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Johnson County

Research-based Information You Can Trust — Localized for your needs

Johnson County
11811 S. Sunset Drive
Suite 1500
Olathe, KS 66061

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday,
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(913) 715-7000
(913) 715-7005 fax
jo@listserv.ksu.edu

Map to our office

K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Johnson County Extension at (913)715-7000. Notify staff of accommodation needs as early as possible.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Classes and Events

april 23

Sewing Class: Pillowcase

Tuesday, April 23, 2024  |  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

A great class for beginning sewers, presented in partnership with Olathe Quilters Guild. Learn to make a standard pillowcase, known as a "burrito" pillowcase, with all enclosed seams- no raw edges! You will also learn how to modify the pattern to make your pillowcase a different size (such as king-sized). Upon registration, you will receive a list of what you must bring, including a sewing machine, sewing supplies, and fabric.

Register Here

April 24

Dig Your Dinner: Pristine Potatoes

Wednesday, April 24, 2024  |  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 

Location: Online via Zoom

Whether baked, fried, or mashed, potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the culinary world to be enjoyed. Learn all about serving AND growing them in the April edition of Dig Your Dinner with agents Chelsea Reinberg and Anthony Reardon.

Register Here

april 25

Managing a Fishing Pond

Thursday, April 25, 2024  |  3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Board Room of Administration Building, Shawnee Mission Park Visitor Center

Do you own a fishing pond that could use some help? Join K-State Research and Extension Wildlife Management Aquatic Specialist, Joe Gerken, for an in-person workshop on how to manage a pond for fishing. This workshop includes an hour presentation followed by a hands-on look at multiple fishing ponds. Topics covered include fish species selection, vegetation management, aeration, and general pond maintenance.

Register Here

april 25

Four-Course Living

Thursday, April 25, 2024  |  6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

Four-Course Living works with adults with developmental disabilities to discover the importance of good nutrition, safety, planning, and preparation through a series of hands-on cooking classes. Our classes are designed to meet the participants’ individual needs to help them succeed at living a healthy, cost effective, and independent life. Menu: Meatloaf muffins and instant mashed potatoes. Staff and/or family members are invited to observe and join us for a meal at no additional cost. Class payment is collected at the door.

Register Here

april 27

Birding 101 Nature Program

Saturday, April 27, 2024  |  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Shawnee Civic Centre

Learn all about common backyard birds and birding techniques with Natural Resources Agent Amy Keigher. After a short presentation inside, we’ll explore outside around the Civic Center to practice our new birding skills. Binoculars and walking shoes are highly recommended. 

Register Here 

may 1

Information Session: Becoming an Extension Master Gardener

Wednesday, May 1, 2024  |  10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

If you have a passion for gardening and would like to share horticulture information with others, consider volunteering with the Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners. Applications for the class of 2025 will open May 2024, and applications are due June 28, 2024. Attend this hour-long information session to learn more. (Session is not required to apply for the program).

Learn more

may 1

K-State Garden Hour Webinar Series: Understanding Water Sources for Your Garden

Wednesday, May 1, 2024  |  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Location: Online via Zoom

There are often multiple water sources available to irrigate our gardens. Join Jay Harris, Cottonwood District Horticulture Agent, to understand the many differences between water from private wells, city water supplies, or rural water districts. Learn about the differences in water quality, the importance of knowing what is in your water, the costs associated with each, and why you should test your water before you use it.

Register Here

may 4

Flint Knapping 101

Saturday, May 4, 2024  |  1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office, Pavilion

For thousands of years, the art of shaping stone for tools has occurred across the world, changing cultures and societies. While it may seem like a lost trade, flint knapping is still a popular skill and art that many practice today. Are you interested in learning the trade? Join Chris Yackle, local flint knapper instructor, at the pavilion behind the Johnson County Sunset Building to learn more. Safety gear will be provided.  Class fee is $50 and includes tool pack and workable stone to take home. 

Register Here

may 6

WITS Workout: Songbird

Monday, May 6, 2024  |  1:00 PM and 3:00 PM (Two identical sessions)

Location: Online via Zoom

You are never too young or old to start training your brain. As part of this course, participants will engage in 'pen and paper' activities designed to maintain and enhance cognitive function and memory. In this session, "Songbirds," the activities in this session have either songs/singing or birds as their base. The training component focuses on staying connected to others as a contributing factor in brain health.

Register for 1:00 PM here

Regiseter for 3:00 PM here

may 17 and 18

Public Garden Tour

Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2024  |  9 AM - 5 PM

Location: various

The Extension Master Gardeners welcome you to this popular Popular Garden Tour. Tickets include access to six stunning private gardens, one demonstration garden, and the Garden Thyme Marketplace selling garden-themed decor and products. Our Extension Master Gardeners will be on site to answer questions. Tickets go on sale April 1.

Learn more

may 21

Air Fryer Gadget Class

Tuesday, May 21, 2024  |  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

If you can't remember why you bought an air fryer, join us to learn new recipes and suggestions to get the most out of this kitchen counter gadget.

Register Here

May 23

Four Course Living

Thursday, May 23, 2024  |  6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

Four-Course Living works with adults with developmental disabilities to discover the importance of good nutrition, safety, planning, and preparation through a series of hands-on cooking classes. Our classes are designed to meet the participants’ individual needs to help them succeed at living a healthy, cost effective, and independent life. Menu: Homemade noodles with marinara sauce and applesauce brownies. Staff and/or family members are invited to observe and join us for a meal at no additional cost. Class payment is collected at the door.

Register Here

June 8

Wild Kids! Summer Program: How to Read Nature

Saturday, June 8, 2024  |  9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Kill Creek Park

The Junior Extension Master Naturalist Wild Kids! Summer Program offers kids in grades 3 - 5 opportunities to explore and discover the natural environment of Johnson County with fun, hands-on experiences.

Register Here

June 8

Girl Scout Gardening Merit Badge Workshop

Saturday, June 8, 2024  |  1 PM - 3 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

This is a fun hands-on gardening workshop for 4th and 5th grade Girl Scouts and non Girl Scouts alike. This 90 minute workshop is led by Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners and includes activities that meet all requirements needed to earn the Junior Gardener Badge. 

Register Here

june 10-13

Food, Fitness, Fun Camp

Monday, June 10 through Thursday, June 13  |  9 AM - 12 PM daily

Location: Shawnee Civic Centre

Hop, skip, jump, and run for a week of food, fitness and fun! Learn about healthy lifestyles like good nutrition and physical activity. We will make a new recipes and engage in hands-on activities that promote lifelong healthy habits. Camp fee is $25 per child. Ages 7-12.

Register Here

june 20

Picnic and Camping Food

Thursday, June 20, 2024  |  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

There’s just something about eating outdoors that makes food taste better. Whether you are planning a picnic at a park or a weekend in the wilderness, this class will help prepare you for summer gatherings.

Register Here

june 21

Wonders of Discovery

Friday, June 21, 2024  |   9 AM to 2 PM

Location: Pollinator Prairie, 320 South Blake in Olathe

On Friday of National Pollinator Week, we host members of the public as well as busloads of day-campers from Johnson County Parks and Recreation who come to learn about the importance of pollinators and ways we can support them.

Learn more

june 22

Wild Kids! Summer Program: Wildlife and Habitats

Saturday, June 22, 2024  |  9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Ernie Miller Nature Center

The Junior Extension Master Naturalist Wild Kids! Summer Program offers kids in grades 3 - 5 opportunities to explore and discover the natural environment of Johnson County with fun, hands-on experiences.

Register Here

june 24-27

Nature Camp

June 24-27, 2024 (Monday through Thursday)  |  9 AM to 11 AM

Location: Wilder Bluff

Get out into the wild and explore with 4-H. Campers will explore our brand new Wilder Bluff Park and have fun learning about Entomology and Forestry from nature experts. Come dressed to get dirty and explore in nature while making new friends. Snacks will be provided each day. Cost is $25 per child.

Register Here

june 25-27

Kids in the Kitchen Summer Camp, Session 1

June 25-27, 2024  |  9 AM - 12 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

Campers will learn new skills in the kitchen and then enjoy tasting the results. This camp is designed for youth ages 7-10 years old. Class fee is $50 per child.

Register Here

july 9-11

Kids in the Kitchen Summer Camp, Session 2

July 9-11, 2024  |  9 AM - 12 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

Campers will learn new skills in the kitchen and then enjoy tasting the results. This camp is designed for youth ages 11-15 years old. Class fee is $50 per child.

Register Here

july 13

Wild Kids! Summer Program: Rocks & Fossils

Saturday, July 13, 2024  |  9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Lake Olathe

The Junior Extension Master NaturalistWild Kids! Summer Program offers kids in grades 3 - 5 opportunities to explore and discover the natural environment of Johnson County with fun, hands-on experiences.

Register Here

july 18

Summer Frozen Treats

Thursday, July 18, 2024  |  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Johnson County Extension Office

A frosty frozen treat can help keep you cool on a hot day. Learn to make your own frozen treats with the freedom to make them as creative as you want. Try some different samples. 

Register Here

july 27

Wild Kids! Summer Program: The Importance of Water

Saturday, July 27, 2024  |  9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Millcreek Streamway Park

The JuniorExtension Master Naturalist Wild Kids! Summer Program offers kids in grades 3 - 5 opportunities to explore and discover the natural environment of Johnson County with fun, hands-on experiences.

Register Here

august 10

Wild Kids! Summer Program: Trees & Me

Saturday, August 10, 2024  |  9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Overland Park Arboretum

The Junior Extension Master Naturalist Wild Kids! Summer Program offers kids in grades 3 - 5 opportunities to explore and discover the natural environment of Johnson County with fun, hands-on experiences.

Register Here