As the demographics of La Plata County continue to change – becoming more urban, more diversified, and even more of a destination location – Colorado State University (CSU) Extension continues to be a leader in agriculture and horticulture, nutrition and health, local food awareness, and youth development. Extension in La Plata County is part of the CSU state-wide campus, and it is our job to assess what issues, concerns, and needs are unique to our community, and to offer sound and effective solutions. In addition to certification and recognition with the Colorado Master Gardeners, Master Food Preservers, and Master Food Safety Advisors, CSU Extension offers hundreds of classes every year – from backyard food production to food preservation, from home energy efficiency to homescale chicken-raising. Thousands of community members attend our courses every year in the hope that they may better utilize the resources at hand to make their land more profitable, and to promote environmental sustainability in the actions they take. La Plata County Extension truly believes in the power of healthy, nutritious, and local food. Working with our 4-H youth we have witnessed the passion and heritage of our agricultural community. Local food awareness events, such as the Iron Horse Chef, Tour de Farms, and Homegrown Apple Days, continue to prove our community’s passion for celebrating food. From the market, the plate, and the garden, food is something to protect, provide, and preserve. Extension is there to make that happen.