Washington County Extension Office

10/06/2026

Servsafe class in Progress! Participants learning about Food safety! Don’t you feel happy to know you are having food served to you and your family safely in your community.

10/05/2026

We are so excited it's National 4-H Week!

It's National 4-H Week! 💚We're celebrating by wearing green!🍀

10/01/2026

Come join our team and get moving Washington County!🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Registration is now open for our fall session of Magnolia Moves!

Magnolia Moves is an Extension walking and activity program designed to show that physical activity comes in many forms: brisk hiking through the woods, tending your garden, jogging through your neighborhood or dancing to your favorite music.

There is no cost to join this 6-week activity program, you set the pace, and you choose the activities to participate in throughout the six weeks.

Just download the MoveSpring app and it will seamlessly sync with a wide range of wearable devices, including your iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple Health, Android, Google Health Connect, Fitbit, and more. Use organization code MSUEXT at signup.

If you have questions, email [email protected]

Learn more here: https://extension.msstate.edu/magnolia-moves



Sponsored by TrueCare

09/11/2026

Join us for ServSafe Food Safety Manager Training October 6-7. Cost: $150 (Includes book & study material). See flyer below for more information. To register: https://extension.msstate.edu/food-and-health/food-safety/servsafe

09/05/2026

Delta Treasure. Feel free to go by and see all of the beautiful flowers at the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge Butterfly 🦋 Garden in Hollondale, MS. Become a Washington County Master Gardener and be a part of this beautiful project. Special thanks to Eddie Smith MSU- ES Southern Gardening Host.

09/04/2026

Washington County Extension Office will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. We we resume normal business hours Tuesday, September 8. Enjoy your holiday weekend and stay safe.

09/01/2026

Master Gardener registration is officially OPEN!!! If you have any questions about registration, contact your county's MSU Extension office! Find yours here: https://extension.msstate.edu/county-offices

Wait, what's a Master Gardener??? It's a great way to learn more about plants, make friends with similar interests and volunteer in the community!!

Take the leap and sign up: https://extension.msstate.edu/community/leadership/master-gardener

07/29/2026

Community seeking to make a difference! Join us.

07/17/2026

Kids in the Kitchen: Learning Through Cooking and Fun

Some of Washington County’s youth wrapped up an exciting week by spending two engaging days in the kitchen during Kids in the Kitchen. Throughout the program, participants developed valuable life skills while having fun, building confidence, practicing teamwork, and learning the importance of healthy eating.

To keep the youth engaged between cooking activities, they participated in games such as Tic-Tac-Toe and Co****le. These activities encouraged critical thinking, strategy, teamwork, and friendly competition as students thoughtfully planned their next moves while enjoying time together.

Day One focused on preparing a delicious and nutritious brunch. Before cooking began, students became familiar with a variety of kitchen equipment, learning the safe and proper use of blenders, ovens, box shredders, vegetable peelers, and other essential kitchen tools. They also discussed the importance of kitchen safety, proper sanitation, accurate measuring techniques, and safe food handling practices.

Students learned how to make French toast using both 100% whole wheat bread and traditional white bread, allowing them to compare healthier alternatives while enjoying familiar favorites. They practiced cracking eggs as they prepared scrambled eggs and learned about preventing cross-contamination, emphasizing the importance of washing their hands before and after handling raw eggs. Grilled sausage and orange juice completed the meal. Brunch was a tremendous success, with the homemade French toast quickly becoming the class favorite!

Day Two centered on nutrition and making balanced food choices. Students explored the MyPlate food groups while creating their own pita pockets—or, as many affectionately called them, “pita bowls.” As they assembled their meals, they identified the food groups represented, including grains, protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. They also created colorful fruit kabobs customized to their individual tastes, enjoyed healthy carrot raisin cake cookies, and prepared refreshing Shamrock Shakes made with lime sherbet, milk, and bananas.

By the end of the two-day experience, the youth had gained much more than cooking skills. They learned how to safely use kitchen equipment, follow recipes, measure ingredients accurately, practice proper sanitation, work cooperatively with others, think critically, and make healthier food choices they can continue using at home with their families.

As the week came to a close, we would be remiss if we did not recognize three outstanding Washington County 4-H members for their dedication and leadership. Their willingness to assist, encourage, and guide our younger participants helped the program run smoothly and created a welcoming learning environment for everyone.

As these remarkable young ladies prepare to begin the next chapter of their educational journeys, we celebrate their accomplishments and thank them for their service. While they will certainly be missed at the Washington County Extension Office, we are excited for all that lies ahead. We know that Jackson State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, and Mississippi University for Women (The W) are gaining some of Washington County’s brightest young leaders. We wish each of them continued success as they pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. Feel free to like and share.

07/15/2026

Youth Making Moves This Summer: Washington County Sewing Camp

Over the past two days, the youth of Washington County discovered that sewing is more than creating something with fabric—it’s a skill that builds patience, confidence, creativity, and problem-solving.

Camp participants were introduced to the basic parts of the sewing machine and learned how each component plays an important role in producing quality work. Before sewing with fabric, students practiced essential techniques on paper, including sewing straight lines, curved lines, and pivoting accurately at corners to develop precision and confidence.

As their skills grew, students cut and assembled fabric to create their own accent pillows. Along the way, they learned how to place fabric with the right sides together, sew with a consistent ¼-inch seam allowance, pivot neatly at each corner, leave an opening for stuffing, trim the corners for a professional finish, thread a hand-sewing needle, and complete their projects using a slip stitch.

What made the experience even more rewarding was watching the students’ creativity come to life. Many were so excited about their new skills that they began designing and creating additional projects of their own, demonstrating that learning had quickly turned into inspiration.

A special thank you goes to Iris McGee for generously providing the numbered sewing bags. Our office staff Kassie Peoples and Valendoria White were able to fill each kit with the basic sewing tools every student needs to begin their sewing journey, giving them resources they can continue to use long after camp has ended.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Sam for generously donating refreshing watermelons for the students to enjoy during sewing camp and for our upcoming KIK class. It was the perfect addition to lunch, providing a healthy, refreshing treat that the children thoroughly enjoyed down to the last rind. His kindness and generosity helped make the day even more special.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Ella McPherson, Washington County 4-H Volunteer, for her unwavering support throughout the camp. Whether equipment needed troubleshooting, sewing machine needles needed rethreading, or students simply needed an extra helping hand and words of encouragement, Ella was there every step of the way. Your willingness to serve behind the scenes ensured that each child could continue learning with confidence. Thank you for your dedication, patience, and commitment to making this sewing camp a success.

The future is bright for these young makers. This summer, Washington County youth are truly making moves—learning valuable life skills, expressing their creativity, and gaining the confidence to turn simple ideas into lasting accomplishments, one stitch at a time.

Feel free to like and share.