Savannah Valley District

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 […]

Save Money by Capturing Rainwater from Spring Showers

Ellen Sturup Comeau, Beaufort County Water Resources Agent Rain barrels are a sustainable landscaping practice that lets residents collect rainwater that runs off their roofs and store it for later use. The collected rainwater is not potable but can be used to water plants, wash vehicles, fill bird baths, wash pets, and more! In the […]

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 […]

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 […]

Environmentally Focused Holiday Shopping Tips

Beatriss Calhoun, Water Resources Extension Agent The holiday season is fast approaching; however, keeping your water quality in mind is never too late. The increased travel, shopping, and shipping during the holiday season can take a toll on our environment. Below, you will see that with a bit of planning and mindful choices, you can […]