Community Development/Engagement Archives - Page 6 of 6

Afghan war refugees empowered to grow familiar foods

For Afghans resettling in the United States because of war in their country, the transition can become even more difficult as they must become accustomed to different foods. Michigan State University Extension found a way to help them grow some of the culturally important foods for their holidays and family gatherings. Food banks in the Lansing area were supplied container [...]

Food Security, Story Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Urban Agriculture

a variety of seed packets spread out on a table

Seed-sharing libraries extend plant access

A seed library is a resource where seeds are shared with community members free of charge. The North Carolina State University Extension Master Gardeners support seed-sharing libraries across the state to encourage local gardening. Typically found at libraries or community centers, gardeners, students and teachers are encouraged to check out the seeds and plant them in a garden. At the [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Southern, Urban Agriculture

closeup of hands holding a pea seed packet. there is a bag of seed packets in the background.

Community gardens increase food security and community well-being

Based on the 2023 National Gardening Survey, 80% of American households participated in a gardening project in 2022. Through Extension trainings, seed libraries and gardening kits and the efforts of Extension Master Gardener volunteers, land-grant universities are increasing access to gardens, improving community well-being, and helping individuals learn to grow their own food. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Food Security, Summary 1994, 2024, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Kansas, Kansas State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western

two people look in a box of food at a food pantry

Food security resources for local communities

Limited access to healthy food options can lead to problems such as poor health, chronic illness, child development and family instability. Food pantries can help people who lack adequate food resources access a range of products locally. By connecting food pantries with resources, land-grant universities are helping communities better serve those in need. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Food Security, Summary 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, New York, North Central, Northeast, Southern, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Minnesota, Western

Small acreage and new landowner education

Texas is experiencing rapid population growth in urban areas and, increasingly, in rural and urban-adjacent lands. This has created a rapid increase in first-time landowners and small-acreage landowners across the state. These landowners often lack knowledge on basic land management and conservation, leading to poor and varied management outcomes. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension developed a network of programs across Texas, [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Water Resilience/Management

Texas Master Naturalist volunteers contribute 6.8 million hours of service

Texas Master Naturalists combine their love for nature with a passion for service. These individuals are trained naturalists with specialized knowledge of different ecosystems, species, habitats and environmental demands. The Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) organization is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Skilled TMN volunteers work with communities and organizations across the state [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, Workforce Development and Readiness

a rainbow shines through sprinkler mist on a field

Protecting our water

Water continues to be one of the most critical challenges facing agriculture and communities. Land-grant universities are working to discover new ways to increase water efficiency, reduce water use and protect water quality. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in Ohio are working to improve soil health and water quality through best agricultural management practices to prevent non-point-source [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 1890, 2024, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Central State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Extension, Kansas, Kansas State University, Minnesota, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Precision Agriculture, Research, Soil Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Connecticut, University of Minnesota, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Youth Development/4-H

a group of scientists planting experimental crops

Reaching diverse farms and farmers

Extension educators and researchers across the Land-grant University System reach diverse farmers and farms through programming, information and accessible tools. Their work ensures farming resources are available to all individuals. Here are a few examples of that work: Minnesota Extension launched a pilot project to bring Minnesota-grown goat meat to halal customers. The collaboration has resulted in the first halal certified [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2024, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Food Safety, Food Systems, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Research, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Minnesota, University of New Hampshire, Workforce Development and Readiness

Indiana urban farming project teaches city dwellers how to grow food

When large grocery stores move out of urban areas, fresh fruits and vegetables become harder for city dwellers to access. In Gary, Indiana, only four grocery stores sell fresh produce for the city’s 76,424 residents. To increase opportunities for Gary residents to learn how to grow food, Purdue Extension launched a four-year urban farming project. Extension created a 10-week urban [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, North Central, Purdue University, Workforce Development and Readiness

Taking the mystery out of land leasing in Kansas

U.S. Census data reflect that half of Kansas farm and range land is operated on a leased basis. Much of the land is owned by widows and non-farming children who are often absentee. The success of leasing agreements is key to supporting healthy agriculture and rural communities in the state. Extension educators from Kansas State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, Nebraska, North Central, Profitability/Competitiveness, Purdue University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Tag - Community Development/Engagement