Programs & Services
Explore learning opportunities and programs from CSU Extension
From 4-H clubs to Master Gardener training, CSU Extension supports individuals in Routt County through a variety of programs, trainings, workshops, and other educational opportunities.
Routt County 4-H
4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime. We believe that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. 4-H programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens, actively engaged in their communities and the world.
Routt County Master Gardeners
The Colorado State Extension Master Gardener® program is a unique intersection between University Horticulture expertise and community volunteers interested in educating locally. As a Colorado State Extension Master Gardener®, you’ll be a CSU Extension volunteer giving back in your local community.
Soil and Water Testing
Not sure if your garden or landscape soil needs additional nutrients? Curious about the safety of your home drinking water? Routt County Extension staff are happy to assist.
Master Food Safety Advisors
The Routt County Extension office gets many calls about home food safety and preservation. Questions can include:
- How long can I keep leftovers?
- How do I preserve tomatoes?
- How do I adjust the canning process for my elevation?
- And many others
Have a question?
Equipment Rentals
Need help getting the right equipment? Depending on the time of year, our office offers a variety of equipment for rent.
- Water Bath Canner
- Food Dehydrator
- Hay Corer
- Soil Temperature Gauge
- Soil Sampling Probe
- Weed Sprayer (spring/summer only)
Contact our office to check availability.
Guidance on pH Testing for Cottage Foods
The process of testing pH can be critical to precisely measuring the acidity of cottage food products like pickles.
Although foodborne botulism is rare, it is commonly associated with homemade pickled fruit and vegetable products that have pH levels specifically above 4.6 because these levels create the perfect environment for harmful toxins to grow and when consumed can cause foodborne botulism. The chance of this occurring can be greatly minimized by having the pH of your pickled fruit and vegetable products tested.
How does pH testing work?
If you choose to have your product tested, the lab results will validate your standardized, personal, or family recipe(s) and verify a finished equilibrium pH of 4.6 or below. Results will be mailed directly to you and will confirm if your recipe is just right or prompt you to make adjustments to assure the safety of your product.
Who does the pH testing?
You can have any of your products tested by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Lab. Note that any costs or fees associated with testing will be the responsibility of the cottage food producer.
Questions? Need advice?
Pressure Canner Testing
The USDA recommends having your pressure canner gauges tested annually. Testing your pressure canner will determine whether it is functioning properly and will help you produce safely preserved food.
Need assistance? We’re happy to help.
Browse more programs and services from CSU Extension
Explore Trainings
Natural Resources
Rocky Mountain Naturalist Certificate
This flexible, research-based online learning experience is designed for anyone passionate about nature, ecology, and conservation.
Garden & Landscape
Landscape for Life™
Landscape for Life™, a partnership between CSU Extension and the U.S. Botanic Garden, is a sustainable landscaping training program. It was developed to help you work with nature, whether you’re growing in your suburban backyard, on your 20-acre farm, or in a shared urban garden space.
Garden & Landscape
Green School
Transform your approach to Colorado gardening with the Green School program from CSU Extension—an online, expert-led course designed for our unique soils, climates, and plants.
Food & Nutrition
Cottage Food Safety Training
This nationally-recognized training program covers the specifics of the Colorado Cottage Food Act and how to safely operate a food business from a home kitchen.
What can we help you find?
Looking for something specific? Browse research-based resources and offerings across a wide range of topics and categories, from gardening and agriculture to home and family health, natural resources, insects and pests, food and nutrition, and more.