University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Jefferson County

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Jefferson County We are part of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service’s statewide network and the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture.

Jefferson County Extension is dedicated to providing free, unbiased, research-based education, ranging from agriculture to 4-H, health & living to urban stormwater, community well-being to nutrition and more. Our mission is to provide research-based information through non-formal education to help all Arkansans improve their economic well-being and the quality of their lives. Whether it is agricul

ture, 4-H, health and living, or community development, the Jefferson County Extension Office is at your service! Jefferson County 4-H Clubs
Annually, over 3,000 youth and adult volunteers in Jefferson County participate in 4-H programming in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Citizenship and Leadership; Healthy Living and Smart Nutrition for Active People (SNAP-Ed). Twenty county 4-H clubs meet monthly, each led by youth officers under the guidance of trained 4-H adult volunteers. Youth (and adults) can participate in 4-H by enrolling as a member or volunteer, attending a 4-H camp, through a school enrichment class or a special interest program. 4-H also offers lots of project area competitions and opportunities to attend conferences and out-of-county events. To enroll in Jefferson County 4-H, log on to https://arkansas.4honline.com. For more information, contact Pia Woods, County Extension Agent-4-H Youth/Family and Consumer Sciences at 870-534-1033. Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Clubs
Education: Through EHC you get the latest information on what’s new for your home and family in areas such as: Health and Wellness, Foods and Nutrition, Money Management, Child Care and Family Relationships, Leadership Development, and Special Community Projects. Leadership Development: EHC members develop leadership skills by participating in a variety of club, county, district and state events. Community Service Projects: Members participate in community service projects such as: Teaching Dolls, Cancer Caps, Caps for Children’s Hospital, Craft Workshops, and Holiday Foods Workshops. Join one of our clubs today. For more information, contact Mary Ann Kizer at 870-534-1033. Jefferson County Master Gardener Program
The Jefferson County Master Gardener Program is over 25 years old and has over 80 members. They are very active with activities including a Youth Demonstration Garden, Adopt-a-Spot decorative areas on major highway intersections, and the Annual Home and Garden Show at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. They also conduct regular training activities and assist Cooperative Extension in the overall horticulture education programs of the county. They provide several tons of fresh produce each year for deserving civic organizations and food banks as well as over 600 participating students from area schools as they learn to plant and harvest garden crops. For more information, contact Lee Anderson II at 870-534-1033. Urban Stormwater
Increasing awareness of how urban stormwater impacts urban and rural water systems is growing in Jefferson County. USW drain art is a way to bring visual awareness to USW issues. The murals provide a visual reminder to keep storm drains clean of debris and trash. Robert F. Morehead Middle School’s 8th grade art class painted four storm drains on the school campus. The designs were drawn on the storm drain covers then painted and protected with a coat of sealant to prevent damage from the weather. The students, staff and principal were educated about USW and the effects that every day activities can have on plant life and aquatic life in urban environments and down-stream in non-urban areas. To accomplish the USW drain project, a partnership was formed with Robert F. Morehead Middle School to do artistic paintings on storm drains located on their campus. For more information, contact Lee Anderson at 870-534-1033.

🌱 BECOME A JEFFERSON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER! 🌻Do you enjoy gardening, helping others, and making a difference in your co...
09/11/2026

🌱 BECOME A JEFFERSON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER! 🌻

Do you enjoy gardening, helping others, and making a difference in your community? Apply for the 2026 Jefferson County Master Gardener Training Program!

Training options include:

🌿 In-person classes at the Jefferson County Extension Office
💻 Online training completed on your own schedule
🌼 Research-based gardening education
🤝 Volunteer and community-service opportunities

📅 Application deadline: September 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

📍 Jefferson County Extension Office
500 South Idaho Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

For application information, contact:

Lee Anderson
Horticulture/4-H Agent
Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn, grow, and serve Jefferson County!



The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution.

09/09/2026
09/09/2026

🌿 MASTER GARDENER TRAINING DEADLINE REMINDER 🌿

Interested in becoming a Jefferson County Master Gardener?

The acceptance period for new Master Gardener trainees will officially close on:

📅 Wednesday, September 16, 2026
⏰ 4:30 p.m.

All interested applicants must have their application and payment submitted by the deadline to be considered for the upcoming Master Gardener training program.

Becoming a Master Gardener is a great opportunity to:

🌱 Expand your gardening and horticulture knowledge
🤝 Serve your local community
🌻 Participate in gardening and beautification projects
📚 Receive research-based horticulture education
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Help support educational programs throughout Jefferson County

If you have been thinking about joining, now is the time to apply!

For more information, contact:

Lee Anderson
Horticulture/4-H Agent
Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service
📍 500 South Idaho Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

Please share this post with anyone who may be interested in becoming a Jefferson County Master Gardener! 🌿



The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution

09/04/2026

🌱 2026 MASTER GARDENER TRAINING — TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE! 🌱

# # # 🌿 A Proud Jefferson County Tradition Since 1988!

Did you know that Jefferson County was one of the original four counties selected to launch the Arkansas Master Gardener Program?

The Arkansas Master Gardener Program began in 1988 as a pilot program with only 40 members in Garland, Jefferson, Pulaski, and Saline counties.

That means Jefferson County has been part of the Master Gardener tradition from the very beginning! In 2026, we celebrate 38 years of Master Gardener education, volunteer service, horticulture outreach, and community involvement in Arkansas.

Now, YOU can become part of that history!

Interested in becoming a Jefferson County Master Gardener in 2026? We are making training more accessible by offering two convenient training options.

🏢 OPTION 1: IN-PERSON TRAINING

Attend Master Gardener training at the:

📍 Jefferson County Extension Office
500 South Idaho Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

Learn alongside other future Master Gardeners while receiving horticulture education and connecting with local Extension staff and volunteers.

💻 OPTION 2: ONLINE TRAINING

Need more flexibility?

Complete the Master Gardener training **online at your own pace and on your own time. This option is ideal for participants who may not be able to attend the scheduled in-person training.

🌱 Two training options. One Master Gardener mission.

Whether you prefer learning face-to-face or need the convenience of online training, there is an option for you.

🌻 WHY BECOME A MASTER GARDENER?

Become part of a program with a history of serving Arkansas communities since 1988. Master Gardeners use their horticulture knowledge and volunteer service to:

• Support community horticulture projects
• Assist with educational programs and demonstrations
• Learn research-based gardening practices
• Help educate youth and adults
• Continue developing their own horticulture knowledge
• Make a positive difference throughout Jefferson County

From one of Arkansas's original Master Gardener pilot counties in 1988 to the next generation of volunteers in 2026, the tradition continues with YOU!

📞 For more information, contact:
📧 Lee Anderson
Horticulture/4-H Agent
[email protected]

⏰Applications for the 2026 Master Gardener Training close on September 16, 2026.

🌿 38 YEARS OF HISTORY. TWO WAYS TO TRAIN. ONE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE JEFFERSON COUNTY.

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution.

09/03/2026

🌱 2026 Arkansas Master Gardener Training Registration is Open! 🌱

Interested in expanding your horticulture knowledge and serving your community through volunteer outreach? The 2026 Arkansas Master Gardener Training Program is now accepting registrations.

To register, please visit the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office located at:

📍 500 South Idaho Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601
(870) 534-1033

For individuals who are unable to attend in-person training sessions, an online training option is available.

For additional information about the Arkansas Master Gardener Program, please contact the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office.



The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please contact the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office as early as possible.

08/28/2026

🥕🌶️ JEFFERSON COUNTY VEGETABLE GROWERS — WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 🍅🌱

The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service is working to identify local vegetable growers.

We are looking for:

🌶️ Pepper growers
🍅 Tomato growers
🌱 Okra growers
🥒 Cucumber growers
🥬 Greens and leafy vegetable growers
🎃 Squash and pumpkin growers
🫘 Bean and pea growers
🌽 Sweet corn growers
🥕 Root vegetable growers
👨‍🌾 Beginning and small-scale growers

You do not have to operate a large farm to participate. Backyard market gardeners, small-acreage producers, beginning farmers, and experienced commercial growers are encouraged to contact us.

Our goal is to bring local growers together to explore:

✅ Growing different varieties to prevent market oversupply
✅ Coordinating vegetable production among growers
✅ Creating opportunities for locally grown Jefferson County produce

If you currently grow vegetables—or are interested in growing vegetables we would like to hear from you.

📍 Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service
📞 870-534-1033
📧 [email protected]

Contact Lee Anderson, Horticulture/4-H Agent, to be added to our Jefferson County Vegetable Growers contact list.

Please share this post with farmers and vegetable growers throughout Jefferson County and the surrounding area.

🌱 Grow Local. Coordinate Local. Buy Local.

08/26/2026

🌱🌻 BECOME A JEFFERSON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER IN 2026! 🌻🌱

Do you love plants, gardening, learning new skills, and helping your community? Now is a great time to consider becoming a Jefferson County Master Gardener!

You do not have to be a gardening expert. Master Gardener Basic Training is designed to help you build your horticulture knowledge while preparing you to serve your community through educational programs, gardening projects, youth activities, beautification efforts, and more.

📅 2026 MASTER GARDENER BASIC TRAINING OPTIONS

💻 Online Self-Paced Training
October 6 – December 11, 2026

🖥️ Live Zoom Basic Training

🌿 October 21 – Class 1
🌿 October 28 – Class 2
🌿 November 4 – Class 3
🌿 November 11 – Class 4
🌿 November 18 – Class 5 / Final Zoom Class

Master Gardener Basic Training provides approximately 40 hours of horticulture education covering topics such as plant care, vegetable gardening, trees and shrubs, plant propagation, insects, diseases, soils, pruning, landscaping, and more.

🚨 APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 🚨

📢 WE NEED AT LEAST 18 APPLICANTS TO HOLD A JEFFERSON COUNTY TRAINING CLASS!

If you have ever thought about becoming a Master Gardener, this is the year to join. Invite a friend, neighbor, church member, coworker, or fellow gardening enthusiast to apply with you. Help us reach our goal of 18 applicants and bring Master Gardener training to Jefferson County!

🌻 Learn. Grow. Serve. Make a Difference.

Become part of a dedicated group of volunteers who use their horticulture knowledge to improve Jefferson County through education, community service, beautification projects, youth programs, and gardening activities.

📍 Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

📞 For more information or to apply, contact:
Lee Anderson, Horticulture/4-H Agent
Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service
870-534-1033

08/24/2026

🍀 BECOME A JEFFERSON COUNTY 4-H CLUB LEADER! 🍀

Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of young people in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County 4-H is looking for dedicated adult volunteers who are interested in serving as 4-H Club Leaders. Club leaders help youth build confidence, leadership skills, responsibility, and practical life skills through positive, hands-on experiences.

As a 4-H Club Leader, you will have the opportunity to:

✅ Mentor and encourage youth
✅ Help organize educational club activities
✅ Support youth leadership and community service projects
✅ Communicate with parents, members, and Extension staff
✅ Participate in volunteer training and county 4-H activities
✅ Provide a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for youth

You do not have to be an expert to become a 4-H leader; you need a willingness to learn, serve, and help young people succeed.

Jefferson County Extension Office
500 South Idaho Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

📞 870-534-1033
📧 [email protected]

🍀 Lead Today. Grow Tomorrow. Help us build the next generation of Jefferson County leaders through 4-H!

🌿 Houseplant Propagation &  Pollinators Workshop 🌿Today, the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service hosted an in...
08/21/2026

🌿 Houseplant Propagation & Pollinators Workshop 🌿

Today, the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service hosted an informative houseplant propagation presentation at the Extension Office. Participants learned practical techniques for producing new houseplants through cuttings, division, and other propagation methods.

We were also pleased to welcome Dr. Yong Park of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), who provided an additional presentation on pollinators and their important role in healthy gardens, food production, and the environment. 🐝🦋🌸

Thank you to Dr. Park and everyone who attended and helped make today’s program a success! Follow our page for information about upcoming horticulture workshops and Extension programs.

08/19/2026

🌱 HORTICULTURE EDUCATION FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS 🌱

The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service invites public, private, and charter schools throughout Jefferson County to partner with us for hands-on horticulture education!

Programs can be adapted for elementary, middle, and high school students. Learning opportunities may include:

🌿 Plant growth and basic plant science
🥕 Vegetable, herb, and flower gardening
🪴 Plant propagation and houseplant care
🧪 Soil science, composting, and plant nutrition
🐝 Pollinators and beneficial insects
🌎 Water conservation and environmental stewardship
🍅 School and community garden projects
🍀 Arkansas 4-H activities, leadership, and career exploration

These research-based programs can support classroom instruction in science, agriculture, nutrition, environmental education, and career development.

School administrators, teachers, counselors, agriculture educators, and youth program leaders are encouraged to contact us to discuss:

• Classroom presentations
• Hands-on workshops
• School garden projects
• 4-H clubs and special-interest programs

📍 Programs are available to schools throughout Jefferson County, Arkansas.

📧 [email protected]
👤 Lee Anderson, Horticulture/4-H Agent

Contact us to discuss how the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service can bring horticulture education to your students!


Address

500 S Idaho Street
Pine Bluff, AR
71601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18705341033

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