From the time-honored 4-H livestock projects to cutting-edge STEM activities, West Virginia University Extension Service will offer a blend of tradition and innovation at the State Fair of West Virginia in Fairlea from Aug. 8 to Aug. 17.
Students in rural communities across the United States, including students in West Virginia, will hone computer science skills and further developing science, technology, math and engineering education with the help of Google and the National 4-H Council.
Across the state, classrooms are quiet and hallways have emptied as another school year comes to a close. But at six Randolph County elementary schools, summer break is a time of growth and maturity – for the schools’ newly planted fruit-bearing trees and bushes, that is.
Improving the healthy lifestyle landscape in some West Virginia areas might sound like a tough task, but a group of passionate West Virginia University faculty and staff believe the secret lies in empowering communities and providing the support they need to take control of their own health.
Sue Day-Perroots is no stranger to West Virginia University and the State of West Virginia. After 34 years of service in key roles at the University, she retired as associate provost in 2017. When President Gordon Gee presented her with an opportunity to return “home” to lead WVU Extension Service, she jumped at the chance to bring her trademark energy, enthusiasm and focus on results to the role.
Life happened to Danny Vaughn, a cattle producer in Greenbrier County. Eventually, he discovered the AgrAbility program, a partnership program incorporating various agencies that’s primarily led by the West Virginia University Extension Service. After reaching out, he received a consultation about tools that would allow him to continue to farm, in turn providing for his family and making a living.
Through the Community Leadership Academy, leaders come together to enhance their skills on a variety of topics aimed at helping their communities. Topics range from education and volunteerism to financial management and economic development. David C. Hardesty Jr., WVU president emeritus, will share his leadership experiences and tips with attendees as the keynote address (May 2).
It’s a common sight in much of West Virginia — ATVs and UTVs rushing up secondary roads, riding along forest trails and running across the hills. Given their popularity, the West Virginia University Extension Service is teaming up with the Polaris Foundation to improve safe riding practices and help reduce injuries and accidents. This initiative is of importance as West Virginia leads the nation in the number of ATV- and UTV-related deaths per capita with rates eight times the national average.
As of fall 2018, the Buffalo Creek Recreation Trail went through a soft opening for riders and it became a hit. A few thousand riders from the majority of the United States and a few from other countries raved about the experience, and weekend rides were often booked solid. Mike Shamblin, a WVU Extension Service agriculture and natural resources agent in Clay County, also works closely with the Clay County Business Development Authority and other community groups as a thread that bonds them all together to work for the greater good. He puts in a lot of time outside of work volunteering with these groups.
The Cooperative Extension System has been the outreach arm of land-grant universities throughout the nation since the establishment of the Smith Lever Act in 1914. Armed with research and knowledge, Cooperative Extension experts live and work in communities, providing valuable education and resources to help citizens improve their lives and their communities.