Alamance County Cooperative Extension

08/27/2026

Think Green Thursdays | Houseplants

When: September 3, 6 – 6:45 p.m.
Where: Graham Public Library, 211 S. Main St., Graham 27253
Fee: Free, but registration is required.

Caring for houseplants can be a rewarding hobby but it can also be a challenging one without the right knowledge. Join us to learn how to properly care for indoor plants, and bring the garden indoors!

This workshop will be presented by Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers.

For more details and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/think-green-thursday-house-plants-registration-1976776311160

Please contact Rhiannon Goodwin with any questions or accommodation requests at [email protected] or 336-570-6740.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.

08/26/2026

Let’s be real: the transition from "lazy summer snacks" to "structured school lunches" can feel like a professional sport. 🏃‍♂️💨 Between the morning rush and after-school practice, meal planning isn't just a luxury, it’s a sanity saver!

Here are 3 quick tips to keep your kitchen organized and stretch your food budget to its max this semester:

1. Pivot to Plant Proteins: Beans, lentils, and eggs are nutritional powerhouses that cost a fraction of meat. 🍳 Swap one beef meal for a bean chili or lentil pasta to see instant savings.
2. Buy Generic & Bulk: Store brands are often the exact same quality as name brands. Grab large bags of oats or rice instead of pre-packaged cups—you’re paying for the convenience, not the food! 🍚
3. Shop discount grocery stores: These stores focus on low prices and bare bones store layouts. You may need to bring your own bags.
4. Shop Your Pantry First: "Inventory night" is a lifesaver. Use that lone jar of sauce or box of crackers before buying more. 🕵️‍♀️
5. Don’t forget to use your SNAP benefits!

If you need any assistance with the SNAP program, contact the More In My Basket team at 1-855-240-1451 today!

08/26/2026

NCDA&CS confirms first finding of yellow-legged hornet in the state, asks beekeepers to watch for predator hornet

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed the first established presence of the invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) in the state, in Matthews.

NCDA&CS has been monitoring for yellow-legged hornet since it was first detected in the United States in Savannah, Georgia, in November 2023. This aggressive pest of honey bees and other pollinators had been previously localized near Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, until a population was identified last December in York County, South Carolina, just south of the Charlotte metropolitan area,” said Dr. Bill Foote, director of the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division. “This detection prompted us to ramp up surveillance this year in southern Union and Mecklenburg counties. North Carolina has thousands of beekeepers statewide, and our apiary team has been working diligently to alert them to the threat yellow-legged hornet poses to their hives.”

Learn more about this new invasive pest and how you can help on Cooperative Extension's Growing Small Farms website:

From a July 27, 2026 press release issued by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS):Contact:Dr. William (Bill) Foote(919) 707-3730NCDA&CS confirms…

08/24/2026

"Intro to Gardening in the South" will be offered in-person an online this Saturday morning. It's for folks new and experienced. If you can't make it for either option, keep an eye on the JCRA's YouTube channel where the recording will be posted in the coming week.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWHz0c-PyBCb5YmQesmeYDA

08/24/2026

Impact Alamance's has great resources for our local families!

Read more about how you can support your child's brain development by integrating these 5 basic principles of interaction into your every day.

08/18/2026

Rhiannon on the Radio

Rhiannon Goodwin will be the guest on WBAG this morning at 10:30. She'll be available to answer your horticulture questions and to let you know what the Alamance County staff of NC Cooperative Extension are doing for our community this week.

Listen in @ 1150 AM or 105.9 FM, and call with your questions, 336-222-9224.

See you on the radio!

https://www.wbagamfm.com/

08/14/2026

Think Green Thursdays | Summer Fruit Tour @ Buster Sykes Farm

When: Thursday, August 20, 9-10 a.m.
Where: Buster Sykes Demonstration Farm and Forest, 2430 Turner Road, Mebane
Fee: Free, but registration required

Orchard manager Zeke Overbaugh will fill you in on what it takes to keep your favorite summer fruits growing well. You'll learn which varieties do best in our soils and our local climate. There may even be a taste of what's ripe! And feel free to bring your fruit growing questions!

For more details and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/think-green-thursday-summer-fruit-tour-registration-1976760151827

Please contact Rhiannon Goodwin with any questions or accommodation requests: [email protected] or 336-570-6740.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.

08/13/2026

🤸🏻‍♂️🌱Spark curiosity and discovery through movement and play!

Regular movement and play help young children build strength, coordination, and motor skills. Just as importantly, these activities give kids opportunities to explore, learn about the world around them, and build confidence. Whether it's a living room dance party, a trip to the local playground, or time spent playing in the backyard, you're supporting your child's healthy development.

Try having a dance party!
🕺Play a fast song and get all the wiggles out.
🕺Then, play a slow song and create an interpretive dance.
🕺Talk with your child about the different speeds and how their movements change from one song to the next.
🕺Join in and have fun dancing together!

Movement and play are also great ways to regulate energy, relieve stress, and boost both your mood and your child's.

Get more tips like this with The Basics Insights:
🔗 https://partners.mybliss.ai/basics-insights/IA22229?langName=en

08/07/2026

Think Green Thursdays: Lawns

When: August 13, 6 to 7 p.m.
Where: May Memorial Library, 342 S. Spring St., Burlington 27215
Fee: Free, but registration is required

Turfgrass can sometimes be controversial with its reputation for having high inputs and low ecosystem value. However, that doesn't have to be the case. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to maintaining healthy, sustainable turf lawns. Join us to find out what it takes to create and maintain a healthy turf lawn.

Taught by NC Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers of Alamance County.

For more details and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/think-green-thursday-lawns-tickets-1976776872840

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by five business days before the event to Rhiannon Goodwin at 336-570-6740.

Find out what it takes to create and maintain a healthy turf lawn.