What's New in Extension
Arboretum Celebrates 20 Years with MSU Extension
Written by Jessica Smith • Photo by Kevin Hudson
In 1997, the Crosby Arboretum Foundation teamed up with Mississippi State University Extension to expand the Arboretum’s resources.
The Arboretum, located in Picayune, serves as an interpretive center for the native plants of the Pearl River Drainage Basin, and the location features exhibits that display typical southern Mississippi ecosystems and plant communities.
Since the Arboretum was dedicated to public use in 1986, the 104-acre plant conservatory has hosted many Extension programs and workshops for those across the southeastern U.S. to enjoy.
The Crosby Arboretum plans to continue its regular series of events, including Forge Day, the Piney Woods Heritage Festival, native plant sales, and more.
For more information about the Arboretum and upcoming events, visit http://crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu/.
Plant Disease and Nematode Analysis Fee Changes
Compiled by Jessica Smith • Graphic by Beth Barron
The Mississippi State University Extension Service plant disease and nematode clinic updated its sample testing fees effective August 15.
The now fully self-supported lab provides thorough, precise, and timely analyses of soil and plant samples. The revised fee schedule realistically contributes to the actual cost of providing these services. Maintaining fees that are manageable for clients is of utmost importance.
Samples that are submitted as digital images do not require a fee. For updated fee information, sample submission forms, and other information about the services the lab offers, http://extension.msstate.edu/lab.
Plant-Pathology Testing Fees
General Plant Disease $10
Golf Course Turf $25
Fescue Endophyte $25
Please use the new submission form from http://extension.msstate.edu/lab.
Improving Mississippi’s Fiscal Health
Written by Jessica Smith • Photo by Kevin Hudson
The Mississippi State University Extension Service directed a workshop and created a new organization that helps individuals improve their financial health through responsible credit use.
With half of Mississippians having lower credit scores than the average American, good credit is a key financial asset for growth of local economies across the state.
Extension collaborated with Experian and Credit Builders Alliance to host the 2-day workshop to help educators and nonprofit professionals understand credit-building practices. About 75 participants, including lenders, financial coaches, Extension agents, bank personnel, credit union employees, and community nonprofit organization staff members, learned how to help underserved consumers understand, attain, and use credit.
The workshop served as the first event for the establishment of the Financial Wellness Network of Mississippi, an organization directed by Extension.
To join the Financial Wellness Network, contact Becky Smith at 662-325-2750. For more information about credit in general, visit the Extension online at http://msuext.ms/ye70r.
Know Your Roots to Attract More Customers
Compiled by Jessica Smith • Photo by Bonnie Coblentz
Twenty-nine participants gathered June 13 to learn how to use landscapes and gardens to bring more value to agricultural enterprises and historic homes through Know Your Roots: Build Your Business, a new program funded by the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area.
Sandy Havard, Warren County agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, coordinated the event, which was held at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center in Vicksburg.
The goal of the project was to teach historic-property owners and bed-and-breakfast business owners across the state how to improve their businesses and their communities.
Attendees were able to engage in workshops led by different Extension specialists, view exhibits by Warren County Master Gardeners, and tour the Heritage Demonstration Garden at the Vicksburg National Military Park.
Participants included Master Gardeners, agritourism business owners, mayors of two small towns, and bed and breakfast owners from the surrounding area.
