UW-Madison, Division of Extension Rock County

Durante los siguientes 30 días celebramos el talento, pasión, y liderazgo en nuestras comunidades Latinas quienes han decidido llamar a Rock County, ‘su hogar’.

Apreciamos a todas las organizaciones de nuestra comunidad que son lideradas y conectadas con la comunidad latina. Hoy más que nunca, es importante valorar el poder de la diversidad.

During the next 30 days, we will celebrate the talent, passion and leadership in our Latine communities who have decided to call Rock County their home.

We appreciate all the organizations in our community who are led by and connect with the Latine community. Today more than ever, it is important to value the power of diversity.

https://rock.extension.wisc.edu/en-espanol/

Join Extension for an insightful online program about preparing new garden beds, with special focus on effective w**d prevention. Discover why fall is the ideal time to plan for a successful spring, and learn how to match w**d control options to the size of your project. Explore various methods including solarization, occultation, chemical treatments, and tilling to ensure your garden thrives come springtime. This program is free but registration is required. Register at go.wisc.edu/843810.

In collaboration with Nutrition and Health Associates, Inc./Rock County WIC Program, join FoodWIse on Saturday, Sept. 21st, 9:00-10:00am at the Beloit Farmers Market. FoodWIse Educator, Amelia, will take you on a guided tour to explore what the market has to offer and learn how to use your WIC or EBT funds. To register: click the link https://tinyurl.com/4kdstxs7 or scan the QR code below.

Rock County 4-H is wrapping up its year with awards. Find out what we're celebrating. Start your Wisconsin 4-H journey by figuring out your 'spark'!!

About Rock County 4-H https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/4hrock/about-4-h-edit/

4-H Projects https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/opportunities/projects/

Discover your spark with Wisconsin 4-H! Follow our Sparks Map to explore exciting project areas that ignite your curiosity.

Two more opportunities coming up to join Julie, your local horticulture educator, to talk about fall gardening tasks in relation to plant diseases, insects, and wildlife food; fall lawn care, protecting susceptible plants from snow/cold damage and more.

September 19, 5:30 p.m., East Troy Parks and Recreation
https://easttroywi.gov/programs
Village of East Troy, 2015 Energy Drive, East Troy

September 23, 5:30 p.m., Big Foot Recreation District
https://bigfootrecreation.org
Big Foot High School, 401 Devils Ln, Walworth

What is going on with the lilacs this year?!

I've been getting that question a lot the past few weeks. Most commonly, the leaves are browning, curling and even starting to drop off. DON'T PANIC! It’s not going to kill your lilac even though it may look like it is dead or dying.

👉 This is most likely a fungal disease called Septoria Leaf Spot.
https://pddc.wisc.edu/2015/08/16/septoria-leaf-spot/

The severity of seeing this disease on your lilacs from year to year will depend on the weather. We had a nice moist/wet spring and summer which was great, but it also promoted fungal diseases.

Here is what you can do NOW 👇👇👇
You can help manage this disease by:
👉Really good fall clean up this season. Collect and dispose of any fallen leaves. You can burn them (if allowed by local ordinance), bury them (make sure the leaves are completely covered with soil) or compost (only if using hot composting methods.) To compost the diseased leaves the compost pile needs to be managed (turned, aerated) and reach 130-140 degrees. This promotes the rapid decay of the leaf tissue in the compost pile and kills the fungus.

👉Routine thinning of your lilacs to clear out old growth and open the canopy will promote air movement and more rapid drying of the leaves; this will be less favorable for the fungus to infect the leaves. Do not prune right now, but if you would like to prune - wait until the late winter OR prune right after they are done flowering in the spring. If you prune this winter, you will be pruning off next year's flowers, so if you don't want to reduce the number of flowers you have, you can wait until next spring and prune right after they are done flowering.

NOTE: If you are seeing other concerning symptoms such as sudden wilting and dying of a single branch but the rest of the lilac is healthy, then it could be a much more serious disease.

As always, you can contact your local horticulture educator with any of your gardening and yard questions:
262-741-4958
[email protected]

Septoria Leaf Spot | Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic Disease - Vegetable Septoria Leaf Spot August 16, 2015 hudelson UW Plant Disease Facts   Authors: Brian Hudelson, UW-Madison Plant Pathology Last Revised: 03/01/2024 D-number: D0100 What is Septoria leaf spot? Septoria leaf spot is one of two common fungal diseases that can devastate tomatoes in bo...

Registration is open! https://youth.extension.wisc.edu/programs/youth-as-partners-in-civic-leadership/ -reg

Want to get a glimpse of what you might experience, watch highlights in this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oc91Fz4H7U

Youth as Partners in Civic Leadership (YPCL) is a three day, two night conference whose mission is to advance youth voice in Wisconsin by increasing the capacity for youth and adults to share civic leadership in local communities, schools and organizations. It is open to teams of adults and youth 14+ throughout the state. It will include interactive youth led workshops, outdoor activities, and team building with a diverse community in a beautiful natural setting.

Registration is $180 and includes lodging, food and activities. Scholarships are available upon request. Individual participants must register as a part of a team or group such as a school or youth serving organization.

To register for YPCL, please visit our website or scan the QR Code on the flier. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] Registration closes October 5.

Check this out! Get ready to plant those bulbs this fall!

Free Online Gardening Programs Free Online Programs for Wisconsin Gardeners Description | Schedule and Registration | FAQ | Online Program Archive Description Join Wisconsin Horticulture Extension for free online gardening programs — and watch from any device! Our topics are suitable for gardeners of any skill level. When you r...

Calving Management Practices and Neonate Care in Dairy Cattle Workshop
October 10-11, 2024

The training of the farm personnel has positive impacts on animal welfare and performance, thus increasing the overall farm profitability. To support beef and dairy farms and their employees, the UW-Extension Dairy program has developed the “Calving management practices and Neonate care in dairy cattle” workshop. This program will help farm personnel to recognize the imminent signs of birth and calving process, provide guidelines for calving management practices to reduce the prevalence of stillbirth and health issues in cows, be able to determine when first calf heifers or cows need assistance at calving, and the importance of calf management and neonate care after calving.

Join this event in October to take the opportunity to learn from and discuss with experts on the dates below:
• October 10th, 2024 - 9:00am-3:00pm - English Session
• October 11th, 2024 - 9:00am-3:00pm - Spanish Session

Pre-registration by October 2nd, 2024 is required!
Cost: $20 – Includes lunch and materials
For more information and to register for the training, visit:
https://go.wisc.edu/ExtCalving

Fall is a great time to plant bulbs for spring beauty. Register for this mini-webinar to learn essential tips on how to select the perfect bulbs, correctly plant them, and protect new plantings. Now is the time to transform your garden into a springtime spectacle—don’t delay!

There is no cost to attend this program, but registration is required. Learn more and register at go.wisc.edu/843810.

🍎Looking for a great fall local food activity? Registration now open! Join the 2024 Great Apple Crunch to celebrate Wisconsin’s farmers and Wisconsin Farm to School! Check out fun Crunch pictures from last year at and register at healthyliving.extension.wisc.edu/events/apple-crunch/

Back to school means reconnecting AND sharing impactful moments. Those moments can make a difference for someone else. We want to hear your story—how has 4-H impacted you? Fill out this form and let us know! https://bit.ly/3Xu8Udj SHARE YOUR STORY with 4-H and empower youth in your community!

✨ In a world of constant change, 4-H empowers young people to rise above and shine. 🍀We’re spotlighting students, alumni, parents, volunteers and educators who’ve found their spark and are leading the charge. We want to hear your story—how has 4-H impacted you? Fill out this form and let us know! https://bit.ly/3Xu8Udj

Calling all seniors! Join FoodWIse on Saturday, Sept. 7th at the Janesville Farmers Market, Inc. FoodWIse Educator, Amelia, will take you on a guided tour of the market to learn how to use Senior FMNP Vouchers. To register: https://tinyurl.com/2wbzh48n or call (608)757-5051.

Wisconsin 4-H offers amazing programs and educational experiences. Fall isn't here quite yet, but the dates to save have arrived. . .

Fall Forum November 2-3 in Stevens Point!
Learn new ideas for your club, spark some new project ideas, and meet other members from around the state! Registration will open September 3rd in 4-H Online.

Arts Camp - October 5-6, 2024 at Upham Woods
Try your hand at various Expressive Arts, including Drawing, Painting, Theater, Dance, Culinary, and Music. Arts Camp is also about having a blast with activities like a talent show, Gnome hunt, color group competitions, and much more. Complete this registration form before September 16: https://24wi4hartscamp.4honline.com

Advanced Space Camp - Huntsville, AL
Train like an astronaut, learn team building skills at the Space Camp Challenge Course, participate in SCUBA diving at the underwater astronaut trainer, and learn a ton more about Space and STEM! Registration will be open in 4HOnline from September 4-30th, 2024.

Join FoodWIse at Janesville Community Center, Inc. (305 Lincoln St.) on Monday, August 26th. Stop by for nutrition activities for the kids!

Rock County 4-H loves partnering with libraries and finding new books to explore our 'sparks'. Check out this great opportunity!

You now have the opportunity to sit down with best-selling author Tammy Stuhr as she reads her inspiring book Jax Finds His Talent, beautifully illustrated by Cindy Sarkady! Discover how Jax finds his unique talents and learns to share them with the world. After the story, enjoy a fun activity led by Tammy that you can do from home or with friends at one of our host sites. 🌟

🗓️ Date: September 19, 2024
🕒 Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
📍 Platform: Zoom

🔗 https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2iCOTd5pB6Hhnwy

Don’t miss this chance to spark your creativity and have a blast with us! 🚀

Join FoodWIse on Saturday, Aug. 24th at the Beloit Farmers Market for a guided tour to learn how to use senior FMNP vouchers, sample fresh produce, and chat with local vendors. To register: https://tinyurl.com/43jt8j6f

Celebrate Black Business Month! We wrapped up Better Together last week learning about ice cream entrepreneur Augustus Jackson!

Check out this year's books and activities https://rock.extension.wisc.edu/partners-make-a-difference/

Explore previous year's exploration of Rock County Black Owned Businesses https://sites.google.com/wisc.edu/notinvisibleink-credible/keep-learning-together/look-what-brown-can-do

Share stories https://bcbooksandauthors.com/16-books-for-national-black-business-month/

Sign up for more Jumpstart updates https://madmimi.com/signups/bc7877497f6e441c9cad46154daaf69c/join

Join FoodWIse this Saturday, August 10th, for Kids Day at Janesville Farmers Market, Inc. FoodWIse will have a tasting tent from 10am - until supplies last, and kids who try all 4 food samples will get $4 in produce prizes to spend on fresh produce at the market.

Also, FoodWIse has openings for the 9:00 tour! Great way to get to know the farmers market and how to use your EBT/WIC funds.

Did you catch us celebrating YOU(th) this summer? Maybe at the Rock County 4-H fair https://www.facebook.com/RockCounty4HFair or a (future) graduation party https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/4hrock/community-youth-development/rock-county-programming/ . . .

Beyond the ribbons and awards these moments remind us that it all starts with a ‘spark’ and needs a community to grow. Here's to many MORE gold medal moments!

Come join us on August 10th for a tour of the Janesville Farmers' Market. It's a great opportunity to get to know the farmers' market and how to use your EBT/WIC funds. https://tinyurl.com/4v778tkj

Acompáñenos el 10 de agosto para un recorrido por el mercado de agricultores de Janesville. Es una gran oportunidad para conocer el mercado de agricultores y cómo utilizar sus fondos EBT/WIC. https://tinyurl.com/4v778tkj

The garden is looking great at Janesville Community Center, Inc.! FoodWIse will be back August 12th, 2-4pm. In the meantime, you can taste new, healthy recipes or try more fun 4-H activites with food by visiting https://rock.extension.wisc.edu/partners-make-a-difference/

Sampling the Freedom Garden. Community Center site hosts tasty, educational programs JANESVILLE – Under a bright summer sky at the Janesville Community Center Freedom Garden, Sue Grund carefully sliced a zucchini, added a dollop of hummus and placed a cherry tomato

Youth enjoyed the veggie pasta salad they made in the garden with FoodWIse. This week, they also discussed and measured added sugars found in breakfasts, snack foods, and beverages.

Our week at the Rock County 4-H Fair is all about celebrating our 4-H youth, families and volunteers! When 4-H members exhibit their work, they are both reflecting on their own learning and teaching all of us something new.

Find our cream puff stand to learn more about Rock County 4-H OR visit https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/4hrock/

DO-REFLECT-APPLY means that no matter the ribbon color, our youth, families and volunteers share SUCCESS! https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/volunteer-resources/4-h-foundations/experiential-learning-model/

Join FoodWIse on Monday at Janesville Community Center, Inc. Freedom Garden anytime between 9-11am.

Yay for the rusty-patched bumble! Spotting an endangered species at the Merrill Community Sharing Garden was soooooo cool!

EXCITING NEWS!

The Rusty Patched Bumblebee was spotted in one of our native plant beds yesterday by Julie Hill, UW-Madison, Division of Extension Rock County Wisconsin Horticulture - Extension Horticulture Outreach Specialist and Kaelyb the MCSG Coordinator.

"The RPBB's population has declined by 87% and its distribution by about 90% since the 1990s, and it now occupies only 0.1% of its historical range. The RPBB is now almost exclusively found in small, isolated pockets in the upper Midwest, including Wisconsin and Minnesota."

To learn more follow this link:https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/EndangeredResources/bullyforbees.pdf

Photo: Rusty Patched Bumblebee on Culvers Root in the MCSG.

We're so excited to work with Blackhawk Tech and UW-Whitewater at Rock County!! Keep checking back on our website for more information about success during high school and after! https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/4hrock/community-youth-development/rock-county-programming/

We hope to see you on July 24 4:00-9:00 p.m. at 309 Allen St, Clinton, WI.

FoodWIse had a great time with the kids grilling veggies for quesadillas and learning about healthy summer eating.

Join us at the Impact Pride Convention this Saturday, July 13. We are proud to share resources alongside our Prevention Network partners. Come and learn more about Wisconsin 4-H and the LGTBQIA+ Champion Group and our Gender Inclusion resources selected through youth and adult partnership.

Saturday, July 13th 10 am – 8 pm
Downtown Janesville at The Venue, 37 S. Water St.

This annual event showcases local q***r owned and affiliated businesses, bands, entertainers, support services and fellow organizations dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community.
https://www.janesvillepride.com/

https://youthdevelopment.extension.wisc.edu/curriculum-jams/gender-inclusion/

https://thearc.org/blog/why-and-how-to-celebrate-disability-pride-month/

The Wisconsin 4-H Movement encourages the values of "Being Yourself" and "Belonging Together" which are celebrated for all young people! Learn more about the 4-H Movement https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/the-movement/ and Wisconsin 4-H's commitment to inclusion https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/4-h-is-for-everyone-expanding-access-to-members-and-families/ .

We hope to see you at one of these upcoming free gardening programs with our horticulture educator, Julie:

🪴 Container Gardening, July 10, 5:30 p.m. at Karl Junginger Memorial Library, Waterloo
Learn essential tips to keep your container plants thriving all season long.
https://www.waterloo.lib.wi.us/youthfamily-programs/adult-programs/

🪴 Gardening Small, July 11, 10:30 a.m. at Janesville Senior Center, Janesville
Keeping in mind the basics of plant health, we will explore ways that you can maximize the space that you do have. We’ll review a variety of methods such as container, square foot, vertical gardening and hydroponics. https://www.janesvillewi.gov/departments-services/neighborhood-and-community-services/recreation-division/senior-center -image-18

🌺Gardening for Hummingbirds, July 15, 5:30 p.m. at Big Foot High School, Room W8
Join us to unravel the secrets of attracting the “jewels of the garden.” From territorial displays to fierce competition, we’ll dive into the hummingbird’s world to learn how your garden can meet their needs. Please register here: http://www.bigfootrecreation.org/

🐦Beyond Birdfeeders: How to be a bird-friendly gardener all year long, July 17, 3:00 p.m. at Jefferson Public Library
There are many benefits to both wildlife and people when you prioritize the needs of birds where you garden. We will talk about gardening practices you can do throughout the year to encourage bird visitors, plus birdfeeders, water, and how to improve shelter and nesting sites.
https://www.jeffersonwilibrary.org/event/beyond-bird-feeders/

🌺Gardening for Hummingbirds, July 22, 1:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place, Milton
Join us to unravel the secrets of attracting the “jewels of the garden.” From territorial displays to fierce competition, we’ll dive into the hummingbird’s world to learn how your garden can meet their needs.
https://www.tgpmilton.com/events