Commissioners and extension staff debate definition of economic development

Guaranteed income pilot program focuses on single mothers

Extension council loses long-standing nutrition education grant

K-State Extension expands support for local food businesses

Kaw Valley Farm Tour drives local economic impact

Agricultural extension focuses on soil conservation to protect reservoir

Extension office targets education for influx of new rural landowners

Massive interest in native plants sparks new demonstration garden

4-H citizenship program prepares youth for civic leadership

Commissioners and extension staff debate definition of economic development

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — County commissioners and extension staff engaged in a dialogue Wednesday regarding the extension council's role in traditional economic development discussions. During the meeting, it was suggested that extension could serve as a valuable voice and "translator" in local Chamber of Commerce and economic development council meetings, bridging the gap between agricultural land use and urban growth priorities. Extension director Marlin Bates agreed with the sentiment, noting that while their work focuses on agricultural sustainability and local food systems rather than traditional corporate recruitment, it remains a critical component of the county's broader economic health.

Guaranteed income pilot program focuses on single mothers

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — A local guaranteed income pilot program, recently renamed "Douglas County Thrives," is moving forward with a focus on supporting single female heads of households. Extension agents are collaborating with the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research to gather lived experiences from this specific demographic. Organizers said the initiative aims to move beyond traditional institutional approaches and utilize direct community data to guide the implementation of the guaranteed income project across the county.

Extension council loses long-standing nutrition education grant

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The Douglas County Extension Council has lost a nearly $150,000 federal grant that has funded free nutrition education for vulnerable populations since the mid-1990s. Community health and wellness agent Kaitlyn Peine informed county commissioners at Wednesday's work session that the loss of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program education grant resulted in the elimination of two full-time equivalent positions. Attempts to implement a fee-for-service model with community partners to cover food and supply costs were unsuccessful due to widespread budget constraints, effectively halting the council's localized nutrition education programming.

K-State Extension expands support for local food businesses

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — A new statewide community food systems team through Kansas State University Extension is providing vital support to local food and farm entrepreneurs in Douglas County. Staff highlighted a recent three-day workshop hosted in Lawrence that connected emerging business owners with industry experts to help launch and scale their operations. Local navigators have conducted one-on-one consultations with more than 300 businesses across the state, working to bolster the regional food ecosystem and prepare culturally appropriate food vendors ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kaw Valley Farm Tour drives local economic impact

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The 22nd annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour is expected to draw more than 3,000 attendees this fall, serving as a significant driver of local agricultural economic development. Extension staff reported that last year's event featured 33 farms, mostly in Douglas County, with the average visitor spending approximately $120 across three or more farms. The tour serves a dual purpose of connecting consumers with the origins of their food and providing a crucial revenue stream for local agricultural producers.

Agricultural extension focuses on soil conservation to protect reservoir

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Douglas County's agriculture extension programs are prioritizing soil conservation to help mitigate erosion and protect Clinton Lake, the county's primary drinking-water reservoir. Agriculture agent Margit Kaltenekker reported ongoing collaborations with the Douglas County Conservation District and state agencies to reduce nutrient runoff and sedimentation in local waterways. Recent efforts include hosting nationally recognized soil health experts and coordinating field trials to help farmers cut back on fertilizer rates while maintaining yields.

Extension office targets education for influx of new rural landowners

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — In response to population growth in the county's rural areas, the Douglas County Extension Council has partnered with Douglas County Zoning and Codes staff to release a new resource guide for rural landowners. Horticulture and natural resources agent Sharon Ashworth noted that many new property owners purchase acreage without prior experience in land management. To bridge this knowledge gap, the council recently launched a series of land stewardship workshops covering native vegetation management, brush control and wildfire safety.

Massive interest in native plants sparks new demonstration garden

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Surging local interest in native landscaping has prompted the Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners to establish a new demonstration garden at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Attendance at the group's annual native plant sale skyrocketed from 300 people in 2022 to nearly 1,000 last year, with lines stretching around the block. This year's sale, scheduled for May 30, will feature more than 10,000 plants, reflecting a growing community desire to support pollinators and utilize native plants for backyard landscaping.

4-H citizenship program prepares youth for civic leadership

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Douglas County 4-H is expanding its focus on civic engagement through the 18-month Citizenship Washington Focus program for high school students. Youth development agent Nickie Harding reported that participants engage directly with local, county and state officials — including debating mock bills on the Kansas Senate floor — before traveling to Washington, D.C. The intensive program aims to build long-term career readiness, communication skills and a deep understanding of government processes beyond traditional agricultural projects.

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