Author - The Durango Herald

Challenging 4-H year ends with much to celebrate

September wraps up our 2019-20 4-H year, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say it was quite the memorable year! We had a lot of ups and downs, but we made it through to...

DATE: Sep 18, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

If you plan to can, use a trusted and tested recipe

I’ll venture to guess there are some newbies to food preservation this year. It would be tough to argue the pandemic did not bring a heightened awareness to our reliance on large-scale food ...

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

Tips to ripen those finicky tomatoes as autumn approaches

An email came across my desk this past week, and it pretty much exemplified 2020: “The NOAA Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a moderate to high risk of much-below normal temperatures...

DATE: Sep 7, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Trees can diversify a large lawn and cool the landscape

I never really considered myself a “lawn guy.” Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy lying down under the shade of a tree on soft grass or seeing the outfield of the baseball field bright g...

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

Reduce your food bill and eat healthy with these thrifty tips

For the sixth week in a row, I’ve left the grocery store with a touch of sticker shock. The first few occasions, I blamed it on the purchase of higher-priced items you need only ...

DATE: Aug 5, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

La Plata County Fair will have a different format this year, but the same spirit

This pandemic has resulted in many ups and downs this year; however, I have been reflecting on how La Plata County 4-H and I have a lot to be grateful for. The support that we re...

DATE: Jul 15, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Stuck in a rut? Reset your mood with physical activity

I’ve thought about writer’s block a fair amount this week. Not just because I’m experiencing it, but also because it seems to mimic a state familiar to writers and non-writers al...

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

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