AMES, Iowa — Most Iowa State University Extension and Outreach events throughout the state March 16 through April 4 have been canceled. When possible, some activities may be conducted virtually using video or teleconferencing.
For information on specific events, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office. ISU Extension and Outreach is still open for business, said John D. Lawrence, vice president for extension and outreach. If the office is closed, leave a message and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
“Our goal is to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a disease caused by the new coronavirus, by eliminating large gatherings and practicing social distancing,” Lawrence said.
“The health and safety of Iowans is our greatest concern. We all have to do our part and be willing to change our plans for the greater good. We will get through this,” Lawrence said.
— John D. Lawrence, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Below is a round-up of today’s cancellations and postponements.
Canceled programming due to COVID-19
WATERLOO, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension & Outreach in Black Hawk County is canceling the following programs as we are prioritizing the health and safety of all. We will post future opportunities for events, programs and workshops as soon as we are able to do so. Thank you for your understanding.
March 21st – Dog Project Workshop- Canceled
March – April – JUNTOS – Together for a Better Education – Canceled
March 26th Produce Grower’s Safety Training – Canceled
March 28th & April 3rd– 4-H Black Hawk Hockey Night – Canceled
March 29th Omelet Breakfast – canceled and committee is meeting to discuss rescheduling.
April 4-5th – 4-H Omaha Zoo Trip – Canceled
Updates for all programing and events can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/Black-Hawk-County-Outreach-4-H-185448581498719/ or https://www.extension.iastate.edu/blackhawk/
For more information please contact Shelly Smith, Executive Director, at ISU Extension & Outreach Black Hawk County, 319-234-6811 or shellys@iastate.edu.
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Black Hawk County
2020 Mushroom Certification trainings canceled
DUBUQUE, Iowa — Due to the coronavirus pandemic around the globe, and out of an abundance of caution, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has decided to cancel the morel and oyster mushroom certification workshops scheduled for March 21 and April 4.
The two-hour classes were for anyone interested in being certified to legally sell morel and oyster mushrooms within the state of Iowa. The registration site has been closed, and all those who have already registered for the workshops have been notified and refunded their registration fee.
As of this release, there has not been a positive case of the novel coronavirus in Ames or Story County, but Iowa State classes will be moved to online instruction starting after spring break. The instructor of the mushroom workshops has been traveling domestically and knows that the health of the community is the top priority, and decided it was best to cancel the trainings.
To be informed of further mushroom trainings, visit the program page here.
For accurate information on the coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website here, and for information on Iowa State’s response to the virus, click here.
— Zach Clemens, Communications Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Private Pesticide Applicator training rescheduled
IOWA FALLS, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Hardin County office will offer the opportunity to attend the Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Course, led by Extension Field Agronomist, Angie Rieck-Hinz. The course will be offered on Monday, April 13, at 7:00 PM, at the First United Methodist Church at 619 Main Street in Iowa Falls. Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged. Attendees should plan to arrive at 6:30 PM to complete registration and certification paperwork.
The course will run for approximately two and a half hours. The registration fee is $20. Cash and checks are accepted but no electronic payments will be accepted. To register or to obtain additional information about the training course, contact the Hardin County extension office at (641) 648-4850 or email xhardin@iastate.edu.
The course will fulfill recertification requirements for private pesticide applicators. Topics to be covered include safe handling and storage of pesticides; laws and regulations; personal protective equipment, and pests, pest management, and pesticides.
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Iowa State University Extension—Hardin County adjusts services due to COVID-19 situation
IOWA FALLS, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Hardin County office will continue to serve the public during the coronavirus situation. The office will adjust its public lobby hours, but will continue to offer essential services to its clients and community members.
Hardin County Extension will continue to staff its office Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM -4:30 PM. The office is closed from Noon to 12:30 PM daily. The office lobby will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18, through Monday, April 6. Phone calls and emails are still welcome. Staff will be flexing work hours to accommodate working remotely as needed. If you would like to contact the office, please call (641) 648-4850 or email xhardin@iastate.edu.
Certification programming for Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship programs may be accessed online or has been rescheduled through early April as well. Please call with individual questions. All 4-H programming, meetings, and outside agency meetings have been cancelled, postponed, or will be held on virtual formats.
Hardin County extension will continue to offer free wi-fi to the community during this time. Users may access the EXTENSION GUESTS network from the parking lot by agreeing to the terms of use when choosing that network.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach hotline numbers will also remain active during this time. The Answer Line is available by calling (515) 296-5883 or in Iowa at (800) 262-3804. The Iowa Concern hotline is available by calling (800) 447-1985.
— Iowa State University Extension—Hardin County
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