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 

Learn how to sow your seeds the easy and environmentally friendly way! Each participant will be able to make one winter sowing jug to take home. Class includes instruction and all materials. Class takes place at the Plymouth County Extension office , located at 44 Obery St. in Plymouth in the basement. Sign up here https://forms.gle/8cpmBcj1VNHvdEY1A

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

Learn the parts and life cycle of a flower in this interactive program for Kindergarten to First Grade. Corresponds to K-LS1-1, 2 and 1-LS1-1 Sign up for this program here:https://forms.gle/A2Uc49bn7AjPxHg1A For more information email acampora@umass.edu

Follow the cycle of life of a seed from soil through photosynthesis to harvest then back to soil. Explore growing plants. Corresponds to MA frameworks 5-Ls1- 5Ls 2 Sign up for this program here https://forms.gle/gC1iNG4Hb8zGawUg9 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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