Butte County Programs

Welcome! Here we provide you information on UC Cooperative Extension Butte County and the various learning programs and services offered for youth development, greater community involvement, and master gardener training expertise. 

Agriculture and Natural Resources

The UC extension system works hard to sustain and improve local economies with the support of federal, state, and local funding to provide the public the latest scientifically founded research and instruction as a free public service. We provide newsletters, manuals and additional publications on a multitude of subjects as well as provide workshops, individual consultations, and field meetings held by your local master gardeners and farm advisors. 

4-H Program

4-H Is a positive youth development program (PYD) committed to building in youth the"5 Cs"-competence, confidence, character, caring and connected -young adults. PYD instills greater academic achievement, civic engagement, leadership, healthy living and decision making. 4-H provides youth enrichment experiences through fun, hands-on learning activities in agriculture and environmental sciences, computers, engineering, health, physical education and nutrition. We are committed to developing greater confidence in our youth as they discover and expand their potential for becoming future leaders in their community, find solutions and influencing decision making. 

Nutrition Programs

Educational activities and workshops revolved around nutrition, physical activity and gardening address issues of  malnutrition, obesity and diabetes by integrating science as a learning tool for learning about nutrition and health. Objectives include sustained routine fitness activity, greater consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as calcium and protein rich food sources for the overall improvement of dietary habits. 

EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program)  

EFNEP is a low-income nutrition education organization funded by the USDA for bettering family dietary habits and practice. EFNEP is offered within the general ed classroom and within youth development programs such as 4-H. Youth actively engage in fun lab activities, using science as a learning tool to extend their knowledge of health, nutrition, food safety, fitness and the significant roles these topics serve in improving individual well-being. 

EFNEP offers adults at no cost an in depth series of 10-12 lessons on health, nutrition, family meal planning, food safety and prevention, and fitness. Those enrolled in supplemental food assistance programs WIC, CSFP, TANF or SSI automatically qualify. 

Master Gardener

Trained volunteers with expertise in horticulture and botany hold tours, workshops, and classes within schools and neighborhoods in the community. Master gardeners are directly involved in the development of written publications and in further education and promotion of gardens in local events such as fairs and farmers markets. 

Master gardeners offer suggestions, strategies and general information on a wide range of subjects such as pest and wildlife management, disease control, seed, soil and fertilizer use, water quality and sustainable practices such as composting, water conservation, waste management, and reducing energy use. 

Questions or Comments? Or for ways to get involved please send us a message.