The Cooperative Extension Service reached an important milestone in 2014 — 100 years of service and support in agricultural research and education.

Although its focus has changed somewhat since 1914, the Extension Service continues to offer assistance in rural and urban communities across the United States.

Checking out their website, I was pleased to note that Extension programs such as 4-H continue to thrive. Many of the 4-H courses I remember as a child growing up on the farm are, in fact, still being offered. It was in 4-H that I learned to make biscuits and pie crust and judge both categories at the county fair. In sewing, I progressed from stitching a simple apron to completing and modeling a lined blazer. Another 4-H course taught me when and how to plant corn and what to do with it when harvested.

In short, 4-H provided me with a practical education that has lasted a lifetime.

Extension’s 4-H program, in other words, is exactly what the name implies — an extended classroom filled with a wealth of down-to-earth knowledge.

A more recent Extension program grew out of another decidedly earthy topic. The Master Gardeners program was founded by Washington State University Cooperative Extension in 1972 to meet a growing urban demand for gardening advice.

Today master gardeners work in many communities across the United States including Farmville’s Heart of Virginia (HOV) Master Gardeners chapter.

“We’re a volunteer arm of Extension,” president of the HOV Master Gardeners Liz Dunn said.

In order to become a master gardener, volunteers must take a 50-hour course (plus exams) and provide 50 hours of community service on a project approved by the Extension Service.

When it comes to providing down-to-earth advice, master gardeners are ready to explain the basics of gardening or landscaping from the ground up.

“The course starts at the beginning,” Master Gardener Alice Metts said. “Before you put anything in the ground, you have to get your dirt right — and master gardeners learn how to do that.”

From 4-H to Master Gardeners, the “extended classroom” of the Cooperative Extension Service continues to change and grow.

I’m reminded of the value of that “classroom” every time I make biscuits or enjoy fresh corn from my garden.

MARGE SWAYNE is lifestyles editor for The Farmville Herald. Her email address is marge.swayne@farmvilleherald.com.