Mecklenburg County Center

Mecklenburg County Center | N.C. Cooperative Extension

Image by Kevin Ruck

October Newsletter

Cultivating Progress

October has brought cooler fall weather, and as the days get shorter, I find myself ready to settle into a slightly slower pace. Fall is a natural time for reflection and looking ahead. Since our last newsletter, I worked with the Ability Garden Board to establish an Endowment with The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation to support Therapeutic Horticulture. I also put together a short video highlighting our Extension Master Gardener Volunteers working with women survivors trafficking, which will be featured at the upcoming American Horticultural Therapy Association Conference in San Francisco. Wrapping up these projects from my time in New Hanover County gives me so much encouragement as we think about our future here in Charlotte.

After a few months in the area, I am starting to feel settled into the flow of the Mecklenburg Extension Center. As we head into November, I'm looking forward to starting a strategic visioning process. We will begin with our amazing office staff before opening up the conversation to our dedicated volunteers and community partners.

This process will be a great opportunity for us to shape our shared values across all program areas and ensure they align with Mecklenburg County as well as our two land-grant universities.

A vision is always strongest when it's built together. Once our internal framework is in place, we will invite local partners, volunteers, and community members to share their perspectives, helping us deepen our impact across the county. This vision we create will not be static, but much like the Charlotte area and our state will adapt as needed to the changing landscape of our community. 

With a county as big and vibrant as Mecklenburg, setting clear priorities is key. A shared vision will keep our goals focused and achievable so our team can continue driving real results and building long-term strength for our Extension programs. I look forward to sharing our process with you as we lead into 2027.

Kind regards, 

Heather Kelejian

Visual concept for the Mecklenburg County Extension Office strategic plan. Generated via AI.

Mecklenburg County Accepts New Curbside Recycling Items

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste is now accepting plastic fruit and takeout containers (such as clamshells), plastic drink and yogurt cups, and paper cups for recycling.

You can now recycle these items in your curbside bin! Make sure they’re:

- CLEAN: No food or sticky residue left in the containers or cups.

- LOOSE: Don’t bag the items, just drop them directly in your bin.

- DRY: Make sure there’s no liquid left behind, including water from rinsing the recyclables.

The only other items you can recycle in your curbside bin are plastic bottles and jugs, cardboard, paper cups and cartons, paper and magazines, metal cans, & glass bottles and jars.

Help us spread the word and learn more about what you can recycle at home.

What is Kids in Nature Day?

Kids in Nature Day (KIND) is a fun-filled, hands-on adventure and free program that gives youth and families an outlet to explore and learn in nature. This is a great chance for youth to interact with the outdoors in an activity-based and informal setting. It also gives families a chance to meet and connect with an amazing network of organizations, volunteers, and opportunities in Mecklenburg County.

*Note the new date in October!

Free Parenting Tips, Just in Time 

Haley Williams

Raising kids comes with a lot of questions. Just in Time Parenting is a free email newsletter that sends research-based tips matched to your child's age, from pregnancy through age 5.

Each issue offers simple guides on child development, ideas for raising a happy, healthy child, and strategies for everyday challenges. It's written by university Extension experts, has no product ads, and is available in English and Spanish.

Sign up at https://mailchi.mp/jitp/signup or browse issues at jitp.info.

City of Charlotte Leave Your Leaves Campaign

Instead of raking and bagging or blowing away your leaves:

• Rake leaves into garden beds, around trees and shrubs, or natural areas of your yard.

• Keep leaves off hard, impermeable surfaces (sidewalks, driveways, streets, storm drains)

Show your support with a yard sign!

Landscape Management is partnering with the Bee City Charlotte committee to offer free Leave Your Leaves yard signs at locations throughout Charlotte.

Residents living within Charlotte city limits can pick up a free sign at designated locations from October 1 to November 10 or while supplies last. Your sign should be displayed in a visible location in your yard, but please remember to place it outside of the right of way (at least 11 feet from the curb). 

Visit Charlottenc.gov/leaves to view the list of locations!

Meet Me at the Farmers Market - October

Fall Festivals and Community Traditions

October is one of the most enjoyable months to visit a farmers market. Cooler weather makes shopping comfortable, fall crops are abundant, and markets become community gathering places filled with music, seasonal celebrations, and educational activities.

Make plans to enjoy:

• Cotswold Farmers Market, where live music creates a welcoming atmosphere while shoppers browse seasonal produce and artisan foods.

• Davidson Farmers Market, known for combining local food with live music, cooking demonstrations, and educational programming throughout the season. 

• Pumpkin displays, fall decorations, apples, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, winter squash, local honey, and baked goods can all be found throughout the region.

October is also a great time to begin planning for holiday meals using locally raised meats, fresh vegetables, and seasonal ingredients.

Meet Me at the Farmers Market Challenge

Bring a friend who has never visited a farmers market before and introduce them to your favorite farmer.

It’s estimated that North Carolinians spend $35 billion on food every year. If each of us spent 10% of our grocery budget on local food, $3.5 billion would flow into our local food economy!

Upcoming Farm Events – October & November 2026

As autumn settles in, several local farms are hosting seasonal markets, festivals, and family??‘friendly events. Here’s what’s happening around our community:

Austin??‘Kidd Farm

Address: 5730 Jim Kidd Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
Website: https://austinkiddfarm.com

Autumn Fest at the Farm October 18, 2026 | 5–7:30 PM
A seasonal celebration with food, activities, and community partnerships.

Bright Haven Farm

Address: 10020 Hambright Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Website: https://www.brighthavenfarm.com/

Matriarchy Circle (Formerly Crone Circle) Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
A community gathering focused on connection, conversation, and collective wisdom.

Deep Roots CPS Farm

Address: 2401 Primm Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
Website: https://www.deeprootscpsfarm.com/
Farm Stand Hours: Sundays, 12–3 PM
Farm Tours: Available on Sundays by appointment

Inheritance: A Farm??‘to??‘Table Dinner November 1
An immersive culinary experience featuring seasonal ingredients grown on??‘site.

Hodges Farm

Address: 3780 Rocky River Road, East Charlotte, NC 28215
Website: https://hodgesfarmnc.com/pumpkin-patch

2026 Pumpkin Patch Season: September 26 – October 31
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM

McLawland Farms

Address: 8632 Reedy Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
Website: https://www.mclawlandfarms.com/

October Hours

• Wednesdays | 3–6:30 PM
• Thursdays | 10 AM–12:30 PM & 4–7 PM
• Last 3 Fridays | 4–7 PM
• Saturdays | 10 AM–4:30 PM
• Sundays | 10 AM–4 PM

Yoga on the Farm October 24 | 10–11 AM

Pascuales Farm

Address: 11237 Plaza Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
Website: https://pascualesfarm.com

Thursday Night Market Returns! Beginning October 1 | 5–8 PM

Pumpkin Patch fun Daily | 10 AM

Growing Together at Pascuales Farm November 2 & 3, 2026

Conservation for Everyone October 28 | 5 PM

Small City Farm

Address: 1401 Auten Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
Website: http://smallcityfarm.com
Farm Stand: Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM

Check the farm's website for additional details.

4-H Volunteer Interest Meeting

This fall, NC Cooperative Extension of Mecklenburg County and 4-H are hosting a volunteer meeting to learn about 4-H, how to become a 4-H volunteer, and to discuss upcoming volunteer training and 4-H event opportunities offered throughout the year. This meeting and training are meant for existing, new, and prospective volunteers looking to engage with NC Cooperative Extension and its youth development programs. 

Some of the largest hurdles for people interested in volunteering are what to volunteer in, where to look, and how to get started. NC Cooperative Extension and 4-H are great resources for residents looking to get involved and give back to their communities through educational programs. Extension offers several subject areas where volunteers can engage with the community, including 4-H, Local Foods, Horticulture, and Family & Consumer Science. If you are interested in program areas outside of 4-H, please get in touch with our extension office to get started.

ago

n Positively Charlotte, Queen City News WJZY-46

• Wed, Oct 21st, 2026 10-11a

• Wed, Dec 9th, 2026 10-11a

September Recap

Local Foods at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

We held our Connecting Producers and Consumers through Local Food Education event on September 20th and had a great time highlighting our farmers, learning how to grow & cook local food, & supporting the farmer’s market vendors. This was our in person event after hosting a series of educational lunch & learn sessions this past fall & spring. Our sessions discussed what are local foods, how to support local food producers, how to start a local food based business, how to grow, cook, & preserve local foods.

Our farmers discussed a day in their lives, shared how to support them, & talked about what urban agriculture looks like in Mecklenburg County with Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, Haley Williams. Our other Family & Consumer Sciences agent, Demetria Cox-Thomas led a cooking demo where she sauteed greens with a mushroom miso, made a homemade salad dressing for a fresh salad, & demonstrated quick pickling methods with swiss chard stalks. All the produce used were locally grown & the products used were from the farmers market. Our Agriculture Program Assistant, Mal Harrington, led our attendees in a planting demo where they were able to plant various seeds to take home & grow. We want to thank our farmers who participated in our panel: Daniel Austin- Austin Kidd Farm, Larry Land- McLawland Farms, Wendy Mattingly- Bright Haven Farm,Connor Newman- Hodges Family Farm, Dominique Bostic-Arrington-  AAA Therapeutic Farm, & Leslie & Saul Curson- Curson Family Homestead. We also want to thank Visit NC Farms for coming out to support & share their work & Charlotte Regional Farmers Market for allowing us to host our event there.

Stay tuned for more programming from us around Local Foods in Mecklenburg County.

Keep an eye on our calendar for activities for all programs: Events - Mecklenburg County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension

Monthly Let's Cook Together - Family Cooking Class Series

• Discover how cooking at home with your household members can support healthy habits and improve your cooking skills. Grab your family and get ready to whip up some tasty dishes together in this fun cooking series!  In this class, we will make delicious healthy snacks to keep you satisfied between meals. This in-person event is a wonderful opportunity to learn practical tips to enhance your meals together in a welcoming environment.

• REGISTER HERE & Join us on Tues, Oct 20, 2026 5:30-7:30 PM at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center for a fun and engaging cooking class!

Food & Nutrition Tips

In Season Produce- Winter Squash

Types

• Delicata

• Acorn

• Hubbard

• Spaghetti

• Kabocha

• Pumpkin

• Butternut

Nutrition

• Winter Squash contains iron, calcium, fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A and antioxidants such as carotenoids

• All of these nutrients support immune health, heart health, vision, digestion, and overall wellness. 

Storage

• Choose squash that are firm, heavy for their size, and have dull skins (not shiny). 

• Winter squash should be hard without cracks or soft spots.

• Store uncut winter squash in a dark, cool, dry place. They can keep up to three months.

• Once cut, squash can keep fresh for one week when wrapped and refrigerated.

  • Ways To Enjoy Winter Squash: 

    • Breakfast

      • Use them to make a savory morning hash or frittata

    • Meal

      • Bake, boil, roast, sauté, or microwave winter squash. Use it in stews, soups, salads, dips, breads, and even pies.

      • Roast cubes of butternut squash seasoned with thyme and sage.

      • Blend roasted butternut squash cubes in a blender with just enough chicken broth to make a thick and creamy soup.

    • Salads

      • Roasted winter squash is an amazing addition to a fall greens and/or grains salad along with winter squash seeds & other in season items such as dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, & apples

    • Snacks

      • Keep Seeds for Roasting: Toss 1 cup dry seeds with 2 teaspoons vegetable oil and seasonings of your choice. Microwave on HIGH for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until golden or Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 25 minutes, stirring several times, until golden.

    • Preservation

      • Freeze cooked squash for longer storage. Pack recipe-sized amounts in airtight containers and use within 8 to 12 months.

      • To can winter squash. Wash, remove seeds, cut into 1-inch- wide slices, and peel. Cut flesh into 1-inch cubes. Boil 2 minutes in water. Caution: Do not mash or puree. Fill jars with cubes and cooking liquid & process in a pressure canner. For more information about length of time to process please refer to this resource.

Free Food Business Workshops Coming in October

N.C. Cooperative Extension has partnered with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to offer two free online workshops for anyone thinking about starting a food business. Our Family and Consumer Sciences agent, Haley, will be teaching both classes.

Rolling In Dough: Starting Your Food Truck Business
October 19 at 2:00 pm via Zoom
Register: https://gqr.sh/fEqs

Recipe for Success: Launching a Catering Business
October 26 at 2:00 pm via Zoom
Register: https://bit.ly/4rdSDpP

For the latest news, programming, and event updates from N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg County Center be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!