Natrona County Extension

An Ode to the Dandelion

Love them. Hate them. Or secretly appreciate them while pretending you don’t. 😂🌱

The humble dandelion is one of the most famous—and most recognizable—“w**ds” around. They may not always be welcome in our lawns, but there’s more to this little yellow flower than meets the eye.

Dandelions are tough, adaptable, and surprisingly interesting plants. Their bright yellow blooms and unmistakable seed heads have inspired childhood wishes, backyard battles, and plenty of debates over what belongs in a “perfect” lawn.

So the next time you spot a dandelion, take a second look. 🌼

Ad Ode to the Dandelion - MSU Extension | Montana State University dandelions, w**d, edible, pollinator

📱 Teenagers & Smartphones: Finding the Balance

Smartphones and social media are a big part of everyday life for teens—and let’s be honest, probably for most of us, too! 😄 They can be great tools for connection, entertainment, learning, and staying in touch with friends and family.

But with all those benefits come some questions about how constant connectivity may affect teens’ well-being, sleep, relationships, and mental health.

The goal doesn’t have to be “phones are bad” or “no phones allowed.” Instead, it’s about helping teens develop healthy habits and learning when technology adds value—and when it’s time to put the phone down. 📵

💡 A few things families can talk about:
• How much screen time feels healthy and manageable?
• Are phones interfering with sleep or family time?
• What role does social media play in how teens feel about themselves?
• When is it helpful to unplug and be present?

Technology is here to stay. Helping young people learn to use it intentionally and responsibly may be one of the most important skills we can teach.

Smartphone Use by Teenagers - MSU Extension | Montana State University smartphones, social media, healthy technology use,

☀️ August is here, and Ready, Set, Thrive! is rolling into month two.

Complete 4 August activities to earn this month’s reward. Keep going through all 3 months, submit your completion forms, and you can earn a Wyoming State Parks Annual Day Pass.

Register here: https://bit.ly/RegisterRST2026

August activities include simple ways to get outside, try disc golf or a nature walk, enjoy watermelon, peaches or trail mix, stargaze, walk the dog and give back. 🥏🥾🍉🌌🐕

Finished July? You’re one step closer. Just joining now? There’s still a place for you.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or 307-777-6011.

What August activity would your family try first?

🐝 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Wyoming Bee College! Join us October 23–24 at Casper College for practical beekeeping education focused on science-based information, practical skills and meaningful connections.

Learn from experienced beekeepers, researchers, Extension educators and conservation professionals, ask questions and connect with others who share an interest in bees and pollinators.

🔗 Register and learn more:
https://wyomingbeecollege.org/

📅 October 23–24, 2026
📍 Casper College | Casper, Wyoming

Registration options:

🍯 Beginner Beekeeping | Friday and/or Saturday
🐝 Intermediate Beekeeping | Friday and/or Saturday
🍴 Culinary Beekeepers | Friday
🌼 Pollinators | Saturday

Bringing a young beekeeper? Youth tickets are free with an adult ticket. There are no separate youth sessions. Youth participants attend the same tracks and sessions as adults.

Speaker and session details will be announced as they become available.

We’re buzzing to see you in Casper!

☀️ August is here, and Ready, Set, Thrive! is rolling into month two. Register through the link in our bio. Complete 4 August activities to earn this month’s reward. Keep going all 3 months, submit your completion forms, and you can earn a Wyoming State Parks Annual Day Pass. 🌲 This month’s activities include: 🥏 trying disc golf 🥾 taking a nature walk 🍉 enjoying watermelon, peaches or trail mix 🌌 stargazing 🐕 walking the dog 🥫 giving back Finished July? Keep that streak going. Just joining now? There’s still a place for you. Save this post as your August reminder, and share it with someone who could use a little late-summer motivation. Which August activity sounds like the easiest one to start with? #UWyo #UWyoExtension #RuralWellness #HealthyLiving

📱😴 Your phone may be your bedtime buddy, but it might also be the reason your brain is still hosting a 10 p.m. meeting when your body is begging for sleep!

Small changes to your tech habits like putting devices away a little earlier, turning off notifications, or creating a screen-free wind-down routine can make a big difference in your sleep hygiene.

Better sleep starts with small steps… and maybe telling your phone, “We’ll catch up tomorrow.” 😉🌜

How to Sleep Better with Tech Tweaks Your sleep habits can have a lasting effect on your overall health.

As parents, we spend so much time caring for our children that our own needs can easily slip to the bottom of the list (somewhere near the laundry pile we swear we’ll get to someday). But self-care isn’t selfish; it’s an important part of avoiding parental burnout and being the best version of ourselves for our families.

If taking time for yourself feels overwhelming or brings on a little parent guilt, know you’re not alone. Even small moments of self-care can make a big difference.

How We Can Thrive as a Parent by Ditching the Guilt & Embracing Self-Care Self-care helps parents prevent burnout and nurture stronger bonds.

Wildfires can change quickly, and evacuation orders may come with very little warning. A little preparation now can go a long way, making it easier to leave quickly, safely, and with confidence if you ever need to evacuate.

Ask an Expert – Be Ready: What to Do If You Need to Evacuate Prepare your household for wildfire season with practical evacuation planning tips, emergency supply recommendations, and family communication strategies. Learn how to build a grab-and-go kit and take simple steps to stay safe when evacuation orders are issued. Stephanie Carlson