Author - The Durango Herald

Lego competition builds teamwork, creativity

Earlier this month, La Plata County 4-H entered a team into the First Lego League Four Corners qualifier. First Lego League is an international competition that promotes STEM ed...

DATE: Dec 14, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

From the Extension Office Holidays aren’t the time to let your guard down

Whew. We have made it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But most of us aren’t finished shopping or joining friends and family. Thieves are out there just waiting for us to ma...

DATE: Dec 4, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Wrap your new tree to protect it from winter temperature swings

In Southwest Colorado, our coldest months are fast approaching. Allow me to remind you: In December 2015, we had 11 nights that registered below zero at the airport; January had ...

DATE: Nov 30, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Adult-youth partnerships drive success of 4-H

It’s time to be thankful. As your 4-H Extension agent, I couldn’t be more thankful for all the youths and adults in our program. The partnerships between adults and young people ...

DATE: Nov 16, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

For growers, it was a glorious year in Southwest Colorado

Come November, I traditionally write the “end of the year” or “season in review” column. I lament on the dry winter, the cold spring, the brutally hot summer and even the sneaky end-of-the-s...

DATE: Nov 2, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

La Plata County 4-H expands outreach with STEM program

To succeed in the 21st-century workforce, young people will need skills in science, technology, engineering and math. They will also need life skills in public speaking, leadership and commu...

DATE: Oct 19, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Ideal conditions make for spectacular fall foliage

If you can figure out how to maneuver through the national political scene that has infected my Facebook page, you can see that almost every one of my local “friends” has taken a photo of th...

DATE: Oct 5, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Starting early can help you get your picky eater to eat healthy

Picky eating can be a major obstacle for a parent, especially when it comes to getting your child to eat healthy. However, childhood is when lifelong patterns are formed, so it i...

DATE: Oct 1, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

La Plata County 4-H members succeed at Colorado State Fair

Local 4-H members did a fantastic job representing La Plata County at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. This event is such a great learning experience. We had members entered i...

DATE: Sep 14, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

From the Extension Office A few basics can help you get the most from your food preservation

Cool weather seems to have slowed produce production a bit for some of us. With the rains though, there seem to be bumper crops in gardens, farmers markets and grocery stores that encourage ...

DATE: Sep 3, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

In apple overload? Programs help you share the bounty

Apples. This year, we are expecting a lot of them. Apple pie, apple crisp and apple cobbler. Sauce, butter and cider, all made with apples. Caramel apples, dried apple rings and ...

DATE: Aug 31, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Are you second-guessing your gardening goals?

Second-guessing. We all do it. Some of you may have done it as you rose from bed, or when you were deciding what to have for breakfast, or even just now, as you started reading this column. ...

DATE: Aug 17, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office