2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Collaborative effort towards the development of outreach programs, demonstrations, and continuing education for small farm producers and the general public in Appalachia. Parties will jointly explore and coordinate activities of mutual interest. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) ARS: Scientists and staff from Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center (AFSRC) will work with staff from West Virginia University (WVU) Extension to identify appropriate topics for short courses and hands-on demonstrations. Course materials will be developed and presented by AFSRC staff. Where mutually beneficial, ARS intends to furnish access to training facilities at AFSRC to facilitate classroom instruction, meetings, and hands-on learning activities. WVU: WVU Extension will assist in identifying projects of mutual interest, as well as aid in planning and implementing outreach programs and opportunities for technology transfer. 3.Progress Report This report documents cooperative outreach efforts conducted under a memorandum of understanding between ARS and West Virginia University Extension Service. Additional details of this outreach can be found in the report for the in-house associated project 1932-12000-004-00D, Managing Biogeochemical Cycles and Rhizosphere Ecology for Sustainable Production of Appalachian Pasture and Amenity Grasses. The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen collaboration between the AFSRC and West Virginia University Extension in developing outreach programs that transfer new technologies to producers and educate the general public about agricultural research. These efforts will initially focus on developing educational programs for the WVU Extension-led Master Gardener programs in Greenbrier and Raleigh Counties, WV. Additional demonstrations/activities will be developed for presentation at the West Virginia State Fair. Educational activities were conducted at the West Virginia State Fair in August, 2006. The three ARS labs in West Virginia (Beaver, Leetown, and Kearneysville) presented a series of demonstrations and exhibits in the West Virginia University building (managed by West Virginia University Extension). Our objective was to communicate the role that the ARS plays in supporting West Virginia agriculture. The WV State Fair has been named one of the top 20 events in the southeast and attracts visitors from throughout WV and surrounding states (OH, NC, VA, MD). It is also one of the few state fairs in the region that still retains an agriculture focus. Planning is currently underway for a series of educational demonstrations at the 2007 West Virginia State Fair (August, 2007). AFSRC also developed and conducted a series of educational programs that were used to meet the educational requirements of the West Virginia Master Gardener program. Topics included: basic botany for gardeners, turfgrass management, medicinal plants, plant nutritional deficiencies, basic soil science, and soil ecology. Seminars are also planned for the fall of 2007. Activities under this MOU are monitored through in-house meetings and reviewing goals and plans via email.