Clay County Cooperative Extension Service

The University of Kentucky Extension team has put together numerous resources for commercial fruit growers regarding production and pest management. The following details the resources provided by University of Kentucky specialists in entomology, horticulture, and plant pathology.
https://buff.ly/k516mU4

Take a look at the beautiful entries from this year’s Clay County Extension Showcase. From paintings and handmade cards to diamond art and plants, these exhibits highlight the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication found right here in the hills of our beautiful county.

Thank you to everyone who shared their skills and passions with us. Every entry helps make the showcase a special celebration of local creativity. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create next year!

Do you have questions about tagging monarchs? ❓🔎

As we approach the fall season, this is the time of year when we start receiving questions about tagging. We created a blog post last year dedicated to helping answer frequently asked questions about monarchs and the tagging program. Head to the link below to read more!

https://monarchwatch.org/blog1

Photo credit: Ann Dean Photo

Take a journey with us as From Appalachia Abroad heads to the vibrant country of Thailand! We will explore how daily life, food, and traditions compare to those in Appalachia - discovering meaningful similarities in family, resilience, and a deep connection to the land.

Participants will learn about staple foods, explore unique cultural expressions, and gain a deeper appreciation for communities that, while miles apart, share common values. Come ready to learn, reflect, and expand your worldview as we connect Appalachia to Thailand in a way that feels both eye-opening and surprisingly familiar.

Join us at the Clay County Extension Office and experience the beauty of Thailand on July 27th at 5:00 PM. Seating is limited so please reserve your spot!

🐝🌟 REMINDER!! We meet today at 6:00 PM🌟🐝

Ready to join the buzz? Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper, just getting started, or simply interested in learning more about honey bees, join us for the Clay County Beekeepers Association Meeting!

📅 TODAY, July 23
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 EXCEL Building
86 Muddy Gap Rd.

🍯 Interested in becoming a beekeeper? Stop by and learn from local beekeepers, ask questions, and discover how rewarding beekeeping can be.

🐝 New members are always welcome! Come see what all the buzz is about! 🌻

📞 For more information, contact the Clay County Extension Office at 598-2789.

Cucurbit downy mildew is the most economically important disease of cucurbits in Kentucky. All cucurbits, including cucumber, cantaloupe, summer and winter squashes, pumpkin, and watermelon are susceptible. Cucurbit downy mildew affects plant leaves, and severe infections can result in plant death. This pathogen does not overwinter in Kentucky and must be blown northward from overwintering locations further south. Thus, the date of introduction of cucurbit downy mildew varies from year to year. Monitoring disease risk and preventative management are critical to reducing infection and damage. For more information visit: https://kentuckypestnews.wordpress.com/2026/07/21/cucurbit-downy-mildew/?utm_source=KY+Pest+News+List&utm_campaign=74abd7076c-KPN_NEWSLETTER_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bee884adb8-74abd7076c-173642025&ct=t(RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN)

Ready for camp? It's almost time!
4-H Camp Dates: July 28th-31st
4-H Camper Check-In
Tuesday, July 28th
Last Names A-M (8:15AM)
Last Names N-Z (8:45AM)

4-H Camper Pick-Up
Friday, July 31st @ 11:15 AM

Clay County EXCEL Building by McDonald’s.

Join us on July 30th at 5:00 PM at the Clay County Extension Office for a fun evening all about beeswax!

In this hands-on class, we’ll be making reusable beeswax food wraps (a simple, eco-friendly way to store food and cut back on plastic wrap), along with beautiful rolled beeswax candles that smell as sweet as summer.

Whether you love crafty projects, want to learn more sustainable kitchen tips, or just need a fun night out, this class is a great way to get creative and try something new. You’ll leave with handmade goodies, new skills, and plenty of inspiration to keep the buzz going at home!

Space may be limited, so be sure to call 598-2789 and sign up early!

Tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Often mistaken for the Monarch, the Viceroy has its own fascinating story to tell. Join Jonathan Larson, UK Entomology, on this episode of From the Woods Today as he explores the biology, habitat, and unique adaptations of Kentucky’s official state butterfly.

Learn how to identify a Viceroy, and Monarch, how the Viceroy became our State butterfly, why it mimics the Monarch, and what woodland and riparian habitats are essential for its survival on From the Woods Today. Tomorrow at 11 a.m.