![Robin on a buckthorn branch eating fruit.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/robineatingbuckthorn.jpeg?h=50b84a15&itok=theGqZDK)
The idea that buckthorn sickens (or even kills) birds is fairly widespread. So why do birds keep eating them?
![Bay laurel tree by a window.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Bayleaf-tree.jpg?h=fc7be851&itok=RGMULeZ5)
Treating scale insects on edible plants can be a challenge. Sometimes getting rid of the plant is easier than getting rid of the pest.
![Ebrahim M., Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Ebrahim-4-H-state-ambassador-2023-2024.jpg?h=329829f3&itok=pnQuA9LW)
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador Ebrahim discusses the 4-H statewide service theme of conservation and reflects on what Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month mean to him.
![Farmers talking near a grain silo.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Farmers-talking.jpg?h=9e95efcb&itok=I7ZvU_xo)
If you employ people on your farm, you will need to provide them with time off to care for themselves or their families.
![A white EAB larva coming out of a tree with much bark damage.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/EAB-larvae-damage.jpg?h=5296eec5&itok=mxWgAvH2)
While subzero temperatures are not the most pleasant conditions for us, they can be a factor in helping to control pests. Warmer winter temperatures may mean more EAB larvae are likely to survive.
![Tyler L., 2023-2024 Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Tyler-4-H-state-ambassador-2023-2024.jpg?h=f3d26555&itok=rKvCHTEX)
Winter is here, and with it comes a new year full of great events, activities and fun in 4-H, including BLU, TEEL and Winter Round Up.
![Curt Forst](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Curt-Forst-lakeside.jpg?h=85e767bd&itok=E1eTCQEp)
Curt Forst finds the AIS Detectors program to be a natural fit. His goals are to protect the water quality of the lake he lives on and to keep issues from spreading to other lakes.
![A group of youth of varying ages standing outside in front of a white sign that says, "Est. 1871, Mulligan Town Hall, 15031 Co. Rd. 8"](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Comfrey%20Comets.png?itok=ZlM0kwsK)
Brown County 4-H'ers of the Comfrey Comets 4-H Club received a Helping Hands Award to help beautify their township and gained a sense of community pride in the process.
![A father and daughter carving a turkey at a dining table](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/family-holiday-meal.jpg?h=1c93f6a2&itok=KAM7v7qV)
You and your family can have a nutritious holiday meal without breaking the bank.
![A girl standing next to her sunflower plant.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Sept%20Sunflowers.jpg?h=ce9171e4&itok=J-PFQzO6)
Over 600 4-H’ers took on the statewide challenge with awards given in the categories of tallest sunflower, largest sunflower head, most petals and most seeds.
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