Welcome

Cathy Acampora is our 4-H Educator and is available to help with 4-H related questions and to give 4-H programs in schools, library and for community groups Contact her at acampora@umass.edu or call 774-404-7020 

Blake Dinius County is our entomologist and is available to help with any insect and tick-related questions. Blake insect identification and management tips as well as programming on protecting pollinators, tick bite prevention, and more. Bug him at bdinius@plymouthcountyma.gov or call 774-773-3404

Meg Riley is our Agricultural Educator and is available to help with agriculture related questions and to deliver programs to schools or community groups. Contact her at mriley@plymouthcountyma.gov or call 774-404-7022 

Cathy Acampora will bring Merida, the dog safety therapy dog to your organization to teach dog safety. Sign up for this program here https://forms.gle/MmNBJVJ9XE8fSwFc6

For more information email acampora@umass.edu

We explore the diversity of dog breeds and how they have been adapted to life with humans in different environments and to serve a purpose. Sign up for this program here https://forms.gle/eFaT8vaZcLR6fxkLA For more information email acampora@umass.edu

Program packet for grades K-1 available to teachers. Packet includes; curriculum, worksheets, seeds for classroom, growing instructions, activities, webinar and growing journal. Pick up date is March 19 or 26 at Plymouth County 4-H office. Free to schools. Corresponds to K-LS1-1, 2 and 1-LS1-1 Sign up for this program here:https://forms.gle/3qYHnRLRVneX137q9For more information email acampora@umass.edu

Explore the diversity of seed variations and the conditions needed for sunflowers to grow. Program packet for grades2-3 available to teachers. Packet includes; curriculum, worksheets, seeds for classroom, growing instructions, activities, webinar and growing journal. Pick up date is March 19 or 26 at Plymouth County 4-H office Corresponds to MA frameworks 3-LS1-1 , 3-LS3-1, 2-LS2-3, Sign up for the program here https://forms.gle/bnGHRbxJ78JxyPaKAFor more information email acampora@umass.edu

Follow the cycle of life of a seed from soil through photosynthesis to harvest- fed to animals then back to soil and explore the many uses of the products of that seed! Packet includes: Corn seeds for the classroom , Curriculum, activities, worksheets and growing journal downloads and access to a webinar.  Pick up your packets March 19 or 26 Corresponds to MA frameworks 5-Ls1- 5Ls 2 Sign up for this program https://forms.gle/Y2focqreDpbjsowp8

For more information email acampora@umass.edu

Understanding tick biology holds the key to preventing disease.  With the right knowledge, all tick-borne diseases are preventable.

-Local epidemiology of tick-borne diseases

-Tick biology and ecology

-Proven protection methods

-Along the way, we’ll bust any myths

The U.S.A. is home to ~4,000 native bees. Protecting these bees starts by understanding their biology.

-Differences between our native bees and honey bees

-Unique challenges native bees face

-Gardening tips unique to native bees

Want to reduce stress? Exercise more? Butterfly watching is a meditative experience that will get you out in nature and achieving those goals.

-Butterfly as both a scientific and meditative process

-Gardening tips for certain species of butterflies

Explore the AMAZING diversity of Plymouth County with a guided, slow-paced tour of its insect life.

-Walks can be broad or focus on finding specific types of insects

-Walks offered year-round

-Popular target insects: butterflies, dragonflies, bees, fireflies

Does finding insects in your home give you anxiety? Do you worry about when, what, and how to manage insects?

-Identification tips for insects commonly seen in homes

-Steps to take in the event you find an insect inside your home

-Tips and tricks for managing pests and reducing the amount of chemicals required

Insects as food? GROSS! But, a diet of insects might be the one solution that can save our planet!

-Insects may provide a solution to food insecurity/food waste, climate change, and malnutrition

-Nutritive comparison of insects vs our common food staples (beef, chicken, fish)

-Discussions on cultural barriers preventing us from adopting edible insects

-The future outlook of edible insects

Over the past 150 years, non-native insects have accumulated in the United States of America at a rate of 2.5 insects every year. Invasive insects impact our dinner tables, gardens, and, even, our health. 

-Information on invasive insects

-How can introduced insects impact nature?

-What are the most effective ways to manage these insects?

-What’s new on the horizon?

Insects make up 77% of all animal species on the planet, making them the most diverse group of animal life. Life as we know it would simply not be the same without insects.

-An introduction to the world of insects

-What does it take to survive as an insect?

-How do insects play a role in our ecosystems?

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