Reap
or Weep
West Virginians suffer acute ambivalence about their state.
Fiercely proud of the state’s beauty and heritage, their pride
is battered by ranking at or near rock bottom in virtually every indicator
of economic, scholastic and social success.
So it is astounding that the legislature is entertaining the possibility
of reducing or eliminating a statewide program that has been a stronghold
of education, a leader for economic growth and the foundation for
one of the most all- embracing, environment promoting networks in
the state.
The West Virginia Extension system is a remarkable cooperation between
federal and state government, the university community and the men,
women and children of this state. Operating on a multitude of
levels, informally and formally, on campus, in class, fields or back
yards, the women and men of the WV Extension service spend days, nights
and weekends making a profound impact on the beautiful land and the
hardworking populace of the state.
Every county benefits from the resource sharing, the ready accessibility
of knowledge, the abundant experience and the skills instruction of
the staff, educators and volunteers of the WV Extension service.
Farmers and ranchers count on WV Extension agents to help them make
informed decisions about soil, crops and pesticides and to implement
changes to make their operations successful. Agents calm the
panic of homeowners invaded by Japanese beetles and gardeners experiencing
potato blight. From mites to blight, flowers to fruit, from
soil to sky, any agricultural or horticultural topic is their area
of expertise. And, in West Virginia, that means they touch the
lives of thousands every day.
The WV Extension Service oversees research for the development of
new cash crops for WV farmers, like blueberries and teaches growers
the techniques and skills they need to be successful. Land reclamation
and waste management are major areas of activity and education.
WV Extension agents are deeply involved in community development and
personal growth. They are leaders in educating children and
young people about environmental responsibility and agricultural opportunities.
WV Extension staff members and volunteers help thousands of
kids raise rabbits and grow vegetables organically. They trouble
shoot problems, give advice and are glad to grab a shovel or trowel
when it’s needed.
In partnerships across the state, the WV Extension Service conducts
research, provides educational assistance to communities and maintains
activities directed at business retention and expansion, nurturing
entrepreneurial endeavors, creating economic development networks,
strategic planning, and special studies.
One of their many ongoing partnerships is the Master Gardener program.
Over 900 Master Gardeners in the state provide a minimum of 15-30
hours of volunteer work each year, contributing to the knowledge and
beautification of the state. It is just one of hundred of programs
that make the state a more beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.
West Virginia has seen the loss of the coal industry, the steel industry
and the towering Chestnuts that were the heart of our timber industry.
Insurers have left the state in droves, adversely affecting the manufacturing,
medical and industrial presence.
What we still have is abundant, gloriously growing natural resources.
What we are considering giving up is an established, effective entity
that not only protects and promotes those resources, it offers down
to earth solutions for statewide economic development and individual
financial independence.
Any legislative agenda that does not include the preservation and
sustenance of the WV Extension Service as a goal is fatally short
sighted. It would be the worst possible case of not being able
to see the forest for the trees. Diminishing or dismantling
the WV Extension Service would effectively, ultimately rob the next
generation of its birthright, giving West Virginians one more wearying
loss to mourn.
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