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Extension reports growth in 4-H and Master Gardener volunteers, expanding outreach and planning fair logistics
Summary
CSU Extension staff reported higher 4-H enrollment and project participation, new volunteer leaders for shooting sports and horse projects, continued Master Gardener outreach and a request for timely decisions on livestock panels and tenting for the county fair.
Chaffee County Extension provided program updates showing modest growth in youth enrollment, expanded volunteer capacity and outreach plans for the upcoming fair.
4-H: Extension reported 139 enrolled youth (up 14 from last year) and an increase in Cloverbuds (ages 5–7). The program has added multiple new volunteer leaders (shooting sports, horse project, cake decorating and an individual ham-radio project). Staff said project participation is rising—eight additional steers and more swine projects compared with the prior year—and asked the livestock committee and fair organizers to finalize panel and tent needs for safe animal handling at weigh-ins and the fair.
Master Gardeners and food systems: Extension said it has 19 active Master Gardeners (six more than last year) and will expand farmers-market tables from monthly to weekly coverage; staff are coordinating classes at the Buena Vista and Salida libraries and planning small-acreage and forestry workshops for the summer and fall. Extension secured a small grant to train three new leaders for the Strong People, Strong Body program (strength training for older adults) and is seeking accessible venues for additional class offerings.
Why it matters: increased volunteer capacity expands the county’s outreach ability and helps manage program demand; fair logistics (panels/tents) are critical to ensure youth projects proceed safely.
Ending: Extension staff requested the fair and livestock committees convert their planning diagrams into a short procurement list (panels/tents) and timelines so staff can pursue rentals or purchases and access available local funds.
