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The Agriculture and Natural Resources program provides non-formal education in the areas of  agriculture, gardening and natural resource utilization.  Specific programs include information on food production, farm business management,  marketing and processing agricultural products, natural resource management, and home lawn and garden information.  We address issues dealing with environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness and value-added enterprises.  Volunteer programs such as Extension Master Gardener and Virginia Master Naturalist are also administered through the ANR program.

What We Offer:

  • Pesticide Safety Training
  • Soil Testing & Fertilization Recommendations
  • Forage Testing
  • Insect, Disease, & Weed Identification & Control Measures
  • On-Farm Visits
  • Hay Testing

 

 

      

The family unit is the cornerstone of a healthy community. Virginia Cooperative Extension strives to improve the well-being of Virginia families through programs that help put research-based knowledge to work in people's lives. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educators help Virginians learn to make good choices for themselves and their families. This, in turn, strengthens their communities and the commonwealth.

Developing Life Skills

We help Virginians develop wellness life skills in our three pillar program areas:

  1. Food, Nutrition, Health
  2. Family Financial Management
  3. Family and Human Development

Knowledge for Life-long Learning

FCS programs reach tens of thousands of families across the commonwealth each year. We work with other state and local agencies for many of our programs, and through these partnerships we maximize the impact and quality of our resources.

Food, Nutrition, Health

Food, nutrition, and health are important for each and every person. What you eat and drink and how much can greatly impact your health. Everyone can afford to eat better and everyone needs to be active, especially with skyrocketing health care costs.

A few program topics include:

  • Label Literacy & Healthy Choices
  • Good Food on a Tight Budget
  • Healthy Eating While Eating Out
  • Basic Cooking Techniques
  • Food Safety

Children’s programs include: Kids in the Kitchen and Color Me Healthy.

Family Financial Management

Family financial management programs help to secure healthy financial futures for Virginia families. We work with people of all ages from children through the elderly to promote sound practices.

A few program topics include:

  • How to Make your Money Go Further
  • Learning How Children Influence Family Finances
  • Creating Healthy Homes: reducing clutter, mold, mildew and water safety

We also provide several simulations such as Life in the State of Poverty, Kid’s Market Place, and Reality Store.

Family and Human Development

Whether raising children, caring for aging adults, or focusing on personal health or relationships, families make choices every day. To make the most informed decisions that lead to healthier development, stronger relationships, and greater overall well-being, families need practical, accurate, and unbiased information.

A few program topics include:

  • Stages of Child Development
  • Effective Parenting Techniques
  • Caring for Older Adults
  • Training for child care providers/early childhood educators

Family and Community Education Scholarships

Virginia Association for Family and Consumer Education scholarship application forms are available from the Wise County Extension office.  For more information or application forms, call 328-6194.  

  • Ella G. Agnew - is to be used by High School Seniors seeking training for a nursing career OR in the field related to the medical profession.  The amount of this scholarship shall be $1000.00.
  • Maude E. Wallace - is a general scholarship awarded to a graduating High School Senior planning to further his/her education in any field.  The amount of this scholarship shall be $1000.00.
  • Mrs. Guy Roop - is awarded to a mature adult who is currently in college/university or who has been accepted for the first time to complete or improve education in any field.  The minimum scholarship shall be $1000.00.  The applicant should not be currently enrolled in high school.  Any applicant that is not selected may apply for consideration in another year.

Related Links

Additional Information

 

4-H Youth Development

 

4-H Teen Club:

The 4-H Teen Club is for teens ages 13-18.

Teen Club Meetings:

    Monthly meetings for the Teen Club will be held at the Wise County Extension Office at     3:00 pm on the following dates: 

  • January 8, 2023
  • February 12, 2023
  • April 16, 2023
  • May 7, 2023

For more information about Wise County 4-H and events visit the Wise County Extension 4-H Facebook page or contact:

Engaging with Communities

Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:   

Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.

Do you have a question about Community Viability?

Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system. 

See a list of our Community Viability Specialists