Go Green With Your Pets

A fun and easy way to start going green begins with your family pets.

Rabid Cat Found in UNCA Area

Dept. of Health staff is working to identify people & animals who may have been exposed to the rabid cat.

Potential Park Land in South Buncombe

Buncombe County Parks, Greenways & Recreation Services has the opportunity to purchase a tract of land in Southern Buncombe County.

Girls & Women in Sports Day - Register Now

Try new sports & experience a variety of fitness classes in addition to building skills in a sport of interest!

NC Online Building Materials Exchange

Do you have surplus building materials? Are there materials that you need? Those items can be listed on NC C & D website for free.

Funds Available for Youth Programs

Approximately $508,064 in state funding will be awarded to local non-profits & public agencies to assist in funding a variety of innovative projects for delinquent & at-risk youth.

Know How to Test Seed Germination?

If you have seeds that are over a year old & you're wondering whether they're still good, try this simple test.

Pets of the Week - Dogs & Cats Who Need Homes

Check out these adorable cats & dogs looking for a home!

Recipe of the Week - Peanut Butter Fudge Truffles

Congratulations to Nancy Clair for her Peanut Butter Fudge Truffles recipe!

If you are going to be staying in a hotel, consider staying at one of the more than 400 hotels nationwide that have earned the ENERGY STAR for superior energy efficiency.

If your hotel has earned the ENERGY STAR, its energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of hotels nationwide. You can even look for the ENERGY STAR label on buildings where you shop for gifts or groceries!

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year's resolutions. A recent report in the International Journal of Obesity found that more than one out of every six US adults who has ever been overweight or obese has accomplished long-term weight loss of at least 10%.

This rate is significantly higher than those reported in clinical trials and many other observational studies, suggesting that US adults may be more successful at sustaining weight loss than previously thought.

Making the lasting behavior changes to lose weight can be difficult and having support is important. Join Buncombe County Cooperative Extension for Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less. This is a 15 week program that gives you practical skills to lose or maintain your weight in a healthy way.

The class will meet Mondays, February 7 to May 16, from from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Office. Plan to attend all sessions or as many you can.

A $25 registration fee applies for supplies, a personal journal and magazine. Pre-registration is required, and registration is confirmed upon payment receipt.

Call 255-5522 for more information about losing or maintaining your weight or to register for the class.

As the outside temperature warms up, you may begin to see swarms of termites. They are often seen swarming on mornings or afternoons following some rainfall.

Outdoor swarms near the house may end up landing on the siding for a few hours, giving the impression that the termites are actually infesting the house. Outdoor swarms are simply nature's way of reminding you that termites are all around. On the other hand, an indoor swarm means that the termites are likely infesting the structure. Regardless of which scenario you have, it's a good idea to get the house inspected and make a determination of whether or not treatment is necessary.

Certain species of ants also swarm this time of year and are many times confused with termites. As a homeowner you will need to make the right identification to avoid any structural damage to your home.

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension recommends that a homeowner call three pest control companies and compare their inspections and cost of proposed treatment prior to hiring a company.

For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.