Clemson Cooperative Extension is getting back into the swing of things, and our operating procedures are starting to look more like they used to before the pandemic. As a state and country, we still have a long way to go, so we must remain mindful and not let our guard down by dismissing relevant protocols that are still in place. I know everyone is eager to engage in person again, and many will be wearing our new logo that was re-designed last year. We are coming back with a fresh look and bringing enthusiastic attitudes.
As many of you have heard by now, Dr. Pam Ardern has recently announced her retirement. She has been the face of South Carolina 4-H for over 15 years and has dedicated her 36-year career to “Making the Best, Better”. Starting her 4-H career in South Carolina as a County Extension 4-H Agent in Sumter County, she immediately had a lasting impact on her 4-Hers, their families, and their communities. Growing up on a farm in Oklahoma and being very active in 4-H as a youth, Dr. Ardern did not have to be educated on the value of 4-H; she had lived it as a child. She knew the difference and impact the Green and White could have on a child. Dr. Ardern never missed an opportunity to serve 4-H in South Carolina, and when she got the call to become the director of 4-H, she did not waver. Because of Dr. Ardern, we still have 4-H in South Carolina, and because of her dedication, passion, and ‘not giving up’ attitude, our 4-H program is growing and becoming stronger. No one knows the gratitude we ALL owe Dr. Ardern for stepping up to lead this great youth organization. Dr. Pam Ardern – I want to thank you for a JOB WELL DONE!
Our Extension team excels at creating thriving partnerships, and we have helped create an abundance of impact over the past month alone, working alongside internal and external partners. The new website (https://www.clemson.edu/online/programs/extension/index.html) for Clemson Online Cooperative Extension Programs is now live. I would like to thank Dr. Brian Callahan for his diligent work with Clemson Online to launch this initiative. The program will significantly expand our audiences because of the improved accessibility and convenience of our programming. Last month, several of our Extension teams were responsible for planting 500,000 loblolly pine tree seeds for the Power Plant SC project on Earth Day, April 22. The Power Plant SC program is organized by the Floodwater Commission to raise awareness about the importance of trees to human and environmental health, including flood mitigation. I would like to recognize those who coordinated seed distribution and promotional efforts on Extension’s behalf, including Dr. Pam Ardern and our 36 4-H agents; Ms. Amy Dabbs with the SC School and Community Garden Program; and Mr. Billy Keels, Ms. Jillian Lash, Mr. Jason Gore, Mr. Frank Saldana, and Mr. Troy Helms from the Agricultural Education team. Extension played a large part in getting 3.4M seeds planted across our state, and everyone should be commended.
I am proud to share two significant recognitions recently bestowed on the Forestry and Natural Resources team. Dr. Dave Coyle, a team specialist, was selected as the 2021 Forest Landowners Association Extension Forester of the Year, and the team’s CU in the Woods newsletter won the Notable State Document Award (https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-extensions-cu-in-the-woods-newsletter-wins-notable-state-document-award/) presented by the South Carolina State Library.
On a closing note, we received some amazing news about HGIC that blew me away. I think it even caught the Horticulture team by surprise. For the year 2020, the HGIC website had nearly double the number of page views than the University’s homepage received. This is an incredible achievement and just one example of how Extension teams continue to shine and increase recognition of the University’s land-grant mission by serving as the primary public service outreach arm. However, it doesn’t always take high numbers to show how dedicated and successful our Extension team is, as the impact can be measured in various ways when we improve the well-being of South Carolinians. Even the smallest achievement can create ripples beyond the initial intent, and we are diligent enough to build on those ripples when an opportunity presents itself. Never underestimate the impact of your work.
As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension.
