2020 Advisory Report Table of Contents

Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Service 2020 Advisory Report Table of Contents

ABOUT THE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is a network of available local experts who bring relevant information, education, and research to the residents of New Mexico. NMSU Extension relays this information to residents by offering programming in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development. There is an Extension Office in every county in the state of New Mexico. The Bernalillo County Extension Office is one of NMSU’s 33 “satellite” offices. There are seven full time extension agents, three administrative assistants, as well as several part time staff members. 1 2 A Message From the County Agriculture & Horticulture Director Introduction & Master Gardeners 3 4 Agriculture & Horticulture 4-H Youth Development Program Highlights Virtual Programming 5 6 4-H Youth Development Family & Consumer Science Urban 4-H Highlights Virtual Programming 7 8 Family & Consumer Science ICAN/EFNEP Program Impacts Program Overview A Message From the County Director

ittle did we know when we had the 2020 Advisory meeting in early L March that it would be the last large gathering in the Bernalillo County Extension Service office for the year! The COVID pandemic has changed the way all of us do things. Extension is no exception. Our classes became virtual and new technologies became essential for us to do our jobs and meet the needs of our clientele. Zoom became a way of life for us. As the County Program Director I was never more proud of my staff than the way they all adapted to the changes and moved Extension programing forward. Dianne didn’t miss a beat moving her health education programs online, Sara did the same with the 2020 Master Gardener program. John not only did his own programing online, but helped many in the NMSU Extension system do the same! The 4-H team pulled off the first ever virtual county fair and were pleased at the participation of the 4-H youth and their families. It was not the way any of us preferred, but we proved new ways of Cindy Schlenker Davies doing things and learning was possible. As the County Program Director, I especially have appreciated the support from the Bernalillo County Services and County Commissioners. Commissioner O’Malley has been such a good friend to BCCES and I’d like to personally thank her. We have met monthly to keep in touch and to offer assistance as well as ask for assistance. During this past year, the Bernalillo County Commissioners have asked us to join their Zoom meetings a few times. They were particularly interested in the Virtual 4-H County Fair. On February 1, 2021, I officially retired as an NMSU Family and Consumer Sciences agent and the BCCES County Program Director. I would also like to congratulate Virginia Chaves on her retirement after 21 years of service with our office. I turn the reins over to John Garlisch, who I know will do a wonderful job as the next BCCES director. Thank you so much for your support. I have so enjoyed serving the residents of New Mexico and Bernalillo County. Virginia Chaves

49,589 $50,000 Personal Contacts Made by staff Secured Grant members interacting Funds individually with 329,630 In programming clientele through areas of 4-H Youth 15,000+ phone, email, or in Development and Media Contacts person Family & Consumer People reached Science Volunteer Hours through publications, Contributed by over newsletters, and social 256 volunteers in all media participation programming areas Agriculture & Horticulture

In Bernalillo County, the majority of County residents live in urban areas. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, which started on March 15, 2020, residents were asked to quarantine, gatherings of more than five people were not allowed, and residents were encouraged to work from home. According to Reuters' article, "People around the world are turning to gardening as a soothing, family-friendly hobby that also eases concerns over food security as lockdowns slow the harvesting and distribution of some crops.” In the Bernalillo County office, social media hits on food-related gardening topics increased by 6,537% compared to the busiest month in 2019. In response to the public demand for gardening classes, the Agent had to adapt to a new delivery method to reach audiences and meet the increased demand for food gardening information. To meet that goal, the Agent established partnerships with other State County Agents and local organizations.

Master Gardeners by the Numbers

49 8,000 New Master Gardeners Plants grown and donated Through 1,861 Albuquerque City 10,000 256 Greenhouses Pounds of Produce Volunteer Hours Donated to food banks Hours of Training 30 cancer survivors and Extension Equaling supported Programs. Equating to 5,583 servings of fruit and vegetables per $250,000 person per day, a In Value $4,838.60 value 3 2020 Program Highlights

Partnership with Presbyterian Ready Set Grow Community Center and Albuquerque A collaboration of Extension Agents from Public School Bernalillo, Valencia, and Mora Counties, the State Online classes were offered to the community Urban Horticulture Specialist, and Integrated Pest free of charge. Topics were relevant to local Management Specialist, created the "Ready, Set, gardening conditions and included insects, GROW!" webpage (https:// composting in the desert, water preservation, soil, desertblooms.nmsu.edu/ready-set-grow.html). seed savings, and kids' classes. Virtual classes Short-recorded videos on timely gardening topics started in June 2020. The majority of these classes have a hands-on/demonstration approach. and live virtual classes offered twice a month are  2 Kids Classes on the website. The first class was in September  12 Virtual Classes Total 2020.  2 Videos created  8 classes offered in 2020  4 Live demonstrations on Gardening techniques  More than 1,300 attendees  1,607 participants  1,100 views on Facebook  8 Speakers (Including NMSU Extension Specialists and Agents)  The participants came from NM, AZ, OK, CO, TX, UT, and CA

Urban Horticulture Extension Master Gardener Program While the Extension Office was closed to the The Albuquerque Area Extension Master public due to the pandemic, the Agent was Gardener Program celebrated its 40th allowed to perform one-on-one programming, site visits, receiving samples, answering phone calls anniversary. While the state conference was and emails, and doing virtual presentations to the postponed, Master Gardeners finished the year community. on a high note. The training went online in mid- March. Two important partnerships for Volunteers  100 site visits (in-person and virtual) with a value of $75 each, for a total of $7500 in included Albuquerque City Greenhouses, where savings for residents volunteers were allowed to grow plants and practice different propagation methods (mostly by  120 samples submitted to the NMSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic. An average of $30 per seeds). Another collaboration was with UNM sample. Therefore residents saved $3,600 Comprehensive Cancer Center. Site visits for this  1000+ Questions –gardening related- were study were not allowed to volunteers, mainly answered because both Master Gardeners and cancer  More than 300 attendees to the Think Trees survivors are among the high-risk groups for the New Mexico Conference in February 2020 (pre- pandemic. However, volunteers were creative in COVID19) the way they communicated with cancer  5 online presentations (1 for 2nd-grade survivors. They communicated via email, phone students) with more than 100 attendees total call, video call, etc.

4-H Youth Development First Virtual Fair and Virtual Programs Fairs, Exhibitions, and Shows Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was not possible to hold a traditional in-person County Fair. Holding a hybrid virtual fair was the only way that a show, of any kind, would have been possible. There was a 30% decrease in both exhibitor participation and animal entries from last year. The animal shows took place through a virtual fair software platform by having participants submit photos and videos from home. The indoor exhibits were conducted in a hybrid format with the arts and crafts being submitted virtually, and the sewing and baking exhibits being dropped off in a drive through format. The 4-H horse program continued to thrive with the transition to virtual programming. Opportunities for horse judging and hippology practices were offered regularly, with the contests held in June over Zoom. Working in partnership with the NM Paint Horse Club, a virtual horse show was held to keep the youth engaged during the initial months of the shut-down.

Zoom Programs and YouTube Videos A variety of programs were conducted virtually as the 4-H team quickly shifted in response to the inability to continue in-person classes. There were several zoom webinars for all ages of youth covering a wide variety of project areas including:  Baking  Livestock Selection  Cake Decorating  Food Preservation  Sewing Masks  Virtual Recreation and Games  Embryology  Electricity  STEM  Chemical Reactions  Leadership  Gardening  College Preparation  Nutrition  Mental Health  Food Safety

26,409 $77,111.88 Youth reached directly by three Raised in the auction and agents through in person given back to youth for programs, virtual programs, their projects and social media

Masks made and donated Grant funds secured for to community programming in the organizations by 4-H county members $50K+ 300+ 5 Urban 4-H Highlights

Military Programming: Due to COVID-19, the agent was unable to offer in-person programming at the base. Instead, the agent put together project kits that were distributed to the youth through the KAFB Youth Center. The kits contained everything the youth would need to complete the project, including supplies and curriculum. The agent then set up zoom sessions to go over the projects with the youth. Approximately 100 youth participated in at least one 4-H project over the summer.

Aquaponics: Aquaponics is a way to combine aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil). In the schools, the twenty- gallon aquarium holds goldfish and has a grow bed on top allowing the students to grow a variety of green leafy plants and herbs. At the end, the students harvest the plants and make a salad out of what they grew.

4-H in the Schools: The Bernalillo County Extension Office is entering their fifth year of the 4-H school partnership. Through this program, students are participating in 4-H projects at least one hour of school every week. This program has shown to increase attendance and decrease behavior issues at participating schools. Since the implementation of this program, it has spread to ten schools in the county as well as other schools across the state. The program has also gained national attention, with many states inquiring about how to implement the program in their state.

Egg to Chick: “Egg to Chick” is an educational, school-based program where students learn the basic principles of embryology. This is a program that brings one aspect of farming to urban students who may not have the opportunity to observe this life cycle process in any other setting. Students incubate, candle, hatch, and observe live chicks over the course of a month. In 2020, the program was offered virtually to students across Bernalillo County.

Healthy Habits: The county received a $2,500 grant from the Walmart Foundation to conduct programs that build healthy habits in youth. Programs were scheduled with five schools to reach at least 1,000 youth when COVID-19 hit. The 4-H Family and Consumer Science Agent was able to quickly pivot to a virtual program utilizing lessons on Google Classrooms. The agent partnered with the same five teachers to deliver health programming to 100 students; focused around physical fitness, nutrition and food safety. Family and Consumer Science Family and Consumer Sciences adjusted quickly and strategically in response to the programming challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Outreach and impacts grew significantly despite the programming challenges. Bernalillo County Extension staff were statewide leaders throughout the pandemic. Existing programs pivoted quickly: NEW statewide programs were developed quickly in response to the needs of residents to  National Diabetes Prevention Program cohorts the pandemic: pivoted to ZOOM within 2 weeks of the shutdown. This was the only group of the  COVID-19 Stress and Resilience: Thriving in NMSU NDPP cohorts able to make this change Today’s Demanding World: Four week webinar successfully. The group retention was strong series presented in May 2020 and finished the entire year program in January  Coping With COVID Burnout: a follow up seven 2021. session webinar series presented in February/  Kitchen Creations went virtual in October with March 2021 increased class participants from a larger  Slim and Strong: Crafting a Healthy Lifestyle: geographic area. Six week series presented in person in  Diabetes Self Management Program converted February/March and via ZOOM statewide June/ to virtual presentation in November 2020 with July 2020 members statewide.  Keys to Embracing Aging: Six week series  Eating Well with Diabetes series continued presented in June/July 2020 virtually with food demonstrations:  Walk With Ease: Six week series designed to  Healthy Breakfasts increase physical activity in September/ October  Air Fryers

Strong community partnerships continued: New Mexico Living, Roadrunner Food Bank, New Mexico Diabetes Advisory Council, Bernalillo County Community Healthy Council, Presbyterian Community Resource Center

Strong media presence: With the reality of virtual programming, numerous media opportunities including appearances on KRQE Channel 13 New Mexico Living 7

Impact of Programs

COVID-19 Stress and Resilience: Thriving  I mainly came away with "it’s never too late to in Today’s Demanding World start again" thinking. 241 New Mexicans registered for the series. An In response to changes respondents have made or electronic survey was developed to collect plan to make, following are key changes noted: participant feedback. A total of 50 responses were  I really pause before I eat something and think collected. about its benefits - good or bad and how I will  96% said the webinar series was useful feel afterwards.  94% said their knowledge of stress  I am tracking my exercise and food choices, as management and resilience strategies well as "upping" or making my workouts more increased. challenging.  96% agreed that they were more confident in  I'm setting more realistic goals and viewing my their ability to manage stress challenges in a different way. Especially when it comes to exercise which is my biggest  98% said they intended to do things differently challenge. Associating exercise with something as a result of participation in the webinar bigger than losing weight was a huge step for series. me. Examples of what participants indicated they  Include balance, flexibility and agility exercises would do differently: into my activity, plan, to learn how to use  Take care of myself more and be aware of how flexibility bands. stress also affects my family members in  I am making a healthy list for the grocery store different ways. instead of wandering aimlessly and buying  Have positive self-talk. Keep up on my exercise junk. by adding strength training.  Do breathing exercises, focus on things I can Keys to Embracing Aging change instead of the things that cannot be Evaluations revealed the following: changed.  97% agreed the program increased their  I am already practicing and sharing the understanding of how choices they make today information provided. will affect health and well-being in the future.

 100% agreed the program helped them Slim and Strong: Crafting a Healthy understand that healthy lifestyle choices Lifestyle promote independence and well-being. New skills reported included:  97% agreed this program increased their  Feel more motivated to develop better eating understanding of how healthy lifestyle choices habits and learned how to watch out for the promotes a longer healthier life. bad ones when they pop in.  The top five answers to the question “Which of  I think about how a food or exercise is going to the following behaviors do you intend to help my body function. I learned to be curious improve as result of this program?” about why I am making a choice. I have a much  Focus on a positive attitude more positive attitude. I learned how to fit  Regularly engage in physical activity healthy choices into my day.  Exercise my brain  I've become aware of (and able to shift) negative thinking, which is HUGE. Vision board,  Take at least 10 minutes for myself everyday whys, can't fail if you keep going.  Appropriately manage my stress  I have felt more positive and happy. ICAN/EFNEP Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition (ICAN) is a New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service (NMSU CES) program funded by Federal grants to provide nutrition education to SNAP-eligible audiences in New Mexico. Our mission is to inspire New Mexico’s families to make healthy food and lifestyle choices and to make those choices possible by creating health-friendly communities. ICAN is the largest implementing agency for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) grant in New Mexico, and the only agency for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) grant. Both grants are reauthorized every five years by legislation commonly referred to as the “Farm Bill,” and are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

ICAN improves quality of life statewide ICAN families live on $237 or less total income per by: week for a family of four. • Teaching practical skills including cooking, food After participating in ICAN series classes: safety, and food resource management • 95% of adults improve diet practices such as • Providing evidence-based nutrition education eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking fewer sugary beverages • Developing healthy public spaces such as school and community gardens • Families save an average of $30 on their month- to-month grocery budget • Engaging clients with the most effective approaches, including virtual classrooms and • 78% of adults increase their physical activity social media behaviors such as exercising for at least 30 minutes and doing workouts that build and • Connecting clients with community partners that strengthen muscles provide healthy living resources • 75% of adults and 56% of youth improve their • Evaluating and improving programming to adapt food safety practices such as washing hands with the communities we serve before preparing food • 91% of youth improve their ability to choose Economic Impact of ICAN: foods according to the Federal Dietary Recommendations and are better prepared to ICAN operates in 22 counties across New Mexico, learn more providing 55+ job opportunities to local residents and contributing $1.8 million to the state’s economy in salary and benefits. On March 13, 2020, ICAN suspended in-person By reducing obesity and creating healthier living classes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. environments, nutrition education programs in We immediately began re-tooling the program to New Mexico can decrease healthcare costs and continue reaching our audience in a safe virtual increase productivity. Teaching New Mexicans environment. Changes made to the ICAN program how to stretch their food dollars means they have in 2020—such as the vast expansion of our social more funds to spend on other critical needs. media presence and an extensive new network of virtual classrooms, video recipes, and self-paced online courses—will serve our clients for years to Going Online & Moving Forward come. Prior to the end of in-person programming in ICAN added another 2,000+ virtual clients to our March 2020, ICAN had already met with over nutrition education programs before the end of 50,000 New Mexicans at 159 community sites our fiscal year in September 2020. In addition, around the state. ICAN serves diverse SNAP- 2020 saw the introduction of the virtual food eligible audiences, with 58% of clients being gardening course ICAN Seed to Supper Online Hispanic, and another 22% Native American. Most with 1,817 participating clients. John Garlisch Sara Moran Interim County Horticulture Agent Director and Manages the Agriculture Agent county’s Master Assists farmers and Gardeners and local food systems conducts programs through educational in horticulture and programming natural resources

Brittany Sonntag Brittany Johnson Urban 4-H Agent 4-H Agriculture Agent Conducts programming for Coordinates non-traditional 4-H programs centered audiences and around agriculture oversees 4-H and natural programs in the resource programs schools for youth

Nicole Jacobs Dianne Christensen 4-H Family & Consumer Science Family & Consumer Agent Science Agent Conducts youth Conducts programs programming around the areas of centered around health and wellness, healthy living, home nutrition, and economics, and chronic disease leadership management

1510 Menaul Blvd. EXT NW Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-243-1386 bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu

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