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Local Programs

Agriculture and Natural Resources programs support farming, forestry and landscape, while conserving the quality of our land and water resources. Educators provide recommendations and information on a variety of topics including:

  • Lawn and Landscape Maintenance
  • Pest and Disease Diagnosis
  • Land and Water Quality Improvement

Programs for farmers and commercial horticulturist include:

  • Nursery Crop Management
  • Pesticide Applicator Training

In addition, the following Virginia Tech laboratory services are available through the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office:

  • Soil Analysis
  • Plant Disease Diagnosis
  • Insect & Weed Identification
  • Trouble Shooting Plant and Insect Problems

Please visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office nearest you!

Other Programs

Master Gardeners Diagnostic Clinic

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Family and Consumer Sciences program in James City County provides informal education that increases knowledge, influence attitudes, teach skills, and inspire aspirations. Through the adoption and application of these practices, the quality of individual, family, and community life is improved. The Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent bring specialist, fellow agents, and volunteers together to address the needs and priority issues facing families in James City County. Five specific goals are addressed:

  1. To provide education from numerous disciplines such as financial management, parenting, nutrition, etc.;
  2. To assist communities in analyzing the status of families and identifying appropriate community action to meet the needs of families;
  3. To train volunteers and program assistants to assist the Family and Consumer Sciences program;
  4. To motivate people to become involved in community issues and to develop leadership potential in those people; and
  5. To collaborate with other Extension program areas, and form partnerships with other agencies, community organizations, and educational groups.

 

4-H is a national youth development organization that teaches youth leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on, learn-by-doing approaches. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, and is offered locally through the Virginia Cooperative Extension system of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. 

The mission of 4-H is to help youth, and adults working with those youth, gain knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will further their development as self-directing, contributing, and productive members of society. Regardless of the program topic, our focus is on life skill development among participants.

4-H programs in James City County are delivered in a variety of ways, including community clubs led by adult volunteers, in-school and after-school enrichment programs, summer camps, and district, state, and nation-wide 4-H activities and events. The 4-H program in James City County is coordinated by the Extension 4-H Agent, a position that is currently vacant,  but the majority of the clubs and programs are delivered by dedicated volunteers.

Any youth in James City County between the ages of five and 19 can participate in 4-H, and we are always in need of adult volunteers for our many programs and activities. 

Questions about the 4-H program can be directed to the extension office at 757-564-2170.

  • 4-H Summer Camp
  • Horsemanship Clubs and Program
  • Adult Volunteers Needed! 
  • Start a Club of Your Own !
  • Specialty Programs at Virginia 4-H Educational Centers
  • 4-H Opportunities at the District, State, and National Level

Engaging with Communities

Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:   

Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.

Do you have a question about Community Viability?

Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expertsystem. 

Community Viability Specialists