Extension Agent Report

GCN Staff

  Irene Shonle the Gilpin County Extension Agent gave the Commissioners a report on her last year in her position. The Extension Agent position is funded by Gilpin County, but the agent is technically an employee of Colorado State University.

  Weeds:  During the year, Shonle managed a $5,000 grant from the Center for Invasive Plant Management, which allowed Gilpin County to offer a fifty percent cost share on weed control on private homeowners lands in Gilpin County. Shonle reported she had 100% compliance on cost share and every single landowner with leafy spurge participated.

  Noxious weed refrigerator magnets were created with money from the noxious weed grant, one of which was a winning contest entry from the fair.

  A temporary weed surveyor, Dee DeJong mapped Chinese Clematis in Gilpin County, Clear Creek County and Jefferson County.

  Master Gardener weed fair was July 24 and 41 people stopped by and brought their weeds.

  Shonle hosted a weed booth at the Gilpin County Fair and she reported 230 people stopped by. Master Gardeners and Native Plant Masters as well as Shonle staffed the booth.

  Volunteers for the Outdoor Colorado project at East Portal was very successful, says Shonle. Over 100 volunteers pulled oxeye daisy and rerouted the trail so it doesn’t cross the railroad tracks. The volunteers agreed to do two more weed pulls in 2005.

  Shonle reported she worked with residents of Golden Gate State Park to develop a non-spray area to protect endangered butterflies.

  The Gilpin Noxious Weed Board Meetings were held on July 25 and October 20.

  The Weed Network meeting was November 17.

  Scentless Chamomile problems and control were discussed with Central City Mayor Buddy Schmalz, Lynette Hailey and the Public Works Director. Shonle reports, “As far as I can tell, nothing was done.”

4-H Clubs and Youth Development

  Shonle reported she started two new clubs, a shooting sports and a general projects club. She said, “We are emphasizing cooperation between all groups and attendance is up.”

  Shonle reported she designed and distributed several 4-H recruiting posters.

  Shonle said she worked with the Gilpin County School and teachers in grades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 developing School Enrichment projects, mini greenhouses, biodiversity, weed talks and reports, and native plants.

  A 4-H Leader training was held on October 19. And on November 13 the first 4-H achievement night was held. On September 9 and November 10 a 4-H Agents meeting was held.

  One 4-H member attended the State 4-H Conference in Ft. Collins, and Shonle had worked with having the 4-H groups put on Family Fun Day at the fair where they hosted games and pie eating.

  Shonle said she worked with Curt Halsted at the Gilpin County School to explore ideas of having the High School Interact Club plant some native grasses and flowers.

Horticulture

  Shonle planted a high and dry garden and achieved excellent survival, and lots of favorable comments. There is also a website and brochure to teach people about the garden. Shonle said she would be giving a talk on the project at the ProGreen Expo in Denver.

  In addition, the Master Gardeners planted two other gardens. Local nurseries or the gardeners themselves donated the plants.

  In June, Shonle says she taught the Native plant Master Course and coordinated two other courses in coordination with Jefferson County. Educational weed displays were offered, as were seedling tree programs. The weed of the week was very well received. Three apprentice Master Gardeners will be training for the spring and Shonle is meeting with Master Gardeners to plan spring/summer programs.

  Shonle says she helped coordinate the County newsletter and contributed columns to local newspapers as well as continuing to write newspaper articles. She hired a part time office assistant who will help free Shonle up for activities outside the office. She said she is participating in the Community Health Assessment Project and held a volunteer recognition night. In addition, Shonle reports she was chosen as one of three people in Colorado to participate in the Western Extension Leadership Development project, 13 Western States participate.