Though they were long thought extinct in New York, a participant in Cornell University’s Lost Ladybug Project has found a nine-spotted Ladybug on Long Island.
While none of the rare beetles have been seen in the Fulton and Montgomery County area yet, this summer CCEFM 4-H educators visited recreation sites and libraries teaching youth about Ladybugs and the Lost Ladybug Project.
The rare nine-spotted Ladybug (Coccinella novemnotata) is the official state insect of New York. While once very common, few have been seen in the Northeast over the last 20 years.
On July 30, Peter Priolo of the Agricultural Stewardship Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County found a rare nine-spotted ladybug on a sunflower at Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett. Priolo was participating in a Lost Ladybug Project ladybug hunt when he made the discovery at the organic farm.
The last of the local Lost Ladybugs lessons wrapped up August 17 at the Gloversville Public Library.
Tractor Supply 4-H Fundraiser Set for September Posted 8/4/2011
On the heels of a successful spring fundraiser, Tractor Supply Co. stores will again raise funds for 4-H programs next month.
The 2011Fall Paper Clover promotion with Tractor Supply will run from Sept. 21 to Oct. 2. Now in its second year, the fundraiser allows shoppers to purchase paper clovers for $1 at checkout. All funds are donated to 4-H and help support programs in the communities where each store is located.
During the spring fundraiser, the Gloversville store’s paper clover sales were the sixth highest in the state. Between the Gloversville and Amsterdam stores, shoppers donated over $1,000 to 4-H last spring.
Youth Explore Vet Science Posted 7/27/2011
4-H youth last week learned about veterinary science during the two-day 2011 4-H Vet Science Course – Exploring Animal Disease.
The program kicked off Wednesday, July 27. Led by Dr. Terri MacKenzie, a veterinarian at the Midvale Veterinary Clinic, and CCEFM 4-H educator Bonnie Peck, day one of the program focused on viruses and bacteria. Participants visited a small animal vet and learned about parasites as well as disease as it relates to nutrition, stress, poisons and heredity. On day two participants explored the same topics as they related to large animals. The 4-Hers had the opportunity to tour a large dairy farm and a commercial sheep farm.
Dr. MacKenzie was the 2009-10 Agnes B. Waner Memorial Award winner for outstanding 4-H leadership in Montgomery County.
This past year, the 4-H Veterinary Science Program became more hands-on with more activities in the farm and animal hospital settings. Dr. MacKenzie’s time and dedication helped make this format change possible.
How to Tell If You’re Hydrated Posted 7/21/2011
Experts tell us during heat like this it’s important to drink plenty of fluids – water preferably, but anything without alcohol or caffeine will help.
How much is enough? Keith Tidball, a senior extension associate in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell and the coordinator for the New York State Extension Disaster Education Network, says the color of our urine is the best gauge.
On Evidence-Based Living, the blog of the associate dean and associate director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tidball offers the following three facts to help everyone stay safe during hot weather:
1. Heat illnesses can quickly become life-threatening. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, heat is the number-one weather-related killer in the United States.
2. Your body is 50 to 70 percent water, and heat causes that water to evaporate. So staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do for your body during heat waves. Water is best, but anything without alcohol or caffeine helps. The best way to know if you’re hydrated is to check the color of your urine. If it’s clear or light-colored, you’re in good shape. If it’s bright or dark yellow, you need to drink a lot more water.
3. Prevention is key. Once you’ve had a heat-related injury, you’re more susceptible to the next one. “In the military, you would have to wear a red tape around your uniform to indicate you’d had a heat-related illness in the past,” Keith explained.
Take Steps to Cope with the Heat Posted 7/19/2011
The New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN) has compiled a list of articles and resources from extension services across the country to help sweat out the ongoing heat.
“Fluid replacement is essential, but it’s best to not wait until you’re thirsty,” says Mary Meck Higgins of K-State Research and Extension, who adds that people often become slightly dehydrated before they become thirsty.
“As people age they simply don’t adjust as well to the heat,” says Oklahoma‘s Jan Johnston. “They perspire less. Certain medications, taken for a variety of health issues, may work against the body’s natural thermometer. In addition, a prolonged increase in temperature can strain the heart and blood vessels before a person has a chance to acclimate oneself.”
Please note the 2011 4-H Fonda Fair Premium Books released last week have been revised to reflect two schedule changes.
The first schedule change involves the drop off of animals prior to the beginning of the fair. There will be no vet check after 8 p.m. on Monday, August 29. All animals must be in place prior to then.
The second schedule change involves the pick up of 4-H non-animal exhibits at the Cooperative Extension building. This year, 4-H families can pick up exhibits Monday, Sept. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. You must check in with a Cooperative Extension staff member prior to taking exhibit items. No vehicles may be brought onto the fair grounds at that time. As usual, 4-H families can also pick up non-animal exhibits at the Cooperative Extension building Tuesday, Sept. 6 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 5:30 – 7 p.m.
CCEFM is offering lessons to summer youth programming sites in Fulton and Montgomery Counties including libraries and youth recreation programs. CCEFM educators will present the lessons, Re-think Your Drink and Lost Ladybugs, at 15 sites this summer.
In the below video, CCEFM nutrition educator Jean Budlong explains what calories are to youth at the Fulton County YMCA.
Tractor Supply Stores Raise Over $1,000 for 4-H Posted 7/11/2011
Shoppers at Tractor Supply Co. stores in Amsterdam and Gloversville donated over $1,000 to 4-H programs during the Spring 2011 Paper Clover fundraiser.
The Gloversville Tractor Supply Co. store sold $663 worth of paper clovers to support 4-H while the Amsterdam location sold $388. The Gloversville store’s paper clover sales were the sixth highest in the state.
Now in its second year, the fundraiser allows shoppers to purchase paper clovers for $1 at checkout. All funds are donated to 4-H and help support programs in the communities where each store is located.
Gloversville store manager Marc Clouser credits two employees, Heather Springer of Mayfield and Amanda Mason of Gloversville, for leading the efforts to raise the 4-H funds.
“A lot of our customers’ kids are involved in 4-H. Even to people who aren’t in 4-H – 4-H still means something to them,” Clouser said.
4-H Fonda Fair Premium Books Now Available Posted 7/8/2011
The 2011 4-H Fonda Fair premium books are now available.
Printed copies can be obtained by calling the CCEFM office at 673-5525 (Georgia Dutcher x. 113).
The 4-H family activity sign up forms will be available next week.
4-H, Do It Now Posted 7/6/2011
Three Fulton/Montgomery County 4-Hers recently returned from 4-H Career Explorations at the Cornell University campus in Ithaca. For over 70 years, CCE’s 4-H Youth Development program has conducted this three-day event where youth gain exposure to academic and career fields, develop leadership skills and get hands-on experience in a college setting.
Lindsay Achzet of Johnstown, Dayna Peck of Gloversville and Kristy Richardson of Fort Plain represented Fulton and Montgomery counties at this year’s event.
Peck, together with 4-Hers from Schenectady, Orange and Seneca counties, was featured in the below video shot at Career Explorations. The 4-Hers share why they are involved in 4-H and what they get out of the experience.
The 4-Hers advise their peers who are not in 4-H to join and do it now.
20 Park Street, Room 202, Fonda, NY 12068
Telephone: 518-853-2135, Fax: 518-853-2129 fultonmontgomery@cornell.edu
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton & Montgomery Counties provides equal program and employment opportunities.
The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended
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