Johnson County K-State Extension

05/29/2026

Exciting news for Johnson County!

Johnson County Government Public Works has launched a new Green Infrastructure Grant Program through the Stormwater Management Program 🌧️🌱

This new funding opportunity will support projects that use natural systems—like trees, native plants, wetlands, and rain gardens—to help reduce flooding, improve water quality, and strengthen our local environment.

From restoring streams and prairies to expanding tree canopy and reducing stormwater runoff, these projects will help build healthier, more resilient communities across the county.

We’re proud to partner in advancing solutions that work with nature to manage stormwater and protect our shared resources.

Learn more about the program and funding opportunities:
https://www.jocogov.org/newsroom/johnson-county-stormwater-management-program-launches-grant-program-green-infrastructure-project

Johnson County’s Stormwater Management Program has launched its new Green infrastructure Grant Program, covering the cost of green infrastructure projects across the county.

05/29/2026

We have more Johnson County Kansas 4-H seniors! Congratulations ! We are so proud of all of your hard work and dedication! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
Please join us in congratulations these seniors!

05/29/2026

Keep young minds growing this summer! From creative projects to exciting discoveries, Cloverbuds Camp offers a day of learning disguised as fun. Designed for ages 5–7 and only $10 to attend. Register now before spots fill up!

🥳Announcing the 2026 Cloverbuds Camp, open to all kids ages 5-7! The Johnson County 4-H Cloverbud Camp is two days of hands-on fun, learning, and adventure. Campers will enjoy activities in different 4-H area projects - all led by Johnson County 4-H Ambassadors and Extension staff. Space is limited, so register to secure your spot!
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/xwx5vwa

Share this with your friends and family - this is a great way to introduce them to 4-H! 🍀

05/28/2026

🍔 National Hamburger Day + National BBQ Month = The Perfect Pairing

Fire up the grill and celebrate National Hamburger Day while we wrap up National BBQ Month! Whether you're grilling burgers for the family or hosting a backyard cookout, don't forget that food safety is the secret ingredient to a successful barbecue.

🌡️ Use a food thermometer—don't rely on color alone.
✔️ Ground beef burgers: 160°F
✔️ Steaks, chops, and whole cuts: 145°F
✔️ Poultry: 165°F

Other grilling safety reminders:
• Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods.
• Wash hands and utensils often.
• Keep cold foods cold (40°F or below) and hot foods hot (140°F or above).
• Refrigerate leftovers within 1-2 hours.

Summer cookouts are all about great food and good company, following a few simple food safety practices helps ensure everyone leaves with happy memories, not foodborne illness.

📖 Looking for more grilling tips and food safety guidance? Check out K-State Extension's article: "Grillin' and Chillin'? Remember Food Safety" from food scientist Karen Blakeslee. https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/05/food-science-summer-grilling.html

05/28/2026

Looking for an easy summer snack? We have just the recipe for you....our Power Energy Bites!

✔ Quick and easy to make
✔ Everyone will enjoy
✔ Perfect for a tasty snack at home, on the road, or at the ball field
✔ Customizable with your favorite ingredients
✔ Full of good-for-you ingredients like oats, flaxseeds, and peanut butter

Watch our short video on how to make them and get the recipe in the video notes!

*Brand names that may be used in this video have been used as typic...

05/28/2026

You walk into a room and immediately forget why.
You hear a great song title… and it’s gone two minutes later.
Someone tells you their name, and your brain says “nope.” 🌼🧠

Sound familiar?

Join us for WITS Workout: Forget Me, Not! — a fun, flower-inspired program exploring how memory works, why we forget, and simple ways to strengthen the brain skills we use every day.

Through creative activities and hands-on challenges, participants will learn about procedural memory. This is the kind of memory that helps us remember how to do things automatically. You will learn practical tips to improve recall and retention.

Because forgetting where you put your keys is one thing… forgetting why you opened the fridge is another. 😉
Register: https://www.gardnerkansas.gov/business_detail_T18_R99.php

05/27/2026

Now Hiring: 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent!

Do you love working with youth, building community connections, and helping young people grow into confident leaders?

Johnson County K-State Extension is seeking a 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent to help lead and grow local 4-H programming for youth ages 5–18.

This role is all about making a difference through:
✨ Hands-on learning experiences
✨ Supporting youth clubs and community programs
✨ Working with dedicated volunteers
✨ Building strong local partnerships
✨ Helping young people develop leadership and life skills

If you’re passionate about youth development and community impact, we’d love to hear from you!

📍 Based in Olathe, KS
📅 Learn more & apply: https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/johnson-county-4-h-youth-development-extension-agent-olathe-kansas-united-states

05/27/2026

Grab cornstarch, water, and food coloring for DIY chalk paint, then let imaginations run wild outdoors. 🌈. Johnson County K‑State Extension reminds families that the best summer memories start with simple, hands‑on fun. https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/05/parenting-summer-fun-for-young-children.html

05/26/2026

🌱 Regenerative Farming is Taking Root in Johnson County!

Curious about how farmers are improving soil health, protecting natural resources, and building resilient food systems? Please consider this special Regenerative Farming event on Thursday June 4th by K-State Regenerative Agriculture and hear firsthand how these practices are making a difference right here in our community.

This year's spotlight shines on Guetterman Brothers Family Farms, a multi-generation family farm in southern Johnson and Miami counties that has embraced no-till farming and stewardship-focused practices designed to improve soil health for future generations.

Whether you're a farmer, gardener, landowner, or simply interested in sustainable agriculture, you'll gain insights into regenerative practices that support healthier soil, stronger ecosystems, and long-term productivity.

🌾 Learn from local experts
🌱 Discover practical regenerative farming strategies
🚜 See how stewardship and profitability can work together

👉 Register and learn more through the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/954386393874411

05/26/2026

🐞 Seeing ladybugs everywhere this spring? That's great news for your garden!

Ladybugs aren't just cute—they're hungry predators that help control aphids and other garden pests. Even their young, called nymphs, are pest-eating machines.

🔍 Not all ladybugs are the same:
• Native lady beetles are beneficial garden allies.
• Asian lady beetles often have a black "M" shape behind the head and may gather on homes in large numbers in the fall.

Before you squish that strange little "alligator-looking" insect, take a closer look. It might be a future ladybug helping your garden thrive!

Learn more in this K-State article: https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/04/horticulture-ladybugs.html

05/26/2026

The best part of planting natives is seeing all that they support! Check out this bumblebee enjoying some butterfly milkweed! What have you seen in your gardens this year?