EXTENSION TRENDS: TETON COUNTY University of Idaho Extension, Teton County • www.uidaho.edu/teton
2019 Impact
In 2019, UI Extension, Teton County outreach and educational programs to youth and adult learners continued in partnership with local schools and nonprofit organizations. A community seed library was started, and several horticulture events and classes were held, including a tomato seed saving class at the Teton Valley Fair. Teton area food systems and agriculture continue to be strengthened by facilitation of the Teton Food and Farm Coalition meetings. Rapid Market Assessment was conducted on two local and regional farmers markets, helping market organizers and economic development professionals learn about customer preferences and demographics, marketing trends, and economic impact of the markets.
2019 By the Numbers • 3,418 direct contacts • 1,201 youth participants • 38 volunteers • 960 volunteer hours • $958,559 extramural funding
Our Advisory Council Special thanks to our volunteers who help shape programming and inform the work we do for UI Extension in Teton County: 4-H Advisory Council: Elaine Johnson, Hailey Beard, Katie Murdock, Missy Matkin, Regina Beard, and Tracy Beebe; Extension Advisory Council: Cindy Riegel, Bob Heneage, Emily Selleck, Betsy Hawkins, Amanda Williams, Tye Tilt, Doug Self, and Heather McLendon.
UI Extension Educator Jennifer Werlin 208-354-2961 jwerlin@uidaho.edu
The City of Driggs Parks and Recreation and Tree Committees adopted and began to implement action items outlined from UI Extension’s permaculture design for the 5th Street Skate Park. The impact of UI Extension programs is far reaching and has positive ripples throughout the community as illustrated by broad community partnerships and notable extramural grant funding.
4-H in Teton County
Five new Teton County 4-H clubs were added in 2019, all addressing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) subjects and three new adult volunteers were recruited. A new 4-H AmeriCorps member expanded STEAM outreach to new 4-H youth and the school district’s afterschool program. Over 60 hours of physical education programming was offered through various clubs. Over 75 youth participated in 2-4 hours of weekly hands-on, integrated physical activity. Opportunities are available for adult volunteers to obtain skills and necessary training for program topics. Using funds raised through the Tin Cup Challenge philanthropy event, Teton County 4-H was able to send three volunteers to regional and state trainings. As a result, these volunteers have new leadership skills and knowledge to help youth development programs succeed. There is now a Teton County 4-H Advisory Council to help provide leadership, feedback, and fundraising for county youth programs.
On the Horizon
UI Extension is developing an on-farm teaching program in Driggs as part of the Cultivating Success program, thanks to a USDA-NIFA grant. This program will provide education to adults interested in learning about diversified small acreage crop production and ranching. Educator Jennifer Werlin is also helping with research on a USDA-AFRI grant focused on improving the understanding and delivery of programs to women farmers who are frequently underserved and underrepresented yet a growing demographic in agriculture. The Idaho Master Gardening program continues with a hybrid teaching model of in-person and webinar presentations. This delivery method helps reach more clientele and capture expertise from faculty located outside the region. It also helps to save on program costs and reach clients when adverse weather or a global pandemic impacts in-person events.