Many of us live in Archuleta County to enjoy the openness and privacy of living on multiple acres. But, with this benefit also comes responsibility for proper land stewardship, including weed control, maintaining good grass and forage coverage and creating a wildfire defensible zone around your home and structures. Some people also want to earn some extra money by producing vegetables, keeping bees or raising chickens, goats or other livestock.
If you are thinking of pursuing any of these agricultural projects or need to know more about maintaining a healthy landscape, attend The Good Steward Project, a free, all-day workshop sponsored by the Archuleta County Farm Bureau and CSU Extension on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Extension building at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
Along with presentations from producers, industry experts and agency representatives, you can visit one on one to discuss your individual situation. The event is free to the public and a hamburger lunch will be available for only $5. No pre-registration is necessary, but for more information, call the CSU Extension office at 264-5931.
Shred-it event
Shred those financial papers safely and protect your personal identity. On Wednesday, May 14, from 4-6 p.m. in the downtown Citizens Bank parking lot, CSU Extension will be offering the first Community Shred-it Event. Bring a maximum of three boxes of paper per person to be shredded on site for only $5 per box. All profits go to supporting the 4-H program in Archuleta County.
Wildfire mitigation workshops
Learn how to create a defensible space around your home, operate a chainsaw correctly and safely, and manage the oak brush around your home. Attend these free educational workshops in Pagosa Springs. To register or for more information, call the Extension office at 264-5931. Workshop dates and topics are as follows:
• May 8 and June 19, 10 a.m-noon. On-site Defensible Space Workshop.
These on-site workshops will take you through the steps to create a wildfire defensible space around your home and structures. Two locations in Archuleta County will be identified as workshop sites.
• May 29, 10 a.m.-noon. Chainsaw Safety, CSU Extension Building, Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
Operating a chain saw can be dangerous. Learn to operate this important tool safely and maintain it for optimum efficiency.
• June 26, 10 a.m.-noon. On-site oak brush management workshop.
Gambel oak is one of our most common and prolific shrubs. Learn how to manage this shrub for greater wildfire prevention. A location within the county will be identified for this hands-on training.
Seed potato varieties now being sold
Orders are now being taken for Colorado-certified seed potatoes grown at the CSU Experiment Station in the San Luis Valley. Varieties being sold for only 50 cents per pound are Sangre (red), Purple Majesty (blue), the standard Yukon Gold (white) and Mountain Rose (pink). Approximately 2 pounds will plant a 10-foot row. To place your order, please call the Archuleta County Extension office at 264-5931. Orders may be picked up May 7 and planted after May 11.
