Winter Tree Identification Workshop

The WVU Extension Service will hold a winter tree identification course Thursday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlinton Municipal Building.ﾠ This course offers an opportunity to learn to identify your favorite trees when they are without leaves. The class is free. RSVP by calling the WVU Extension Service Office at 304-799-4852.

Attention Livestock Producer

On Friday January 21, the Pendleton County Predator Control Board, the WVU Extension Service, USDA Wildlife Services and several concerned citizens held a meeting to gain support for the USDA APHIS Predator Control program.ﾠ The budget for the upcoming fiscal year is in question for the program and members of the predator control board are urging all livestock producers to contact their political representatives and ask them to support the federal portion of the budget for the predator control program.ﾠ District Three congressional representative Nick Rahall's office, 304-252-5000. Senator Joe Manchin's Office, 304-342-5855.

WV Agricultural Enhancement Program-Funding available

The Greenbrier Valley Conservation District is currently taking applications for the 2011 AEP Program.ﾠ The West Virginia Agriculture Enhancement Program ("WV AEP") is a pilot program administered by the West Virginia Conservation Agency through local Conservation Districts to increase farm productivity by conserving soil and making wise use of agricultural resources and improving water quality in the state's streams and rivers. The program offers technical and cost-share assistance as an incentive to implement selected best management practices (BMPs). The basis of the program is to increase farm profitability and sustainability and to encourage the voluntary installation of agricultural best management practices.
Applications are available at your local WVU Extension Office, online or by email from Tara Helmick GVCD Grassland Technician @ tmatheny@wvca.us.ﾠ Applications must be received by the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District Office in Lewisburg,by 4 p.m. Wednesday, February 16. Applications sent by mail, email or fax will also be accepted.ﾠ For more information call the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District at 304-645-6172 or your WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

Small Farms Conference

The Small Farm Conference is set for February 17-19 at Lakeview Conference Center near Morgantown. Thursday, February 17 - spend an entire day in a specific workshop. These day-long workshops will include Energy, Agri-Tourism, Labeling (sequel to Better Process Control School), Cheesemaking, Food Security, Good Agricultural Practices and High Tunnels.
The Winter Blues Farmers Market will be held that evening and will offer a multitude of vendors selling their stored, value-added and crafted products.
Friday and Saturday will offer shorter sessions on a variety of topics from beekeeping to backyard flocks to farm tax information and non-timber forest crops. Friday night will be the Local Foods Celebration banquet. All meals and breaks for the conference will feature foods from local farmers. If you have a product you would like to sell, or more questions about the conference, call Carrie See at 304-293-2715.ﾠ You may register for the conference at smallfarmcenter.ext.wvu.edu/conference/schedule.

State Teen Leader Weekend

All 4-Hers from ages 13 to19 were sent a postcard this week about this year's The State Teen Leader / Charting Weekend, for 4-Hers ages 13 to 19, will be held at Jackson's Mill March 18-20.ﾠ
Call the Extension Office, 304-799-4852, by February 1 if you plan to attend and if you want to be in the same cabin with other 4-Hers from Pocahontas County.

Dramas, Fairs and Festivals Applications

The Dramas, Fairs & Festivals Committee will meet on Monday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the Extension Office.
Grant applications are due in the Extension Office by February 1.ﾠ If you have any questions or need an application form, call the office at 304-799-4852.

Poster and Photo Contests

All entries in the county poster and photo contests are due in the Extension Office by January 31.ﾠ Contact your local 4-H club leader or the Extension Office or for more information.

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2011 Energy Express employment /service opportunities:

Energy Express is a nationally acclaimed AmeriCorps summer reading and nutrition program that makes reading meaningful and fun for approximately 3,000 West Virginia's children.

Employment/service opportunities are available at the Marlinton Elementary site from June 9 through July 29, 2011 for a site supervisor, mentors, and community coordinator.

The Site Supervisor for the Marlinton site must have certification from the State of West Virginia in Elementary Education and will earn $4,750 for the eight week program. ﾠApplication deadline for this position is February 11, 2011.

Mentors work with small groups of elementary school students to create an enriching environment focused on reading, writing and art. ﾠThey must be full-time college students or college-bound graduating high school seniors who are 18 years of age or older by June 9, 2011. ﾠMentors receive a $1,850 summer living allowance, and a $1,132 AmeriCorps Education Award which is valid for seven years to help pay tuition or college loans. Applications are due March 1, 2011.

Community Coordinators recruit, train and supervise parent and community volunteers to read with the children and help to support daily site activities. ﾠThey must be 18 years of age by June 9, 2011 and hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent. ﾠThey also receive a $1,850 summer living allowance, and a $1,132 AmeriCorps Education Award which is valid for seven years for tuition or college loans. ﾠIf a community coordinator is age 55 or older, this education award can be transferred to a child, foster child or grandchild. ﾠApplications for this position are also due March 1, 2011.

Mentors and community coordinators can now serve up to four terms with Energy Express if they have not served in any other AmeriCorps, NCCC or VISTA programs.

To learn more about how to become involved or to request an application, call the WVU Pocahontas County Extension Office at 304-799-4852 or visit the Energy Express website at energyexpress.ext.wvu.edu/

Dramas, Fairs and Festivals meeting

The Dramas, Fairs and Festivals Committee will meet Monday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the Extension Office. ﾠGrant applications are due in the Extension Office by February 1, 2011. ﾠIf you have any questions or need an application form, please call the office at 304-799-4852.

Poster and Photo Contests

All entries in the county poster and photo contests are due in the Extension Office by January 31. ﾠContact your local 4-H club leader or the Extension Office or for more information.

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First annual educational dinner meeting

The WVU Extension Service will hold its first annual educational dinner meeting Tuesday, January 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlinton Municipal Building.ﾠ The first meeting will feature Dr. Wayne Wagner, a WVU Extension Service Beef Cattle Specialist, a position he has held for nearly 30 years.ﾠ He has focused on genetics, carcass quality and developed the successful West Virginia Bull Evaluation Program at Wardensville.ﾠ Dr. Wagner has traveled the country extensively, visiting many farms and ranches on the West Virginia Cattlemen's tours, which he organized.ﾠ Dr. Wagner will speak on the value of crossbreeding and how to improve commercial cowherds of any size through the careful selection of genetics.ﾠ It should be a useful and valuable program for all cattle producers.
Attendance at this meeting will also be worth three (3) pesticide applicator recertification credits for categories Private Applicators and Category 11.
RSVP to the Pocahontas County Extension Office by Friday, January 14, at 304-799-4852.ﾠﾠ
There will be a $3 charge to help cover the cost of the dinner.

Winter Tree Identification Workshop

The WVU Extension Service will hold a Tree Identification Course Thursday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlinton Municipal Building.ﾠ This course will offer a great opportunity to learn how to identify trees without using the leaves.ﾠ The class is free. RSVP by calling the WVU Extension Service Office at 304-799-4852.ﾠ
WV Agricultural Enhancement Program
The Greenbrier Valley Conservation District is currently taking applications for the 2011 AEP Program.ﾠ The West Virginia Agriculture Enhancement Program (WV AEP) is a pilot program administered by the West Virginia Conservation Agency through local Conservation Districts to increase farm productivity by conserving soil and making wise use of agricultural resources and to improve water quality in the state's streams and rivers. The program offers technical and cost-share assistance as an incentive to implement selected best management practices (BMP). The basis of the program is to increase farm profitability and sustainability and encourage the voluntary installation of agricultural best management practices.
Applications are available online or by email from Tara Helmick GVCD Grassland Technician, @ tmatheny@wvca.us.ﾠ Applications must be received by the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District Office in Lewisburg, by 4 p.m. February 16. Applications sent by mail, email or fax will also be accepted.ﾠ For more information call the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District at 304-645-6172 or the WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

Small Farms Conference

The Small Farm Conference is set for February 17-19, at Lakeview Conference Center near Morgantown. Workshops will be held Thursday, February 17. These day-long workshops will include Energy, Agri-Tourism, Labeling (sequel to Better Process Control School), Cheese-making, Food Security, Good Agricultural Practices and High Tunnels.
The Winter Blues Farmers Market will be held that evening, and will offer a multitude of vendors selling their stored, value-added and crafted products.
Shorter sessions will be offered Friday, February 18, and Saturday, February 19, and will cover a variety of topics such as beekeeping, backyard flocks, farm tax information and non-timber forest crops.
Friday night will be the Local Foods Celebration banquet. All meals and breaks for the conference will feature foods from local farmers. If you have a product you would like to sell, or if you have questions about the conference, please call Carrie See at 304-293-2715.ﾠ If you would like to register for the conference please visit smallfarmcenter.ext.wvu.edu/conference/schedule.

Backyard Flock Poultry Producers Co-op Initiative being explored

The WVU Extension and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture are exploring the possibility of launching a statewide producer cooperative for farmers who are raising or interested in raising backyard poultry flocks for processing and distribution. The cooperative would work with producers to identify market opportunities and provide an approved mobile processing unit that would travel around the state at regular intervals to give producers an outlet for processing birds.ﾠ An informational meeting about the cooperative is being planned for the Small Farms Conference on Saturday, February19.
We would like to compile a list of farmers currently involved in backyard poultry production and identify farmers that would like to take advantage of this opportunity by participating in the cooperative.ﾠ If you are interested in this venture,call the WVU Extension Office and leave your name and contact information by calling 304-799-4852.

Dramas, Fairs and Festivals applications

The Dramas, Fairs and Festivals Committee will meet on Monday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the Extension Office.
Grant applications are due in the Extension Office by February 1.ﾠ If you have any questions or need an application form, call 304-799-4852.

State Dance Camp

All 4-Hers, sixth grade and up, were sent a postcard about this year's State Dance Camp at Jackson's Mill.ﾠ If you plan to attend, call the Extension Office 304-799-4852 by January 14.

Poster and Photo Contests

All entries in the county poster and photo contests are due in the Extension Office by January 31.ﾠ Contact your local 4-H club leader or the Extension Office for more information.

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First annual educational dinner meeting

The WVU Extension Service will hold its first annual educational dinner meeting Tuesday, January 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlinton Municipal Building.ﾠ The first meeting will feature Dr. Wayne Wagner, a WVU Extension Service Beef Cattle Specialist, a position he has held for nearly 30 years.ﾠ
Dr. Wagner has focused on genetics and carcass quality, and developed the successful West Virginia Bull Evaluation Program at Wardensville.ﾠ He has traveled the country extensively, visiting many farms and ranches as part of the West Virginia Cattlemen's tours, which he organized.ﾠ Dr. Wagner will speak on the value of crossbreeding and how to improve commercial cowherds of any size through the careful selection of genetics.ﾠ It should be a useful and valuable program for all cattle producers.
Attendance at this meeting will count as three (3) pesticide applicator recertification credits for private applicators and category 11.
To attend the meeting you must RSVP to the Pocahontas County Extension Office by calling 304-799-4852 by Friday, January 14. ﾠﾠDepending on sponsor contributions, there may be a small fee for dinner.

Aquaculture Forum set for January 15

Toying with the idea of building or expanding a fish pond? Stop dreaming and get down to business at the 2011 Aquaculture Forum on Saturday, January 15, at the Quality Inn in Lewisburg.
Add another day to your business calendar. Friday, Jan. 14. That's when You can be part of the forum's pre-conference field trip and workshops.
The annual session presents information about growing fish to eat, to watch or to sell, according to Ken Semmens, aquaculture specialist with the West Virginia University Extension Service.
Aquaculture enthusiasts and pond owners from West Virginia and adjacent states gather every year in January to learn about the latest in aquaculture research and products.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday, the pre-conference field trip will take participants to two sites in Greenbrier County: White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery and Wilson Mill Farms.
The federal facility at White Sulphur Springs provides specific-pathogen-free trout eggs for state and federal programs in the eastern United States and is well-known for its freshwater mussel conservation program.
Wilson Mill Farms is the largest processor of farm-raised trout in West Virginia. Formerly known as Trout Lodge and Angler's Resort, the Wilson Mill facilities include a hatchery, fishing ponds, restaurant and cabins.ﾠ
The field trip participants will return to the Quality Inn by 3 p.m.to join other "fish folk" in one of two concurrent workshops: Recreational Pond Management and Creating a Trout Trail.
The workshops will end by 5 p.m. Friday, and the forum kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday.
The forum will include presentations on aquaculture programs in Virginia, services offered to aquaculture producers by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and information about the animal damage control program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Another highlight of the forum will be the opportunity for representatives of the newly created Aquaculture Advisory Board to learn about policy issues facing aquaculture producers.
Participants who register for the Friday field trip and/or Saturday's forum will receive a meal at each event. Registration is $10 for each event. Registration closes Friday, January 7.
No registration is required for Friday's workshops. Walk-ins are welcome at Saturday's meeting; but a meal may not be available.
Online registration and more information are available at http://aquaculture.ext.wvu.edu/events/ .
The Aquaculture Forum is sponsored by the West Virginia University Extension Service, West Virginia Aquaculture Association, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and the Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center.
For more information about the forum, contact Semmens at 304-293-2657; or Ken.Semmens@mail.wvu.edu) or Becky Casteel at 304-293-6131; Becky.Casteel@mail.wvu.edu).

Backyard Flock Poultry Producers Co-op Initiative being explored

The WVU Extension and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture are exploring the possibility of launching a statewide producer cooperative for farmers who are raising or interested in raising backyard poultry flocks for processing and distribution. The cooperative would work with producers to identify market opportunities and provide an approved mobile processing unit that would travel around the state at regular intervals to give producers an outlet for processing birds.ﾠ An informational meeting about the cooperative is being planned for the Small Farms Conference on Saturday, February 19.
We would like to compile a list of farmers currently involved in backyard poultry production and identify farmers that would take advantage of this opportunity by participating in the cooperative.ﾠ If you are interested in this venture, call the WVU Extension Office and leave your name and contact information by calling 304-799-4852.

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Aquaculture Forum set for Januray 15
Toying with the idea of building or expanding a fish pond? Stop dreaming and get down to business at the 2011 Aquaculture Forum on Saturday, January 15, at the Quality Inn in Lewisburg.
Add another day to your business calendar. Friday, Jan. 14. That's when You can be part of the forum's pre-conference field trip and workshops on Friday, January 14.
The annual session presents information about growing fish to eat, to watch or to sell, according to Ken Semmens, aquaculture specialist with the West Virginia University Extension Service.
Aquaculture enthusiasts and pond owners from West Virginia and adjacent states gather every year in January to learn about the latest in aquaculture research and products.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday, the pre-conference field trip will take participants to two sites in Greenbrier County: White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery and Wilson Mill Farms.
The federal facility at White Sulphur Springs provides specific-pathogen-free trout eggs for state and federal programs in the eastern United States and is well-known for its freshwater mussel conservation program.
Wilson Mill Farms is the largest processor of farm-raised trout in West Virginia. Formerly known as Trout Lodge and Angler's Resort, the Wilson Mill facilities include a hatchery, fishing ponds, restaurant and cabins.ﾠ
The field trip participants will return to the Quality Inn by 3 p.m.to join other "fish folk" in one of two concurrent workshops: Recreational Pond Management and Creating a Trout Trail, Semmens said.
The workshops will end by 5 p.m. Friday, and the forum kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday.
The forum will include presentations on aquaculture programs in Virginia, services offered to aquaculture producers by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and information about the animal damage control program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Another highlight of the forum will be the opportunity for representatives of the newly created Aquaculture Advisory Board to learn about policy issues facing aquaculture producers.
Participants who register for the Friday field trip and/or Saturday's forum will receive a meal at each event. Registration is $10 for each event. Registration closes Friday, January 7.
No registration is required for Friday's workshops. Walk-ins are welcome at Saturday's meeting; but a meal may not be available.
Online registration and more information are available at http://aquaculture.ext.wvu.edu/events/ .
The Aquaculture Forum is sponsored by the West Virginia University Extension Service, West Virginia Aquaculture Association, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and the Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center.
For more information about the forum, contact Semmens at 304-293-2657; or Ken.Semmens@mail.wvu.edu) or Becky Casteel at 304-293-6131; Becky.Casteel@mail.wvu.edu).ﾠ

2011 WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day
All WV 4-Hers, their families and friends are invited to attend this year's WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day at WVU on Saturday, January 22.ﾠ The cost is $10 per person ($8 for youth in 8th grade or younger) and this includes home tickets to the WVU - University South Florida Women's Game, a 4-H t-shirt, and insurance.ﾠ If you are interested in attending, contact the Pocahontas County Extension Office at 799-4852 immediately to receive your registration materials, which are due back to the Extension Office by noon on Friday, December 17.ﾠ In the event of snow and you are unable to attend, there will be no snow date and no refunds will be made, but you will be sent your t-shirt.

Attention Private Applicators:
The WVU Extension Service will show a Pesticide Applicator's Recertification video at the McClintic Public Library on Thursday, December 16, at 6 p.m.ﾠ Attending the entire presentation will count as five (5) credits toward renewing your private applicator's license.ﾠ Everyone is welcome.ﾠ For more information call the WVU Extension office at 304-799-4852.
Pocahontas Producers Livestock Sale
The Pocahontas Producers will hold its last livestock sale of 2010 at the stockyards in Marlinton Saturday, December 11,, at 2 p.m. For more information call the WVU Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

2011 WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day
All WV 4-Hers, their families and friends are invited to attend this year's WV 4-H Women's Basketball Day at WVU on Saturday, January 22.ﾠ The cost is $10 per person ($8 for youth in eighth grade or younger). This includes home tickets to the WVU - University South Florida Women's Game, a 4-H t-shirt and insurance.ﾠ If you are interested in attending, contact the Pocahontas County Extension Office at 7304-799-4852 immediately for registration materials. Registrations must be returned to the Extension Office by noon Friday, December 17.ﾠ In the event of snow or if you are unable to attend, there will be no snow date and no refunds will be made, but registrants will receive a t-shirt.

American Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control.ﾠ Over the past decade, the number of Americans who have been diagnosed with diabetes has increased by 61 percent and is expected to more than double in the next 40 years.ﾠ In the United States, one in three people will have Type 2 diabetes by 2050 if current trends continue, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While these facts paint a bleak picture, there is good news.ﾠ Recent studies have shown that with proper diet and exercise, Type 2 diabetes can be delayed, controlled or even prevented.ﾠ Diabetes is a very serious and costly disease, but research has shown that those who learn to manage their blood glucose levels, eat healthy and exercise regularly can lower their risk of complications and lead a healthier and more productive life.

Dramas, Fairs and Festivals

The Dramas, Fairs and Festivals Committee will meet on Monday, November 15, at 2 p.m. in the Extension Office.

WVU Extension Service hosts free low tunnel gardening workshop

Those ﾠinterested in extending the life of their gardens should attend West Virginia University Extension Service's free low tunnel workshop on Sunday, November 14, from 2 - 5 p.m. in Greenbrier County.ﾠ The workshop will be held at the West Farm near Lewisburg. WVU Extension Commercial Horticulture Specialist Lewis Jett will host the workshop as part of a series on gardening in the winter months.ﾠ The workshop will educate farmers on expanding their growing season through the frost-filled early winter months. Each session will focus on winter crops, with attendees learning how to use a full spectrum of tools to protect their gardens.ﾠ Techniques in using raised beds, frost blankets and low and high tunnels will be covered. Though Jett has held variations of gardening workshops before, this will be the first time he will teach farmers how to make and use low tunnels for gardening. "We've done lots of high tunnel workshops around the state over the last three years, but we're trying to look at different scales of gardening," he said.ﾠ "Some people can't afford high tunnels, so the low tunnels will be a better option for them." Anyone with an interest in gardening is welcome to attend the workshop.ﾠ No registration is required. From Lewisburg, use these directions to the Kirk and Pam West Farm: from the Interstate 64 Bridge at Lewisburg, take U.S. 219 north for 5.7 miles. Turn left on Savannah Lane. Turn right ontoﾠCarroll Hill/Unus Road and travel approximately three miles.ﾠThe farm is on the right, and the high tunnels are visible from the road. For more information, contact Jett (304-293-6131; Lewis.Jett@mail.wvu.edu) or call WVU Extension's Greenbrier County office 304-647-7408.

Marcellus Shale Community Education and information session set to take place ﾠNovember 16 West Virginia University

Extension Service is helping members of the community obtain factual information on issues related to the oil and natural gas industry by sponsoring an education and information session regarding Marcellus Shale, a large natural gas field in the form of shale rock, and the oil and natural gas industry around the state. The program will be held at the West Virginia Wesleyan College Social Hall on Tuesday, November 16, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public.ﾠ Presenters will include industry and legal professionals, representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and WVU Extension Service agents and specialists.
"The oil and natural gas industry is one of the most talked-about topics in our state right now, so we wanted to bring many of the groups together to provide information," said Jennifer Williams, director of WVU Extension's agriculture and natural resources programs.ﾠ "Our WVU Extension county offices receive numerous calls every day from landowners and citizens requesting factual information, so we are addressing those questions by putting together this educational program."
Some of the topics that will be addressed in the program include exploration, leasing, horizontal and vertical drilling, environmental aspects, hydraulic fracturing, reclamation and more involved with oil and natural gas production. Speakers include Dr. Tim Carr, the WVU's Marshall Miller Professor of Geology, and Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz of the West Virginia Water Resource Institute.ﾠ All speakers will be available to answer questions from the audience. The program is open to clients with all levels of knowledge and interest concerning the oil and natural gas industry. For more information, please contact WVU Extension Agents John Miller at 304-234-3673, Georgette Plaugher at 304-329-1391 or Brian Wickline at 304-772-3003. This is just one program made possible by the WVU Extension Service.ﾠ To learn about other programs or find out more about Extension activities, go to www.ext.wvu.edu.

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PPCA Bred and Cull Cow Sale

Pocahontas Producers Cooperative Association will be holding their Annual Bred and Cull Cow Sale in conjunction with its regular sale on Saturday, October 23, at 2 p.m.ﾠ Consignments can be made by calling manager Terry Boggess at 304-346-3019.

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Asian Lady Beetles

The Lady Beetles that have overrun West Virginia households the past few autumns are members of an exotic species. They were originally introduced into Georgia from Japan in 1977 to control the yellow pecan aphid. Although the species doesnﾒt have an official common name, most entomologists refer to it as the multicolored Asian Lady Beetle. Unlike the Lady Beetles to which we are more accustomed, Asian Lady Beetles gather in large groups for overwintering.

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Outdoors during the growing season, Asian Lady Beetles are quite beneficial. As predators of aphids associated with trees, shrubs, ornamental plants and some agricultural crops, they are reported to be better than our native Lady Beetles at tracking down aphids.

Prevention methods

As is often characteristic of exotic species introduced into a new habitat with plenty of food and few natural enemies, the Asian Lady Beetlesﾒ population has exploded, with four or five generations produced in a single year. Weather conditions also may favor high populations, since large numbers of Lady Beetles can result from a cool summer with plentiful vegetation and large numbers of aphids.

Eventually the population should be reduced by natural enemies and should stabilize at lower levels. For now, thereﾒs not much we can do but try to keep them outside and value them for their aphid eating ability.

Control strategies

Since the Asian Lady Beetle is so beneficial, using pesticide sprays to kill them is not suggested. Recommended controls include simply preventing their entry by caulking cracks around windows, doors, utility pipes and siding and by installing 20-mesh or finer screen over attic and exhaust vents. Pay special attention to windows and light fixtures since the beetles are attracted to light. Use a broom and dustpan or a vacuum cleaner to remove those that do manage to make their way indoors. Release them outside well away from homes. They may return the favor next summer by eating harmful aphids on your plants. Another suggestion is simply to be patient. Reports indicate that the beetles, after settling down on the sides of houses, often leave on their own in a few days or weeks.ﾠ For more information on pest identification and control check out our website at http://anr.ext.wvu.edu/pests.

Peggy Powell, Extension Specialist

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Master Gardeners

The WVU Extension Service and the Pocahontas County Master Gardener Association is currently holding classes for this yearﾒs Master Gardener Program.ﾠEveryone is invited to attend the upcoming fall classes.

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Thursday, October 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the McClintic Library.ﾠJohn Jett, WVU Extension Horticulture Specialist, will present a program on Small Fruits.

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Thursday, November 4; 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the McClintic Library.ﾠ Nathan Bean, WVU Doctoral Candidate will speak on the topic of Botany and Propagation.

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For questions please contact Greg Hamons, WVU Extension Agentﾠ at 304-799-4852.

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Dramas, Fairs and Festivals applications

The Dramas, Fairs and Festivals Committee will meet Monday, November 15, at 10:30 a.m. in the Extension Office.ﾠ Applications are due in the Extension Office by November 1.ﾠ If you have any questions or need an application form, please call the Extension office. 304-799-4852.

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CEOS Clubs reorganizing

The Pocahontas County Community Educational Outreach Service Clubs (formerly the Extension Homemakers) are reorganizing now for the upcoming year.ﾠ The clubsﾠmeet monthly to participate in educational programs dedicated to helping members continue to learn, gain leadership skills and inspire community involvement in a social setting.ﾠ If you would like to join one of the four clubs in Pocahontas County, please call the Extension Office at 304-799-4852.

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CEOS Fall Heritage Luncheon

The Pocahontas CEOS clubs invite all current and potential new members to this year'sﾠ covered-dish Fall Heritage Luncheon at the McClintic Library in Marlinton Saturday, October 30, beginning at noon.ﾠ Please arrive by 11:30 so the meal can begin promptly.ﾠ Baked ham will be provided by the County Council, and covered dishes with an autumn or heritage theme are encouraged.ﾠﾠThe day will have a fall heritage theme and everyone is asked to dress in old-fashioned clothes, if possible, which will be judged during the day.ﾠ Heritage games and contests will be enjoyed after lunch.ﾠ Call the Extension Office for more information.

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Pocahontas Producers Cooperative and Farm Bureau annual meeting

The Pocahontas Producers Cooperative and Farm Bureau will hold their annual meeting Friday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton.ﾠ Please RSVP by calling the WVU Extension Office,ﾠ 304-799-4852, by Friday, October 15.

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Cow Sale

Pocahontas Producers Cooperative Association will hold a Special Cow Sale in conjunction with their regular sale on Saturday,October 23, at 2 p.m.ﾠ Please contact manager Terry Boggess at 304-646-3019 if you have a significant number of cows to consign.

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Farmers market consultant

The Monroe Farm Market is honored to sponsor Robin Robinﾒs visit to Monroe County on Monday, October 18, to provide consultation with local farm market producers about ways to plan for growing and marketing farm products to increase income and sustain family farms. Robin will meet with producers from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Monroe Health Center Conference Room, 261 Health Center Drive in Union to learn about the products they sell and their concerns and needs.

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Lunch will be available at 11:30 a.m. followed by a presentation at noon, ﾓPlanning and Coordinating Farm Production with Customer Demands and Buying Patterns.ﾔ Robin will then meet with Monroe Farm Market Producers to discuss planning for the 20111 Farm Market Season.

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Please RSVP to Keveney Bair at monroefarmmarket@monroefarmmarket.com or

Janet McDaniel at janetmcdanielj@aol.com by Friday, October 15.

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Season Extension Class

Want to grow fresh produce while there is snow on the ground? Come to the Season Extension Class taught by Lewis Jett, an extension agent and expert in highﾠtunnels and other season extension techniques. The class will be held at the Marlinton Municipal Building at 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 19.

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Jett will discuss high tunnels in detail including their construction and placement on a farm. A high tunnel is similar to a greenhouse with sides that can be raised to allow for air flow in the summer. He will also discuss low tunnels as another low cost way to extend your growing season. There will be one farm tour prior to the class.

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Participants should meet at the extension office at 2 p.m. to carpool.

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Applications will be available from NRCS to assist with construction of a high tunnel.

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Call Amelia Swenson or Greg Hamons, 304-799-4852, for more information.

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Master Gardeners

The WVU Extension Service and Pocahontas County Master Gardener Association has released the schedule of classes for this yearﾒs Master Gardener Program.ﾠ Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming fall classes.

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Tuesday, October 19; ﾠ5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Marlinton Municipal Building.ﾠ Lewis Jett, WVU Extension Horticulture Specialist, will present a program on Vegetable Production.

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Thursday, October 21; 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the McClintic Library with Berry Crutchfield, WVDA Entomologist.

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Thursday, October 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the McClintic Library.ﾠJohn Jett, WVU Extension Horticulture Specialist, will present a program on Small Fruits.

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Thursday, November 4; 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the McClintic Library.ﾠ Nathan Bean, WVU Doctoral Candidate will speak on the topic of Botany and Propagation.

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For questions please contact Greg Hamons, WVU Extension Agentﾠ at 304-799-4852.

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Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is a non-native, invasive insect recently discovered in North America. It is a pest of fruits, vegetables and farm crops. It becomes a nuisance pest when it invades structures to find a place to overwinter.

BMSB is a native insect of China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. The first BMSBs in the United States were found in Allentown, Pennyslvania, in 1990s. It is suspected that they were on fruit shipped in packing crates from Asia. BMSB was detected in West Virginia in 2004. BSMB is now found in at least 26 states from Maine to California. It is expected to expand its range across North America.

Adults are about one-half-inch long and shaped like a ﾓshield.ﾔ They have varying shades of brown on both the upper and lower body surfaces. They differ from other stink bugs in that they have lighter bands on the antennae and darker bands on the membranous, overlapping part at the rear of the front pair of wings. The head and pronotum have small round depressions that resemble coppery or metallic-bluish colored punctures. Stink bugs get their name from the scent glands located on the dorsal surface of the abdomen and the underside of the thorax. BMSBs have small, elliptical-shaped eggs that are light yellow to yellow-red with tiny spines. They attach in rows on the underside of leaves in masses of 20 to 30 eggs that may be shield-shaped.ﾠ There are five immature stages known as nymphal instars. They range in length from 1/8 inch at the first stage to one-half inch at the fifth stage. They have deep red eyes and abdomens that are yellowish red in the first stage, progressing to off-white with reddish spots in the fifth stage. Bumps are found before each of the abdominal scent glands on the top surface. The legs, head, and thorax are black. Spines are found on the femur, in front of each eye, and on the lateral margins of the thorax.

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When the BMSB feeds on produce, it causes blemishes known as ﾓcat facing,ﾔ which makes it unappealing and unmarketable as a fresh product. Significant losses have occurred for farmers whose peach and apple orchards have been hit by BMSB. Although BMSBs do not pose a health threat to humans, once they enter a home they can cause alarm while flying around and emitting a strong odor when they are crushed.

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BMSBs become a nuisance for most people when they begin looking for warm places to spend the winter. The insectﾒs behavior is similar to that of the multicolored Asian lady beetle as it is attracted to the outside of houses on warm fall days, especially following the first frost. BMSBs look for any entry point they can find into a structure. Cracks as small as 1/16 to 1/8 inch around windows, doors, eaves and overhangs, dryer vents, and other areas provide a means of entrance. The best method of controlling BMSBs is to prevent their entry into your home. Caulking with a silicone or silicone-latex caulk around window and door frames and replacing damaged window and door screens will help. Use weather stripping around windows and doors and remove window air conditioners following summer use. No insecticides are recommended that will prevent the entry of BMSBs to homes. Once BMSB enters a home, the only method of control is to vacuum. However, when the insects become alarmed or smashed, they will emit their stink. The best vacuums to use are handheld or bagless because the container can be emptied each time. If you have this type of vacuum, be sure to drop the insects into a disposable bowl or jar containing isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, which will kill the insect. Releasing the insect outdoors will only cause it to come back in. It is not recommended to use insecticides indoors because the insects can avoid the chemicals by retreating into cracks and crevices. Also, the insecticide itself may be hazardous to humans and pets. Because BMSBs do not reproduce indoors, it is best to kill any that you find in and around your house and not let them reproduce outdoors next spring.