Homegrown: ISU Extension moving from Marion to Cedar Rapids

MARION – Linn County's Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be closed next week, as the office moves to a new site.

Lincolnview Square, a $22.5 million development, has been under construction at the site of the extension office, 3279 Seventh Ave., at Marion's east end, the location of a new CVS Pharmacy and Linn Area Credit Union.

The Marion Farmers Market building was demolished last spring to make way for the credit union, while a Hardee's restaurant was demolished for CVS.

Plans also call for construction of two office/retail buildings at the site.

The ISU Extension office will close from Dec. 17 to 21 and reopen Dec. 26 at its new location, 383 Collins Rd. NE, Suite 201 in Cedar Rapids.

Linn County master gardeners will be at the Marion site during limited hours to sell a new gardening handbook, kinetic gardening ornament kit and gardening calendar. Hours for the sales will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 19, 20 and 21.

Extension experts offer information on gardening, nutrition, parenting, family, financial management, agriculture and more.

Regular office hours will continue from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The phone number also stays the same: (319) 377-9839.

This is a description of the gardening ornament kit:

Wind Dancer Kinetic Garden Ornament

Let your creativity dance with the breezes in your garden! Make your own unique bent wire and beaded garden yard art ornament.  The kit includes the beads, wire and other materials needed - you bring your playful, creative spirit.   $15   

Here is more about the gardening handbook:

The Linn County Master Gardeners announce that pre-orders are now being taken for Getting Your Hands Dirty and Your Feet Wet Again, a compilation of gardening information, personal experiences, and answers to common garden questions.

Getting Your Hands Dirty and Your Feet Wet Again is a new publication, the second in a series by the Master Gardeners, who published the original Getting Your Hands Dirty and Your Feet Wet in 2006. Over 40 Linn County Master Gardeners participated in writing and editing this book.

Book chapters focus on the four seasons, edibles, and the world of nature.  Information is also provided about the Linn County Extension and Outreach Office and local gardening resources.

Proceeds from the sale of Getting Your Hands Dirty and Your Feet Wet Again will be used to fund Linn County Master Gardener educational programs.

Linn County Extension is taking pre-orders for Getting Your Hands Dirty & Your Feet Wet Again through Dec. 14. Reserve your copy by giving your name, address, email, home & cell phone numbers to Linn County Extension's office by coming in, calling 319-377-9839 or emailing mkenyonb@iastate.edu.

Pick up at our Marion Office, from 10-2 on December 19, 20, 21. Cash or check only. $20. Mailing will be an option for an added fee.   The Marion address is 3279 7th Ave., Suite 140 , Marion, IA 52302.

After Christmas, the book can be purchased at our new Cedar Rapids office from 10 AM to 2 PM, December 26, 27, 28, and 31. The ISU Extension & Outreach office will be located at 383 Collins Road NE, Suite 201, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

And the "Garden Bounty" 2013 Garden Calendar:

Celebrate garden bounty, whether it's an herb windowsill garden in winter, the first peas of spring, or brimming baskets of fruit and veggies in summer and fall. This calendar offers homegrown beauty, local places to enjoy food festivals, monthly garden tips, and ideas to enjoy and preserve garden produce. Keep one for your garden journal.

Makes a great gift, too: $6.