Nearly 800 participants in WVU Extension Service programs will attend a day of educational activities Monday, March 14, at the State Capitol in Charleston.

Master Gardeners, Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) members, 4-H volunteers, firefighters and participants in other Extension farm, family and nutrition programs are expected to take part inWVU Extension Day at the Legislature.Some 4-H members will learn about government as they serve as pages for their local legislators.

The participants, representing almost all counties, will have opportunities to observe floor sessions of the House and Senate and to meet with their delegates and senators. County groups will deliver dish gardens to their respective legislators. The gardens, which were funded by private contributors, were planted by the Monongalia County Master Gardeners.

The day will begin with talks by Secretary of State Betty Ireland and Del. Bob Beach, D-Mon. Other activities include tours of the Capitol, performances by the West Virginia 4-H Dance Ambassadors, the proclamation of WVU Extension Day in both houses, and a group photo with Gov. Joe Manchin.

Working with community partners in all 55 West Virginia counties, WVU Extension provides learning opportunities in the areas of economic and workforce development, youth development, agriculture and natural resources, and family and health education.

For example, 1,173 Extension-trained Master Gardeners in 33 counties work with communities and individuals on horticulture projects; their volunteer assistance was valued at $365,500 last year.

More than 56,000 West Virginia young people, led by 7,200 adult volunteers, learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through WVU Extensions 4-H youth program. The states nearly 6,300 CEOS members�€guided by county WVU Extension agents�€conduct family and childcare program.