Savannah Valley District

Hope in the Rain

Beatriss Calhoun, Water Resources Extension Agent  Rain in the Lowcountry often feels more like a threat than a benefit. Flooded roads, soggy yard spaces, and overflowing ditches all have a way of making a good storm challenging. However, what if we looked at the rain differently? What if each storm offered not just a challenge […]

“All Smiles”

Akendra Garrett, EFNEP Agent – Berkeley and Charleston Counties Youth at Yes, I Can!  After-school program were all smiles as they received their certificate of completion from the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.  Yes, I Can! empowers youth through learning.  This program is dedicated to fostering every student’s academic, social and emotional growth while […]

Summertime Considerations for Rain Gardens

Samantha Porzelt, Water Resources Agent for Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties Rain gardens are landscaped depressions strategically placed to capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops, driveways, and compacted lawns. Designed to mimic natural water infiltration, they filter and absorb runoff, reducing erosion, flooding, and pollution while replenishing groundwater. Rain gardens help remove contaminants […]

What’s Coming Up for SC Livestock & Forage Producers: Events, and Fertility Advice

Nicole Correa, Area Livestock and Forages Agent Summer’s here, and so are a ton of opportunities for producers across South Carolina to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you’re managing hayfields, looking to boost your pasture game, or just want to stay up to date with sustainable practices, we’ve got a full lineup of events and […]

Welcome, Jessica Hardiman

Food System and Safety Agent Please join me in welcoming Jessica Hardiman as the new Food Systems and Safety Agent for Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties. Jessica has obtained both a bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology and a master’s degree in Packaging Science from Clemson University. Jessica’s passion for food safety stems from […]

Residential Drinking Well Testing and Water Quality

Molly Jones, Clemson Extension Area Water Resources Agent Residential wells are prevalent in the rural areas of South Carolina. Proper maintenance of well systems is crucial to ensuring safe drinking water. Being aware of recommendations for maintaining a residential well will assist well owners in avoiding possible illness from drinking contaminated water. Maintaining a clean […]

Taste the Goodness Naturally

Akendra Garrett, EFNEP Agent – Berkeley and Charleston Counties Do you have a favorite fruit or vegetable?  Did you know that consuming fruits and vegetables has many great benefits?   A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and prevent some types of cancer.   Eating […]

Spring Clean-Up: A Homeowner’s Guide to Protecting Stormwater Quality

Beatriss Calhoun, Water Resources Extension Agent & Sarah Waickowski, Assistant Professor As spring approaches, planning your outdoor household needs are always beneficial. A basic plan can help save money and benefit your community’s environment and beyond. By incorporating a few simple practices listed below, whether it’s managing lawn care more efficiently, reducing the need for […]

Pond Management: Maintaining a healthy pond environment as temperatures rise

Molly Jones, Clemson Extension Area Water Resources Agent As temperatures increase and the pond ecosystem becomes active after dormancy over winter, many changes can occur within the pond system. Over the winter and early spring runoff from storms can distribute nutrients and sediments into the pond creating cloudy water from suspended sediment and nutrients feeding […]

Backyard Wildlife Habitats

Samantha Porzelt, Water Resources Agent for Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties Water is essential to all life, including the wildlife you may want to attract to your backyard. Natural water sources are uncommon in most backyards, but they can be added through temporary or permanent features. These can be as simple as a shallow dish […]