Carroll County - Programs
As your local link to the University of New Hampshire, Carroll County Cooperative Extension provides practical educational research based programs and assistance to people of all ages. In every Carroll County community, Extension is at work - increasing economic development, enhancing the environment, and developing human potential.
The programs and information provided by the county educators and state specialists are supported by funds from federal, state, and county government
Carroll County Extension educators provide non-formal education programs in Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Resources, Community, and Youth Development. They are advised by a local advisory council. Your educators in Carroll County provide individual, group, or community assistance by answering questions, offering advice, designing or participating in programs, and distributing printed materials. If unable to help you, we will do our best to put you in touch with someone who can.
In addition, Cooperative Extension University-based Specialists keep abreast of new developments, and provide support to county staff throughout the state.
Anyone may receive up-to-date information and learn about programming opportunities through our seasonal county newsletter – Carroll County News. Call the office to receive the newsletter by mail (539-3331). In addition to assistance provided through the county office, Extension’s Family Home and Garden Education Center has a toll-free in state information center in Manchester (1-877-398-4769). Hours are Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.
4-H Youth Development – Dotty Burrows, Extension Educator
The 4 H club program helps youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills and
form attitudes to enable them to become capable, confident and contributing
members of society. The program helps youth age 5 to 7 explore interests
and become involved in their communities; youth ages 8-18 build their personal
skills and leadership while gaining skills in projects of their choice. The
clubs, projects, and activities are delivered through volunteers. Volunteers
are supported through training, curriculum, and recognition. Popular projects
include:
- Animal and Plant Science
- Heritage Arts
- Home and Family Living
- Natural Resources
- Science and Technology
High quality 4-H curriculum materials, developed through a national juried
system, are also available for use by school groups, home-schoolers, after
school providers, and other youth serving organizations.
In addition, 4-H staff offer training and assistance in:
- Positive youth development for youth ages 5 18.
- Leadership and volunteer development.
- Community youth leadership and citizenship programs.
- Developmentally appropriate experiential youth programming for 5 18 years old.
- Assessing youth risk and protective factors for communities and organizations.
If you want more information on becoming a volunteer, involving your child
in 4-H, enhancing your youth curriculum, or planning appropriate programs
for youth in general give us a call.
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Agricultural Resources Environmental Stewardship
Tina Savage, Extension Educator
The Agricultural Resource Program provides technical assistance and information
for all types of agriculture from commercial farming to small scale gardening.
We conduct seminars, workshops, meetings and farm visits on such topics as:
- Livestock management
- Forage crop production
- Fruit and vegetable production
- Dairy farm management
- Farm business management
- Ornamental and horticultural crop management
- Farm product marketing
- Home gardening
A wide range of publications are available at the county office or on the
website on subjects relating to agriculture. These, combined with
UNH services such as soil testing and plant disease diagnosis, help people
in Carroll County to farm and garden in a way that favors both efficient
production and a healthy environment.
Family and Consumer Resources – Ann Hamilton, Extension Educator & ServSafe
Certified Instructor
The Family & Consumer Resources program provides information and assistance
to strengthen families, individuals and communities. We work with a diverse
group of individuals including families, caregivers, food service workers and
consumers. Education is provided through individual contacts, group programs,
newsletters, publications and volunteer programs.
Some of the educational areas include:
- Sharing current food safety research
- Training food service workers to help reduce foodborne hazards
- Food Safety Certification Training
- Better Kid Care Satellite Conferences for Childcare Providers
- Strengthening parenting skills
- Reducing debt
- Increasing savings
- Money management decision making skills
- Increasing financial literacy
Forestry Resources - Peter Pohl, Extension Educator
The County Extension Forestry and Wildlife program provides technical assistance
and information and educational services in the field of forest resources to
private woodland owners, primary processors, organizations, communities, and
the general public. Some of the areas in which assistance is provided include:
- Woodland management and planning
- Utilization and marketing
- Community forestry
- Wildlife management
- Multiple-use management
- Insect and disease concerns
- Christmas tree production
- Maple syrup production
- Forest taxation and finances
- Permanent land protection
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Nutrition Connections – Joanne Knowlton, Educational
Program Coordinator
Nutrition Connections brings nutrition knowledge and food skills to limited
income people of all ages. Instruction is available through small group
instruction, in home visits, through the mail, and through youth programs
throughout the year.
Also ask about:
- Eat Healthy, Stay Fit: learn-by-mail curriculum.
- Planning Ahead, Staying Ahead: designed to teach basic household money management skills.
- Great Beginnings: a nutrition curriculum for pregnant and parenting teens.
- Care Connection: nutrition and meal planning information for child care providers.
- Food Safety For Food Pantries: workshops designed for food pantry volunteers.
Family Lifeskills Program – Diane Gilmore, Program Coordinator
Lifeskills for Employment, Achievement, and Purpose - LEAP
The LEAP Program assists individuals in learning skills
and applying these skills to their everyday lives. Participants gain knowledge
in specific areas such as; managing conflict in the home and at work, preparing
healthy meals, how to balance the demands of work and family, how to manage
stress, and how to budget money. Participants walk away from LEAP with
clear goal plans for their future, along with the skills necessary to problem
solve and reach their goals.
