Healthy Acres Spring 2014

www.missoulaeduplace.org

1healthy acres: sPrING 2014 Issue 10

a resource to promote healthy lands and healthy communities

Often when we think of invasive species, it’s the classic broadleaf weeds that come to mind. Purple

patches of spotted knapweed or yellow leafy spurge. These and other weeds that are listed on Montana’s noxious weed list are the primary targets of the majority of weed management work that occurs in Western Montana. Herbicide, targeted grazing and biological controls have all been used to successfully manage for these species. Unfortunately, weed management doesn’t end there. Often there is a secondary invader lurking in the shadows, ready to take advantage of the open space provided when our target species is removed, preventing more desirable species from establishing. Many of these secondary invaders are invasive annual grasses. While we may all be familiar with the cheatgrass that fills our socks with seeds when we are hiking in August, there are a number of other species on the horizon that are equally invasive (and frustrating) to deal with. That is why this Spring, Missoula County Weed District’s Building Bridges Workshop will be focusing on annual invasive grasses.

Building Bridges, or Building Bridges Between Research and People in the Management of Invasive Species, works to bring together a research community that is divided into a number of diverse agencies and expertise to improve dialog and support for organizing groups and/or mini-conferences around management-based

research needs. Potential areas of interest include invasive species prevention, grazing systems, plant community/ecological effects of weed management, integrated management strategies, revegetation and more. Local land managers play a crucial role by collaborating with the weed district

and the research community to develop research questions and provide possible research sites.

Montana’s noxious weed list does not currently have any invasive grasses, making it difficult for folks to be aware that they are still species of concern. This May, we will have four speakers discussing four of the West’s most invasive annual grasses: cheatgrass, ventenata, medusahead and bulbous bluegrass. We will be covering how they arrived, the damage they can cause, how to identify them and strategies to manage for them once you have them.

The workshop will start at 1:00 pm on May 21st at Ruby’s Inn located at 4825 N. Reserve.

For any questions, or if you are interested in learning more about Building Bridges events, please contact Bryce Christiaens at 406–258–4217 or [email protected].

Building Bridges invasive grasses workshop

spring2014

healthy acres



I f you designed your garden well, it should now be full of predators and parasites, beneficial insects that take

care of garden pests without charging a dime.

Predators chew up or fatally pierce plant-eating insects. Parasites lay their eggs on or near other insects. When parasite eggs hatch, baby parasites eat insects from the inside out – a little like invasion of the body snatchers.

Predators like variety in their diet. So, they top off a good meal of aphids or spider mites with a bit of pollen and nectar. Predators increase in gardens that provide season-long, blooming pollen and nectar sources. They move into gardens early, if you provide spring bloomers such as golden current. They will stay late, if you

plant fall asters. There should always be something – don’t make predators go hungry. They move on to where there are better pickings when food gets scarce. Predators also want safe places to spend the winter such as undisturbed hedges, and borders of shrubs and perennial flowers.

Specific predators like particular plants. Everybody’s favorite, the Lady Beetle, is happy in gardens where willow, yarrow, annual alyssum, and sunflowers bloom. Ladybug larva are worm-like bluish grubs with orange-red spots.

Predatory true-bugs, such as the tiny black and white pirate bug, like native grasses, yarrow, and sunflowers. Shiney-black ground beetles, who feed on soil-dwelling pests, such as cutworms and slugs, want undisturbed (meaning un-tilled) areas with thick ground cover. Beetle banks are areas of permanent mixed grasses kept unmowed.. A border of ornamental grasses next to the garden might make a pretty good beetle bank. Or, leave an unmowed area under a fence, where it’s hard to mow anyway. Now you have a good excuse not to keep all of the landscape neat and tidy.

Parasites in Montana are most often wasps and flies. There are several species of parasitic wasps. Most are tiny and dark colored – not at all like the one inch long

black and yellow paper wasps and yellow jackets most people think of when they hear the word wasp. Parasitic wasps require abundant pollen and nectar sources. They are especially fond of plants in the carrot family (such as coriander), plants in the mustard family (such as alyssum), as well as yarrow and sunflowers.

An insect-resistant garden starts with habitat for predators and parasites. Avoid general insecticides that kill the good guys as well as the bad guys. Then, provide blooming flowers and undisturbed hedges and grassy areas.

For more information contact Sandy Perrin at 406–258–4213 [email protected].

Insect-ResIstant garden

Ground Beetle

Ladybug LarvaParasitic Wasp



By Bert LindlerProspect Meadows Homeowners Association

I t’s great to be able to hike grasslands grazed by elk or wander among cottonwoods lining Grant Creek, all on

land owned in common with other Prospect Meadows homeowners.

The privileges of ownership comes with the responsibility to control weeds on the homeowner association’s property.

Volunteers coordinate weed management on our 81 acres of grassy hillsides and 27 acres of forested land along Grant Creek.

Before we began working on our weeds, it was hard to ignore the knapweed skeletons that brushed against our bare legs in summer and the houndstongue seeds that festooned our dogs.

We tried to tackle the problem without resorting to herbicides. Bags and bags of knapweed later, we hadn’t made appreciable progress.

We sought help from the Missoula County Weed District, which mapped our weeds and suggested a range of techniques to help control them. We learned the problem was bigger than we had originally thought. Weeds in the riparian area included houndstongue, tall buttercup, oxeye daisy, common tansy, Canada thistle, leafy spurge, Dalmatian toadflax and common toadflax. The dry hillsides had leafy spurge, knapweed and Dalmatian toadflax.

One homeowner began writing grant applications to get help with the costs of

hiring commercial herbicide applicators. Another homeowner attended evening classes at the Missoula County Weed District and passed the test to become a licensed private applicator.

Over the past dozen years, homeowners have spent $10,424 hiring commercial applicators and purchasing herbicides and seed. Thanks to the help of the Missoula County Weed District, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Missoula Conservation District, grants have more than matched the homeowners’ financial contributions.

Volunteers have contributed nearly a year full time, hand pulling houndstongue and Dalmatian toadflax, distributing biocontrol insects, spot spraying weeds and reseeding sprayed areas.

Today, you won’t find many weeds in our riparian area along Grant Creek. It takes very little effort for a volunteer with a backpack sprayer to keep the weeds from returning. The few knapweed plants that show up every summer can be picked by hand. Clipping the seeds from houndstongue plants each summer hasn’t gotten much easier because deer bring the seed in from neighboring properties.

The hillsides are another matter. Some

small, steep rocky areas on the property boundaries have to be left weedy. It would not be safe to operate ATVs there and it’s too big a job for a volunteer with a backpack sprayer.

Elsewhere, we’ve made a lot of headway in reducing leafy spurge, knapweed and Dalmatian toadflax.

We’re focusing now on trying to reseed mixtures of native grasses and forbs to restore a native plant community to as much of our hillsides as proves practical.

We’re thankful to have one north-facing hillside where Clarkia, geranium and other wildflowers show what we’re hoping to achieve elsewhere.

With enough outside help, enough volunteers, and enough persistence, homeowners associations can make a difference, improving common areas for their own use and for the benefit of our native plants and wildlife.

For more information on starting a landowner group contact Lindsey Bona at 406–258–4219 or [email protected]

prospect meadows



The last couple of years, Missoula County Extension has produced Garden Planning Calendar to

highlight some garden activities that occur throughout the growing season. The calendar incorporated photos taken by community members to merge aesthetic appeal and resource functionality. This project has been well received as a general resource guide by area gardeners, but a major limitation of this calendar as a resource to gardeners is that the information is static and pertinent just to residents of Missoula. All of the suggested activities in the calendar were established from general crop guidelines and based upon the average frost free dates in Missoula. Therefore, gardeners in locations other than Missoula had to shift the dates of those recommended activities based upon their own frost free dates. A more dynamic tool was needed to help gardeners throughout the region plan for their own activity. This spring, a newly developed Garden Calculator will be ready for launch on the Missoula County Extension and Weed District website. This newly developed resource will be an interactive tool designed to guide gardening planning decisions for gardeners across the state.

Here’s how it works… First, you type in your location or zip code into the search box and the map zooms in close to your region. Then you will need to select the red marker nearest you. This red marker is one of many weather stations across the state where climatic data has been pulled from to use in the calculator. There may not be a station exactly where you are located, so select the one that best represents your area. The second step is to select the appropriate probability level. The probability level is a sort of range from conservative (10) to liberal (90). What this

means is that if you select Missoula Airport as your location, and 10 as the probability level then that would mean that there is a 1 in 10 chance that a frost event will occur after the predicted frost free date of May 19th. On the other hand, if you chose a probability level of 90 for the same area, there would be a 9 in 10 chance that a frost event will occur after the frost free date of April 19th. All of the estimated frost free dates are derived from 30 years of climatic data from each weather station. In most cases, selecting the conservative probability level of 10 is recommended. But if you happen to be in a warmer microclimate compared to your nearest weather station, or have great confidence in your season extension tools then you could select a more liberal probability level. Once the station location and probability levels are selected, a list of crops will be populated with recommended dates for sowing and transplanting and a potential range for harvest. The crop information in this list is based upon general requirements for each species, specific cultivars will be added in soon. Once the list is generated, you will be able to sort the columns by season of planting (spring or fall), method of planting (direct sow into the garden or transplant), alphabetical by crop (descending or ascending), and chronologically by the various garden activities (direct sow into garden, sow for producing transplants, transplant into garden, and harvest range). A crop selection component is available so that you can narrow the list of crops to those that you are specifically interested, for example if you are only

interested in growing kale, tomatoes, and beets you can select just those crops to view information specific to them. You can then print this table off and hang it on your fridge or your planting bench as a reminder for when specific activities may happen. Bear in mind that these target dates are estimates, and do not take into account the actual current weather conditions, soil temperatures, or your specific microclimates. But this is a helpful guide when planning these gardening decisions in February. A step by step guide to using the calculator will be available on the website, but if you have any questions or suggestions please contact Seth Swanson. This tool is now relevant for gardeners across the state of Montana, so share this resource with your friends and family.

For more information contact Seth Swanson at 406–258–4205 or [email protected]

garden planning calendar



The structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that young people receive through

their participation in 4-H plays a vital role in helping them achieve success in life.

For more than a decade, preeminent youth development scholars, Drs. Richard M. Lerner and Jacqueline V. Lerner, and the team at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, Medford, MA, partnered with faculty at America’s land-grant colleges and universities to conduct this groundbreaking research. The results are influencing research and practice around the world.

The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development is

a longitudinal study that began in 2002 and was repeated annually for eight years, surveying more than 7,000 adolescents from diverse backgrounds across 42 U.S. states.

Highly regarded as the first-ever research project of its kind, the study defined and measured positive youth development. Compared to their peers, the report shows that youth involved in 4-H programs excel in several areas. 4-H’ers are about:

• Four times more likely to make contributions to their communities(Grades 7-12);

• Two times more likely to be civically active (Grades 8-12);

• Two times more likely to make healthier choices (Grade 7);

• Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technolog y programs during out-of-school time (Grades 10 – 12); and

• 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.

For more information contact Cambell Barret at 406–258–4203 or [email protected]

positive youth development

Research Shows 4-H Helps Young People Excel Beyond Their Peers



Given the opportunity, weeds will disperse to new locations through any route available. Livestock

forage is an easy vehicle for moving weeds from one location to another. To make sure your property doesn’t become infested with new weeds talk with your forage provider. Before purchasing hay find out where it is grown and ask how weeds are controlled on the property. In a well-managed field forage crops, particularly alfalfa, can out-compete many weed species for resources. Purchasing quality hay may cost more initially, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when dealing with weeds.

To ensure you have quality hay look it over as you are feeding it out. The material within each bale should be consistent, primarily the stems of grass or alfalfa. The presence of flowers*, seeds, or thorns, on any plant material may indicate weeds are a part of the forage you are using. Weed seeds from your forage can easily establish on your property in disturbed areas where bare ground is present. With spring approaching now is an ideal time to monitor what is beginning to grow in your pasture. If you notice any new plants that you don’t recognize bring them into the Missoula County Weed District for identification and suggestions on how they can be effectively managed.

If you want to be certain weeds are not moving onto your property through livestock feed purchase Certified Weed Free Forage.

*Alfalfa does produce flowers. The flowers of this plant are small compact purple clusters. Alfalfa is typically harvested when less than 25% of the flowers are open.

This stage of growth ensures the stems of the plant contain high levels of protein.

To learn more about where to find certified forage products or if you have a field you would like Certified Weed Free please contact Ashley Juran at 406–258–4218 or [email protected].

hay, where are you

from?

The Missoula County Weed District and Extension Service will be offering initial private applicator

training on April 26th, 2014. Anyone interested in purchasing and/or applying restricted use herbicides must obtain a Private/Farm Applicator license with the Department of Agriculture. This all day training is recommended to anyone applying restricted and non-restricted pesticides which include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides. This course addresses understanding

pesticide labels, pesticide safety, environmental fate of pesticides, mixing and loading of products and solutions, as well as, integrated pest management. The private applicator training will be held at the Missoula County Weed District at 2825 Santa Fe Court in the large conference room from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Check

the Missoula County website for details and a complete agenda.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Steffany Rogge at 406–258–4211 or [email protected].

private applicator training and

certification

BACKPACK SPRAYER CALIBRATION

Step 1. Measure and mark a calibration plot that is exactly 18.5 feet wide X 18.5 feet long

Step 2. Spray the calibration plot uniformly with water, noting the number of seconds required, do this three times and average. Spray at your normal or usual pace.

Time Required = _____________Seconds

Step 3. Spray into a bucket for the same number of seconds. Step 4. Measure the number of ounces of water in the bucket. Volume Sprayed = _____________ Ounces

Step 5. The number of ounces collected from the bucket is equal to the number of gallons per acre the sprayer is delivering. Gallons Per Acre (GPA) = ____________________



Classical biological weed control, more commonly known as biocontrol is the deliberate release

of specialized natural enemies from the weed’s native range to reduce the weeds abundance or spread in its introduced range. There are many misconceptions related to today’s biocontrol programs. Some of these misconceptions stem from programs prior to the 1960s, when pre-release testing was not conducted or if it was it was there were not regulations restricting releases like there are today.

The most common misconceptions of classical biological weed control are:

• Agents are unpredictable

• Biocontrol takes many years and is very expensive

• Biocontrol leads to eradication of the weed infestation

Agents are unpredictable: first they kill the weed and then move on to other plants

The agents that are released in the US today go through years of host specificity testing or pre-release testing, so that we have the highest degree of confidence possible that they will not shift from the weed species to something native or beneficial.

Often times you hear people refer to native thistles as an example as to why biocontrol is not safe. The thistle-head weevil was released in the 1960s in different

countries to control a variety of invasive thistles. In the 1990s, it was reported that the weevil was attacking native North American thistles. The native thistle belongs to the same genus as the target thistle and therefore this is an example of host-range expansion, which was predicted by the pre-release studies. There was not an emphasis placed on protecting native species in the 1960s. The focus then was on protecting crop species. Therefore, the agent was released with the knowledge that it could possibly attack native thistles.

With increased pre-release testing conducted a strict review processes before an agent is released, an agent such as the thistle-head weevil would not be approved for release today.

Agents are unpredictable: rapid evolution

From 1960-80’s, the tansy ragwort flea beetle was released along the northern west coast. Two biotypes of this species were used: one adapted to low elevation sites and one adapted to high elevation sites. The low elevation biotype ended up spreading and successfully establishing in high elevation sites because of rapid evolution which led to life-history changes allowing the insects to respond to shorter-growing seasons by accelerating their development.

The life cycle of the agent typically begins in late May to early June with the emergence of the adult beetles. The adults then proceeded to feed actively for 2-3 weeks and go into a resting state, or diapause, for 1-5 months. The eggs of this agent are delicate and can be easily destroyed by drying. The summer resting state prevents egg laying when it is hot and dry. The low elevation biotype adapted by reducing the length of their summer resting period. This has allowed the beetles to adapt to colder climates and shorter seasons, while laying similar numbers of eggs in a shorter amount of time than the low elevation beetles.

This example of climatic adaptation can

misconceptions of classical Biological

weed control



occur rather rapidly but evolution in host specificity occurs extremely slowly. In 110 years of biocontrol, across 70+ countries there have been 469 agents released to control 175 weed species and there have only been 40 cases of non-target attacks. These attacks have all been examples of host-range expansion, in which the non-target species attacked was most likely in the same genus as the target species. There have been no examples of a genetic shift in the agent’s preference and/or performance (host-shift).

Biocontrol takes many years and is too expensive

Pre-release testing can take up to 15 years and the review process can take up to 3 years but we want to be as confident as we can be that the agents released will not cause significant damage to native or beneficial species. Many variables affect the length of time it takes to see decreases in weed infestations once biocontrol agents are released. In an ideal situation, you might begin to see decreases in your weed infestations within 3 years.

The majority of the expense related to biocontrol goes to the pre-release studies. These studies cost $1-2 million but once the agents are released they spread to new infestations at no cost to that landowner.

The longer an agent is around the more the cost/benefit ratio increases. For example, the St. Johnswort beetle has been established for many years and for every $1 that was put into that agent $4000 has come back to agriculture.

Biocontrol eradicates weed infestationsMany of the agents we utilize in Montana

have a cyclical relationship with the weed species and therefore will never completely eliminate the weed infestation. An abundant weed infestation is ideal for an initial biocontrol release. The insect’s population will increase greatly over time, which

results in a significant reduction of the weed infestation. Once the weed infestation has been greatly reduced the insects will move on to a new infestation, allowing the weed infestation to recover. This is why utilizing an integrated weed management program will result in the greatest success. Treating the weed infestation with an herbicide after the biocontrol agent has stressed the plant, reducing

its population to a low level will result in better control of the weed over time. The goal of biocontrol is to reduce the weeds abundance to a level that no longer causes concern, not to completely eliminate it from the landscape.

In conclusion, today’s classical biological control of weeds (biocontrol) should not be confused with what was done before the 1960’s. What we do today is based on agents with a known fundamental host-range, which is determined through many years of pre-release testing. We know that adaptations can occur but we have yet to observe an agent make a genetic or evolutionary change in its target host species. Biocontrol may reduce weed density rapidly or slowly but it is certainly a cost effective management option. Lastly, biocontrol should be a part of an integrated weed management program because it does a great job reducing a weed’s abundance but will not completely eliminate the weed from the landscape on its own.

For more information on current biocontrol agents contact Melissa Maggio at 406–258–4223 or [email protected]



If you are planning a weed mapping project, are curious about the weeds on your property, or, like me, just can’t

stop searching roadsides for noxious weeds as you cruise around Missoula County, it is good to think about what time of year certain species are most visible. Of course some of our most widespread weeds like spotted knapweed and common tansy are easy to spot most of the year, even in the winter if the snow is not too deep. But a number of the weeds found in Western Montana have only a short window when they are easy to spot. If these are weed species you suspect you have on your property or are on the lookout for, knowing

when to search for them can be the difference from locating and treating them and falsely assuming you don’t have them.

Whitetop or Hoary cress (Cardaria draba) seems to be thriving in the clay soils west of Missoula. Whitetop starts growth very early in the spring and blooms in late May and June. Once it flowers, whitetop is very visible with its distinct white, flat-topped appearance. By mid-summer after it has set seed, whitetop seemingly disappears. One challenge to controlling whitetop with herbicides is that the most effective treatment needs to occur prior to bloom, when it is much harder to locate. One strategy to apply to whitetop is to

thoroughly map infestations during the bloom to facilitate more effective treatments in future years.

Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum L.) is another noxious weed that can be challenging to spot when not blooming. If you know what to look for or where to look, you can often spot the hairy leaves of the basal rosette, especially if it is a dense infestation that has formed a mat. However, it is much easier to spot orange hawkweed when in bloom. The distinct, clustered flower heads on stems ranging from 1 to 3 feet in height are very visible between mid-June and when seeds are produced in August.

If you suspect you have either of these two weeds on your property or are just curious to see them, mark your calendar and seek them out at peek bloom before they disappear until next season.

For more information contact Jed Little, GIS Specialist at 406–258–4220 or [email protected]

weed inventory: timing is everything

upcoming events

• Private Applicator Training: April 26th 8:30-3:30• Clark Fork Farmers Market: May 3rd• 4-H Extravaganza: Thursday, May 8, 5:30 pm at Ag Education Center• 4-H Lamb Weigh In: Thursday, May 15 at Ag Education Center• Invasive Annual Grasses Workshop: May 21st 1-5• Healthy Acres Seminar: May 31st 10-5• Western Area Biocontrol Workshop: June 3rd 9-3

For more information on upcoming events contact Steffany @ 406–258-–4211

Weekly Classes from Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

*Free for limited income families• Cooking and NutritionThursdays 11-1 at Extension Conference RoomMondays 1-2:30 at downtown WIC

For more information call 406–258–4207Orange Hawkweed

Whitetop



Daily headlines inform us of the latest natural disasters and warn us of impending new ones. It’s no

wonder that many of us want to cover our eyes with a warm gel mask, pull the ultra -fleece blanket to our chins, and look for “our happy place “ in an attempt to avert anxiety and despair. The word ”disaster” as defined in Webster’s Dictionary, is a sudden misfortune or event that causes serious loss, destruction, hardship, unhappiness, or death. These events may include drought, wildfires, extreme hot or cold temperatures, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides, avalanche, floods, cyber threat threats to ago-security, food safety threats, chemical spills, nuclear contamination, and war. I think I need my blankie now!

With the recent record snowfall in our area, it became a challenge just to keep the snow shoveled and cleared from our sidewalks and driveways. Once the snow began to melt, we were faced with massive amounts of water seeking new pathways and resulting in washed out driveways and roads. Shovels and sandbags were essential equipment. Thankfully, the situation amended itself within a few days.

Disasters can come without warning leaving very little time to react. Following catastrophic events, those affected are often prone to feelings of remorse that result from a lack of disaster preparedness. Prioritizing under pressure is not recommended. It’s hardly practical to keep your family’s heirloom china (place setting for six) in an airtight, waterproof,

temperature controlled, lightweight, readily accessible container within easy reach in case of emergencies.

Taking time to inventory and adequately insure your possessions is vital if replacement becomes necessary following a disaster.

Taking time with members of your household to make evacuation plans, compile lists of emergency contacts (including your insurance agent), and safely store adequate emergency provisions will provide greater peace of mind should an emergency occur. It’s also a good idea to make duplicate copies to give to a neighbor and out of town friends and family.

Montana Eden (Extension Disaster Education Network) http://www.montanahelp.org provides a

comprehensive list of available resources, both state and federal, to assist with disaster relief planning, information, and materials.

The list of necessary disaster supplies, varies among experts, but the following are regarded by the American Red Cross, as absolutely necessary for emergency survival and should be accessible at all times: ample supply of clean water (a normal active person drinks about two quarts per day ), enough non-perishable nutrient

you should take it with you!

Preparing for life’s unexpected events.



a resource to promote healthy lands and healthy communities


If you would like to sign up to receive this newsletter you can contact Steffany at [email protected], visit our website at www.missoulaeduplace.org, or find us on facebook (Missoula-County-Weed-District).

packed food items per person to last for at least two weeks (pet food for pets), a small camping stove with fuel, medical supplies, prescriptions, a first aid manual, personal hygiene supplies, flashlights, radio and extra batteries, blankets and clothing, waterproof matches, can opener, shovel, household bleach for disinfecting purposes, necessary items for small children, a full tank of gas in your car, and adequate amounts of emergency cash. It’s a good idea to periodically check expiration dates on items in your emergency supply kit to ensure safety and reliability.

Important papers such as passports, bank account and credit card account numbers and passwords, titles, deeds, wills, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, school records and certificates should be stored away from home if at all possible.

These items would be very time consuming and possibly difficult to duplicate or replace.

Our readiness for a disaster isn’t limited to storing adequate supplies of food and water. Providing a safe environment for family members, especially children, to express their concerns, feelings, and fears will make it possible to devise an inclusive disaster emergency plan. Parents should know that children are not able to cope with stress in the same way they do. Irritability, confusion, and acting out may be a child’s attempt to cope with the after math of disaster. Listen to and follow instructions given with official warnings, try to maintain some routine, listen to and talk to your children to alleviate fear, and accept help from others. (Helping Children Cope With Natural Disasters: Sandra Bailey; MSU

Family and Human Development Specialist) www.msuextension.org

“Don’t make your lack of preparation, be my emergency!” is a statement some of us might have heard in an educational setting…midterms or finals ring a bell? A lesson in accountability and responsibility should never be overlooked, however. The safety of ourselves and our families begins at home. We cannot control all aspects of our natural surroundings. Disasters are inevitable. We can prepare for the inevitable now, rather than simply react to it. Save those blankies for a good night’s sleep!

For more information contact Kelly Moore MSU/Missoula County Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent at 406–258–4206.

Documents

Healthy Acres Spring 2014