Our Mission: North Carolina Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians.
Cabarrus County 4-H
2024 4-H Achievement Night
This annual event celebrated the accomplishments of our incredible 4-H youth. It was a night filled with recognition, awards, and fun activities where families and the community came together to honor the dedication and hard work of our 4-H members throughout the year.
2024 4-H Art Show
Immerse yourself in the creativity of Cabarrus County's youth at the 4-H Art Show! Over 1200 incredible pieces have been submitted by talented afternoon and community program participants, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expression. The exhibition is on display at the Cabarrus Arts Council until April 6th, offering a wonderful opportunity to witness the artistic talent blossoming in our community. Don't miss the special awards ceremony on April 4th, where these young artists will be recognized for their achievements!
Kyndall Rice, Kids:Plus Site Director, Honored at State 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference
Congratulations to Kyndall Rice, R. Brown McAllister STEM Kids:Plus Director, for excellence and commitment in 4-H service. Kyndall was selected as the State 4-H School Programming Volunteer of the Year and was honored at the 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference in February. Kyndall utilizes many 4-H after school kits for 4-H club programming and keeps her 4-H Club Officers active throughout the year.
Kids in the Kitchen 4-H After School Cooking Classes a Huge Hit
Children in the Cabarrus County Kids:Plus program enjoyed three different cooking classes in February and March. In each class, the children learned basic cooking skills, how to measure properly, and table setting skills. Children made yeast bread, simple snacks, pizza dough, roasted vegetables, skillet fruit and homemade ice cream. The children gained many new skills and a true love of cooking. Many of the children would like to be a chief when they grow up. Beverly Bollenbecker, 4-H Program Associate and Denise Cooper, 4-H Program Assistant enjoyed teaching the classes.
Mind, Body, Whole Wellness 4-H After School Teacher Training
Beverly Bollenbecker, 4-H Program Associate and Denise Cooper, 4-H Program Assistant provided thirty 4-H After School Kids:Plus teachers training in a new 4-H curriculum, Mind, Body, Whole Wellness, which is intended to help youth recognize connections between feelings (stress and mood) and healthy habits (sleep, healthy eating, and exercise) while developing and practicing coping skills. In this training teachers learned about life skills and habits and how they relate to stress through weekly lessons. Teachers will be more equipped to assist children with their feelings and habits after taking this training.
Please contact 4-H Agent, Molly Kleman with any questions about Cabarrus County 4-H.
Cabarrus County Family and Consumer Sciences
Agricultural Environmental Field Days
The Agricultural Environmental Field Days for all 6th grade students in Cabrrus County was offered February 27- 29,2024 at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. The 15 Nutrition Stations presented the topic of " Be A Bone Builder." Students learned from hands on experiences how much calcium is needed at different stages of life, with childhood being the crucial time for healthy bone building. A favorite calcium rich food "ice cream" was served to each student and adult as part of the session. The 15 Nutrition Stations were staffed with trained volunteers from the Cabarrus ECA membership and the Cabarrus County Afterschool Teachers who lead the afterschool 4-H program.
NC State Plants for Human Health Research Center Tour
A special educational trip was offered to the NC State Plants for Human Health Research Center for participants of the CookSmart/ Eat Smart Series and interested Extension and Community Association members on March 13. Doug Vernon, Extension Associate led this impressive tour which included a visit to the Lab were fruits were tested for their level of sweetness. Participants also enjoyed lunch at the UNC'S Lettuce Eat Cafe after the tour.
Senior Health and Wellness Day
Family and Consumer Science Programs were shared at the recent Senior Health and Wellness Day at the Cabarrus Arena on March 13. The Cold Water ECA Club shared an educational booth on the topic of "Be A Bone Builder," ECA member Brenda Long shared "Heritage Basketry Skills," and FCS Agent Pam Outen' exhibit was on "Eating the Med Way" and included educational information and a "MED" sample of a Black Bean Salad.
Beginning Yeast Bread Classes
Two tasty hands-on "Beginning Yeast Bread Classes" were offered in March at the newly renovated Extension Kitchen. Participants were thrilled to learn the skills on making yeast breads. FCS Extension Agent taught this workshop with the assistance of an ECA skilled yeast bread maker Debbie Mullis.
Food for Energy
"Food for Energy" was the training topic presented for the Lunch: Plus Site Directors and Staff on Tuesday, March 26 at Bethpage Church. Staff members received their own "Energy Snack Bags" as an example of readily available nutritious snacks to maintain energy during the day.
Cabarrus County Horticulture
Senior Health and Wellness Day 2024
The Cabarrus County Master Gardeners had a fantastic time connecting with members of the public at Senior Health and Wellness 2024!
What made the day so wonderful? It was all about you! We thoroughly enjoyed talking to folks about their gardening experiences, answering your questions, and hearing about your passion for creating beautiful and healthy outdoor spaces.
It was truly inspiring to meet so many people who are interested in getting involved in gardening. Over the 3.5-hour event, we actively engaged with an impressive 150 attendees! By "actively engaged," we mean that all 150 of you had a chance to chat with us about gardening and take home some helpful information.
Sometimes, with only two volunteers at the table, there was a short wait to chat with us, but the conversations were well worth it. We loved hearing about what our community members are growing and the joy gardening brings you.
One attendee shared how they'd lovingly created a peaceful and rejuvenating garden retreat in their yard. Another person showed us an incredible photo of their yard covered in ground-nesting bee nests! They were thrilled to finally learn what these interesting formations were and how these bees play a vital role as pollinators in our ecosystem.
We had many opportunities to answer specific gardening and landscaping questions, and it was energizing to directly connect with the public and contribute to their gardening knowledge. One visitor even told us we had the best booth at the entire event! We were truly happy to share our passion for gardening and provide valuable information without any giveaway incentives.
If you were one of the 150 attendees we met at Senior Health and Wellness 2024, we hope you enjoyed the conversation and learned something new. We at Cabarrus County Master Gardeners are always happy to answer your gardening questions. Stop by our booth at Spring Fest 2024 on April 13th at Cabarrus County Arena.
Agribusiness Days
Agribusiness Days were a resounding success, showcasing a wealth of valuable learning opportunities for students. Witnessing their enthusiasm and engagement as they delved into the diverse world of microgreens was truly gratifying.
A sincere expression of gratitude is extended to all volunteers whose invaluable contributions helped facilitate this enriching experience. Your dedication and commitment to educating students about microgreens played an integral role in making the event both informative and enjoyable.
The enthusiasm displayed by the students underscores the importance of initiatives like Agribusiness Days in fostering curiosity and expanding knowledge in agricultural practices. Once again, thank you to all volunteers for your efforts in making this event a memorable success.
Greenhouse Progress
Tomatoes and Asclepias are flourishing within the greenhouse, with early signs of growth evident among the 250 tomatoes recently sown. The installation of overhead watering systems represents a significant advancement, ensuring comprehensive irrigation coverage. Additionally, the effectiveness of the heating grow mats in maintaining optimal conditions has been noted.
Appreciation is extended to the dedicated volunteers of the Greenhouse Committee for their steadfast commitment to the consistent care and watering of our greenhouse plants. Your collective efforts are invaluable in supporting our cultivation endeavors.
Pollinator Garden
The Pollinator Garden underwent a thorough spring cleaning, with the removal of weeds and the application of fresh mulch. Additionally, the installation of the bee hotel represents an exciting addition to our garden space.
Gratitude is extended to all those who contributed their time and effort to spread mulch and assist with the garden cleanup. Your participation is instrumental in maintaining the beauty and functionality of our Pollinator Garden.
If you are interested in learning more about garden tours or joining Cabarrus County Master Gardeners email Payton Berry or call 704-920-3310.
2024 Cabarrus County Extension Spring Plant & Herb Festival
Join us for the 2024 Spring Plant & Herb Festival hosted by the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Cabarrus County Center. It’s the perfect place (and time) to get your vegetable seedlings and other fun plant related items. There will be garden art vendors, indoor and outdoor plants, native plants, perennials and annuals and all the fun stuff! Pro Tip: Bring a wagon! We will have vendors all the way around the midway track. Plan for at least 60 minutes to see all of them, more if you want to interact, learn and engage in all the fun activities. Multiple local organizations will have community booths with fun activities, a 4-H section just for youth AND the Extension Master Gardeners will be there to answer all of your plant and garden related questions. You can also get more information about other upcoming Extension events and fun activities we have coming up.
This event will take place rain or shine at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center located at
4751 St. Hwy 49 Concord NC 28025