The Johnson County Extension Council has been

elected by the people of the county to guide local

educational programming by partnering with

extension staff. From needs assessment through

program implementation and evaluation of outcomes,

the council represents you and your issues. We are

always serving Iowans and we are here for you.

Now. Always.

Thank you for your support.

Serving the People of Johnson County ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County began 2020 focused on the following efforts:

• Spring pesticide applicator trainings, Farm Bill meeting, Master Gardener meetings, Big Brothers Big Sisters match activities, and 4-H events including Find Out Night, New Member Night, Extravaganza, and Lock In.

Adjusting to the Pandemic As the COVID-19 pandemic changed daily life, ISU Extension and Outreach prioritized health and safety as we developed new ways to bring research-based education to the people of Johnson County. We remained open for business and we continued to educate, engage, and serve Iowans.

• Our office was temporarily closed from mid-March through May with staff working remotely. June-August we were able to serve by appointment only and gradually transition to full services with safety guidelines in place.

• Staff continue to pivot with changing circumstances all while providing positive educational opportunities. We continue to keep safety at the forefront in all programming efforts.

• Programs that were once face to face quickly utilized new technology to go virtual. Programs that are seeing successes through alternative outreach include Master Gardeners, Pick a Better Snack, After-school clubs, traditional 4-H activities, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and agriculture trainings.

Ag Exploration in a Box Due to COVID-19 and not being able to host a face-to-face Ag Exploration Day at the ISU Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm for high school students, “Ag Exploration in a Box” was created. The goals of the Ag Exploration event were to engage students in hands-on learning, get students excited to

Scott Ritter Extension Council Chair Brent Bonner Vice Chair Lori Donahoe Treasurer & IECA Board Member Luann Pisarik Secretary Marianne Klouda Council Member

Greg Kuntz Council Member John Schneider Council Member Scott Stutsman Council Member Karissa Wikert Council Member

2020 IN JOHNSON COUNTY Iowa State University Extension and Outreach connects the needs of Iowans with Iowa State research and

resources. We listen, learn, and work with the people of Johnson County for a #STRONGIOWA:

Ag Exploration in a Box (cont.) enter careers in agriculture, teach students skills they can use at home, and provide networking opportunities. Five lessons plans were developed for teachers to incorporate into their classrooms as they see fit. The lessons covered crops, animal science, farm management, horticulture, and ag engineering related topics. 25 boxes were distributed to schools in 13 counties across south-east and east-central Iowa. These boxes were made possible by the following generous sponsors: Iowa Corn Growers, Farm Credit Services of America, Hills Bank, Washington State Bank, Community Bank and Trust, TriOak Foods, Merschman Seeds, Premier 1 Supplies, Libertyville Savings Bank, Vision Ag LLC, and Agriland FS Inc.

After-school Programming 4-H and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County collaborated providing weekly after-school programming at North Central Junior High and Solon Middle School. Youth benefit from positive peer support, adult 1:1 mentoring, and engaging activities in Creative Arts, Food Nutrition and Health, STEM, and Personal Development focusing on leadership, citizenship and communication skills. The clubs are grant funded through Johnson County Social Services with the intent of reducing at-risk behaviors amongst youth ages 12-14 years. 95% of mentors and 100% of youth mentees responded positively to questions regarding safety, trust and connection with respect to their relationship. Pick a Better Snack The Pick a Better Snack program delivered nutrition education to 75, 1st and 2nd grade classrooms reaching 1,512 youth in the 2019 – 2020 school year. In response to COVID regulations, PABS staff adapted the curriculum providing educational kits to classrooms to continue the much needed nutrition education for Johnson County students. As we move forward we are exploring teaching nutrition education virtually in partnership with local schools.

Providing a County Fair Experience Although the traditional fair was not possible because of the pandemic, ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County worked with our partners to provide an alternate experience to demonstrate and showcase the work of our 4-H youth.

• 14 Livestock Shows were livestreamed for the public, extended family, and friends and family far away to see!

• 735 Static Exhibits were dropped off and judged State Fair Style.

• 16 Educational Presentations and 5 Extemporaneous Speaking Contestants were presented socially distanced or virtual.

• 235 Youth participated in Fair 2020 and learned how to be adaptable, resilient, and have fun in a new way.

Planning for Recovery ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County is determined to help Iowans help each other. Looking ahead to 2021, we will incorporate additional programs to help address the Mental Health needs of our community. ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County will implement a COVID Recovery Action Plan with the Human Sciences Specialist to offer the What About Me? My Wellbeing program. Volunteers, partners, community members, and staff will engage in hands-on learning to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life in ways that are personally meaningful. They will learn strategies for taking time for themself, building relationships, and improving physical and financial health. Offering this program and other similar programs will continue to be an annual priority with hopes to maintain continued engagement of initial participants and expand our reach to their friends and family in the years to come.

Extension Staff

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext. ADV.20.04X September 2020

ISU Extension and Outreach

Johnson County

3109 Old Highway 218 S.

Iowa City, IA 52246

319-337-2145

www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson

Gene Mohling, Director of Field Operations, mohling@iastate.edu

Katharinna Bain, Regional Director, kbain@iastate.edu

Brittnee Schneider, Office Coordinator, bschn@iastate.edu

Kristina Tebockhorst, Ag Engineer, ktebock@iastate.edu

Ryan Drollette, Farm Management Specialist, drollett@iastate.edu

Patrick O’Malley, Commercial Horticulturist, omall@iastate.edu

Rebecca Vittetoe, Field Agronomist, rka8@iastate.edu

Kate Yoder, County Youth Educator, yoder@iastate.edu

Amey Kollar, Youth Program Specialist, akollar@iastate.edu

Daleta Thurness, Big Brothers Big Sisters Director, daletac@iastate.edu