More Buzz About Pests

The combination of a continued warming trend (it's called "spring"), moderate rainfall (in some areas) and the gradually lengthening day is leading to more mosquito activity.  Although many people (except those in Durham) spent the weekend glued to the TV watching the basketball tournament, it was also a good time to engage in some "Tip and Toss".  As I mentioned a few weeks ago, our most common mosquito (the Asian tiger mosquito) takes advantage of water-filled objects and now is a good time to correct problems before you start hearing that familiar buzz of mosquitoes in your ear when you're sitting outdoors in the evening.

-  Empty or (preferably) get rid of those objects that collect water - old cans, tires, and trash cans missing their lids. 
- Put fresh water in bird baths and pet water bowls
- Remove debris from your gutters and make sure water runs freely through through them. And make sure rainwater doesn't just splash and pool at the at downspout.
- If you're going to collect rainwater to save for watering your gardens, make sure you have a screen over the top to keep out debris and mosquitoes that are hunting for a good playing to lay eggs.
- Clean out drainage ditches in front of your property so that they don't impound water and let it stagnate.

You can find these details and more information on our website: http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/mosquito.htm

Michael Waldvogel, PhD
Extension Assoc. Professor & Specialist, Structural & Industrial Pests
North Carolina State University
Dept. of Entomology, Box 7613, 100 Derieux Place
Raleigh, NC USA 27695-7613

The Produce Lady - March Newsletter

Spring is in the air! We say goodbye to winter and give a warm welcome to spring – and all of its wonderful seasonal produce – this month. Soon strawberries will paint N.C. fields red, peppers will peek out from farmers market stalls and luscious greens will canvas the ground. Can you tell we’re eager? Adding to the excitement, National Agriculture Day is March 13, 2012. Recognize and celebrate the contributions made by our farmers this month; we couldn’t eat without them.

View the entire E-Newsletter HERE!!

Radon Test Kits Available

There are now a very limited number of FREE radon test kits available.  In order to obtain a kit, you must come in person to the Cooperative Extension office (90 S. Main Street, 3rd floor) to pick one up.  Due to the limited amount available, only 1 kit per household is allowed.  For more information, either come by the office or you may call 336-372-5597.

4-H Plant Sale

Alleghany 4-H is currently taking orders for their 2012 Annual Plant Sale.  Visit the 4-H blog at http://alleghany4h.blogspot.com/2012/02/4-h-plant-sale.html or contact the Extension Office at 336-372-5597 for more information.

SEAFOOD AT ITS BEST - Low Country Boil

If you are looking for budget-wise ways to introduce more healthy seafood into your diet, you should join us for “Seafood at its Best:  Low-Country Boil”, a cooking class sponsored by the Alleghany County Extension & Community Association. 

The class includes taste testing as well as tips on food prep, recipes and nutritional information. Lunch will also be provided.  The class will be conducted on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Alleghany County Wellness Center.  A fee of $10.00 covers the class along with all food and materials. 

Pre-registration is required by January 25, 2012.  Contact the Alleghany Extension Office at 336-372-5597 for more information.

WREATHS FOR LUKE

Luke Hampton is a 17 year old Senior at Alleghany High School in Sparta, North Carolina. His parents are Randy and Benita Hampton. He broke his neck in a wrestling accident during a tournament on Saturday 12/3/11. He’s being transported to the Sheperd Spinal Trauma Facility in Atlanta, Georgia. In order to help the family with expenses some community members have joined together to sell Christmas wreaths.

Wreaths will be for sale for $10 and all proceeds will go to benefit Luke Hampton and family to cover expenses. You can also make donations at the State Employees Credit Union – account # 6100252 and is set up in Luke’s name. Wreaths will be available at the JV and Varsity Basketball games tonight and at the Wrestling tournament this Saturday 12/10 at AHS. Wreaths will also be for sale at 4 Brothers Country Junction, 21 Quick Stop, Glade Valley Country Store, CJ's Hardware and Alleghany Beauty Shop.

This community effort has been made possible by Mike & Julie Sprinkle, C. Grove Farms, Wishon Evergreens and more.

For more information contact Julie Sprinkle (336) 657-0563 , Brad Edwards (336) 200-1708 or Bill Nilo (336) 200-3411.

Crouse Park/Sparta Greenway Public Hearings

Please try to attend the Crouse Park/Sparta Greenway public hearings scheduled for October 25th at the Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation conference room, 1889 Hwy 21 South, Sparta, NC. This is an opportunity to hear from you about the proposed greenway and walk system that the Town of Sparta is working toward to provide fitness opportunity and improve the walkability of our town. There will be two morning meetings beginning at 10am and two afternoon meetings beginning at 5:30pm. The Comprehensive Greenway Master Plan will be presented at the first of both the morning and the evening meetings.

The Site Plan of Phase One will be presented at the second of both the morning and evening meetings. It is imperative for purposes of securing a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant that we have a large turnout with lots of input from the public. We anticipate this proposed greenway and walk system will ultimately enhance the livability of our town and improve the health of our citizens.