It is hard to believe that this time last year, I was packing boxes to move from Savannah, Georgia, to Wilmington, North Carolina. Having accepted the position of Communications Specialist with N.C. Cooperative Extension – New Hanover County Center and Arboretum, I was excited to start my first traditional job and learn about my new community!
A Year of Connection at NHC Extension
(Updated: March 3, 2026, 2:28 p.m.)
For some background, while I moved here from Savannah, I come from a borough of less than a thousand people in Pennsylvania. I grew up surrounded by rolling hills and dairy farms — a place where everybody knew everybody, and neighbors regularly shared experiences and traditions. While I enjoyed my time in the Lowcountry, I came to realize something very important to me: I longed for work that would help share experiences and expand understanding, much like my neighbors did for one another back home.
Coming into Extension, I had a lot to learn. It is easy to look at our office, the NHC Arboretum, and think it is simply “just a garden. In reality, you are stepping into a living horticultural classroom. Each section serves as a demonstration of what grows best in our region and how you can incorporate those plants into your own landscaping. It is a space that continually evolves to better meet the needs of our county residents and expand horticultural education.
Over the summer, youth had the opportunity to learn field journaling with our Consumer Horticulture Agent at our Extension Office and Arboretum.
Beyond the garden, our staff specializes in extending research-based information from NC State University out into our community. We cover a wide range of topics, including horticulture, health and nutrition, food safety, youth development, and natural resources. Throughout the year, you’ll find 4-H in schools teaching embryology; Family & Consumer Sciences at the Senior Centers delivering vital nutrition education; and our Consumer Horticulture program sharing landscaping guidance at the local libraries.
With the wide range of resources here at Extension, it can be challenging to communicate exactly who we are and what we do. In many counties, we are referred to as “the best-kept secret” in the community. This is something we aim to change in New Hanover County by continuously connecting, evaluating, and adjusting how we reach our clients—you!
Over the past year, I have worked alongside our Extension team and volunteers to understand the meaning of "extension" and the vital importance of connecting residents with research-based education. I have come to understand that when you connect with Extension, we are doing more than just sharing facts. We are providing the educational building blocks to help improve lives, provide lasting solutions, and impact positive change.
As we move into the new year, I look forward to continuing to learn as I join our agents for their programs. Just in this first year, my knowledge has greatly improved my relationship with plants, food, and the environment. I hope you will join us as we continue providing opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. If you see me at one of the programs holding a camera to document our progress, please feel free to say hello!
Megan Sweeney is the communications specialist for N.C. Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County, located at 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC. You can reach her at megan_sweeney@ncsu.edu or by calling 910-798-7600.
Participants in the Therapeutic Horticulture's Open Community Social Group learn about Vermicomposting while getting hands-on experiences
Participants jaring their sauerkraut during food preservation class
Extension Master Gardener volunteer assisting with Seed Starting Workshop for Consumer Horticulture Program.
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