Virginia Cooperative Extension - Richmond County

08/25/2026

Today we mourn the loss of an American icon, a beloved philanthropist and a proud 4-H alumna, Dolly Parton. Her extraordinary life was defined not only by her incredible talent, but by her unwavering generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others.

For generations of young people, Dolly embodied what it means to use your gifts in service of others. From her roots in 4-H to her lifelong investment in literacy, education and community, she showed us that true leadership is grounded in humility, kindness, and purpose. As Dolly once said, "storms make trees take deeper roots." 💚

A proud 4-H alumna, she reminded us that challenges can strengthen us and help us grow. That wisdom will continue to inspire young people and communities for generations to come. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the millions whose lives she touched. Her legacy of hope, generosity, and service will live on. 🍀

08/13/2026

Did you know that private water supplies like your well are unregulated? Would you like to know what is in YOUR water?

Homeowners have the responsibility to regularly test their water quality, maintain their water system and address any problems. Extension can help you!

Affordable water testing and education will be offered at a Drinking Water Clinic through Virginia Cooperative Extension in Richmond County.

Registration and pre-payment is required. Once registered, kit pick up is on October 7 from 7 am to 10 am at the Extension Office at 460 Main Street, Warsaw. Water samples will be collected by homeowners on the morning of October 14 and will be dropped off promptly between the hours of 7am and 10am at the Extension Office. These samples will be whisked away to the lab and analyzed.

The cost is $70. **Financial assistance is available to anyone with a need. Please call us about financial assistance prior to registering – 804-333-3420.

To help you understand your results, Extension will host an Interpretation Meeting by Zoom on the evening of December 3. Results will be sent directly to each participant by email prior to that meeting. Summary results and recommendations to address problems will be presented at that meeting. All results are kept strictly confidential.

Click here to register: Registration Link https://register.ext.vt.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3898926&selectedProgramAreaId=44377&selectedProgramStreamId=

08/11/2026

Do you live in a home with a septic system?

Join Virginia Cooperative Extension in Westmoreland and Richmond Counties for a webinar on Septic Basics & Maintenance on Tuesday, September 15th at 6:30 pm via Zoom.

Register at https://bit.ly/WRSeptic26

Learn from Dr. Philip Brown, Extension Specialist in Soil Science and Septic System Education, how your septic system works and discover management practices to keep your system running efficiently and avoid costly problems. Additionally, the Northern Neck Planning District Commission will provide information on the Septic Pump-Out Project, a program that provides financial assistance for septic pump-out in qualifying low- and moderate-income households in the Northern Neck.

For more information, please contact the Extension Office in Westmoreland County (804-493-8924) or Richmond County (804-333-3420).

07/18/2026

**UPDATE - host family secured

I serve as the state coordinator for a 4-H inbound exchange coordinator. I need help.

Please help me find a host family for 2 weeks. I have a host family and the Dad was just called up for duty and has to leave on 8/2. So I need a host family for a 13 year old boy from 8/2-15.

This is urgent as the Japanese kids arrive on Tuesday.

I have reached out to all I know. Current host families, past host families, campers, teens and eblasts. I’ve texted those I know might be good.

Requirements - Must have a boy child within 4 years of 13 years old to serve as host sibling. Must be able to provide bed for delegate. Must provide adult supervision. Must pass all regular screenings.

Link to apply-

07/16/2026

Home Food Preservation
Register here tinyurl.com/yjwa3cde

07/16/2026

Check out 4-H Camp S.P.A.R.K. at Jamestown 4-H Educational Center coming up!
Ages 9-15
Price $250 (limited partial scholarships available)
Learn more or register here: tinyurl.com/4-HCampSPARK

07/15/2026

Proud to be invited and Proud to Represent Westmoreland and Richmond County 4-H.

07/14/2026

Be sure to visit with us during the Richmond County Fair starting tonight. We will be there every night with a Safety Zone with fun lessons and goodies to take away.

07/07/2026

The Virginia 4-H Health Sciences Mobile Lab is here! This mobile lab is designed to introduce young people (grades K-5) to health science careers through hands-on experiences.

We are scheduling group visits for youth serving organizations from July 7-9. Please use this link to sign your group up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SEU6i9d2u-hxTbL7OByR1gZijj8ptcNshEe10mrWTFU/viewform?edit_requested=true

We'll also be open to the public on 7/9 from 5-7pm for anyone who would like to visit.

For this week only, the lab is located in the Old W&L High School parking lot in Montross (16380 Kings Hwy, Montross, VA 22520).

07/06/2026

Spaces are available. Please register they are gone!

Its 4-H Water Wizards time! - July 28-30

The 4-H Water Wizards day-camp program will be offered by Westmoreland & Richmond County 4-H programs again this summer. It is a three-day environmental education program focused on a meaningful watershed experience where participants learn about watersheds, water quality, marshes, wetlands and the impact of humans on the environment. We will incorporate STEM activities along with art and communication skills all focused around the watershed experience. The program is open to boys and girls ages 9-13. The dates for this year are July 28-30. Registration fee for this program is $30. Scholarships are available, please ask.

Each full day of the program will take place at a different location on the Northern Neck. Activities for the 1st day will take place at Westmoreland State Park and the 2nd day will take place at George Washington Birthplace National Monument. The 3rd day will be on the Chesapeake Bay on a charter boat leaving from Reedville. Parents are responsible for transportation to all sites.

More detailed information will be provided to those who register.
Space is limited get the registration here: https://westmoreland.ext.vt.edu/news/2026-water-wizards.html