In the 1941 records of Union County Extensions, the 4-H programs began to expand into local schools. The inaugural 4-H Chick Program was launched in Union County, providing 50 chicks to seventeen 4-H students, who received a loan of $9.50 to cover the cost of the chicks and feed. The first Chick Sale took place in 1955, featuring 125 pullets that averaged $1.25 each.
Attention Tennessee Gardeners
We have an exciting opportunity for you. Join us for the Welcome Home to My Tennessee Garden series, held on Mondays: October 14, 21, 28, and November 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
In this series, you will learn about:
• Soils and Climate
• Lawns
• Flowering Plants
• Shrubs and Trees
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your gardening skills, this class is perfect for you.
Location: 2721 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, TN 37807
Cost: $30 which includes a free soil test with personalized recommendations
Soil health experts from the Natural Resources Conservation Service will teach the basics of soil health principles, and their context within organic management systems. Presentations may identify barriers, challenges, and potential solutions for fostering soil health on organic operations at any scale.
Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and the UT Extension Union County office hosted an apple grafting class in Chuck Swan State Forest. This collaborative event gave participants a hands-on opportunity to learn how to graft apple tree varieties onto different rootstocks. Class attendees took home at least 3 new apple tree varieties.
The Smoky Mountain Homeschool 4-H Club met at Big Ridge State Park on Tuesday, October 24th. The club started the meeting off with Mr. Bill Morgan giving a demonstration on how to build a bluebird house, how to maintain it, and why bluebirds are beneficial to our environment.
By Beth Bergeron
Our 4H Outdoor Adventure project group is open to students in grades 4 through 12—all 4H members.
Our goal is to provide fun experiences in the outdoors while inspiring awe, and learning to love and care for this beautiful world with which we have been blessed. This group kicked off their fun adventures at Big Ridge State Park last November. They rotated between archery, hiking with Ranger Josh and environmental games.
Youth and Union County have been camping at the Clyde, Austin, 4H Camp and Greenville for many years. This summer will be no different. We will leave on Monday, June 5 and travel to Greenville on a school bus. We will spend four nights having the time of our lives. We will return on Friday, June 9th. After a week of exciting and constant activities, youth return home in need a nap!
UT Extension Union County and Union County Soil Conservation service have partnered to thank Union County Farmers for their service to our community. On Friday, April 1, 2022 free breakfast will be served to any farmer at Union County Farmers Co-op from 8:30-10:30 am. Our world depends on farmers for survival, and we’d like to say “Thank you!”
In the Senior High Division, contestants gave two speeches February 12 at the UT Ag Campus. The first speech was a prepared speech of the 4-H member’s chosen topic, but had to relate to 4-H. Next, the participants competed in the Extemporaneous Contest with an assigned topic and only two minutes to prepare.
Robbie and Gail Corum welcomed the 16 counties of East Tennessee Regional Leadership Association (ETRLA) to Union County recently for Agriculture Day.
Presentations and tours included Tater Valley Nursery and Century Farm, Mayor Jason Bailey, UCHS Career & Technical Education, Union County Farmers Market, Union County Soil Conservation, and UT Extension Union County.