K‑State Extension highlights community gardens, youth programming in Osage County

Rebecca McFarland of K‑State Extension brought copies of the office’s 2025 impact report and summarized outreach across the district, asking the commission to review the snapshot and support volunteer recruitment.

Lauren Gamble, introduced as the horticulture and natural resources agent, described work at Lincoln Park in Osage City. “So we put in 2 4 by 8 galvanized beds. They have an irrigation system hooked up,” Gamble said, and listed cool‑season crops currently planted, peppers and tomatoes recently set out, and flowers intended to make the site appealing to families. She said the program aims both to provide food access and to make gardening approachable for children.

Commissioners and staff asked about classes and volunteer support. McFarland and Gamble said master gardener volunteers water the beds weekly and that surplus produce will be donated to local collection points and Help House in Linden. McFarland said the Extension runs monthly activities across the district and noted upcoming seed‑starting and preservation classes tied to nutrition and food‑safety agents.

The presentation concluded with a promise to circulate a quarterly impact report and an encouragement that department heads and commissioners direct residents interested in programming to Extension contacts for scheduling and volunteer opportunities.