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At the St. Helena AgCenter Extension Office, we’re committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through research-based education.
We’re excited to launch this new way of connecting with our community and sharing the incredible work happening across St. Helena Parish. Whether you're a parent, educator, farmer, student, or supporter, this newsletter is for you!
First and foremost, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers and donors. Your support fuels our educational programs, youth development, agriculture, nutrition, and community outreach. You are the backbone of our mission, and we are deeply grateful.
Each issue will bring you updates, events, success stories, and ways to get involved. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Enjoy this month’s newsletter!
Community News
Volunteer Spotlight
Agent Tips
Get to Know Us
Upcoming Events
Community News
4-H Foundation Board Meeting
We’re excited to share highlights from our recent 4-H Foundation Board Meeting, held at Northshore Technical Community College. This gathering brought together dedicated leaders from across St. Helena Parish, all committed to strengthening youth programming and expanding opportunities for local students. During the meeting, we elected new board members representing a wide range of community sectors.
Their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for youth development will help guide our efforts to build inclusive, impactful programs. We also distributed updated bylaws to ensure transparency and alignment as we move forward. Board members also discussed upcoming programming and shared ideas for the future direction of youth initiatives in the parish. With strong community support, we’re confident this team will help us grow our network, gather sponsors, and create meaningful experiences for our youth.
Volunteer Spotlight
We’re proud to highlight Ms. Tananjalyn Overton, Agriscience teacher at St. Helena College & Career Academy, for her dedication to youth enrichment. She has worked closely with our agents to help establish and maintain the school garden, creating a space for hands-on learning and healthy living. Ms. Overton has also stepped up to lead the youth club at the high school, helping students engage in agriculture, leadership, and service. Her commitment and enthusiasm are making a lasting impact in our community.
Helpful Tips from Our Agents
Horticulture:
October weather is wonderful, but it is still one of our driest months. Don’t forget to water your plants if we don’t get rain. The goal for most planting situations is 1” of water per week. October through December are the best months to plant perennials. November through February are the best months to plant trees and shrubs. Make sure to get your plant ordered placed and delivered for the ideal planting window. There is still time to plant winter crops like shallots, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower. Use the LSU AgCenter Planting Guide for all your vegetable planting dates.
Nutrition and Health:
Now that the weather is starting to cool, it is a great time to get outside! Get some friends, your kids, or family members and experience the beauty of St. Helena at one of the public parks it has to offer. Greensburg Park, the walking track at the St. Helena College and Career Academy, the 5th Ward Recreation Center, and Charlie Overton Park are all great places to play or take a walk. Just remember to stretch first and put on some sun screen! Greens, squash, and pumpkins are also in season. Check out what is for sale at the Farmers Market and try a new fall recipe using local seasonal produce!
4-H Youth Development:
Thank You St. Helena Parish for your continued support in our 4-H Program! As of September 5, we officially have 58 members in our program and are looking to gain more! We are looking thrive in various areas this year such as equine, art, SEAPERCH, livestock and many more. We are still seeking financial support to ensure our members have as many opportunities as possible and we look forward to building a bright future for our youth here in St. Helena Parish.
Sharon Holden
Sharon is our Administrative Coordinator and a St. Helena native. She is passionate about serving the community she grew up in and nurturing it for it to grow with your support!
Dr. Gary Hay
Dr. Hay is our Parish Chair has been in extension for over 20 years. He specializes in livestock and pond management, providing assistance in St. Helena for dairy farmers throughout his career.
Jessie Hoover
Jessie is our horticulture agent. She provides gardening expertise in St. Helena, East Feliciana, and West Feliciana. She is delighted to provide education on how to make your garden thrive!
jhoover@agcenter.lsu.edu
Nicholas Muse
Nick is our 4-H agent with experience in agriculture and livestock showing. His family has been in St. Helena for generations, and he is thrilled to provide programming for youth in the community!
Isabel Zebrick
Isabel is our Nutrition and Community Health agent, with a background in public health, event planning, teaching, and culinary arts, she is excited to bring opportunities to St. Helena!
Whitney Wallace
Whitney serves as our Forestry agent, specializing in forestry and wildlife. She is the secretary of the St. Helena Forestry Association and organized the 2025 Florida Parishes Forestry Forum.
Upcoming Events
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2025 | Montpelier Pine Gardening Club | Dr. Hay will be the guest speaker for September’s club meeting. Share gardening tips, enjoy fellowship and a meal, and learn something new! The fee for joining the club is $20 for the year. Time: 5 PM Location: 90 Rohner Road, Greensburg, LA, United States, Louisiana |
| TBA | Healthy Communities Coalition | Calling Community Leaders! Join us for a meeting to discuss opportunities in the community for us to thrive, set goals, and put them into motion! Interested? Email: izebrick@agcenter.lsu.edu |
| October 7, 2025 | Warner Hall Field Day | Warner Hall is hosting his Fall Field Day, showcasing a variety of topics from experts in the agricultural field, demonstrations, and community information. Time: 9 AM - 1 PM |
| October 21, 2025 | 4-H Sweet Potato Fundraiser Order Deadline | Be sure to place an order with our office or a 4-H member, to insure you receive a box of sweet potatoes for the holidays! Call our office for more information! Deadline: Oct. 21, 2025 |
| Halloween 2025 | Trunk or Treat | Hosted by the Audubon Regional Library, a safe environment for children to trick-or-treat, with Halloween games, activities, food, and more! Time & Location TBA |
| Every Friday | St. Helena Farmers Market | Help support our local farmers and business community by getting fresh produce, homemade goods, and crafts at the market! Time: 8am-1 pm Location: Corner of Hwy 10, Greensburg, LA 70441 |
We are located at 8140 Hwy 10 in Greensburg, in the Tourism building- just a bit further down from Northshore Technical Community College towards Clinton.
Our hours are 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
