Shout Out: Wyandotte County Extension
September 22, 2026
Submitted by Gregg Hadley
This week, the Shout Out is from Denise Dias, Wyandotte County director, and is sent for the Wyandotte County Extension team.
Denise writes:
“What an incredible celebration at the Cooper Foreman Heirloom Garden Ribbon Cutting — all thanks to the dedication, creativity, and teamwork of the Wyandotte County Extension crew. On a 100-degree afternoon in Kansas, more than 80 guests gathered to honor the history, beauty and revitalization of this remarkable garden.
Located on the Kansas City, Kansas Community College Campus, the Cooper Foreman Heirloom Garden features heirloom cultivars dating from 1600 to 1924, offering visitors a rare and meaningful connection to centuries of agricultural heritage.
We were honored to welcome distinguished guests, including State Representative Carolyn Cahair, KCKCC President Dr. Jacquelyn Vietti, Commissioner Andrew Davis, members of the KCKCC Board of Trustees, and our dedicated Extension Master Gardeners. Their presence underscored the importance of this project and the community partnerships that make it thrive.
Attendees enjoyed charcuterie, flower pots, and beautifully decorated cookies shaped like flowers, fruits and vegetables — a perfect nod to the garden’s heritage and the artistry of our volunteers.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Gregg Hadley for joining us and helping celebrate this achievement. Your support and leadership mean so much to our team.
Special kudos to Dylan Parsley, horticulture agent, whose leadership, expertise and enthusiasm were central to bringing this garden back to life.
And a big, well-deserved shout out to the Wyandotte County Extension staff, whose work behind the scenes made the event seamless, welcoming and memorable:
- Chiquita Miller
- Lauren Woody
- Rebekah Branch
- Elizabeth García-Aguilar
- Jo McLeland
- Lotus Hernandez
- Joshua Markley
- Student Intern: Nadeen Morsy
This was more than a ribbon cutting — it was a celebration of community, history and the power of teamwork. Well done, WyCo Team.”
Wyandotte County Extension Team -- thanks for all you do for the people of Kansas, our colleagues and K-State Extension.
If you know of a colleague or team of colleagues who deserve recognition for a job well done, why not nominate them for a Shout Out. Simply send their name(s) and the reason for the Shout Out to ksreshoutout@ksu.edu.
Shout Out submissions are published in the order they are received.
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