County News

it's not the size of the gift that counts
Keep Holidays in Perspective
November 19, 2012

As pleasant as the holiday season can be, it often becomes a time of high stress, unrealistic expectations and financial challenges. But the holidays don’t have to mean drained savings accounts and bills to pay in January, says Kristi Cooper, ISU Extension & Outreach Linn County family life specialist.

force spring bulbs crocus in February
Forcing Bulbs
November 19, 2012

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have crocus bulbs to bloom in February!  It doesn’t seem to be difficult – the hardest part is going to be finding room in the fridge!  You can try it, too.

Mary Dlouhy Alburnett receives Iowa Pride of Extension Award
Mary Dlouhy Receives Pride of Extension Award
November 19, 2012

She is the first to greet you with a smile when you walk through the door of ISU Linn County Extension in Marion and the first to greet you with a cheery hello when you phone the office.

Homegrown Lifestyle Network
Homegrown Lifestyle Network: Creating Winter Arrangements
November 12, 2012

Check out this new network that provides more opportunities to enjoy monthly gardening tours, speakers and other educational opportunities. November's Homegrown Lifestyle Network will take place at the Lowe Park Greenhouse in Marion and attendees will learn how to create a great looking winter arrangement using a variety of plant materials from their yard. 

Linn County Master Gardeners
Join the 2013 Linn County Extension Master Gardener Class
November 6, 2012

For the first time ever, we're offering the Linn County Master Gardener program during the spring!  Are you an avid gardener who enjoys learning more about gardening, plants, and horticulture and would like to meet people who share your interest in gardening?  If so, you may be interested in becoming a Master Gardener.  Applications due December 10th, 2012.

crop update southeast Iowa information harvest freeze
Crop Update for October
October 16, 2012

Agronomist Jim Fawcett provides udpates on crop conditions for southeast Iowa

commercial pesticide applicator recertification classes
Commercial Pesticide Applicators Continuing Instruction Courses
October 15, 2012

Linn County Extension will serve as a site for upcoming Continuing Instructional Courses (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators. Please register early to avoid the late registration fee!

death unclaimed life insurance poilicy help for parents
Help For The Surviving
October 11, 2012

When someone loses a spouse in death it’s very easy for them to lose track of their finances at the same time.  As a result there are billions in unclaimed life insurance policies.  What can you do to prevent this from happening to  your parent?

credit card number stolen what should you do
Credit Card Compromised…
October 11, 2012

Have you ever received this message on your cell phone: “your credit card number has been stolen; please call back”?  After you call your credit card company to resolve the issue what other steps should you take?

make your office greener use cloth napkins
"Greening" the Office
October 4, 2012

I have had fun watching the gradual “greening” of  our office practices over the last few years.   As staff come and go it is interesting to see which practices have been introduced, which ones go away after an individual leaves and which ones stick around.  Could your office implement some of these ideas to make it "greener"?

what to do if you or your child is bullied
Bystanders Impact Bullying Behavior
October 2, 2012

Learn why bystanders play an important role in bullying prevention and intervention and what they can do.  As well as the most helpful and least helpful stategies to use if you are being bullied.

clematis vine add vertical interest to landscape
Versatile vines take your landscaping to a new level
August 21, 2012

Think up, not out – and add a little vertical interest to your landscape with vines! Most vines are low-maintenance; fast growing and can even add shade to a sunny spot.

Linn County Master Gardener plant growing lab demonstration garden Lowe Park
Outdoor Plant Growing Lab
July 31, 2012

The Linn County Master Gardeners plant and maintain twelve continuously developing gardens for public education and enjoyment at Lowe Park in Marion.

japanese beetle
Japanese Beetles
July 30, 2012

Learn more about this summer pest and some of the best ways to deter them from eating your plants.

Tips to Conserve water fix leaky faucets
Water Conservation Tips for the Home
July 26, 2012

Although we cannot change the weather, there are ways we can conserve water use in our households. I encourage families to post this list at home and challenge all family members to find new ways to conserve water.

drought chopped corn silage can be toxic to livestock
Take Precautions When Feeding Drought Damaged Corn as Silage
July 26, 2012

When a corn plant is stunted, or not growing normally, nitrates can build up in the plant. Typically, nitrogen that is taken up by the corn plant is converted to amino acids ― the building blocks of protein ― but in the stressed plant this conversion does not occur. And that’s why producers need to know how to handle and feed drought-damaged corn in silage form. 

empty raingauge
Eco Family Blog: Drought Resilient Yard
July 16, 2012

I am on tap to convert another patch of lawn into a  low/no maintenance garden no matter what the weather.  My goals continue to be to conserve water and soil, improve soil, increase food production and reduce maintenance.

drought stress trees
Yard and Garden: Summer Trees
July 12, 2012

Iowans are noticing changes in their trees this summer and asking Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture specialists about symptoms that may indicate stress or decline in the health of their trees. The specialists answer several of those questions.

Iowa plants lawn garden facing drought stress
Plants Face Drought Stress
July 12, 2012

This year's lack of rainfall, wind and high temperatures are contributing to drought stress in our landscapes.  But what is drought stress and what are the symptoms?

watering plants in drought or low rainfall conditions
Drought (or Low Rainfall) Gardening
June 21, 2012

We have not experienced such low rainfall for at least 10 years, so folks may want to start thinking about their priorities for watering our gardens and landscapes.

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