Extension News

April Employee Spotlight

Welcoming Our Newest Face in Surry County!

Abigail Moore

This month, we are shining a light on a vibrant new addition to our team who joined us at the start of March. Serving as the Program Assistant for EFNEP, Adult Educator for Surry County, she has quickly embraced the mission of Extension with a heart for service and a passion for community. Though she’s relatively new to Extension, she describes her first few weeks as a "joy," noting how much she has valued getting to know her fellow agents and EFNEP educators. For her, the best part of the job is the human element: the opportunity to connect with the community and provide them with the tangible skills and resources they need to thrive. When she isn’t in the classroom or out in the field, you can likely find her outdoors. As an avid gardener, she is currently looking forward to a productive spring and summer, tending to a garden that provides both fresh meals for her table and beautiful flowers to share with friends. Her love for nature extends beyond the garden. Whether she’s traveling, camping, or hiking, she finds a unique sense of peace in the wild.

"There’s something so regulating and special about being outdoors and appreciating nature’s peacefulness," she shares. "I love to hang up a hammock, bring a book and a snack, and just listen to the birds."

At home she is a dedicated creator who enjoys painting, drawing, and collaging. She shares her space with two sun-loving pets: Miss Kitty, a delightfully fluffy and lazy cat, and Amos, a sweet senior pup who joins her for afternoon naps on the porch.

Abigail also brings some unique skills to the table that her coworkers might not know about. Since the 7th grade, she has been proficient in American Sign Language, a skill she treasures deeply. She is also a passionate vinyl collector. You might spot her at a local antique store or yard sale, hunting for the perfect record to add to her collection. Her taste in music is a "nice spread of decades," ranging from the classic harmonies of The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Earth, Wind & Fire to the modern folk sounds of The Avett Brothers and The Lumineers. Beyond her professional life, Abigail is a dedicated early bird who finds her greatest joy in a quiet sunrise paired with a perfect cup of coffee. When she isn't enjoying a peaceful morning, she dreams of traveling to Greece to experience the breathtaking Mamma Mia landscapes in person. Her reliable go-to comfort foods range from a classic Caesar salad with a side of French fries to a crunchy snack of bell peppers with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning. Above all, she finds her deepest inspiration in her mother—a retired teacher whose remarkable work ethic and resilience continue to serve as her lifelong guiding light. Next time you see Abigail in the office or out in Surry County, be sure to say hello (or perhaps test out your ASL)! We are so lucky to have such a multi-talented and community-minded individual on our team.

Guacamole

Make homemade guacamole to add the superfood avocado into your diet today! Makes 4 Servings Ingredients

• 2 avocados, mashed
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• ½ lime, juiced
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt 
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Directions 1. Carefully cut the avocados in half and use a spoon to scoop out the insides. Use a fork to mash into a chunky puree. 2. Add the chopped onion, tomatoes, and lime juice.   3. Add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if desired. Mix well.  4. Chill for at least one hour before serving.

ECA Cultural Arts - Surry County

ECA Cultural Arts Winners 2026 - Surry County

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Cultural Arts Event as well as congratulate all of our winners in each category. Sewing - Clothing .................................... 1st Place - Carol Dotson Sewing - Home Furnishings ..................... 1st Place - Loretta Guden Knitting ..................................................... 1st Place - Judy Taylor Crocheting ................................................ 1st Place - Judy Taylor

Embroidery ............................................... 1st Place - Jeanne McClelland Craft Re-cycling ........................................ 1st Place - Judy Davis 2nd Place - Marilyn Geiger Heritage Skills ........................................... 1st Place - Phyllis Davis Nature Craft .............................................. 1st Place - Kathy Branch Flower Arrangement/ Wreath ................... 1st Place - Jane Snow 2nd Place - Margaret Rakes 3rd Place - Bonnie Smith Christmas Decorations ............................... 1st Place - Bonnie Smith Jewelry ........................................................ 1st Place - Marilyn Geiger Papercraft .................................................... 1st Place - Margaret Rakes Miscellaneous ............................................. 1st Place - Donna Love 2nd Place - Marilyn Geiger Oil Painting ................................................. 1st Place - Donna Love Acrylic Painting ........................................... 1st Place - Donna Love Other Fine Art ............................................. 1st Place - Donna Love Black and White Photography ..................... 1st Place - Juanita Gillespie Color Photography ....................................... 1st Place - Judith Ledbetter 2nd Place - Juanita Gillespie Quilt - Appliqued, Machine quilted ............. 1st Place - Betty White Quilt - Pieced, Machine quilted ................... 1st Place - Betty White Poetry ............................................................ 1st Place - Marion Venable Short Story .................................................... 1st Place - Lucille Horn 2nd Place - Judy Ledbetter

Programs

Diabetes & You

Extension at Home

Free Shred Event

With April comes warmer Weather

With the month of April comes warmer afternoon temperatures. It’s a great time to get outdoors with your children or grandchildren and explore the wonders of nature! Many animals have now emerged from their winter hiding places. It’s a great chance to see them at work in the environment! You may be able to watch honeybees busy collecting nectar from the blooms of a fruit tree. Go on a walk and look for milkweed plants. If you find butterfly eggs on one, you can dig it up and transplant it into a pot to allow them to watch the life cycle of a butterfly right at home. You can watch the birds as they collect nesting materials and build their nests. After it rains, go for a walk in the woods and see if you can spot any animal tracks! Begin planning your summer gardens by drawing out your design and starting seeds indoors to transplant after the threat of frost. It’s also a great chance to educate them on looking out for poison oak and poison ivy as they are playing or walking in the woods.  Everyday household tasks can also be an opportunity for learning! As you are servicing the lawnmower for the season, teach them about the tools you’re using and their uses. Let them build a birdhouse to place near your home. Show them how to care for a garden by helping with planting, watering, and weeding it. As you’re digging in the garden, look for worms and talk to them about how worms are helpful to our soil. Visit a farm and see the new baby animals that are being born. There are so many changes that come along with springtime! This brings a great opportunity to turn them into educational opportunities and to get outdoors!

Summer Fun Day Camp

Now that Spring is here, it’s time to begin thinking about your plans for this summer. We are excited for another great year with our Summer Fun day camps! We have some great programs planned for a Mad Science program with dry ice, a day at Raven Knob, Chef and the Child, Fiber Arts, cake decorating, gardening, baking, Greensboro Science Center, and more! 

Program information and registration are coming soon, so be on the lookout.  Don’t wait to sign up, spaces are limited and will fill up fast!

Check out our Surry County 4-H Facebook page for new updates and programs.

Have you registered in 4-H Online? If not, now is the time! All youth must be registered for this calendar year before they can attend club meetings, participate in enrichment programs, register for Summer Fun, or attend 4-H camp. Don’t miss out on the fun! The enrollment process should take less than 15 minutes to complete. If you have questions, feel free to contact Amanda Gann at (336) 401-8025 or agann@ncsu.edu.

Ropes, Knots, & Mechanical Advantage for Large Animal Rescue

(FOR-PEART-02)

Date: April 9, 2026

Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

This course is being offered through Emergency Management and may be helpful to livestock producers. It is not unusual for animals to find themselves in sticky situations from time to time. This may include an animal getting their head stuck in a tree knot or feeder. If you have had animals for any amount of time, you probably have experienced this. This course will help participants identify potential hazards and review equipment, communication signals, knots, hitches, and bends, as well as mechanical advantage systems and building drag systems that could help prevent some of the predicaments animals find themselves in. This will be a hands-on class. The class will be held at the Forsyth County Fire Department at 3000 Aviation Drive in Winston-Salem in the Training Room. Registration is required. To register, go to

Pastured Pork Workshop

Interested in raising “Pastured Pork”? Join N.C. Cooperative Extension and NC Choices for a workshop and tour on Thursday, June 25, from 9 am – 4 pm at the NC A&T University Farm Pavilion at 3020 McConnell Road in Greensboro. Registration is required.

*The cost is $20 and includes lunch.

  Topics to be covered include:

• breed selection
• herd management
• pasture management
• hoop housing
• feeding and nutrition
• the Meat Business
• a farm tour

  Speakers for the day: Dr Derrick Coble NC A&T State University; Lee Menius & Sarah Blacklin NC Choices Program; Silvana Pietromosli NC State Animal Science Department.

Small Ruminant

Extension to Continue Auxin Herbicides Training

North Carolina Cooperative Extension will continue the Auxin Herbicides Best Management Practices training again for 2026. The United States Environmental Protection Agency approved newer product labels for auxin chemistry in spray applications of crops like cotton and soybeans for the 2026 growing season and the next year's growing season in 2027. This training is required for any private pesticide applicator to complete before purchasing herbicides with auxin chemistry, especially when it relates to dicamba products. Any applicators who use Enlist products are not required to receive the training but are encouraged. Just like in previous years, there was a live Zoom training opportunities provided by the North Carolina State University Weed Specialist Dr. Charlie Cahoon. However, if you missed one of the live Zoom training opportunities, there is the option to watch the recording of this training within your local county Extension office as needed. Not to mention, in addition to training offered by North Carolina Cooperative Extension, applicators can also complete training through pesticide manufacturers where more details are being finalized. If you are a private pesticide applicator who still needs to complete their auxin training, please call 336-401-8025 to receive more information.

NC Pesticide Applicators Update

Attention NC Pesticide Applicators: Mandatory Regulatory Update Required

The U.S. EPA updated the pesticide applicator certification rules. Any private or commercial applicator who obtained their certification (passed the Core Exam) BEFORE July 1, 2025 is REQUIRED to watch a 1-hour mandatory training video titled “NCDA&CS Required Pesticide Certification & Training Standards Update” to maintain your certification. To remain compliant, applicators must watch the 1-hour video and submit the online verification form after watching the video. This mandatory training must be completed by an applicator's standard recertification credit deadline in the year the certification expires. If this requirement is not met, applicators will be required to retake the certifying exam(s), even if all other recertification credit requirements have been satisfied.   Specific deadlines are determined by certification type:

• Deadline for Commercial Applicators: June 30th of the year pesticide license certification expires
• Deadline for Private Applicators: September 30th of the year pesticide license certification expires

  NOTE: If your certification is set to expire in 2026, it is vital that you complete the video and form by June 30th (commercial applicators) or September 30th (private applicators).

PESTICIDE TRAINING SCHEDULED

On Thursday, April 23, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, there will be a pesticide training for pesticide applicators. The training will take place at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Surry Center in Auditorium A, located at 915 East Atkins Street, Dobson. This training will include the 1-hour mandatory video training for ALL commercial and ALL private applicators whose license renews in 2026. The second half of the training will include invasive pest identification and management. Applicators will be able to get 1 hour for each of the portions of the training. The video will be viewed during the last hour. Applicators not needing the video will not be held hostage and will be able to leave. Credits are pending for 1 to 2 hours: N, O, D, X, P, K, E, I, T, A, G, H, L, X, M, N. Register by calling 336.401.8025 or click the link.

Spring To Do List

Lawns

• Mow tall fescue lawn at 4 inches.
• If there are more than 8-10 white grubs per square foot of turf, consider using controls to manage the grub population and prevent mole issues in the coming month.

  Ornamentals

• Sharpen and sanitize pruning tools.
• Hand-pull winter annual weeds like henbit, Carolina geranium, speedwell, and chickweed from ornamental beds BEFORE they set seed.
• Prune spring-flowering plants such as azaleas, forsythia, and viburnum immediately after they bloom.
• Plant annuals after the last frost. (On average, our last frost date is April 22…give or take 10 days before or after this date.)
• Pinch back the first flowers of annuals planted.
• Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around ornamental beds.
• Scout for bagworms on Leyland cypress and junipers in May.
• Move houseplants outside after the last frost date, if desired.

Edibles

• Prepare vegetable beds by incorporating soil amendments, lime, and fertilizer if you have not already.
• Plant cool-season vegetables before the end of April.
• After the last frost date, plant warm-season veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
• Rotate vegetable locations annually to prevent disease.
• Lightly fertilize vegetables about 6 weeks after planting.
• Scout for cutworms around vegetables.

 

Surry County Farmer’s Markets to Open in April

Mount Airy

Start Date: April 17, 2026

Fridays 9:00am - 12:00pm

232 W. Independence Blvd., Mount Airy, NC 27030

Elkin

Starting Date: April 18, 2026

Saturdays 9:00am - 12:00pm

226 North Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621

Pilot Mountain

Start Date: April 18, 2026

Saturdays 3:00pm - 6:00pm

300 South Key Street, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041

Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Surry County are accepting applications for their 2026 Horticulture Scholarship. Students who will attend or are attending college in the fall in a horticulture or agriculture-related field are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is valued at $2,000. Detailed information and application forms are available from the Extension website www.surry.ces.ncsu.edu or by contacting Extension at 336.401.8025. The application deadline is May 1.

Programs

April Horticulture Workshops

Raised Beds

You don’t need a farm to grow vegetables and edibles! Learn the advantages of raised bed gardening including design & construction ideas, soil prep & maintenance.

 

Friday, April 10         10:30 am       Charles H Stone Memorial Library Tuesday April 21      6:00 pm       Surry Extension Office, Dobson

 

Happy, Healthy Hummingbirds

Learn the secrets of attracting beautiful hummingbirds to your garden and keep them happy and healthy. Participants will plant a hanging-basket of flowers preferred by hummers.  *Please bring a 10-12-inch clean hanging basket.

Thursday, April 2                  2:00 pm          Mount Airy Senior Center Thursday, April 23                1:00 pm          Pilot Mountain Senior Center Thursday, April 30                2:00 pm          Mount Airy Public Library     *Registration is required. Call the location of your choice to register.

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