their properties.