NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Harnett County

06/18/2026

There’s something special about spending a day in our state parks. From peaceful trails and towering trees to scenic overlooks and wildlife sightings, these natural spaces remind us to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us.

One of my favorites is Raven Rock State Park. Whether you're hiking to the iconic rock formation, exploring along the Cape Fear River, or simply enjoying the fresh air, it’s a great place to reconnect with nature and make lasting memories.

If you haven’t visited recently, add it to your weekend plans. North Carolina’s state parks are treasures worth exploring—and protecting—for generations to come.

06/18/2026

The baby lavender plants are doing their best to bloom in their nursery cups because they want to be planted in the ground. We have plenty for sale. $6

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

🌳Happy International Picnic Day!🌳
Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a picnic in Dunn?
Pack your lunch and visit one of our local parks:
-Clarance Lee Tart Memorial Park
-Codrington Park
-Tyler Park
Each park offers picnic tables and green spaces perfect for gathering with family and friends.
Planning a larger get-together? Park shelters are available to rent through Dunn Parks & Recreation.
For shelter rental information, contact Dunn Parks & Recreation at 910-892-2948.

06/18/2026

Fennel is not only a host plant for black swallowtails, but many species of butterflies will nectar on the yellow flowers. It also helps repel aphids. Find seeds here: https://tinyurl.com/plantfennel

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

🚒 HIGH FIRE DANGER: I sound like a broken record at this point, but High Fire Danger to Very High Fire Danger is returning to Central and Eastern sections of the state on Thursday. The combination of a very gusty southwest wind and extremely dry fuels, due to the ongoing severe drought in many areas outside the mountains, will lead to high fire danger on Thursday!

Dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. Folks in this area are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Exercise caution if operating any equipment that could create sparks, and keep vehicles off of dry leaves and grass.

-Ethan

06/16/2026

Happy ! 🐝🌼🦋

National Pollinator Month happens every June in the United States to celebrate bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats and other key pollinators. Let's protect these declining populations and work together to help our ecosystems stay healthy and balanced.

🌟 Here's a free, research-based guide from NC State Extension that supports our efforts: "Attracting Pollinators and Other Beneficial Insects" ➡️ go.ncsu.edu/attract-pollinators

(OR gardening.ces.ncsu.edu/attracting-birds-beneficial-insects-other-wildlife/pollinators-and-other-beneficial-insects)

📸 credit: Charlotte Glen, statewide NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program manager

06/16/2026

We know that are powerful. 🌲 "Communities Thrive on Trees, " a data-packed guide from NC State Extension, proves just how massive of an impact our urban canopy has on daily life in North Carolina.

Green space, erosion control, stormwater management and, of course, natural beauty are just some of the reasons to value our leafy friends. From slashing residential cooling costs by up to 50% to filtering out millions of pounds of air pollutants, trees are working overtime for our communities.

🌳 Dive into the research of this free resource about the environmental and economic value of our trees ➡️ content.ces.ncsu.edu/communities-thrive-on-trees

📸 credit: Acer rubrum by Amanda Munoz (CC BY 2.0) listing in the NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acer-rubrum