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Darrin Parmenter
Position: La Plata County Extension Office

4-H teaches young people the skills of citizenship

Citizenship is a major component to the 4-H Youth Development program. We understand that good citizenship doesn’t just happen. Therefore, we actively teach and develop skills for youths to ...

In dark of winter, I’m dreaming about seasons, possibilities ahead

Author and philosopher Albert Camus once wrote: “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Because Camus was a philosopher, I can ...

From the Extension Office It’s that time of the year again to take measure of your radon levels

January is National Radon Action Month, when all residents – both renters and owners – are urged to test their home for radon. It is recommended that homes be screened every five...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

Get your bulbs now to brighten up next spring

Editor’s note: Get Growing, written by the La Plata County Extension Office’s Master Gardener Program, appears during the growing season. It features timely tips and suggestions for your...

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...

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...

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...