We provide educational programs and develop strong partnerships related to agriculture and natural resources, food systems and food security; social and economic vitality and youth development so that we are building capacity and striving for a bright tomorrow for our community.
We have professional staff and trained volunteers that are ready to partner and assist with programming and strategic planning to cultivate solutions and shared results. We look forward to working with you for a positive future in Wake County.
4-H Youth Development
4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
Food Systems
Wake County Food System strategies are working to ensure that all residents in Wake County have access to affordable, nutritious food. The Comprehensive Food Security Plan of Wake County helps to provide a framework for systematic policy change as well as grassroots and community efforts to move toward a healthy and well-fed Wake County.
Programming focused on increasing the use of locally produced food in Wake County is an integral aspect of Food Systems work. Programs such as Project 40, Farm to Childcare, Farm it Forward and the Regional Food System Plan to increase awareness and the availability of local food for all of Wake County.
Food Security strategies in Wake County are multifaceted and serve to improve healthy food access for all citizens in Wake County. Working with school-based strategies and the Summer Food Service Program along with municipality based workgroups ensure a well-rounded approach to ending food insecurity in Wake County.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Team
ANR Program Director
The Program Director provides leadership to our Agriculture, Horticulture, and Water Education programs.
Contact: Kelsey Sosa
Agriculture Agent
The Agriculture Agent provides farmers with technical support, pesticide certification, and researched-based education to ensure a quality future for agriculture in Wake County.
Contact: Jonathan Smith
Horticulture Agent
The Horticulture Agent provides guidance to the Wake County Master Gardener Volunteer Program and works with landscapers and the green industry to provide certifications, continuing education and technical assistance.
Contact: Deanna Bigio
Water Education
NC Cooperative Extension is a leader in teaching, researching, and accelerating the adoption of effective water quality protection practices.
Contact: Mitch Woodward
Master Gardener Volunteers
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are working remotely during our renovations and the COVID-19 virus. Soil Sample kits are still located in the Ag Services and are available in boxes outside the front door. Reach out for assistance with all your home gardening questions, via email or phone!
Office hours are normally Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–noon, and 1–4 p.m., but messages will be checked and responded to as soon as possible. The telephone is 919-250-1084 and email is mgardener@wake.gov.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement
Wake County Cooperative Extension provides equal opportunity and affirmative action efforts, and prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon a person’s age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.
Accommodation Statement
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Wake County Cooperative Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Riley Holcraft. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event.
