WVU Gilmer County Extension Service

09/30/2026

Join us in Morgantown for the Annual WVU Women in Ag Conference, Oct. 23-24.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19jrwAwzhj/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Looking for an AI crash course for small scale growers? Join us at the 2026 Women in Agriculture Conference on Friday afternoon, October 23rd beginning at 3 PM and Saturday, October 24th from 9 AM to 4 PM on WVU Campus in Morgantown, West Virginia! Conference rates vary from $25-$85, depending on whether you register as an adult or student and if you want to participate in only parts of the conference or the whole conference. But, don’t delay! Early-bird registration rates increase after October 15th and if you need a hotel room, our block booking guarantee ends October 1st. Register at https://www.eventleaf.com/e/WVwomeninag The hotel must be done by October 1st to secure the conference rate of $129/night. Please be cautious when booking the hotel, as there are two Hampton Inn & Suites. The one we are using is located at University Town Centre, 325 Granville Square, Morgantown, West Virginia 26501.

Now back to our dynamic lunch speaker for Saturday, Olivia Torbert-Jennings will be joining us virtually from South Dakota to introduce small-scale growers to practical ways artificial intelligence (AI) can support — not replace — our farmers. Olivia will dive into real-world applications for whole-farm planning, plant and insect identification, estimating cost of production, and more. The session will demonstrate how simple, accessible AI-based tools can save time and provide insights while stressing the limitations of the technology and the ethical qualms with using AI.

09/21/2026

We seem to be having phone issues this morning. We apologize for any inconvenience.

09/18/2026

🎃 TRUNKS WANTED! 👻🍬

Gilmer County 4-H Leaders' Annual Trunk or Treat is back — and we need YOU to help us make it a real TREAT for more than 300 local kids!

Each year, our community shows up in a BIG way, with businesses, churches, organizations, student groups, families, and community members filling the Sue Morris Sports Complex with decorated trunks and plenty of treats. We can’t wait to do it again!

💜 And this year is a little extra special! Trunk or Treat falls during Glenville State Homecoming, so we’ve pushed back our start time to give everyone a chance to enjoy Homecoming festivities AND join us for Trunk or Treat!

🎃 Saturday, October 24
🚗 Trunk set-up begins at 5:00 p.m.
🍬 Trunk or Treat begins at 6:00 p.m.
📍 Sue Morris Sports Complex

Whether you go all-out with a theme or simply pop your trunk and pass out candy, we’d love to have you join us!

📞 Call (304) 462-7061 to reserve your trunk space or send a message to the WVU Extension Gilmer County Facebook (THIS ONE) page.

Help us fill the complex with trunks and give Gilmer County kids a Halloween night to remember! 🎃👻🍭

Who’s bringing a trunk?! 🚗🍬

09/14/2026

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPLETE OUR SURVEY:

The Division for Land Grant Engagement has now launched the 2026 statewide needs assessment survey to better understand the issues and priorities that matter most to West Virginians.

The findings from this assessment will help:
- Identify priorities for WVU Extension and Davis College programs
- Guide future research, education, and outreach efforts
- Ensure resources are focused where they can make the greatest impact.

Use the QR Code below or click the link to provide your input:
https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_agiLXHzxXLxldLU

09/04/2026

09/01/2026

🚨COMFORT IN THE CHAOS: Emergency Activity Kits for Kids❤️

This September 11, turn remembrance into action—and help us be ready when children need us most.

Recent emergencies across our communities have reminded us that disasters and unexpected events affect even our youngest neighbors. When children are facing an unfamiliar and stressful situation, a few simple items can provide comfort, distraction, and a sense of normalcy.

In recognition of the September 11 National Day of Service & Remembrance, AmeriCorps, West Virginia 4-H, WVU Extension, and community partners are coming together to assemble Emergency Activity Kits for Mid-Ohio Valley first responders.

These ready-to-go kits will include age-appropriate activities, comfort items, sensory tools, and books that first responders can provide to children experiencing an emergency.

📦HELP US FILL THE KITS!

📍DROP OFF SUPPLIES
Bring new items to your local WVU Extension office in Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Tyler, Wirt, or Wood County.

🛒SHOP FROM HOME
Purchase an item directly from our Amazon Wish List:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1HTCP12WFPJOT?ref_=wl_share

Ideas for items to include:

🎨CREATE: Crayons • Colored Pencils • Markers • Pencils • Coloring Books • Stickers

🧸COMFORT: Play-Doh • Slime • Fidget Toys • Stress Balls • Tissues • Lip Balm (NOTE: No stuffed animals)

📚PLAY & READ: Books • Card Games

📅DONATE BY SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

A SMALL KIT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.❤️

Help us give first responders one more way to care for a child when their world has suddenly changed.

08/21/2026

🍀 2026 in Review: Beyond Ready - Second Grade School Enrichment 🌱👨‍🏫

One of the greatest joys of 4-H is watching young people grow from learners into leaders.

To wrap up the school year, Gilmer County 4-H member Jonavan Mullins joined us in visiting every second-grade classroom at Gilmer Elementary to teach students about soil and its different layers.

The lesson included a fun read-aloud followed by creating edible soil profiles using Oreos, pudding, chocolate chips, and other tasty treats. 🍪🌱

By the time we reached the third classroom, Jonavan looked over and confidently said, "I've got this." From there, he led nearly the entire lesson himself.

Moments like these remind us what 4-H is all about. We aren't just teaching projects. We're helping young people develop confidence, leadership, communication skills, and the courage to step forward when opportunities arise. We can't wait to see where your 4-H journey takes you next! 💚🍀

A special thank you to Mrs. Sprouse for welcoming us into your classrooms!

08/19/2026

🍀 2026 in Review: "Furever" Homes Adoption Day 🐶🏡

On May 23, the Glenville Jolly Millers 4-H Club, led by Vice President Eliza Chesser, hosted a "Furever" Homes Adoption Day at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

Gilmer County Animal Control Officer Jamie Hess brought 10 dogs to spend the day meeting and greeting visitors, giving community members an opportunity to learn more about the dogs currently looking for homes. 🐕🐾

While none of the dogs went home with a new family that day, the effort still made a difference! After posts from the event helped spread the word about the dogs available for adoption, Jamie shared that one of the dogs was adopted! 🎉🏡❤️

Sometimes service doesn't produce an immediate result. It means raising awareness, bringing people together, and continuing to work toward a goal. We are proud of these 4-H members for seeing a community need and following through with an idea to help.

And their work isn't finished yet!

🐾 There are still dogs available and waiting for their "furever" homes. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting, please reach out for more information! 🐶💚🍀

Thank you to:
- Jamie Hess, for the work he does with these animals everyday and bringing them that day to meet the public
- The Gilmer County Commission, for their commitment to moving efforts to find these dogs home forward
- The Gilmer County Recreation Center, for letting us use the barn for this event
- The West Virginia 4-H All Stars, for providing the, "Hands to Larger Service," grant that made this program possible
- Finally, the community members who visited that day!

08/17/2026

You can also stop by our office for a printed copy!
Sara is in the office, even if there are no vehicles in the driveway.

08/17/2026

🍀 2026 in Review: Celebrating Our Beyond Ready Seniors 🎓🌟

After spending the past few weeks introducing you to each of our graduating 4-H members, we're looking back at one more special night when we had the opportunity to celebrate them all together! 💚

On May 7, Gilmer County 4-H Leaders hosted our Beyond Ready Senior Celebration, recognizing the Class of 2026 and celebrating the years of learning, leadership, service, friendships, accomplishments, and memories that have been part of their 4-H journeys. 🎓🍀

We were proud to recognize:

🎓 Laura Brannon - Cedarville Centurians 4-H
🎓 Caleb Cottrill - Normantown Knights 4-H
🎓 Levi Dever - Normantown Knights 4-H
🎓Anna Mason - Leading Creek Dreamweavers 4-H
🎓 Cole Moss - Leading Creek Dreamweavers 4-H
🎓Kadessa Stitt - Auburn Wo He Lo 4-H (Ritchie County)
🎓Breanna White - Normantown Knights 4-H
🎓Rayanna White - Normantown Knights 4-H

Other Seniors not present included:
🎓Lila Fitzwater - Member At Large
🎓 Kyle Norman - Normantown Knights 4-H
🎓Owen Thomas - Normantown Knights 4-H

These young people have each taken a different path through 4-H, finding their own sparks, developing their talents, stepping into leadership roles, and making their mark on our program and community. 🌟

A special shout-out to Missie Frye and Stacey Stalnaker for making the evening extra special with the decorations, and to Becky Chesser for acquiring the absolutely delicious cake made by former Gilmer County 4-H'er Marsha Benson! 🎂💚

To the Gilmer County 4-H Class of 2026, we are incredibly proud of you. Keep finding your spark, keep serving others, keep leading, and wherever life takes you, keep working to Make the Best Better! 🍀🎓💚

You are Beyond Ready for what comes next!