STREET ADDRESS Buncombe County 94 Coxe Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 255-5522 Phone (828) 255-5202 Fax Map & Mailing Information |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 1. What is Cooperative Extension? 2. What is 4-H? 3. How do I join 4-H? 4. Something is wrong with my plant. How can I find out what it is? 5. How do I take a soil sample? 6. What is ECA? 7. What are our normal operating hours? 8. When are the Master Gardeners available for questions? 1. What is Cooperative Extension? Cooperative Extension is a part of a nationwide educational system which involves the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state land-grant university system and county government. Extension programs often enhance the work of other government and nonprofit agencies which join together to improve the quality of life for county residents. North Carolina Cooperative Extension provides a broad range of educational programs that are of benefit to farmers, rural and urban residents, community leaders, homemakers, parents, and youth. Extension programs focus on traditional and changing needs in the areas of agriculture, home economics, community and rural development, and 4-H and youth. In North Carolina, extension's educational programs are delivered locally by field faculty who are housed in offices in all 100 counties and the Cherokee Reservation. To contact your local office of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, select your county from our County Centers page. 2. What is 4-H? 4-H is a fun program where you get to "Learn by Doing." Everyone is invited to join! 4-H has special activities for you! 4-H offers something to match everyone's interests. Best of all, membership is FREE! This is the best news of all! 4-H costs nothing to join, and you are not required to purchase a uniform. Member expenses are minimal and determined by the club itself. Club activities are usually covered by money-making projects conducted by the club. The project you select will also determine cost. This can vary greatly. Each member is responsible for meeting the costs of their selected projects. For example, raising a market lamb for a 4-H project would be more costly than a recycling project. 3. How do I join 4-H? There are many ways:
Your county 4-H agent is your key to getting started in 4-H. They can tell you what clubs already exist in your county, what projects are being worked on, how to start a new club, or how to participate on your own. 4. Something is wrong with my plant. How can I find out what it is? There are many things which could be causing problems with your plant. The best way to find out is to contact your local NC Cooperative Extension Horticultural Agent. He or she can tell you what is needed to diagnose the problem. That could mean taking a soil sample, bringing in a sample of the plant, or capturing a pest for identification. 5. How do I take a soil sample? The benefits of a soil test depend on a good sample. The sample should represent the area it is taken from. Otherwise, the results may have little or no value. Sampling methods vary from homeowners to various agricultural product producers. For further information on taking soil samples, please call or come by the Cooperative Extension office. 6. What is ECA? The mission of the North Carolina Extension and Community Association, Inc. is to strengthen families through leadership development, volunteer work, educational support, and research-based education from NC State University and NC A&T State University. ECA members have a wide variety of educational opportunities, which include family issues, environmental issues, global issues, special projects, and family community leadership, and certified volunteer units. As an ECA member, you will meet with other individuals for facts, fellowship and fun and have an opportunity to go places and do things - conference tours, workshops, conventions and other state events for club members. 7. What are our normal operating hours? Monday through Friday - 8:00am until 5:00pm 8. When are the Master Gardeners available for questions? The Extension Master Gardeners are in the office from the beginning of April until the end of October. You may call them or come into the office Monday - Thursday 8:30 am until 4:30 pm and on Fridays from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm. |