Last year we mostly used the word ‘fluidity’ to brace for uncertainty. Now fluidity means an increasing uptick in activity, moving us forward towards the ‘new normal’ we have been seeking. Based on the SC DHEC activity data, almost half of the state counties are designated as ‘green’ due to the low level of virus incidence, and nearly all remaining counties – save two – are designated in the yellow, medium level. We can help keep this shift moving for Extension programming by continuing to adhere to safety protocols. There are several things to be acutely aware of at this point regarding public interaction during modified operations:
- The Modified Operations Guidance: 90 Day memo outlines the logistics of public interaction during the green stage of modified operations as defined by the Extension Return to Work Framework Plan. If you are unclear or have any questions, please contact your supervisor for clarification.
- The Clemson University Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Health and Safety Directives for Extension/Outdoor Lab Meetings and Events was developed with the overarching priority of ensuring the health and safety of our students, employees, and the surrounding community. We encourage everyone to continue to plan virtual Extension engagements as we move into Spring, but we are optimistic about a gradual transition to in-person. You must fill out the Extension Meeting/Event Request Form as a pre-registration for any program (virtual, in-person, or hybrid).
Vaccination efforts are in full swing as we have moved into Phase 1b, and as you know, Clemson Extension and University employees are now included in this phase. The SC DHEC Vaccine Locator website provides vaccine locations in the state. More appointments will become available as vaccination supply increases.
Positive news is apparent around us. On the commercial Horticulture side, virtual grower meetings have been very successful, and more are scheduled. Agronomic Crops and Horticulture specialists and agents continue to develop new technology to support row crop and vegetable producers, with innovations such as the Clemson Center Pivot Fertigation and Clemson Drip Fertigation calculators. It’s no surprise that home gardening has become the most popular hobby in our country, and the Horticulture Program Team is rolling out a slew of new seasonally appropriate webinars. Women looking for agricultural education can register for the 2021 South Carolina Annie’s Project-Online, which is a very popular program and part of a national initiative. Additionally, there is loads of seasonal information coming out of Extension, as Spring is a very busy time. We are receiving an abundance of inquiries about the upcoming peach season, and the Forestry and Wildlife team is busy dealing with the Bradford Pear Tree Bounty project. The Bradford pear tree is the worst invasive plant species in the Southeast. Both HGIC and Land-Grant Press continue to churn out publications to promote research-based information. Our efforts across Extension continue to be highlighted by different news outlets. The Morning Ag Clips editors support our efforts and frequently share our news in their daily e-letter.
While it may be a challenge to adjust to daylight savings time this week, I hope you will take the time to admire the beautiful spring foliage and soak up the warmer weather. Now is undoubtedly the time to do so before the pollen descends. This coming Saturday, March 20, is the spring equinox. Spring is known as the season of new beginnings, and this year, that holds more promise than most of us have ever known or wished for. Stand strong, share hope, give grace, support those around you, and do not take the gifts in your life for granted.
As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension. I am grateful for our Extension family.
