ISU Extension Buena Vista County

09/03/2026

Save the Date! 🍀💛💚

To donate directly to Buena Vista County 4-H Foundation go to:
https://www.iowa4hgivingday.org/organizations/buena-vista-county-extension

09/03/2026

It's that time of year! BQA/BQAT training will be held on September 21st in Orange City at the Sioux County Extension office from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a free event, but we ask that you call ahead and preregister. Please call the Sioux County Extension office at (712)737-4230 to register.

09/03/2026

Join our team!

We're hiring a County Youth Coordinator. Iowa 4-H and the County Youth Coordinator will focus on Positive Youth Development (PYD). Staff will work with youth, volunteers, and professionals to plan, implement, and evaluate a progressive series of educational programs and experiences that work toward multiple life skill outcomes (productive citizens, outstanding communicators, effective leaders, and successful learners). This position should empower youth to reach their full potential through Youth Adult Partnerships and research-based experiences.
Learn more and apply at the link in the comments below. Apply by September 20th.

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

While it may seem tempting, do not prune woody trees and shrubs in the fall.

Pruning encourages new growth, and when done in the fall, the new growth that develops will not be well hardened off for winter, leading to more potential for winter damage. The best time of year to prune is later winter and early spring (February through March in Iowa).

Instead, use the fall season to prepare trees for winter by protecting trunks from rabbits, deer, and other wildlife with tree wraps, guards, or fencing.

Protecting Trees and Shrubs from Animal Damage Over Winter: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-protect-trees-and-shrubs-animal-damage-over-winter

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach ISU Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources

08/31/2026

Our office will be closed September 7th in observance of Labor Day!

08/31/2026

Struggling with patchy grass in shady areas of your landscape? There’s a groundcover for that!

Visit the Yard and Garden website for a list of groundcovers, from shortest to tallest, that you might consider for these spaces: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/groundcovers-shade

08/31/2026

Nonprofit, government, and education professionals who want to learn about grant writing or improve their grant proposals can attend one or both of the grant writing programs we're offering this fall! We're partnering with Cherokee Area Economic Development to host Grant Writing 101 and Grant Proposal Boot Camp.

Grant Writing 101 is designed for those who are new to grant writing or need a refresher. It will provide a thorough overview of the entire grant writing process, from finding appropriate grant opportunities to submitting a successful grant application.

Grant Proposal Boot Camp is a six-hour workshop designed for participants with some prior grant writing experience or who have already attended Grant Writing 101. It is best suited to participants who bring a project idea and want support and feedback as they develop a grant proposal.

The workshops are free to participants, thanks to sponsorship by Cherokee Area Economic Development and the Cherokee County Extension Council. Each program includes a light meal, register by September 8 for Grant Writing 101 and October 16 for Grant Proposal Boot Camp. Find the links to register in the comments below.

08/31/2026