Author – The Durango Herald

After a barren year in 2019, apple trees are bursting

I promise the next 550 words, give or take, won’t be about the weather. It’s not like I couldn’t – between the incessant wind, lack of rainfall or temperatures in the mid-90s, I could in fac...

DATE: Jul 6, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

4-H scholarship winners excelled over the years

This past month, La Plata County 4-H had the honor of awarding four $500 Higher Education Scholarships to our 4-H members who graduated from high school and are continuing their education in...

DATE: Jun 17, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Raising an appreciation for diversity through global cuisine

A few months back, I overheard my 5-year-old rattling off names of countries from around the world. My oldest is either correcting or applauding her as she attempts to match imag...

DATE: Jun 10, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Our region’s challenging weather can batter your plants

Every year, I write about the weather, and subsequently, every year, I write about writing about the weather. Kind of a “Who’s on First?” skit I do with all of you, so thanks for participati...

DATE: Jun 8, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

4-H members connect with others across the country

4-H had humble beginnings in 1902 in rural Ohio to teach youths farming and homemaking skills. It has since grown to be the largest youth development organization in the United S...

DATE: May 13, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

We’re all in this together, but our perspectives vary

I’m sure you’ve read it somewhere, on a social media post, scrawled across the street in chalk or, if nowhere else, in this very column: We are all in this together. It’s an inte...

DATE: May 6, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

How to prevent winter damage to your conifers, evergreens

These winds are getting to me, and I don’t even live on Florida Mesa. They pick up in the afternoon, grabbing dust, dirt and pollen, and deposit them directly into my eyes and no...

DATE: May 4, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

In this time of uncertainty, reach out to loved ones

A new job always has a learning curve and unexpected challenges, but I thought I was prepared. After all, I have worked in the La Plata County Extension Office for nine years, and in my yout...

DATE: Apr 20, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Much has changed, but safe produce washing has not

I don't imagine this place of social isolation, accompanied by major life disruptions is exactly what we envisioned spring would bring. But alas, here we are. Rather than packing...

DATE: Apr 8, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Victory gardens nourished bodies and souls in uncertain times

My Grandpa Parmenter was an auto parts salesman who had a pen collection like no other. He must have traded other salesmen – “I’ll give you a Big A Automotive for a Michelin” – an...

DATE: Apr 6, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Does your environment support your health?

Isn’t it ironic how easily resolutions dissolve, in spite of our persistent desire to be healthy? In as little as two months, well-intended habits have collapsed into a pile of ex...

DATE: Mar 11, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

A garden journal will help your harvest

I like the idea of writing with a pen or pencil. I actually lament that cursive isn’t as prevalent in the elementary school curriculum as it was when I was a kid. For those of you...

DATE: Mar 9, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office