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USU Extension outlines 4-H, horticulture and STEM work in Kane County
Summary
Utah State University Extension faculty reported on 2023'24 programming in Kane County, highlighting 4-H, Master Gardener activities, robotics and STEM camps, research partnerships and grant-funded outreach that generated volunteer support and sponsorships to keep youth programs low- or no-cost.
Elizabeth Davis, extension faculty with Utah State University Extension, told the Kane County Commission on Sept. 17 that Extension continues to "extend resources from the university into all of the counties and communities," describing a mix of education, research and youth programs serving the county.
Davis and colleague Victoria summarized 2023'24 activities, including horticulture workshops for producers and homesteaders, a Master Gardener program with 26 participants, and multiple annual workshops such as grazing and invasive-weed trainings. Victoria said surveys show roughly 85% of workshop participants reported being satisfied with the sessions and the continuing-education credits they received.
The presenters emphasized youth programming: 4-H junior livestock exhibitions (which the Extension team reported had more than $2,260,000 in gross sales this year), grant-funded robotics that remain free to participants, summer science camps attended by about 76 children, and STEM events that drew hundreds of students. Davis said the robotics season had 13 teams and more than 76 participating youth; the group also ran a family STEM event that reached nearly 700 children over two days.
Extension faculty cited partnerships and funding that support local offerings. Davis noted the robotics program is fully grant-funded; the presenters also reported more than $20,000 raised through sponsorships and about $4,000 in local donations and registrations aimed at sustaining community horticulture efforts. They described research collaborations with local producers, including multiple peer-reviewed fact sheets derived from on-farm projects.
Commissioners asked logistical questions about program length and distribution; presenters confirmed the science day camp is a one-day, 8 a.m.'3 p.m. event, while tech camps are multi-day. Commissioners and staff expressed appreciation for Extension's outreach and impact across the county.
Davis and Victoria closed by outlining future projects: a demonstration garden (location to be determined), a Utah apple genetic blueprint project based on the Glendale apple orchard work, pollinator plantings and a farm-to-school initiative to connect Valley and Kanab schools with local producers.
The commission had no formal action tied directly to the presentation. The Extension update was presented as information for commissioners and the public.
