North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Clay County Center has wrapped up another eventful year of valuable programs and educational opportunities for the community. In 2023, we successfully conducted a variety of classes, reaching out to 1,726 community members of all ages. Many of the classes offered were conducted by our Family & Consumer Science Agent, Kim Terrell, and included food preservation classes, ServSafe Certification classes and a summer chef series for our 4-H youth. Additionally, Terrell partnered with Clay County Schools to provide several nutrition education programs including Color Me Healthy for the Pre-K classes, as well as a food preservation class and baking class for Hayesville High’s Foods and Nutrition Classes.
Another notable highlight of the year was our successful Master Gardener Intern program. The center certified 12 new Master Gardeners, adding to the expertise of the program. Our Master Gardeners exhibited dedication throughout the year, collectively contributing 3,086.25 volunteer hours. The tangible impact of their efforts is estimated at an impressive $92,433.19, showcasing the invaluable contribution to the local community.
The 4-H clubs, a vital component our outreach, experienced growth this year with the return of the "Clay on the Fly" fly fishing club. The new addition contributed to the overall expansion of the program, which currently has 21 active 4-H members. The Trails & Rails 4-H club had a standout year, participating in various horse shows and competing at both district and state levels, with many participants bringing home blue ribbons! The achievements of this club underscore the commitment and enthusiasm of the 4-H participants. We are excited for the future of our 4-H program as we welcome a new 4-H Agent in 2024. Stay tuned to hear who will be joining our team!
We are also thankful for our new director, Kim Terrell, who has stepped up to lead our organization in Clay County. She has served as interim director since 2022 and was officially named director in September of 2023.
Although our office has experienced a few staffing hurdles, our services have continued. We collected 208 soil samples and continued to provide agricultural and horticultural information to the community. We appreciate our neighboring Extension Agencies offering their expertise to our clientele.
Certainty not least, we extend our appreciation to the county leadership for their support. Their backing is instrumental in the success of our programs. The collaborative efforts of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Clay County Center and its dedicated volunteers continue to make a positive impact on the community, fostering education, and enriching lives.
As the year concludes, we look forward to building on these successes and furthering our commitment in providing evidence-based research information to better the lives of the citizens in Clay County.
