ISU Extension Muscatine County

10/09/2026

The Iowa State University Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, the Boone River Watershed Management Authority and conservation partners will host an edge-of-field conservation practices and cover crop tour on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the research farm, 310 South Main Street, Kanawha.

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Northern Research and Demonstration Farm, the Boone River Watershed Management Authority and conservation partners will host an edge-of-field conservation practices and cover crop tour on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the research farm, 310 So...

10/09/2026

😊 Friendly Friday! 😊
One of the best parts of 4-H is making new friends and trying new things.
Today's challenge is simple: invite a friend to attend your next 4-H club meeting or activity!
💬 Tag a friend in the comments who would make a great 4-H member.
❓If you could tell someone one reason they should join 4-H, what would it be?
Let's help more youth discover all the opportunities that 4-H has to offer!

10/09/2026

Gardeners don’t need to rake every leaf this fall. A more selective approach is often better for plants, wildlife, soil health and next spring’s growth, according to Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

AMES, Iowa – Gardeners don’t need to rake every leaf this fall. A more selective approach is often better for plants, wildlife, soil health and next spring’s growth, according to Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach."One of t...

10/08/2026

Apple Smiles
Serving Size: 3 apple smiles | Serves: 2
Ingredients:
• 1 medium apple
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons raisins
Directions:
1. Cut apple into quarters. Remove core. Cut quarters into 3 slices each.
2. Spread peanut butter on one side of each apple slice.
3. Place 3 or 4 raisins on top of peanut butter on one apple slice.
4. Top with another apple slice, peanut butter side down. Squeeze gently.
Tip: Use mini marshmallows in place of the raisins.
Nutrition information per serving:
180 calories, 8g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 24g total carbohydrate, 3g fber, 16g sugar, 4g protein

This recipe is courtesy of ISU Extension and Outreach’s Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website. For more information, recipes, and videos, visit Spend Smart. Eat Smart., spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu.

10/08/2026

Don't Be Tricked by Your Treats
Halloween is almost here, and candy is everywhere. While candy can be fun, it’s easy to eat too much without noticing. Just three mini candy bars can have about 150 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 14 grams of added sugar. To avoid too much snacking, try buying candy right before Halloween. It also helps to eat a healthy, filling dinner before trick-or-treating so you don’t overdo the sweets later.
If you want treats that last longer and have fewer calories, try these:
• Charms Blow Pop: One has 60 calories and takes longer to eat.
• Smarties: One roll has 25 calories and several pieces to enjoy.
• Trolli Sour Bite Crawlers: Seven worms have 90 calories, and their chewy texture slows you down.
Halloween fun doesn’t have to be all about candy. Try making healthy snacks festive:
• Wrap bananas, juice boxes, or water bottles like mummies.
• Draw jack-o’-lantern or ghost faces on oranges, fruit cups, or string cheese.
Treats are okay, but they don’t have to take over. Make smart choices and enjoy the fun!

10/08/2026

💚 Thankful Thursday is here! 🍀
Today, we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers, educators, mentors, and leaders who make Iowa 4-H stronger every day. Their encouragement, guidance, and support help young people build confidence, discover new passions, and become

10/07/2026

Walk, Bike & Roll Day is coming to Muscatine on October 14!

We’re looking for community volunteers to help students start their school day safely and actively. Volunteers will support meeting locations across Muscatine from 7:30–8:00 a.m.

See the graphic for locations and sign-up details. The more support, the merrier!

10/07/2026

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Commercial Horticulture program will hold the 2026 High Tunnel Short Course at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid, Iowa, on Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm. Commercial growers, as well as those interested in high tunnel production for fruit and vegetable crops, are invited to learn about high tunnel production, connect with fellow growers and explore the arboretum.

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Commercial Horticulture program will hold the 2026 High Tunnel Short Course at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid, Iowa, on Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm.

10/07/2026

During National 4-H Week, Oct. 4-10, Iowa 4-H is celebrating the young people, volunteers, families and communities that make 4-H one of the state's leading youth development programs.

AMES, Iowa - During National 4-H Week, Oct. 4-10, Iowa 4-H is celebrating the young people, volunteers, families and communities that make 4-H one of the state's leading youth development programs.National 4-H Week highlights how 4-H prepares young people for the future through leadership opportunit...

10/07/2026

As summer flowers fade and many garden plants wind down for the season, asters and chrysanthemums step into the spotlight. Their colorful blooms bring vibrant shades of purple, pink, blue, white, yellow, orange and red to the autumn landscape.
Click to read more.

AMES, Iowa – As summer flowers fade and many garden plants wind down for the season, asters and chrysanthemums step into the spotlight. Their colorful blooms bring vibrant shades of purple, pink, blue, white, yellow, orange and red to the autumn landscape.