Black Hawk County Extension & Outreach

10/16/2026

Upcoming Fall 2026 Commercial Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Courses.

Give us a call at: 319-234-6811 for sign up information and registration fees.

10/16/2026

❄️ Freeze watch tonight! ❄

It's that time of the year to cover or bring your sensitive plants inside. 🌿

🥶 FREEZE WATCH ISSUED FOR MUCH OF IOWA!
The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Watch for a large portion of Iowa from late Friday night through Saturday morning as some of the coldest temperatures of the season are expected to move into the region.
Temperatures could fall into the upper 20s to around 30 degrees across much of the state, with some locations in northeast Iowa potentially dropping as low as 27 degrees.
These temperatures could bring a widespread freeze, potentially damaging or killing sensitive vegetation and any remaining crops that have not been harvested. If you still have outdoor plants or flowers you want to keep around, now is the time to make plans to bring them indoors or provide protection. Unprotected outdoor plumbing could also be at risk.
A Freeze Watch means conditions are favorable for temperatures to fall below freezing, but the exact extent and severity of the freeze are still uncertain. The watch may be upgraded to a Freeze Warning as confidence increases.
We'll continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as we get closer to Friday night!

10/16/2026

Ended 4-H Week on a high note! 🍀🍀

10/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Dick Young Greenhouse Fall Plant Sale! We loved seeing all those who stopped by! 🌼

If you missed it, don't worry. Stay tuned for information on the Spring Plant Sale! 🥀🌱🌷

10/13/2026

Employee Highlight - Meet Shari! 💖💛
With 14 years of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach experience, including the past two years serving Black Hawk County, Shari connects youth with hands-on learning opportunities in agriculture and 4-H. As our Youth Experiential Learning Coordinator, she has reached over 2,000 youth in Black Hawk County through classroom programs, events, and experiential learning opportunities.

A few fun facts you should know about Shari:

When Shari is not working, you'll find her at pig shows or cheering on her kids at sporting events! 🐷

💛Favorite drink order: Iced chai tea
💖Favorite Iowa food: Pork chops
💛Favorite part of Iowa community: "Iowa communities are built on hard working, honest and kind individuals. I love being able to spread agricultural knowledge to those who don't have the opportunity to learn about it firsthand and how much they love learning!"

Please join us in celebrating Shari! Drop a note in the comments to share your appreciation for all Shari does for our youth and community. 👇🏽

10/13/2026

📋 Virtual Club Officer Trainings 📋
Join us on October 22, November 4, or November 17 at 7:00pm.
The training will feature: Leadership Discussion, Parliamentary Procedure, Officer Breakouts, and a Mock Meeting.
Registration is open in 4-H Online and will close 1 day prior to training ➡️ https://v2.4honline.com/

📋 Virtual Club Officer Trainings 📋

Join us on October 22, November 4, or November 17 at 7:00pm.

The training will feature: Leadership Discussion, Parliamentary Procedure, Officer Breakouts, and a Mock Meeting.

Registration is open in 4-H Online and will close 1 day prior to training ➡️ https://v2.4honline.com/

10/12/2026

🌽 This harvest season, let's look out for our farmers! Long hours and added stress can take a toll, so let's prioritize safety, mental health and well-being. 🚜

DES MOINES — As the busy harvest season ramps up across the state, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is urging Iowans to keep safety...

10/12/2026

🍂 Need and excuse to leave your leaves on the ground? Do it for the butterflies! 🦋