Rural North Dakota communities often struggle to strengthen their economy.

To assist them, the NDSU Extension Service partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program on the Stronger Economies Together (SET) program. Through SET, communities work collaboratively on an economic development plan that builds on the region’s current and emerging economic strengths.

Community and business leaders in Logan, McIntosh and Emmons counties were the first to take advantage of SET. Their goals were to increase tourism, improve access to local foods and health care, and get more youth involved in leadership roles.

SET is one of several ways NDSU Extension helps create vital communities. Extension provides the research-based information and connections to experts and resources that allow communities to make informed decisions and build on opportunities to meet citizens’ needs now and in the future.

Visit the Center for Community Vitality for more information about NDSU Extension’s community vitality efforts.

For the fourth consecutive year, the NDSU Extension Service will host a series of forums to help families care for their gardens and landscapes. The Spring Fever Garden Forums will be held on Monday nights beginning on March 20 and going to April 10. Sessions run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CDT.

“This is a great opportunity for gardeners to learn about trends and see the latest research from NDSU,” says Tom Kalb, NDSU Extension horticulturist.

Presentations on selecting trees and shrubs, caring for lawns in the spring, building raised beds, attracting butterflies, growing berries and landscaping shaded areas are made before a live audience in Fargo and delivered to more than 30 NDSU Extension Service sites across the state. Gardeners also have the option of viewing the live presentations on their home computer. 

Registration is available online or through your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

Eating together as a family has many benefits.

Meals eaten as a family tend to be more healthful. They also give families an opportunity to communicate and strengthen relationships. Plus, teens who eat with their family regularly are less likely to get involved in risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking and taking drugs.

On Jan. 1, 2017, the North Dakota State University Extension Service is launching “The Family Table: Eat, Savor, Connect,” a program to provide families with tips, meal plans, recipes and conversation starters to help make family meals happen. The team who developed this program includes Extension food and nutrition and family science specialists.

“The Family Table: Eat, Savor, Connect” website will provide information on monthly topics, such as meal planning, making mealtime fun, cooking basics, buying nutritious food on a limited budget, getting kids involved in meal preparation, and family fitness. The site also will have links to related events in counties throughout the state.

You’ll be able to sign up for an electronic newsletter with recipes and tips, and follow the program on Facebook for more tips, meal plans and ideas for getting conversations going during family meals.

Visit The Family Table website to learn more.