Barton Clubs

The Extension Master Gardener program provides in depth horticultural training to individuals throughout Missouri who then volunteer their time applying what they have learned to help others in their communities to learn about gardening and environmental education. Through activities such as extension hotlines or answer services, workshops, speaker’s bureaus, garden show booths and demonstration projects, Master Gardeners provide gardening information to thousands of Missourians each year.

To become trained as a Master Gardener, an individual must attend a 30 hour classroom Core Course training. Then the Master Gardener trainee is required to give 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community in approved University of Missouri Extension activities.

Barton County chapter

Plant sale

The chapter's annual plant sale is held in May. Plants are sold at reasonable prices and include perennials, bedding plants, bulbs, trees, natives and other seasonal plants.

Community projects

Master Gardeners in Barton County maintain the Demonstration Garden at the Lamar City Park and landscape around the Senior Citizen Center in Lamar. They select a Yard of the Month during spring and summer.

Become a Master Gardener

If you enjoy gardening, want to learn more about horticulture, and are willing to share with others what you know and learn, then you’re a prime candidate to become a Master Gardener. Contact the extension center at 417-682-3579 or bartonco@missouri.edu.

There are eight active 4-H clubs in Barton County.

City Clovers Club: Meets 3:00pm 2nd Sunday monthly
Location: Lamar Methodist Church
Club Leader: JJ Shaw

Learn a Do Club: Meets 3:00pm 2nd Sunday Monthly
Location: Oakton Church
Leader: Tanya Crabtree

Make it Happen Club: 3pm 2nd Sunday monthly
Location: Lamar Methodist Church
Club Leader: Kelly Nolting

Rough Riders Club: Meetings date varies
Club Leader: contact the 4H office

Shiloh Club: Meets 6:30pm 2nd Monday monthly
Location: Liberal Community Center
Club Leader: Darlene Sullins

Barton County 4H Team Leaders Club: meet 2pm 3rd Sunday monthly
Location: Barton Co Extension Office Wolf Center
Club Leader: Elaine Davis and Linda Krueth

Lamar STEM Homeschool: Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Location: Lamar First Christian Church
Club Leader: Elaine Davis

Liberal STEM Homeschool:  Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Location: Liberal Community Center
Club Leader: Elaine Davis

About 4-H

4-H brings young people, ages 5 to 18, and adults together to learn everyday skills through hands-on learning. Working on activities from animal and plant sciences to robotics, 4-H’ers learn problem-solving skills that can make a positive impact upon our community. Through 4-H, young people learn to meet the diverse challenges of today’s world, build self-confidence, learn responsibility and make positive decisions.

4-H clubs are open to ages 8 to 18. Clubs meet monthly for group activities and club business. Each club elects officers and has an approved adult leader who supervises club activities. Club members also enroll in projects in their areas of interest.

With projects on more than 75 topics, 4-H has something to interest every child. Here are just a few of the opportunities 4-H offers: geocaching, robotics, international exchanges, horsemanship, pets, starting a business, arts and crafts, raising animals, woodworking, photography and gardening.

Clover Kids introduces 5- to 7-year-olds to the 4-H experience. In Clover Kids, children learn how to get along with others, work in groups and explore their interests, while building self-confidence. Clover Kids do not enroll in projects or raise animals and do not participate in competitive events, contests or shows.

Joining 4-H is as easy as contacting your local extension office. A staff member will explain the enrollment process and membership dues. In addition to dues, some projects may require a small investment to get started, and there may be a fee for materials, trips or other activities.

Young people are welcome to join at any time. The 4-H program year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Certain activities may have participation deadlines.

Adult volunteers are essential to 4-H. Adult volunteers serve as club or project leaders, help with county or regional events, chair committees and organize fundraisers. You don't have to be a parent or grandparent of the 4-H member to get involved. All volunteers are screened for child abuse and neglect, as well criminal records, before they are accepted and each year thereafter. As a volunteer, University of Missouri Extension will provide you with training so you will be well-prepared and successful as an adult leader. The orientation includes information on 4-H history and the educational framework, the characteristics of age groups, character development and safety.

LEARN ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

girl announcing news and resources
Barton 4-H news and resources