Virginia Cooperative Extension-Mathews County /4-H

03/19/2026

Vegetables to plant in March!

Check our publication for exact planting dates! For a full list and more info see our publication https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-331/426-331.html
This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map!

03/13/2026

✨🎤🎨 Spark & Shine Northeast District Contest 🎨🎤✨

Calling all creative 4-H youth! The Spark & Shine Northeast District Contest is coming up, and it’s your chance to show off your talents, build confidence, and have FUN 💫

🗓 Contest Date: April 18
📍 Location: Bell Creek Middle School
📝 Registration Opens: February 1
⏰ Registration Closes: April 3

🎉 Contest Categories Include:
• Visual Arts
• Extemporaneous Speaking
• Fashion R***e
• Table Setting
• Public Speaking
• Presentation
• Share the Fun
• Science Fair

👧🧒 Who Can Compete?
✔️ Registered in 4-H Online 2.0 (contact Rachael Morris for registration help, [email protected])
✔️ Juniors (9–11), Intermediates (12–13), Seniors (14–18)
✔️ Age as of 9/30/2026

This is a great opportunity for youth to try something new, practice communication skills, and shine on stage or behind the scenes 🌟

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and learn more, or call me if you have questions and want more information!

Let’s Spark & Shine, Northeast District! 💙🍀

03/13/2026

📣 You asked for deeper financial guidance — we heard you!
Join us for Balancing Life Deeper Dive into Financial Wellness, a four session virtual series just in time for Financial Literacy Month.
Learn about taxes, debt, budgeting, and saving in extended 60 minute sessions designed for clarity, confidence, and real life application.
👉 Register today! Join as many sessions as you’d like. And spread the word to anyone you think would be interested! Share on your socials, too!

March 20, 10-11am: Balancing Life Deeper Dive into Taxes
Explore updated tax laws, filing considerations, planning strategies, and practical ways to use tax refunds to support financial goals.
Registration: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2rMQR9zkTEm0PXuRxdoCUQ

April 10: Balancing Life Deeper Dive into Saving for Stability and Future Goals
Explore savings strategies for emergencies, short-term needs, and long-term goals, and learn how to build habits that last.
Registration: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__4vjDbeATBisnz21nFLU3Q

April 17: Balancing Life Deeper Dive into Spending Plans/Budgets That Work for You
Build a spending plan aligned with your needs and priorities and learn how to adapt your budget as life shifts.
Registration: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z1IVsiAJTECVWWbWHBPpZA

April 24, 10-11am: Balancing Life Deeper Dive into Practical Tools for Managing and Reducing Debt
Learn about types of debt, compare repayment approaches, and discover strategies to reduce financial stress and financial debt.
Registration: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v0NJjdAfRiytAkrbw8dZ3w

03/10/2026

03/10/2026

Mathews County Local Market Survey



VCE wants to hear from you!
We want to find out if you would be interested in a local co-op market in Mathews that would supply local Mathews products, such as produce, meat, seafood, and more. Please help us by filling out this quick survey. Virginia Cooperative Extension is helping this effort by collecting information about this opportunity for Mathews.
Should you have any questions about the survey or want more information, please reach out to Frank Long, VCE Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, at 804-758-4120.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/tUPxc8BGBQYMcft4A or scan QR code

03/10/2026

The Northern Neck Vegetable Growers Association continues their commitment to agriculture and the region this year by offering five scholarships totaling $10,000 to deserving area youth studying agriculture.

Eligible applicants must live in one of the following counties: Caroline, City of Fredericksburg, Essex, Hanover, Gloucester, King George, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland. Successful applicants must be 18-24 yrs. old and at least graduating seniors in high school.

These funds are only eligible for use for undergraduate course work and can include community college agricultural programming and technical training. Two $1000 scholarships are intended for students enrolled in a two-year agriculture program. A strong emphasis will be placed on a demonstrated commitment to agriculture not only with course work but also community involvement and career goals.

For more information call the Westmoreland County Extension Office at 804-493-8924 or email [email protected].
You can find an application here: https://westmoreland.ext.vt.edu/news/northern-neck-vegetable-growers-association-2026-scholarship.html.

The deadline for applications is April 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. Applications must be physically in the office, no electronic transmissions accepted.

03/09/2026

Buzz, Body & Bites

🍀March Virginia Cooperative Extension newsletter

03/06/2026

🌏Host a 4-H International Exchange Student This Summer! 🇯🇵🇰🇷

Virginia 4-H is preparing to welcome youth from Japan and South Korea for our 2026 Inbound Summer Exchange, and we are looking for caring families to open their homes and share everyday American life.

✨ We still need at least 17 host families, including:

1 additional family to host an 18-year-old young man from South Korea

This is a wonderful opportunity to build global friendships and introduce international youth to life in Virginia!

🏡 Host Family Basics

📅 Program Dates: July 22 – August 15
📍 Transportation: Host families pick up and drop off delegates in Richmond, VA
💰 Stipend: None (this is a volunteer cultural exchange)

To host a youth delegate:

Have a child within 4 years of age of the Japanese delegate

Host sibling should be 10 years or older and the same gender

Delegates are typically 13–16 years old

To host an adult chaperone:

You do not need children in the home.

🌟 What to Expect

No previous 4-H experience required

Delegates come with varying levels of English ability

They are here to experience everyday American life — no special trips or big plans required!

Host families will receive support from the state coordinator and other host families before, during, and after the exchange

All families participate in a screening and interview process as part of 4-H risk management

🌍 Why Host?

Hosting is a unique way to:

Build lifelong international friendships

Share your culture and learn about another

Give youth an unforgettable cultural experience

📌 Interested in hosting?
The 2026 hosting application is now open (look for the Month-Long Program option).

📧 Questions? Contact:
Wendy Herdman
4-H Extension Agent & Inbound Coordinator
[email protected]

💚 Please consider sharing this opportunity with friends, neighbors, and community groups. Your home could make a life-changing difference for a young person this summer!

02/19/2026

📣 Calling College Students & Future Change-Makers! 🌱👩‍🌾👨‍🌾

Are you looking to build real-world experience this summer while making an impact in your community? Virginia Cooperative Extension at the Mathews County office is now offering a hands-on internship focused on 4-H youth development! 🌟

As an intern, you’ll:
✨ Work directly with the 4-H Extension Agent to learn how programs are planned, implemented, and evaluated.
✨ Support and lead youth educational activities, workshops, and events.
✨ Gain valuable insight into community outreach, leadership, and Extension programming.
✨ Help with exciting programs like Junior 4-H Camp and other educational opportunities.
✨ Get professional experience that strengthens your resume and connects you with statewide Extension professionals.

This is a great opportunity for students interested in education, youth development, agriculture, community engagement, and nonprofit work. Whether you’re considering a career in Extension or nonprofit service, this experience provides meaningful, practical skills — and the chance to make a difference right here in Mathews! 📚🌍

📌 Learn more & apply: https://ext.vt.edu/internship/counties/mathews.html

📞 Questions? Contact the Mathews Extension Office at 804-725-7196.

Tag a student who needs to see this! 🎓👇

1. Describe your plans for this internship. (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing? Intern for Chesterfield will focus on Home Food Production and Preservation This internship provides a hands-on learning experience focused on 4-H Youth Development programming in Mathews county. The intern...

02/19/2026

🌱🚀 Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute – AI/STEM at Virginia State University! 🚀🌱

Virginia State University is excited to invite 8th–12th grade students from across the nation to the Junior MANRRS Leadership Institute – AI/STEM, happening April 17–19, 2026 on the campus of Virginia State University!

This powerful three-day experience is designed to spark curiosity, leadership, and innovation in agriculture, STEM, and emerging technologies. Participants will engage in hands-on STEM challenges, interactive AI learning, leadership workshops, and team-based innovation labs led by industry professionals, university faculty, and inspiring MANRRS mentors.

✨ What Students Will Gain:
• Explore cutting-edge agriculture and STEM technologies
• Build leadership and career-ready skills
• Connect with college students and industry leaders
• Experience campus life at VSU

🍽️🏨 Meals and lodging are fully covered by VSU Cooperative Extension.

This is more than an event—it’s an investment in the next generation of innovators and agricultural leaders!

📌 Important Details:
• Open to students in grades 8–12
• Youth capacity is limited to 50 participants
• Registration deadline: March 4, 2026
• All youth, chaperones, and volunteers must register

🔗 Register here:
https://vsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cRUa82sy1W0MmA6

We can’t wait to welcome you and your students to VSU for this exciting and transformative experience! 🌟

02/18/2026

We are excited to announce that Camp SPARK registration is officially OPEN! Camp SPARK is a unique overnight camp experience designed specifically to support and celebrate neurodivergent youth. This camp provides a welcoming, inclusive environment where youth can build confidence, develop life skills, and create meaningful friendships — all while having fun!

This camp is agent-led by:
• Bridgitte Groome, Hanover County 4-H Agent
• Cayla Walker, Goochland County 4-H Agent

📅 Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2026
📍 Location: Jamestown 4-H Educational Center
💲 Cost: $250
💛 Limited scholarships available

If you have questions regarding payment, please reach out to:
📧 Bridgitte Groome at [email protected]

🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4-HCampSPARK

Spots are limited, and we encourage families to register early to secure a place at this empowering and supportive camp experience. We can’t wait to SPARK something amazing this summer! ✨