Month: February 2023

Patricia Whitener
4-H Natural Resources Program Leader
Statewide

This past fall Greenville County 4-H agent, Patricia Whitener, received $25,000 through a competitive distribution of Extension Innovation funding to further the implementation and adoption of the 4-H Thrive model.  SC 4-H Agents from both Clemson University and South Carolina State participated in professional development training sessions held regionally across the state. The impact of initiative is widespread. Sessions were designed to increase 4-H professional and volunteer capacity for designing and implementing high quality 4-H programs that promote youth thriving. SC 4-H agents worked collaboratively to identify 4-H program capacity strengths and needs. Research demonstrates youth programs must be done well if they are to make a positive difference in the lives of youth. Long-term outcomes of quality Developmental Context (i.e., 4-H programs) are academic or vocational success, civic engagement, employ-ability and economic stability, happiness, and well-being. Monthly Thrive hour zoom sessions are ongoing through the Spring of 2023. An additional Thrive session will be held for new hires as SC 4-H continues to establish itself as the leading resource of quality youth development programs and practice.

https://helping-youth-thrive.extension.org/regional-pyd-champions/

Jeff Fellers
Area Forestry & Wildlife Agent

In January, I always look forward to judging the 4-H Wildlife Food Plots that were planted by 4-H’ers in the fall of the year.  This year I visited Newberry, Laurens, and Saluda Counties to judge six different food plots.  The 4-H Wildlife Food Plot Project gives participants a bag of seed to plant a certain size food plot.  The participants then monitor that food plot through a specified time frame and complete a record book with their findings.  Many participants set up game cameras, bird houses, and blinds to monitor the wildlife that visit their plot.  They also monitor rainfall and document nutrients added to soil to help the pot grow.    If you know of youth between the ages of 5 and 19 that maybe interested in the 4-H Wildlife Food Plot Project have them contact their local 4-H Agent at Clemson Extension.

The Laurens Forest Landowners Association and the Newberry Forestry Association both hosted meetings in November of 2022.  The Laurens Forest Landowners Association meeting focused on vegetation management for the landowner, while the Newberry Forestry Association learned how to calculate and measure seedling survival on a newly planted stand.

Wood Magic Forest Fair is a program hosted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.  This is a great program that teaches fifth graders from across the state about forestry.  This year I had the opportunity to present at the gifts stations during the Harbison Wood Magic Forest Fair.  For more information this program please visit: https://www.scfc.gov/education/wood-magic/.

October is always a busy time in Union, because the Clemson Extension Office is actively involved in the local fair.  We manage the livestock shows, home economics department, agronomy department and the poultry department.  On Thursday of the fair, we invite all the 5K classes throughout the county to visit the fair and to come learn about agriculture in Union County.  Through this field trip, the students get a tour through the barn and learn about crops, bees, horses, dairy cows, beef cows, pigs, and chickens.

Patricia Whitener
4-H Natural Resources Program Leader
State-wide

Welcome to Patricia A. Whitener who will serve as our new Extension Associate leading the 4-H Natural Resources Program Area.    

Patricia is a native of Clemson, South Carolina.  She graduated from Clemson University where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Environmental and Natural Resources and earned her master’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology.  Patricia served as a field technician with the U.S. Forest Service, Youth Conservation Corps leader with National Park Service, and naturalist with Table Rock State Park.  Since 2014, Patricia also had the opportunity to serve as the Greenville County 4-H agent where she led a dynamic and diverse youth development program in the most populated county in the state.  Currently, Patricia is pursuing a doctoral degree in Youth Development Leadership under the College of Behavioral, Social & Health Sciences.  She holds many certifications in environmental education and is well published.  She is driven to educate, connect, and inspire others. 

Patricia can be reached at 864-650-0991 or pwhiten@clemson.edu.  Her office will be located at 279 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634. 

Personal Message

I have accepted a position as the Natural Resources Program Leader for SC 4-H Youth Development and will be located on the Clemson University campus. With new opportunities, comes sadness as well, and I’ve loved this job so much.

I can’t express how much I’ve enjoyed working with you all over the last 8 years in this role. I’ve grown so much, not only personally but professionally, doing this work in our community, and helping our youth grow. I am so grateful for the support of the amazing partners, organizations, and volunteers I have had the privilege to work with. Even though I will no longer be here in this role, Greenville County 4-H still has so many exciting things on the horizon and I look forward to continuing to support this community and the new 4-H agent as best I can.

I want to personally thank you all for your help and support over the last 8 years in this role. I have truly loved every minute. I’ve met some incredible people and been touched by so many families along the way. I will greatly miss everyone. But this isn’t goodbye, just a see you later, because I still plan to be involved as a volunteer and supportive of the amazing Natural Resource programs 4-H offers state-wide!

Warm Regards,

Patricia

Adam Petty
Laurens County 4-H Youth Development Agent

On March 23^rd, the Laurens County 4-H Program will host its annual Achievement Banquet at Hollow Oak Barn in Cross Hill. Youth, parents, volunteers, and community supporters are invited to gather for a meal and celebration of the accomplishments of our 4-H’ers in the previous 4-H year. Please contact Adam Petty at akpetty@clemson.edu or 864-705-1102 for further information. Tickets are available at https://laurenscountybanquet.eventbrite.com or at the Laurens County Extension Office. Tickets are $1 for 4-H’ers and $5 for general admission.

Alex Thompson
Food Systems & Safety Agent
Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, & Spartanburg Counties

Work on creating the Clemson Cooperative Extension Brewing Program for South Carolina is moving forward. Recently four 7.5-gallon stainless steel fermentation vessels, a glycol system for controlling fermentation temperatures, and a motorized grain mill were moved into a laboratory space in Newman Hall on the Clemson University campus. This equipment is a bench-top version of the equipment used by production breweries across South Carolina. Students in the course will learn to operate this equipment in a safe and effective way; creating a skilled workforce to aid South Carolina’s craft brewing industry. In the coming months, the team working to complete this program will work closely with Clemson University facilities and administration to bring the brewing program laboratory online.

Jeff Fellers
Area Forestry & Wildlife Agent

Upcoming Events:

The New Year brings new educational opportunities in the field of forestry and natural resources for our area.  In 2023, the Newberry Forestry Association and Clemson Extension will host the 18^th biennial Forestry Focus Program.  Unfortunately, we had to cancel the 2021 program due to Covid.  This program is hosted every odd year and in 2023 the meeting will be held on Saturday March 4, 2023.   Topics covered this year will include, SC Landowner Issues, Hardwood Management, Local Market Impacts on Stumpage Prices, Wildlife Food Plots, and Herbicides in Pine Management.  The program runs from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and will have pesticide credits and continuing forest education credits with the program.  Registration details can be found at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-newberry-forestry-focus-tickets-506426213437

The Laurens Forest Landowners Association will start their year off on February 28, 2023 with David Jenkins from the SC Forestry Commission speaking on insects and diseases.  We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the second month of each quarter (February, May, August, November).  If you are interested in joining the Laurens Forest Landowners Association please let me know.

The Newberry Forestry Association starts their New Year off on February 14, 2023 with Dr. Adam Kantrovich from Clemson Extension.  Dr. Kantrovich will be presenting on timber tax.  We meet on the second Tuesday of the second month of each quarter (February, May, August, November).  Bring your sweet heart on valentines day and come get a better understanding of timber taxes.

The Newberry Forestry Association also offers a $500 scholarship.  To be eligible to apply for the scholarship one must be a resident of Newberry County and/or a direct family member of a member of the Association.  The applicant must also be majoring in forestry or a natural resource based field.  For more information on the scholarship, please contact Jeff Fellers at fellers@clemson.edu.

Bryan Smith
Area Extension Agent-Agricultural Engineer

We have had quite a number of contacts in recent months asking how to sell local produce and edible goods from home.  These questions range from selling eggs to milk to any number of products.  Selling fresh produce to friends and family generally does not require a license, but packaged or perishable goods (like milk) do require registration.

The SC Cottage Food Law covers the registration and labeling requirements for these goods.  Clemson Extension provides a factsheet to help growers navigate through the registration and licensing needs:

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/south-carolinas-home-based-food-production-law-cottage-food-law/

This factsheet helps growers start out on the right foot when marketing and selling their products.

Carolyn Dawson
Forestry Agent
Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, & Spartanburg Counties

Last summer Janet Steele and Carolyn Dawson successfully offered two Woods in Your Backyard workshops in our area. These workshops were designed specifically for landowners with 1-10 acres to help them learn how to implement sustainable outcomes for their woodlands, wildlife, water, and recreational objectives.

The focus on smaller acreages was to educate owners on how to better manage areas of their property, as well as to help them find professionals to complete the more significant tasks. Participants attending the workshop utilized the Woods in Your Backyard guide and workbook pages to learn more about their land.

Elements of The Woods in Your Backyard Workshop consisted of Understanding the benefits of managing your land, Mapping your property, assessing why you own it and what you hope it will become, Understanding how your property functions in the larger landscape, Identifying habitat units on your property, Learning basics of tree ID, forestry, and habitat management, Assessing and improving your property’s water resources, recreational possibilities, and aesthetic appeal, Choosing a few backyard projects to help meet your goals, and setting a timetable and marking your progress.

Due to the success of the workshops, the program will be offered again later in the year.

Carolyn Dawson
dawson4@clemson.edu
864.916.6202

Heather Nix
Water Resource Agent

The Water Resources Team continues to develop a variety of educational materials and programs, including these new offerings:

• Pond Maintenance: Dredging a Land Grant Press article outlining potential regulations and additional factors before undertaking a freshwater pond dredging project.
• Livestock Ponds in South Carolina a Land Grant Press article for livestock owners depending on a pond to provide water for their herd.
• Dam Ownership in South Carolina – a free, self-paced six-week online course for dam owners.
• Lead Solutions – educational information showcasing simple ways to reduce potential exposure to lead in drinking water.

Water planning efforts continue throughout the state to ensure plentiful, clean water for future generations. The SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is leading the creation of River Basin Councils in each of SC’s eight major river basins; these Councils will work over a two-year period to draft a River Basin Plan.

• The Edisto River Basin Council has released a draft of the Edisto River Basin Plan for public comment.
• The Broad River Basin Council  formed in 2022, and ongoing monthly meetings are open to the public; applications may be accepted for a representative from a Local Government located within the Broad River Basin.
• The Saluda River Basin Council is currently being formed and will likely begin meeting in Spring 2023.

Upcoming events: Our free Adopt-A-Stream volunteer water quality monitoring training is available on various dates. Registration is currently open for the Spring 2023 Post-Construction BMP Inspector certification and re-certification. Please keep an eye on the Clemson Extension Events Calendar for information on additional events.

Julia Newsome
Rural Health & Nutrition
Cherokee & Union Counties

Hello Everyone,

My name is Julia Newsome, and I am the new Rural Health & Nutrition Agent for Union and Cherokee counties. I moved from Upstate New York to Upstate South Carolina in June 2022, and in November 2022 I became part of the Clemson Extension team.

Two programs I’ll work on are the “Know Diabetes by Heart (KDBH)” and “Health Extension for Diabetes (HED)” programs.

• KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.
• HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions; Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals; A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.

The goal of the Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Team is to help all South Carolinians prevent and self-manage chronic disease. Our programs are valuable because they are free, mobile, and can be held virtually, in-person, or hybrid (delivery is program specific). Please feel free to email me if there is something you think I can help you with. Overall, I’m looking forward to serving Union and Cherokee counties, while maintaining the Clemson Extension standard of service.

864-424-8275
Janewso@clemson.edu