Black Hawk County Extension & Outreach

10/23/2026

Our last Senior Recognition! 🍀

2026 Senior Recognition 🎓

Lastly, we have Delaney Toneff!

Delaney was a member of the Lester Livewires 4-H Club! Her favorite 4-H memories were showing her soybeans each year and doing working exhibits at the State Fair.

She says: "Through my projects, activities, and involvement in my community, I have learned how to set goals, overcome challenges, and follow through with my commitments. 4-H has given me experiences that have helped me become more confident and prepared to take on new opportunities in the future."

Delaney is currently attending Iowa State University, majoring in Integrated Health Science.

Congratulations, Delaney! 🍀

10/23/2026

Our next Senior Recognition!

2026 Senior Recognition 🎓

Next up is Emmeric Pavelec!

Emmeric was a 12 year member of the Mt. Vernon Pals 4-H Club! His favorite 4-H memory is being at the fair and telling the judges all about his projects.

He says 4-H helped prepare him for the future by helping him build people skills, learn how to complete goals, and by doing hands-on learning.

Emmeric has entered the workforce, currently working at Hy-Vee Market Grille and the Wartburg Dining Center!

Congratulations, Emmeric! 🍀

10/20/2026

Please help us in recognizing our senior 4-H members! We love seeing their commitment to 4-H! 🍀

2026 Senior Recognition 🎓

Please join us in recognizing a few of our Black Hawk County 4-H members that graduated this spring! First up: Elsie McIntosh!

Elsie was a member of the Lester Livewires 4-H Club! Her favorite 4-H memories are from Family Fun Nights and getting dunked as the Fair Queen.

She says 4-H has helped prepare her for the future by building her social skills and responsibility.

Elsie is currently attending SDSU and is majoring in Journalism and Marketing.

Congratulations, Elsie! 🍀

10/19/2026

Wondering how to pick the perfect pumpkin? 🎃

Ready to pick the perfect pumpkin?
Whether you’re visiting a pumpkin patch or stopping by the store, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a pumpkin that will last throughout the fall season.

Learn how to choose the perfect pumpkin and find more helpful tips from
Yard and Garden: https://go.iastate.edu/FMDFMI

Iowa State University Department of Horticulture ISU Extension and Outreach - Agriculture and Natural Resources Iowa State Extension Yard and Garden

10/19/2026

🍂The Garden Symposium is quickly approaching. There is still room to register for the exciting event!🍂

*please share with friends - We have room for more people! The 2026 Fall Garden Symposium sponsored by the Black Hawk County Master Gardeners will be Saturday, October 31st.

The Symposium will again be held at 1301 Kimball Ave in Waterloo.
The speakers include Linn County Master Gardener and popular speaker Deb Walser, Statewide Field Specialist of Horticulture Randall Vos, Farm Manager, AJ Shultz from Convivium Urban Farmstead in Dubuque, and Chip Murrow, Urban Forestry Program Specialist with Iowa DNR. The cost to attend for the day is $40 per person and includes a light breakfast, a catered lunch, and of course lots of coffee and snacks! You can sign up online or by sending or bring a check to the Black Hawk County Extension office.

*reply to [email protected] with questions

10/19/2026

Hey 4-H Friends! 🍀

See the information below for details on discounted Waterloo Black Hawks tickets.

Enjoy a night of fun with the Waterloo Black Hawks! 🍀🏒

This winter, they will have THREE 4-H games! See the flyer below for more details on securing your discounted tickets!

10/16/2026

Upcoming Fall 2026 Commercial Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Courses.

Give us a call at: 319-234-6811 for sign up information and registration fees.

10/16/2026

❄️ Freeze watch tonight! ❄

It's that time of the year to cover or bring your sensitive plants inside. 🌿

🥶 FREEZE WATCH ISSUED FOR MUCH OF IOWA!
The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Watch for a large portion of Iowa from late Friday night through Saturday morning as some of the coldest temperatures of the season are expected to move into the region.
Temperatures could fall into the upper 20s to around 30 degrees across much of the state, with some locations in northeast Iowa potentially dropping as low as 27 degrees.
These temperatures could bring a widespread freeze, potentially damaging or killing sensitive vegetation and any remaining crops that have not been harvested. If you still have outdoor plants or flowers you want to keep around, now is the time to make plans to bring them indoors or provide protection. Unprotected outdoor plumbing could also be at risk.
A Freeze Watch means conditions are favorable for temperatures to fall below freezing, but the exact extent and severity of the freeze are still uncertain. The watch may be upgraded to a Freeze Warning as confidence increases.
We'll continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as we get closer to Friday night!

10/16/2026

Ended 4-H Week on a high note! 🍀🍀

10/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Dick Young Greenhouse Fall Plant Sale! We loved seeing all those who stopped by! 🌼

If you missed it, don't worry. Stay tuned for information on the Spring Plant Sale! 🥀🌱🌷