Woods County OSU Extension

Woods County OSU Extension OHCE EMBLEM
The emblem is a circle suggesting the continuity of life in our state, homes, and community education.

The single candle symbolizes the unity of goals and purposes of our organization. The candle emphasizes the saying “it is better to light just one little candle” and through unity light the world. The edge of the seal has 77 bites of light between the cogs representing all counties of Oklahoma. This forms a work wheel that our members have put their shoulders against and thus turns our world into

a better society. Standing behind the candle is our great state of Oklahoma. OHCE CREED
We believe the family should come first in the life of the individual, the community, and the nation. We will build our homes on love and mutual respect. We shall endeavor to discover the potential in our children and our neighbor’s children and to help them develop their personalities in such a manner that they make a worthwhile contribution to life. We shall maintain high standards in our homes through research and education to promote better use of our environment and better living condition for all. We shall encourage a faith in a God of love who is forever revealed through natural laws and human personalities. We shall have faith that strong leaders shall go forth from our homes and communities, carrying with them throughout the universe the ideals which we have proclaimed. THE OHCE COLORS AND FLOWER
The OHCE colors are green and gold, and the flower is the African Marigold. THE COUNTY HOME AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION
The purpose of Oklahoma Home and Community Education is to develop leadership, and to promote and extend the best interests of the family, home and community through a County HCE Association. The County Organization is made up of the membership of each local group, is governed by the elective officers of the county organization, and the presidents and secretaries of all local groups. THE LOCAL HOME AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION GROUP
The local HCE group is organized at the community or local level for the purpose of studying Family and Consumer Sciences and putting into practice research-based methods for improving family life.

Summer break can be a challenging time for navigating healthy amounts of screen time for young people.This helpful artic...
06/03/2026

Summer break can be a challenging time for navigating healthy amounts of screen time for young people.

This helpful article from Tulsa Today features Dr. Sara Coffey, psychiatrist at OSU Medicine and Anne & Henry Zarrow Endowed Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU Center for Health Sciences. There are tips to help parents understand how to encourage healthy digital habits.

https://www.tulsatoday.com/2026/05/13/screen-time-for-children-teens/

06/03/2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/02/2026
05/30/2026
Oklahoma Skies are Full of Butterflies!170+ butterfly species6 unique familiesBRUSH-FOOTS (Nymphalidae) - 40+ species in...
05/29/2026

Oklahoma Skies are Full of Butterflies!

170+ butterfly species
6 unique families

BRUSH-FOOTS (Nymphalidae)
- 40+ species in OK
- wings often orange & black on top & "camouflaged" underneath
- Common species: Monarch, American Lady, Gulf Fritillary, Variegated Fritillary, Question Mark, Red Admiral

SWALLOWTAILS (Papilionidae)
- 8 species in OK
- large with ornate markings
- often have long "tails" on hind wings
- Common species: Black Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, Zebra Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail

GOSSAMERWINGS (Lycaenidae)
- 25+ species in OK
- small (

Submit your photos for the Photo Contest!Showcase the beauty of the Great Plains and highlight the culture and work bein...
05/28/2026

Submit your photos for the Photo Contest!

Showcase the beauty of the Great Plains and highlight the culture and work being done across the regions.
Category winners will receive a $25 gift card

Categories
-On the Fireline
- Fire Dependent Ecosystems
- Great Plains Flora and Fauna

Submission Deadline June 30th.

Submit at www.bit.ly/2026GPFSPhotoContest

With its long tail and graceful flight, the Scissor-tailed flycatcher is one of Oklahoma’s most recognizable birds and p...
05/27/2026

With its long tail and graceful flight, the Scissor-tailed flycatcher is one of Oklahoma’s most recognizable birds and proudly serves as the state bird of Oklahoma!

Want to make your yard more welcoming for them? Open spaces, scattered perches and insect-friendly landscapes can help attract Scissor-tailed flycatchers during the warmer months. 🌾🐦

Explore more tips for creating a bird-friendly backyard at the link below!
🔗: https://okla.st/4cTIvO8

05/26/2026

🐴 Struggling to put weight on your horse? You’re not alone.
Some horses just don’t gain weight easily—especially those with higher metabolisms like Thoroughbreds or Arabians. And even with the right plan, it can take 2–3 months to see real progress. (Patience matters!)
✅ Start with high-quality forage—free choice if possible
✅ Consider alfalfa for more calories and digestibility
✅ Add fat sources like oil or rice bran for a calorie boost
✅ Make sure your pasture is actually providing forage
✅ Don’t forget to rule out issues like ulcers or dental problems, especially in older horses
The biggest takeaway: slow, steady weight gain is healthier than quick fixes.
💬 Let’s talk!
What has worked best for your hard keeper? Have you tried adding fat or changing forage? Drop your experience below—others may be struggling with the same thing!

The Woods County OSU Extension office is closed Monday, May 25th, for Memorial Day.
05/25/2026

The Woods County OSU Extension office is closed Monday, May 25th, for Memorial Day.

Have you been seeing smoke in recent weeks, but not hearing anything about a wildfire in the area? This may be because t...
05/25/2026

Have you been seeing smoke in recent weeks, but not hearing anything about a wildfire in the area?
This may be because that smoke is coming from a Prescribed Fire!

Prescribed burning is a management tool used by landowners, often in coordination with a local Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) to aid in achieving a goal for their land. Prescribed burning can be used for a multitude of reasons to improve things such as:
-Management of invasive species like Eastern Redcedar
-Grazing distribution through patch burn grazing
-Reducing wildfire risk by decreasing fuel loads
-Increasing plant diversity and native grasses
-Increasing stocking rates
-Ecosystem stability
-Soil Health
-And more!

Prescribed burning takes a lot of preparation and forethought. Before ever conducting a prescribed burn there will be burn plans made, fire breaks in place, correct temperature, wind, and humidity the day of, and enough manpower and equipment to ensure safety.

When used correctly, prescribed fire is a wonderful and cost-effective tool to achieve your land goals!

There are two PBAs in Woods County, so next time you see smoke, maybe think about all the benefits resulting from that fire!

Questions regarding prescribed fire or PBAs please contact Katy at [email protected]

Address

407 Government Street
Alva, OK
73717

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15803272786

Website

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