Author: acleer

Hannah Conover recently joined the Livestock and Forages Team as the agent covering Greenville County, as well as Anderson and Pickens counties.  A native of Starr, SC, she is proud to serve the communities where she grew up.

After graduating from Crescent High School, Hannah attended Clemson University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Veterinary Science with a minor in Business. After completing her degree, she served as an AmeriCorps member with the Georgia 4-H program in Banks County. During this time, she helped foster agricultural education and youth development through various programs and events. Hannah also spent several years showing cattle across the state and nation, and she was a junior member of multiple breed associations, including Shorthorn, Angus, Gelbvieh, and Charolais.

As the Livestock and Forages Agent for Greenville County, Hannah looks forward to serving as a resource for a variety of folks in the industry, from large-scale cattle producers to those with backyard poultry flocks and homesteading goals. She is excited to begin offering programs and workshops pertaining to community needs as well. Be on the lookout for updates on events via the Clemson Events Calendar and social media, and feel free to reach out to her at (864) 359-3382 or hfwoote@clemson.edu.

Greenville County 4-H is excited to introduce the Greenville 4-H Club, a new general-interest club open to all 4-H ages! This club brings back the tradition of community-based 4-H clubs, a structure that has historically been the foundation of 4-H across the country. Unlike the recent trend in South Carolina 4-H of offering primarily Special Interest (SPIN) clubs, the Greenville 4-H Club provides a broad range of activities designed to engage members in hands-on learning while building a sense of community.

The club’s first meeting was held in early February at Annie’s House, hosted by the local nonprofit Sustaining Way. Members enjoyed a tour of their sustainable gardens and then got creative making seed paper valentines—a fun and eco-friendly way to spread kindness and encourage upcycling.

Looking ahead, the next meeting is set for March 8th at Annie’s House, where members will continue to explore new skills and experiences. As more families move to the Upstate, we hope clubs like these will provide a welcoming space for youth to learn, grow, and thrive in Greenville County 4-H.

Want to get involved? Contact the Greenville County 4-H Agent, Amie Mabe to learn more and join the fun!

The project is a collaborative effort by Clemson Cooperative Extension, the SC Sea Grant Consortium, the SC Water Resources Center, and Tiger Strikes Asteroid Greenville.

Tiger Strikes Asteroid Greenville, 201 Smythe Street, Greenville, SC 29611. The exhibition is available through March 22, 2025, Saturdays (11am-5pm), free admission. https://www.scseagrant.org/beyondthesurface/

Upcoming events: Please visit the Clemson Extension Events Calendar for information on various events.

Photograph: Beyond the Surface team members included (L-R) representatives from Tiger Strikes Asteroid Greenville (Brooks Stevens, John Cummings), Clemson Cooperative Extension (Masha Bokar, Heather Nix), S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (Brooke Saari, Lola Renauer, Nora Walker), and the SC Water Resources Center (Jeff Allen, PhD).
 Image Credit: Noah Stillman, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium.

Camilla Herndon is the new Rural Health and Nutrition Agent in Greenville County. Camilla brings her skills and experience in health education, grants management, and community partnerships to her new role.

Camilla recently trained to deliver Know Diabetes by Heart, a joint initiative between the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, to improve individuals’ understanding of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. During the program, participants learn six practical strategies to reduce their risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Camilla will begin delivering the Know Diabetes by Heart program to community partners in Greenville and Laurens counties. Any organization interested in hosting a Know Diabetes by Heart program can email Camilla (herndo3@clemson.edu) to schedule. To sign up for a virtual Know Diabetes by Heart session, visit the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service’s EventBrite. There is no cost to attend.

South Carolina’s green industry includes landscape service providers, nursery growers, greenhouse growers, and floral producers. Researchers have not been able to capture the economic contributions of these businesses to SC’s economy. Horticulture agent Drew Jeffers is surveying green industry professionals to capture this data to understand better and assist the specific needs of SC’s green industry.

            Data are being collected on products produced, services rendered, total sales, employee retention efforts, and what gaps they need in outreach from Clemson Extension. Information collected will be shared with the U.S. Farmgate survey partners and presented to extension professionals to determine what better services and educational outreach can be provided to these stakeholders. The survey is open through the end of February and results will likely be published by the end of the year.

South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional (SCCLP) Training Set to Expand

            Since its inception in 2020, the South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional (SCCLP) has had over 500 participants complete the program and obtain this certification. The training is online and on-demand, allowing professionals to adapt the training to their schedules and still work their regular schedules. The training covers soils, plant physiology, plant material identification, plant care, turf care, pest management, and low-impact development. In 2024, an advanced training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was launched as a follow-up course.

            The program has gained much success and has been expanded into community college horticulture programs, as well as a partnership with the SC Department of Corrections to offer the training to soon-to-be-released inmates. Recently, horticulture agent Drew Jeffers has begun working with Clemson Extension Agricultural education agents and SC K12 educators to bring the SCCLP to high school agriculture programs. This partnership would significantly add skilled labor to South Carolina’s labor pool, which the state’s landscape professionals find lacking.

I’d like to discuss a few things to be mindful of when dealing with trees after a storm, be it a hurricane, tornado, torrential rain, or snowstorm.

First, power lines. I recently spoke with a representative from Blue Ridge Electric (BRE) and asked, “What should someone do if they see a tree on a powerline?” They quickly responded to call the power company and report it. Do not ever assume that the line is dead and do not attempt to go near it. Do not attempt to cut a tree that is leaning on it. BRE has mandatory step-by-step protocols that their employees must follow when dealing with powerlines, and they always assume it is energized until proven otherwise. They stated that even if a line appears dead, it may become energized at any given moment. They appreciate people willing to help out by trying to cut trees off themselves, but that is an extremely high-risk, life-threatening decision. Just report the issue and leave it to them to take care of it. Likewise for a wire crossing the road. Never attempt to move it. Report it immediately. These issues are usually dealt with immediately so call it in and be patient.

If you see crews actively working on a scene, they ask that you not approach the scene or crew. There may be energized wires or surfaces. You’ll notice they are wearing proper protective gear and are protected; you may not be. It may also cause a distraction to the workers which could put you or them at risk of danger. Once again, just call in and report the issue.

Next on the list, broken limbs. Many times, storms break off tree limbs, and they get hung up in the crown of the tree. It could take just the smallest of breezes to dislodge the limb and cause serious injury. Don’t ever underestimate the weight of those limbs! Be mindful not to stand directly under trees just after a storm or on windy days.

And what about a tree that has snapped or blown over? Is it completely on the ground, or is it lodged in another tree, bank, or even a structure? Using a chainsaw on trees left in precarious conditions is extremely dangerous! There are certain cutting methods to be followed when removing downed trees that are hung up or lodged against something. If you are not trained, let a professional handle it.

And finally, please be patient, with yourself and others. Going through a damaging storm is very stressful, and you never know what someone may have endured. Once it is safe to get back out on the road, drive carefully as you could come upon a downed tree across the road in a split second.

Written by Carolyn Dawson, Clemson Extension Forestry agent for the Upstate

Cohort Two of the Clemson Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver program graduated at the Philips Market Center in Columbia, SC on January 29, 2025. Participants completed a two-part training program consisting of an eight-week self-paced online training course and a two-day in-person intensive course. Participants then completed 30 hours of volunteer service alongside Clemson Cooperative Extension Food Systems and Safety Agents. Activities conducted by the participants included home food preservation workshops and demonstrations, community outreach informational booths, pressure canner gauge testing, public school food preservation classes, and the dissemination of research-based information about safe home food preservation methods across South Carolina.

Five graduates from Cohort Two are in Upstate South Carolina and represent Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Oconee counties. These graduates add to the nine Master Food Preservers from Cohort One in the Upstate which represent Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Oconee counties. Additionally, five new Upstate participants from Cohort Three are beginning the volunteer service hour portion of their Master Food Preserver training.

Look to find Master Food Preservers at your local farmers markets, community centers, county fairs and other locations across the Upstate to learn about safe home food preservation.

If you are interested in home food preservation information or want to become a Clemson Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver contact Food Systems and Safety Agent Alex Thompson by email (art6@clemson.edu) or by phone (864-986-1286).

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

            In the Carolinas, autumn means apples. While Western North Carolina may be well known for its apple orchards, Upstate South Carolina has its own thriving network of apple growers. Orchards featuring farm stores, U-Pick, apple-centric treat and beverages, and bushels of fun for the whole family can be found across the Upstate, from Oconee to York counties. To find an orchard near you, check out https://certifiedsc.com/.

            Cool autumn days lure many to grab the family, their jackets and a wagon; ready to revel in the crisp, sweet, and crunchy bounty of our Upstate apple orchards. One can find few better ways to spend an autumn afternoon than wandering through seemingly endless rows of apple trees, heavy with a summer’s worth of love, care, and attention from their tenders. Swept up in the magic of the day, more than a few families find themselves arriving home with a trunk nearly bursting open with apples. Whimsy quickly gives way to worry, as the realization hits that not even the most apple-loving family can eat THAT many fresh apples before they end up bound for the compost heap. Fret not, family of over-eager apple-pickers, there is a bounty of ways to preserve and make those apples last all the way until next autumn.

            Apples can be turned into a cornucopia of treats and pantry staples, ready to keep the spirit of autumn alive year-round. Cover your favorite morning toast with a slather of apple jelly or beautifully spiced apple butter, which also makes a great addition to a BBQ sauce! Warm everyone’s hearts and stomach with a fresh apple pie, made from home canned or frozen apple pie filling. Cook the apples down into applesauce or dry them into chips for a quick and easy snack for apple lovers of all ages. Press or juice these apples into cider, that can be drunk fresh, canned for year-round cider, or fermented into hard cider for an autumnal adult beverage. Dress up any of these homemade treats with some decorative packaging and ribbon for a quick and easy way to cross names of your Christmas shopping list. The options are many and learning to preserve the Upstate’s apple bounty is easy! Visit the Clemson Home and Garden Information Center Factsheet 3120 Preserving Apples (https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/preserving-apples) or contact Alex Ryan Thompson by phone at (864) 365-0628 or by email art6@clemson.edu to learn more.

Happy Autumn and Happy Apple Picking!

Drew Jeffers
Horticulture Agent
Greenville County

Urban Tree Workshop for Greenville County Landscape and Tree Professionals 

Urban tree care is a growing need in Greenville County. Clemson Extension held a full-day workshop for tree care and landscape professionals. The workshop was a joint effort between the Horticulture agent Drew Jeffers and Forestry and Natural Resource agent Carolyn Dawson. Bringing together knowledge extension specialists Dr. David Coyle and Dr. Bob Polomski, as well as knowledgeable extension agents Briana Namauk, Jennifer Weaver, and Dr. Adam Gore. Namauk discussed the importance of the recent Bradford Pear ban and how professionals could help spread the word for homeowners to participate in Clemson Extension’s Bradford Pear Bounty Program. Dr. Coyle talked about the impact of the Asian Longhorn Beetle and what professionals can do to look out for it here in Greenville County. Dr. Polomski reviewed the importance of identifying trees accurately without using AI apps and knowing what species are being managed. Jennifer Weaver reminded professionals of alternative plant choices for common pest-prone trees. Dr. Gore shared his recent work with herbicide damage/injury testing on trees. Sharing pictures of damage progression in common trees to commonly used herbicides; making it easier for professionals to compare damage seen in practice. Dawson wrapped the day with an update on her work tracking and helping to prevent Hemlock Wooly Adelgid from harming our native Hemlocks in the upstate. Hemlocks play an important role in nature as they shade streams and rivers and provide critical habitat for wildlife. They are also a desirable evergreen ornamental in our landscapes. Jeffers and Dawson are repeating the workshop with updated topics in Jan 2025.

New Master Gardener Recruits Reporting for Duty

The SC Master Gardener program trains volunteers to provide horticultural education and expanded outreach to the community. The Greater Greenville Master Gardener Group provides thousands of hours of educational and community service to Greenville County, and the latest recruits have begun their 17-week boot camp to become Certified Master Gardeners. This year, Horticulture agent Drew Jeffers has two classes of fourteen students. classes began on Aug 6, 2024, and students will take their final exams the week before Thanksgiving. These students receive over 40 hours of intense research-based information on gardening and landscape topics such as soil conditioning, fertilizers, integrated pest management (IPM), lawn care, vegetable gardening, and more! Upon completion of the course, they will then be required to complete 40 hours of community educational service in Greenville County to become fully certified. Once certified, they will complete 20 hours a year of community service to maintain their certification. These volunteers in training are eager to serve the community and have proven so far to be Drew’s most eager class yet.

New Advanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Course for Landscape Professionals

Building on the success of the South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional (SCCLP), Clemson Extension has launched a follow-up course called the SCCLP Advanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This course is designed to provide professionals with knowledge toolkits on how to effectively manage pests in a economical, scientific, and environmentally sound way. The course covers both turf and landscape focusing on tenants of weed, insect, and disease management. Participants have 30 days of access and so far the course has been well received by the professional horticulture community.

Upcoming Programs!

Drew Jeffers is the new Horticulture agent in Greenville County. He has been with extension for 7 years first serving in Spartanburg county. Drew has begun holding classes and training for both consumer and professional clients here in Greenville County and offers a variety of gardening and landscape topics. Drew is also set to begin a free webinar series through the Greenville County Extension Facebook page where he will post a free training periodically throughout the year. Below are some of his upcoming trainings. Click here to sign up to be alerted to gardening/landscape classes and pesticide license training alerts.

• October 10, 2024 – 7^th Annual IPM Symposium, Canon Centre, Greer, SC https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-clemson-extension-ipm-symposium-registration-938993443667

• November 8, 2024 Initial Private Applicator Training and Exam, Greenville County Extension Office, Greenville, SC https://www.eventbrite.com/e/initial-private-applicator-training-exam-tickets-863105470697

• Jan 21, 2025 – Urban Tree Health Workshop, REWA Administration Building, Greenville, SC

• Jan 31, 2025 – All About Vegetable Gardening, REWA Administration Building, Greenville, SC

• Feb 20, 2025 – Pesticide Credit Webinar: Consumer knowledge of IPM and how we can use it in pest management decisions. Online Via Zoom.

• Feb 26, 2025 – Pesticide Credit Webinar: Will Consumers Pay for a Scouting Program Offered by Landscape Professionals? 

• March 5, 2025 –  Ornamental Pest Management for Home Landscapes, Online Via Zoom.

Amie Mabe, 4-H Youth Development Agent

Forest Explorers Ready To Explore Again

The Forest Explorers 4-H Club of Greenville County are used to adventuring outside for their monthly meetings. During the past couple of months when the weather has been too cold to be outside, members met at the Greenville County Extension Office to continue their outdoor education. Members, ages 5 through 14, crafted “Bug Hotels” for insects overwintering as well as windsocks and rain gauges to learn about the weathers effect on nature. Although fun was had indoors, members are excited that the remaining meetings for the season will be held outdoors at Table Rock Center and Conestee Pollinator Garden.

Shark Camp in Greenville

Designed for young marine enthusiasts during Greenville County School’s breaks in March, students can embark on an oceanic adventure at Shark Camp! Join us for a jaw-dropping experience featuring canvas painting, shark info stations with rotating tales and facts, a thrilling shark glider contest, and exciting rounds of Shark games. Cap off the day by crafting your own shark bait to enjoy later. Don’t miss out on this fin-tastic journey into the world of sharks! Secure your spot today and make a splash with us at Shark Camp! Secure your child’s spot now for a day filled with shark-filled fun and discovery! Don’t miss out on the excitement—reserve your tickets for Shark Camp Adventure today! 🦈🌊

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shark-camp-tickets-824220274027?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl