ExtensionPrograms

Montezuma County Extension Programs & Information

Montezuma County 4-H

4-H Is :

· Youth development through sharing, learning and growing.;

· Development of life skills such as: communication, citizenship, decision-making, leadership, interpersonal relations, and community awareness.;

· Learning experiences with the help from parents, interested adults and older youth leaders.; and,

· Centered in the home and family.

Who Can Join 4-H?
Youth 8 through 18 years of age as of January 1. Adult volunteers must be at least twenty-one years of age, and have a genuine interest in sharing their time, energy, and knowledge with youth.

When Can You Join 4-H?
Project enrollment is taken between October 1 and December 1. If youth join after the project enrollment period, they still can participate in the 4-H program. Clubs involve members in community pride projects, demonstrations, fund raising activities, club tours, organization, and fun. Youth would also be able to visit project meetings in order to see what projects they would like to take the following project enrollment period.

How Do You Join 4-H?
Youth and their parents are encouraged to contact one or two club leaders to find out when the club meets, and what projects the club offers. Once a club is chosen, youth enroll with that club leader. You may also contact the Montezuma County Extension Office at 109 W. Main, Room 102 in the county courthouse or phone 565-3123. Staff will ask location of residence and what projects the child is interested in. We will then give you the name of clubs that would fit your needs.

Yellow Jacket Orchard/Vineyard Demonstration Project

Yellow Jacket Orchard/Vineyard Demonstration Project was implemented in April 1991 as a result of grower and homeowner request for local research information on fruit tree and vineyard cultivars, development and management, irrigation, frost protection, pruning, pest and disease management, equipment usage, and other best management practices. Located at the SW Colorado Research Station, 16910 Road Z in Yellow Jacket this 2.7 acre project includes:

Ø 28 apple varieties. Trees age range is 2^nd to 9^th growing seasons and are in a conventional orchard setting, as well as on a trellis system.

Ø 4 peach varieties. Tree age range is 2^nd to 6^th growing season and are planted in a conventional orchard setting.

Ø 4 pear varieties. Tree age range is 5^th to 6^th growing season and are planted in a conventional orchard setting.

Ø 6 wine grape varieties. Vine age range is 3^rd to 8^th growing season and are planted on a 7 wire catch trellis system.

Ø 1 raspberry variety, planted in 1994 in a traditional row.

Ø 13 drought tolerant grass varieties.

Farmers Market

Fresh locally grown produce is always a treat for area residents. The Cortez Farmers' Market usually begins the first Saturday in June and runs through October every Saturday starting at 7:30 a.m. The location of the market is in the courthouse parking lot, 109 W. Main in Cortez. Individuals wishing to sell at the market must obtain a permit from the Montezuma County Extension Office.

Master Gardner

The Colorado State University Master Gardner program is a 11 week intense program that covers all aspects of gardening. Participants in this program are asked to complete 50 volunteer hours helping others with gardening questions. The location of the area Master Gardner program is rotated between Archuleta, LaPlata and Montezuma Counties. The all day classes usually begin mid-January and are limited in size. Sign-up for the classes starts in December and can be done through any of the three participating Extension Offices.

Soil & Water Test Kits

Colorado State University ‘s Soil, Water and Plant Testing Lab is available to residents looking for answers. Test information is available in the Extension Office, as well s information from private labs at competitive testing fees. Local staff will help you interpret test results.

Private Pesticide Applicators License

Individuals who would like to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides for private use are required to have a Colorado Department of Agriculture Private Pesticide License. Training manual and examination packet is $20.00. Licensure fee is $75.00. Training Manual and Examination Order Forms are available in your local Extension Office.

Commercial pesticide applicators' licenses are also obtained through the CDA. The phone number is (303) 239-4140.

Canner Gauge Test

When using a pressure canner, it is very important that the gauge is reading accurately to ensure food safety. You can call the Extension Office at 970-565-3123 to setup a time to bring in your lid with the dial gauge for testing. This is a free service.

Home & Garden Day

Area Extension Homemakers and Extension staff sponsor a day of workshops that focuses on home, family and the garden. This event is held in April or May each year and rotates between Durango and Farmington.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop

The second week of March is the time for the annual “hands-on” fruit tree pruning workshop held at the Yellow Jacket Orchard/Vineyard Demonstration Project. Participants learn the “how to” and “how not to” prune techniques for fruit trees of various ages.

Beef Cow Symposium

Each year in February or March, Extension staff from five counties host this symposium. Industry and University personnel address beef production and health management practices.

Weed Symposium

Weed management is a big issue in the State of Colorado. The Weed Symposium brings industry and University personnel together to address best management practices as it relates to weeds. This symposium is held each March or April.

Native Plant Master

A Native Plant Master is a person who receives special training about native plants, certification from Colorado State University Extension, and uses that training in community education. The mission of the Native Plant Master is to educate the public about the biological and human values of Colorado plants in order to foster stewardship and sustainable use of these plant resources. A Native Plant Certificate is available for those who would like to take the course, but who do not wish to make educational contacts with the public.

Colorado has a multitude of native plants which are well adapted to our variable climate, soils, temperaturess and elevations: colorful wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. The Colorado Native Plant Society recommends using native plants in landscaping and revegetation. Because of native plant adaptibility and plants unique to regional horticulture, they are worth promoting and protecting.