Savannah Valley District

Together We Grow

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent American agriculture plays an ever-increasing role in our daily lives by providing food, fiber and renewable natural resources for a growing world. With a population of 8 million and counting, our American farmers are more important than ever. According to the USDA National Ag Statistics Census of Agricultural 2023 […]

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 […]

Dorchester County Administrative Assistant to Retire after 32 and 1/2 years of service

Clemson Cooperative Extension Service Mrs. Paula Varn has dedicated 32 ½ years of service to Clemson Cooperative Extension in Dorchester County as a valued office Administrative Assistant. Paula is well-known and respected within the community of Saint George, SC. She is loved by her fellow Administrative Assistants and Extension Agent colleagues.  Through the years, she […]

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 […]

National Pesticide Education Month

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent Clemson University February is National Pesticide Education Month and a great time to review pesticide application safety practices in your farming operation. When using pesticides, it’s essential to focus on safety to protect ourselves, others, and the environment. As farmers gear up for spring planting season, February is an […]

Area Water Resources Agent Joins the Natural Resources Team

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 […]

Cold Weather Prep for Livestock

Hillary Pope, Area Livestock & Forages Agent With the incoming of cold weather, it is important to be prepared on caring for your livestock. Below is list of ways to prepare your livestock for the cold weather: References: Brooks, Weston. “Tips on Preparing Livestock for the Winter Season.” TTU, Texas Tech University of Veterinary Medicine […]

Be Prepared for Winter Farm Work January 2025

Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University Be Prepared for Winter Farm Work – Although activities on the farm tend to slow down during winter months, daily responsibilities continue, and winter weather can make conditions more hazardous. Exposure to cold is not just uncomfortable; it can also be a potentially dangerous situation. The […]