Category: Aiken

Janet Steele, Forestry & Natural Resources Agent The southeast United States’ landscape has been shaped by fire since the pre-Paleoindian period. Prior to man living on the land, fire was started naturally by lightning strikes. Since thunderstorms primarily occur during summer, these wildfires favored species that could tolerate hot, fast-moving flames. Human settlement in the […]

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 […]

Janet Steele, Area Forestry & Natural Resources Agent The extra daylight hours during the summer are great for doing yard projects, such as mowing the grass and working in the garden. One landscape component that is often not considered until there is a problem is our yard trees. Trees can provide multiple benefits around our […]

Janet Steele, Area Forestry & Wildlife Agent As days grow warmer with more daylight hours, plant, shrub and tree species begin to break dormancy and enter a new growing season. Like myself, you may be anxious to get outside and tackle some of those land management practices you have been planning all winter. These projects […]

Clemson Cooperative Extension Service Savannah Valley District Molly Jones, Area Water Resources Agent, joined the Natural Resources Team on January 2, 2025, after serving on the 4-H and Youth Development Team from January 2020- January 2025. Molly’s coverage area includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Dorchester, Edgefield, Hampton, and Jasper Counties, assisting in agricultural […]

Becky Davis, Savannah Valley Water Resources Agent As plans for the upcoming growing season move into equipment maintenance, be sure to include the irrigation systems! The first step is to assess the electrical safety. Before touching any part of the system or even limbs that have fallen on the structure, be sure that it has […]

Janet Steele, Area Forestry & Wildlife Agent Diversifying land use is an area of growing interest among South Carolina landowners. Increasing focus on using forested acreage to its fullest potential has some landowners and land managers wanting to blend livestock management with timber management by implementing silvopasture. Silvopasture is not turning livestock loose in the […]

Becky Davis, Savannah Valley Water Resources Agent Despite the recent unseasonal warm weather, it will get colder! Although only the most northern counties of South Carolina have monthly average temperatures below freezing. It only takes a few hours of temperatures below 25 degrees to cause pipes to freeze! So, now is the time to prepare! […]

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are typical on many farms and properties and are helpful for work, recreational use, and other modes of off-road transportation. However, ATVs continue to be a source of injuries and fatalities for youths as well as adult operators. According to the S.C. Department of Health and […]

Written by Livestock and Forages Agents – Nicole Correa, Sallie Thompson, Marion Barnes, Travis Mitchell and Hillary Pope With the fall weather starting to peek through, it is essential to start considering making hay purchases for the winter season. With all the options available, how does one choose? There are multiple grass and legume options, […]