Savannah Valley District

Safe Driving Tips During Planting Season

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University There are certain times of the year when farm vehicles and equipment will be more prevalent on the highways, such as spring planting and fall harvest, and motorists need to be aware of this increased activity and exercise caution and patience. With planting season underway in […]

Osprey Nesting Season

Amanda Taylor, Forestry and Natural Resources Agent March heralds an exciting time for many South Carolina birders: it’s osprey nesting season!  An osprey pair nesting in the Everglades (From Diana Robinson, Flickr) Ospreys are unique birds of prey found all over the planet. Whether in South Carolina or South Australia, there is only one species […]

Bradford Pear Bounty – Hampton County

Amanda Taylor, Forestry and Natural Resources Agent Extension Agent Rob Last helps visitors pick their new trees. On Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, Clemson Extension staff members gathered at the Hampton County Extension office to distribute native trees. Locals who registered and provided evidence of removing up to 5 Bradford pear trees could receive up to […]

Partner Highlight: Heritage Community Farm

Amanda Taylor, Forestry and Natural Resources Agent Radishes harvested from the middle school One of the unique projects to spring from the Beaufort County Senior Leadership program is Heritage Community Farm, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity in Northern Beaufort County. Headed by previous Senior Leadership participants, this group of volunteers established a farm […]

Silvopasture Systems Provide Many Benefits to Landowners

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 […]

Christmas Gifts for Farmers That Promote Farm Safety

Marion Barnes Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University When choosing Christmas gifts for a farmer, think of farm safety. Protecting their health and safety is a priceless gift that one can give in the form of safety equipment for use on the farm. Small items that make a farmer’s life easier and safer include […]

Leave the Leaves!

Janet Steele, Area Forestry & Wildlife Agent It is that time of year again – football games, trips to the mountains to pick apples and see the pretty fall colors, making plans to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, and the hum of leaf blowers. While the first activities on this list are a […]

Woods in Your Backyard

Amanda Taylor, Forestry and Natural Resources Agent Introductory lecture by Amanda Taylor The word “woods” often evokes romantic images of vast forests, when really, you probably have some woods in your backyard. Your quarter acre of pine trees or pollinator garden may not be very big, but small landowners play a key role in the […]

Conservation Burial: Turning Your Haunt into Hallowed Ground

Amanda Taylor, Forestry and Natural Resources Agent Land is a legacy, something you pass on to your children and your children’s children. Historically, when someone passed away, family members managed all of the affairs, including the care of the body. But somewhere along the way, we lost parlors in our homes, funeral parlors took over, […]

Around the Countryside Tips for Buying Hay

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent Clemson University When it comes to producing hay, livestock producers experience seasons of shortage and abundance. As winter nears, beef cattle producers should take stock of their hay inventories to ensure an adequate supply to get them through until next spring. Not every cattle producer has the luxury to […]