The DeSoto County Extension office has a busy October planned, from a six-week countywide fitness challenge to 4-H award nominations, free library classes and a visit from a Mississippi State University recruiter. The details come from the office’s September and October 2026 newsletter, published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
The office notes that its program year runs October through September, so this month marks the start of a new year of classes and youth activities for families across Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake, Hernando, Walls and the rest of the county.
DeSoto County Extension Joins Magnolia Moves Challenge
The biggest push this fall is Magnolia Moves, a statewide activity challenge that encourages both youth and adults to move more and eat healthier. The challenge officially runs from Oct. 12 through Nov. 22, and DeSoto County is competing against other Mississippi counties to sign up the most participants.
How it works: Participants track activity in the free MoveSpring app, which converts each activity into steps and miles.
How to join: Register online at extension.msstate.edu/magnolia-moves and use the organization code MSUEXT. Be sure to set your county as DeSoto.
Returning players: Anyone who took part in the spring challenge is automatically entered and only needs to sign in with their existing MoveSpring username and password.
No smartphone? The Extension office has a paper version and pedometers available for people who want to take part without the app.
Weekly prizes are part of the challenge, according to the newsletter.
4-H Award Nominations Due Oct. 30
DeSoto County 4-H is accepting applications for its annual awards, which will be presented at the DeSoto County 4-H Awards Program. Nominations are open in four categories:
4-Her of the Year for a member who makes a positive impact on their club, community and peers
Friend of 4-H for a person, business or organization outside 4-H that has supported the program
4-H Club of the Year for a club with strong participation, teamwork and community involvement
4-H Volunteer of the Year for a certified 4-H volunteer who goes above and beyond
Applications are due Oct. 30, 2026. They can be dropped off at the DeSoto County Extension office or emailed to ext-desoto@lists.msstate.edu.
Local 4-H members can also buy a $2 button through the office for 4-H Day at the Mississippi State Fair in Jackson on Oct. 17, when 4-H youth get fair admission from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the Trade Mart entrance.
Free Library Classes and MSU Recruiter Visit
Extension agents and Master Gardeners continue to teach classes at First Regional Library branches in DeSoto County. Two are coming up this month:
Salt-Free Spice Blends: Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. at the Olive Branch Library
Boo on a Budget, DIY Fall Wreaths: Monday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Southaven Library. RSVP to the Southaven Library.
Parents and high school students can also schedule a meeting with a Mississippi State University recruiting counselor, who will hold office hours at the Extension office on Oct. 26. The counselor can answer questions about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, student housing, academic programs and campus life.
The office is also hiring. Applications for the open position must be submitted through MSU’s Human Resources website at jobs.msstate.edu.
Finding the Extension Office During Construction
The DeSoto County Extension office is inside the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center at 1170 Star Landing Road West in Nesbit. Because of road widening and construction around Star Landing Road and the new National Guard Armory site, the main east entrance is closed. Visitors should use the west entrance, follow the access road past the construction and park in the large lot at the front of the building. Anyone who gets turned around can call the office at 662-469-8480.
The newsletter also offers a few seasonal tips. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are passing through the area on their way south, so residents should keep feeders clean and full. Gardeners are reminded that regular watering still matters this fall, with rainfall scarce and the county in drought.
