Green Industry Flowers at the 2008 New England Greenhouse Conference & Expo
October 20, 2008

As many as 2,000 growers, garden retailers and greenhouse enthusiasts are expected to attend the 2008 New England Greenhouse Conference & Expo at Worcester’s Centrum Centre, November 5-8.
 
The conference, held every other year since 1980, is sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and its UMass Extension Floriculture Program, along with the five other New England and New York state university Extension programs, and New England Floriculture, Inc.

UMass Extension Revamps Web Site
October 16, 2008

A revamped and enhanced UMass Extension website, www.umassextension.org, offers credible, research based information provided by researchers and educators of UMass Extension’s four programs; Agriculture and Landscape, Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Nutrition Education and Massachusetts 4-H Youth Development.

Highlighted on the site are stories about Extension programs, news and events, and a description of the public issues addressed by Extension. In addition, a broad information section covers topics from 4-H club activities, Massachusetts wildlife to home gardening and food safety, with downloadable publications and links to additional resources, services and publications for purchase through the Extension Bookstore.

“4-H Cares About Community” Food Drive Launches October 5
October 2, 2008

[NOTE TO EDITORS AND NEWS DIRECTORS:  A list of local 4-H contacts is attached. Contact the office closest to you, and the 4-H staff will refer you to specific 4-H members and volunteers involved with the food drive, as well as to food pantries and shelters being served. Consider a local feature story or human interest piece – the need to replenish food stocks is great and the results of the drive last year were surprisingly strong. Great photo/video opportunities.]

Massachusetts 4-H is seeking food donations to benefit area shelters and pantries as part of its “4-H Cares About Community” food drive, which begins October 5. Sponsored by Cumberland Farms, the food drive coincides with the start of National 4-H Week.

UMass Arts Extension Service Maintains Creative Economy Edge With New Online Course
September 25, 2008

Searching for a course on the Creative Economy taught by instructors with direct experience? This month, the Arts Extension Service at the University of Massachusetts Amherst maintained its commanding role in Creative Economy research and practice with the launch of the nation’s first online Creative Economy course.