Cooperative Extension is a part of a nationwide educational system which involves the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state land-grant university system and county government.  Extension programs often enhance the work of other government and nonprofit agencies which join together to improve the quality of life for county residents.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension provides a broad range of educational programs that are of benefit to farmers, rural and urban residents, community leaders, homemakers, parents, and youth.  Extension programs focus on traditional and changing needs in the areas of agriculture, home economics, community and rural development, and 4-H and youth.

In North Carolina, extension's educational programs are delivered locally by field faculty who are housed in offices in all 100 counties and the Cherokee Reservation. To contact your local office of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, select your county from our County Centers page.

4-H is a fun program where you get to "Learn by Doing." Everyone is invited to join! 4-H has special activities for you! 4-H offers something to match everyone's interests. Best of all, membership is FREE!

This is the best news of all! 4-H costs nothing to join, and you are not required to purchase a uniform. Member expenses are minimal and determined by the club itself. Club activities are usually covered by money-making projects conducted by the club.

The project you select will also determine cost. This can vary greatly. Each member is responsible for meeting the costs of their selected projects. For example, raising a market lamb for a 4-H project would be more costly than a recycling project.

There are many ways:

• Join a 4-H club that's in your area!
  
• Start a 4-H club - just 5 members and an adult is all you need!
• Join a special interest group--a group that gets together for a short time to study one thing, or to participate in one activity!
• Enroll as an individual and explore the project of your choice!
• In your school, look for 4-H school enrichment programs!

Your county 4-H agent is your key to getting started in 4-H. They can tell you what clubs already exist in your county, what projects are being worked on, how to start a new club, or how to participate on your own.

There are many things which could be causing problems with your plant.  The best way to find out is to contact the Durham County Master Gardeners (560-0528 or mastergardener@co.durham.nc.us).  They can discuss the problem with you, and explain what type of sample may be needed to diagnose the problem.  That could mean taking a soil sample, bringing in a sample of the plant, or capturing a pest for identification.

The benefits of a soil test depend on a good sample.  The sample should represent the area it is taken from.  Otherwise, the results may have little or no value.  Sampling methods vary from homeowners to various agricultural product producers.  For further information, plus sampling supplies, please come by the Cooperative Extension office at 721 Foster St., Durham.  Home gardeners may wish to call the Master Gardeners for additional information (560-0528 or mastergardener@co.durham.nc.us).

The mission of the North Carolina Extension and Community Association, Inc. is to strengthen families through  leadership development, volunteer work, educational support, and research-based education from NC State University and NC A&T State University.  ECA members have a wide variety of educational opportunities, which include family issues, environmental issues, global issues, special projects, and family community leadership, and certified volunteer units.  As an ECA member, you will meet with other individuals for facts, fellowship and fun and have an opportunity to go places and do things - conference tours, workshops, conventions and other state events for club members.