Category: Forestry & Wildlife

Jeff Fellers

Fall is busy time in Extension with local fairs and the State Fair.  I am actively involved in the Union County Agricultural Fair, so that consumes most of my time in October.  This is a time we also get a lot of calls about fall food plots.  This year we also saw the armyworms come and damage many of the early planting for fall food plots. 

Site Visits/Office Visit
You never know what may come through the door at the office or what you might expect to see at a site visit.  Fall and winter are the times when we start seeing the winter annual weeds pop up.  Landowners and homeowner often times bring samples in for identification and management recommendations.  Late summer early fall also is a time where we see a lot of foliar diseases on plants from the warm humid conditions. 

Union County Agricultural
If you have never been to the Union County Agricultural Fair you need to plan a visit next October.  This county fair has everything from rides, feature shows, livestock exhibits, home economics exhibits, and agricultural products exhibit.  Clemson Extension manages the livestock shows, home economics exhibits, agricultural products exhibit, poultry barn exhibits, and livestock exhibits.  Premiums and ribbons are given out to participants that place in the categories.  We put a lot of work in the fair to make sure it is a successful event and promotes agriculture. 

5-K Day at the Fair
5-K day is always a favorite of mine.  All the kindergarten students in the County come to the fair as a field trip for school.  We set up five minutes lessons to teach them about agriculture.  These lessons are set up throughout the barn and the classes rotate through each lesson.  We teach the students about beef cows, dairy cows, goats, horses, chickens, rabbits, bees, and crops.  My job is to teach the kids about crops.  I plant these crops in early May as a demonstration for the fair and to use for this program.  We offer this program every year on Thursday when the fair is in town. 

Newberry Forestry Association
The Newberry Forestry Association hosted meetings in November and February.  In November we had Chris Gordy and Steve Salsbury from West Fraser present a program on mill updates in Newberry County.  They spoke on the sawmill in Newberry and the OSB mill in Joanna.  The February meeting featured Kevin Burkett with Clemson Extension speaking on timber taxes and looking at claiming losses since hurricane Helene had an impact in our County. 

Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association hosted meetings in November and February.  In November, Jeff Fellers with Clemson Extension presented a program on interpreting soil samples.  The February meeting featured Dr. Adam Kantrovich speaking on timber taxes and loses since Laurens was affected by Helene. 

4-H Shooting Sports Trailer
The 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer has been busy the last few months.  We use the trailer to raise funds for our 4-H Shooting Sports Program.  We have been fortunate to raise enough funds to purchase and maintain our supplies so the participants do not have to pay and extra fee for the clubs.  We hosted trailer at the Union County Agricultural Fair in October.  This is our big event, as we open the trailer every night of the fair.  We also hosted the trailer at the Grand American in Orangeburg and the Southeastern Treeing Walker Days in Union.  Both of these events attract participants from many states and allows us to promote 4-H and our program to many people outside our County.  In Orangeburg, over 25,000 people typically attend.  While the Southeastern Treeing Walker Days is not as big, we still see thousands of participants at that event as well.

Forest Health Workshop
On March 3^rd I hosted a Forest Health Workshop with Dr. David Coyle.  This program was geared toward forestry and natural resource professionals and offer continuing education credits that are required in their field.  Topics include Pesticide regulatory update, Pine insects and diseases, hardwood insects and diseases, market update, herbicide application techniques, and invasive species management. 

2025 Forestry Focus
2025 Forestry Focus is our 20^th biennial program.  This year the program will be hosted on March 15, 2025.  Forestry Focus is hosted by Clemson Extension and the Newberry Forestry Association.  We host this program every odd year.  This is an all-day event that is geared toward landowners and professionals.  We offer continuing education credits in both forestry and pesticides.  This year our topics included Local Market Updates, Estate Planning, Forest Health, Nuisance Wildlife, and Pond Management. 

Upcoming Events:

Newberry Forestry Association – May 13, 2025 – Drew Fasano with Arborgen will presenting on recommendations for spacing on higher end genetics with a focus on reducing pulpwood and maximizing sawtimber.

Laurens Forestry Association – May 27, 2025 – Patrick Hiesl will present on the economics of a portable sawmill for landowners.

Robert Carter Forestry and Natural Resources

Silvopasture is a land management system that combines trees, forage, and livestock to produce income from livestock and trees while providing environmental benefits. The livestock or poultry can provide short-term income while the trees provide long-term income. This can be established as a new stand of trees or existing stands can be thinned for silvopasture. Enough sunlight is permitted to reach the ground for planted or natural forage to prosper while shade is provided for animals. The shade reduces heat stress on the animals and reduces soil evaporation providing for green forage for a longer period of time. 

For More information, visit Silvopasture Systems: an overview of components and establishment of woodland systems – Livestock and Forages.

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

Carolyn Dawson
Upstate Forestry Agent

It’s that time again, folks, time to Firewise your home. In order to help prevent a wildfire from destroying your home, you must prepare ahead of time. If there is ever an active wildfire in your area, you may be asked to leave immediately and not have time to defend your home. If your home is in or near the woods, then it is at risk of a wildfire.

The Firewise Program provides homeowners and communities with simple and easy steps to help reduce a home’s vulnerability by preparing ahead of time for a wildfire.
These steps are rooted in principles based on solid fire science research into how homes ignite. The program is promoted by the SC Forestry Commission and Clemson Extension. Here are a few basic, simple steps to help protect your home

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home. Leaf blowers can save you hours of time and labor!
• Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks.
• Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, dry vegetation) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
• Prune back any tree limbs overhanging or touching your home’s roof, deck, porches, driveway, or outbuildings.
• Inspect the chimney and install a spark-arresting mesh screen if needed.
• Keep all vegetation at least 10 feet from chimneys or stovepipes.
• Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows.
• Create a separation between trees, shrubs, and items that could catch fire, such as patio furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc.
• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screen with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
• Even though you don’t want to keep a garden hose attached to a spigot during the winter, make sure to keep it accessible if needed.

Although this list is far from complete, I’d like to personally add one extra bullet point to the list. Do you have a plan for your pets? Dogs can easily be led to the car, but what about cats and other small animals? What about farm animals such as chickens, goats, or horses?

So now that you know the steps to reduce the chance of home ignition from direct flame, firebrand showers, and radiant heat, there is one last thing to be mindful of, always safely dispose of fireplace ashes. Winds can reignite ashes and coals left on the ground days later. Firewise recommendations can help establish an effective line of defense in regions where fire is a potential hazard. Will you…your home be ready? Be Firewise!

For more information about the Firewise program, please visit www.firewise.org/usa or contact Carolyn Dawson, Upstate Forestry Agent Clemson Extension at Dawson4@clemson.edu .

Jeff Fellers – Area Forestry Agent

Summer has arrived.  With it comes dry weather, high temperatures, insects, and fungal diseases.  All can stress our plants and lead to more site and office visits to look at stressed and diseased plants.  This summer has been no different.  I always enjoy talking with clients and trying to help them identify their problems and find ways to help them.  Below are some of the interesting programs I have been associated with over the last few months.    

Site Visits/Office Visit
You never know what may come through the door at the office or what you might expect to see at a site visit.  We receive a lot of questions on small gardens throughout the summer.  These can range from blossom end rot, to stink bugs, to powdery mildew, and many other common pests and diseases found in the garden.  I also get tree calls from around the area.  These have ranged from lichen, dying oak trees, pine beetles, and numerous other insects and diseases that affect our trees.  Aquatic weeds in ponds also become more of a problem in summer, and I do numerous identifications and treatment options for landowners.   I always enjoy the specimens that clients bring in. There is always an opportunity to learn about new insects and diseases that I have not seen before.   

Camp Conservation
Camp Conservation is hosted by the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District.  I have participated in this camp for the last several years by taking the 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer.  I normally take the trailer on the Friday of the Camp (June 28).  Participants learn about gun safety, parts of the gun and how to shoot.  The youth then get to shoot air rifles as they rotate through the different stations for the day. 

 https://www.newberryswcd.com/campconservation

Women Owning Woodlands
On April 12, I assisted in a field tour for Women Owning Woodlands.  This tour was held at a tree farm in Laurens, South Carolina.  At the field tour they learned about wildlife food plots, soil sampling, how to interpret a soil sample, prescribe fire, pine management, and various other topics.  Women Owning Woodlands aims to educate women in the stewardship of the land by connecting them to resources and trusted professionals. 

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/forestry/media/women-owning-woodlands.html

Lynches Woods Trail Hike
On August 17, I led a hike at Lynches Woods in Newberry, South Carolina.  Newberry Parks and Recreation hosted the hike on National TRACK Trails Day.  Participants learned about tree identification, keeping forests healthy, and various other plant related topics as we walked the trail. 

Newberry Forestry Association
The Newberry Forestry Association hosted meetings in May and August.  The May meeting featured a presentation by Jake McClain, a wildlife biologist with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.  Jake presented on creating and managing quail habitat.  The August meeting featured a presentation by Scott Danskin with the SC Forestry Commission on the current status of timber markets and mills in reference to the area.  The Newberry Forestry Association also gave out three $500 scholarships to local students who will be majoring in a field that benefits forest landowners.

Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association hosted meetings in May and August.  The May meeting featured a presentation by Jake McClain, a wildlife biologist with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.  Jake presented on creating and managing quail habitat.  The August meeting featured two presentations.  Matthew Wannamaker from the Farm Service Agency presented on the agency’s forestry related programs.  The second presentation was by Holly Welch and Devin Orr on potential free stewardship management plans for landowners in Laurens County. 

Broad River Conservation Partnership
In March of 2024, the Broad River Conservation Partnership hosted their first landowners meeting.  Landowners attending the meeting heard testimonies from those who have benefited from working with land trust to help conserve their properties.  This is a program that is spearheaded by SC Department of Natural Resources, with the help of numerous other organizations.  The goal is to conserve, protect, and elevate the importance of our natural resources in the Broad River Watershed. 

Clemson Experimental Forest Southern Pine Beetle Tour
Unfortunately, there is currently a Southern Pine Beetle outbreak in the Clemson Experimental Forest.  The Forestry and Wildlife Team toured numerous spots on Friday August 9, 2024.  This was a great opportunity to see how the Experimental Forest was managing the problem.  The team was able to see active spots, controlled spots, and a salvage harvest.

South Carolina Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting
The South Carolina Society of American Foresters held their annual meeting in Newberry, SC June 12 through June 13.  I assisted in the planning and hosting of this meeting.  On June 12, we had a tree farm tour with a social.  June 13 was classroom sessions that focused on forest markets and the projected outlook. 

Woodland Clinic
Woodland Clinic is a forestry skills competition held at Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries property in Greenwood, South Carolina.  High schools from across the state are invited to attend and compete.  Participants compete in tree measurement, forestry tools, compass and pacing, and forest pest identification.  I have helped for numerous years in the compass and pacing competition.   

Master Tree Farmer Tour
On May 10 we held a Master Tree Farmer Tour for participants of the class at Mike Meetze’s tree farm in Newberry, SC.  Participants were able to see a typical pine rotation from planting to harvest.  They were able to see a stand marked for pole harvest along with an operation sawmill on the property. 

Upcoming Events:

Union County Farm Show – September 21, 2024, Union County Fair Grounds

Union County Agricultural Fair – October 15 – 19, 2024, Union County Fair Grounds

5K Day at the Union County Agricultural Fair – October 17, 2024

Newberry Forestry Association – November 12, 2024

Laurens Forestry Association – November 26, 2024

Jeff Fellers
Area Forestry & Natural Resource Agent
Chester, Laurens, Newberry, Union, & York

One thing I love about working for Clemson Extension is the diversity of work throughout the seasons.  Rarely do we have the same tasks day after day.  It often changes with the season. The fall and winter seasons bring about fairs and festivals, along with our normal activities.

Union County Agricultural Fair
October is all about the fair in Union County.  The Union County Extension Office is heavily involved in managing the livestock, poultry, agricultural products, and home economics sections.  We also operate the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer throughout the week of the fair.  On Thursday of the fair, we also host a 5K day where all the Union County public schools bring their kindergarten classes to the fair to learn about livestock and agriculture.  I always enjoy presenting on the crops section for this field trip.  If you have never visited the Union County Agricultural Fair I highly recommend coming by and seeing us. 

Kids in the Parks Track Trail
I had the opportunity to lead a trail hike for the Newberry County Recreation Department for their grand opening of the Kids in the Parks Track Trail.  This trail is located at Lynches Woods in Newberry County.  I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with the children and helping them identify some trees and shrubs, along with learning about growth rings on pine trees.  The Newberry County Recreation Department has a nice kiosk with brochures that help educate those who take the hike.

Wood Magic Forest Fair
Wood Magic Forest Fair is a free field trip for fourth graders, hosted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.  The program provides a learning experience about the forest industry in South Carolina that meet fourth grade school standards.  Volunteers from around the forest industry come together to teach fourth graders all about forestry.  This year I had the opportunity to teach the Gifts of the Forest station at the Harbison State Forest location.  For more information on Wood Magic visit: https://www.scfc.gov/education/wood-magic/.

Learn to Burn
In November, I had the opportunity to assist with a Learn to Burn program in Union County.  This program was hosted by the Piedmont Prescribed Fire Cooperative at a private landowner’s property.  Participants were able to actively participate in a burn on a mature pine stand.  They were able to see the process from planning, preparation, execution, and mop up.  Learn To Burn provides a great educational experience to landowners that are wanting to learn how to implement prescribe fire on their property.

Newberry Forestry Association
The Newberry Forestry Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023 on November 14.  We met at Mt. Pleasant UMC.  Eddie Reese, with NRCS, presented on forestry cost share programs.  Our next meeting will be February 13, 2024, and our topic will be estate planning. 

Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023 on November 28.  We met at the Laurens County Farm Bureau Office.  Chris Gordy, from West Fraser, presented on local and statewide mill updates.  Our next meeting will be February 27, 2024.

 Grand American
This was the first year that we took the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer down to the Grand American in Orangeburg, SC.  Along with Forged In 4-H, we set up a display to help raise funds for the two programs.  Just like at the Union County Agricultural Fair, the trailer is set up for participants to have fun shooting air rifles.  For those less experienced shooters, we spend a little extra time helping them learn the basics of shooting.  Forged In 4-H also provided forging demonstrations, while selling some of the items that were made through the program.  The Grand American provided an excellent venue to advertise our program and educate participants about what great programs we have to offer.

 4-H Food Plots
One of my favorite activities in this job is judging 4-H Food Plots.  We typically do this in January, so the weather is normally not cooperative.  This year however, we had a very nice day to be out in the woods.  We judged 1 in Newberry County and 2 in Union County.  For more information on the 4-H Food Plot Project visit the following link: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/program-areas/natural-resources/wildlife-food-plot-project.html.

Upcoming Events:

Woodland Stewards Silvopasture Webinar Series – January 30 through March 5
https://forestrywebinars.net/sponsor-pages/woodland-stewards

Newberry Forestry Association Meeting February 12, 2024

Indian Creek Field Day February 22, 2024

Laurens Forest Landowners Association Meeting February 27, 2024

Broad River Watershed Landowner Interest Meeting March 7, 2024 Spotlight on Ag March 14, 2024

One thing I love about working for Clemson Extension is the diversity of work throughout the seasons.  Rarely do we have the same tasks day after day.  It often changes with the season. The fall and winter seasons bring about fairs and festivals, along with our normal activities.

Union County Agricultural Fair
October is all about the fair in Union County.  The Union County Extension Office is heavily involved in managing the livestock, poultry, agricultural products, and home economics sections.  We also operate the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer throughout the week of the fair.  On Thursday of the fair, we also host a 5K day where all the Union County public schools bring their kindergarten classes to the fair to learn about livestock and agriculture.  I always enjoy presenting on the crops section for this field trip.  If you have never visited the Union County Agricultural Fair I highly recommend coming by and seeing us.

Kids in the Parks Track Trail
I had the opportunity to lead a trail hike for the Newberry County Recreation Department for their grand opening of the Kids in the Parks Track Trail.  This trail is located at Lynches Woods in Newberry County.  I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with the children and helping them identify some trees and shrubs, along with learning about growth rings on pine trees.  The Newberry County Recreation Department has a nice kiosk with brochures that help educate those who take the hike.

Wood Magic Forest Fair
Wood Magic Forest Fair is a free field trip for fourth graders, hosted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.  The program provides a learning experience about the forest industry in South Carolina that meet fourth grade school standards.  Volunteers from around the forest industry come together to teach fourth graders all about forestry.  This year I had the opportunity to teach the Gifts of the Forest station at the Harbison State Forest location.  For more information on Wood Magic visit: https://www.scfc.gov/education/wood-magic/.

Learn to Burn
In November, I had the opportunity to assist with a Learn to Burn program in Union County.  This program was hosted by the Piedmont Prescribed Fire Cooperative at a private landowner’s property.  Participants were able to actively participate in a burn on a mature pine stand.  They were able to see the process from planning, preparation, execution, and mop up.  Learn To Burn provides a great educational experience to landowners that are wanting to learn how to implement prescribe fire on their property.

Newberry Forestry Association
The Newberry Forestry Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023 on November 14.  We met at Mt. Pleasant UMC.  Eddie Reese, with NRCS, presented on forestry cost share programs.  Our next meeting will be February 13, 2024, and our topic will be estate planning.

Laurens Forest Landowners Association
The Laurens Forest Landowners Association had their last quarterly meeting in 2023 on November 28.  We met at the Laurens County Farm Bureau Office.  Chris Gordy, from West Fraser, presented on local and statewide mill updates.  Our next meeting will be February 27, 2024.

Grand American
This was the first year that we took the Union County 4-H Shooting Sports Trailer down to the Grand American in Orangeburg SC.  Along with Forged In 4-H, we set up a display to help raise funds for the two programs.  Just like at the Union County Agricultural Fair, the trailer is set up for participants to have fun shooting air rifles.  For those less experienced shooters, we spend a little extra time helping them learn the basics of shooting.  Forged In 4-H also provided forging demonstrations, while selling some of the items that were made through the program.  The Grand American provided an excellent venue to advertise our program and educate participants about what great programs we have to offer.

4-H Food Plots
One of my favorite activities in this job is judging 4-H Food Plots.  We typically do this in January, so the weather is normally not cooperative.  This year however, we had a very nice day to be out in the woods.  We judged 1 in Newberry County and 2 in Union County.  For more information on the 4-H Food Plot Project visit the following link: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/program-areas/natural-resources/wildlife-food-plot-project.html.

Upcoming Events:

• Woodland Stewards Silvopasture Webinar Series – January 30 through March 5
  https://forestrywebinars.net/sponsor-pages/woodland-stewards
• Newberry Forestry Association Meeting February 12, 2024
• Indian Creek Field Day February 22, 2024
• Laurens Forest Landowners Association Meeting February 27, 2024
• Broad River Watershed Landowner Interest Meeting March 7, 2024
• Spotlight on Ag March 14, 2024

Discover the benefits of using Silvopasture Systems and register for the upcoming Webinar Series and Field Day.

Webinar Sessions

The two-part webinar series will address the establishment, management, and economics of implementing silvopasture systems.

Session 1 – March 7, 2024:

• 1:00 PM – “Introduction to Silvopasture Production Systems” by Dr. John Fike, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech University.

• 2:00 PM – “Animal Health and Environmental Benefits of Use of Silvopasture Systems” by Dr. Bruno Pedreira, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

Session 2 –  March 14, 2024:

• 1:00 to 3:00 PM – A roundtable with agricultural professionals, producers and Extension personnel will discuss relevant topics and share experiences and challenges related to silvopasture systems in South Carolina and the Southeast region.

Field Day

You can also join Extension specialists and agents for a
Field Day on April 11, 2024 from 8:30 AM to Noon.

The field day will focus on topics about the establishment and management of woodlands and forage systems and the challenges and successes in using a silvopasture system for commercial livestock production. This event will be held at Varnville, SC.

Register for these events:

• Webinar Series (free of charge)

• Field day (cost: $15)

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

Now that deep winter is upon us, and the trees are bare of leaves, it is extremely easy to see the round, green balls of leaves scattered throughout the tree canopies. This is mistletoe.

Is it harmful to trees? Well, kind of. It is considered a parasite, a hemiparasite, to be exact. A hemiparasite makes some of its own food through photosynthesis but takes water and most of its nutrients from the host tree. American or Oak Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is commonly found on deciduous trees such as pecans, oaks, elms, hackberries, maples, and wild cherries. In the fall, it produces white berries that contain toxic chemicals poisonous to people and domestic animals.

Where did it come from? Birds are the most common culprit. They consume the sticky, white berries, and then transport the seeds to other trees where the seeds can germinate and begin their parasitic journey.

Mistletoe uses specialized roots called haustoria, which penetrate the host tree’s bark, allowing them to embed themselves in the vascular tissue. Through this connection, mistletoe siphons off nutrients from its host, sustaining itself.

What should you do if you have mistletoe? The primary method of management involves pruning out the infected branches. Prune the affected branch at least 18 inches beyond the point of attachment. Simply removing the mistletoe plant, without removal of the infected branch, will provide some protection from spreading. However, if you remove only the mistletoe, it will probably regrow.

For more extensive infestations higher in the tree, it’s advisable to enlist the services of a professional Certified Arborist. For some older, larger, heavily infested trees, it may not be feasible to remove such large portions of the canopy, and best just to let the tree live out its natural life or have it removed.

If you’d like to learn more about tree insects, diseases, and issues, or perhaps invite Carolyn Dawson, Clemson Extension Forestry Agent, to speak at your event, please contact her at dawson4@clemson.edu.

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

Two years ago, a retired US Forest Service ranger named David Hedden entered my office and politely asked if anyone was doing anything to save the hemlock trees in the Upstate. In case you were not aware, there is a tiny insect named the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) that is threatening the existence of the Eastern and Carolina Hemlocks trees. Prognosis for the trees is not good. Luckily for David, he stumbled into the right place, and the seed was planted to turn concern and passion into actions.

With the help of Clemson Extension, David and his wife Carla recently formed the non-profit organization called Carolina Hemlocks. The goal of Carolina Hemlocks is to bring together governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, private landowners, practitioners, and other stakeholders to maintain, re-establish, and enhance the Hemlock tree population in the South Carolina landscape through outreach, resource sharing, collaboration, and applied learning.

To date, this non-profit has treated close to 1,000 private home/landowner trees. Partnering with Clemson Extension, we continually hold educational programs, presentations, and outdoor workshops., We have treated approximately 1,000 Hemlocks in the Greenville Watershed. We have also been cleared by several agencies to treat all trees along the SC Foothills Trail.  We have partnered with Clemson Extension, South Carolina Forestry Commission, USFS, SC State Parks, Foothills Trail Conservancy, Duke Energy, and Greenville Watershed to locate, treat, record, and monitor existing hemlock populations. We have trained and utilized volunteers to help treat hemlock trees.

To keep updated on the latest scientific treatment methods, we attend workshops and presentations held by the Tennessee Dept. of Forestry, UGA, Georgia Forestry Commission, and often consult with Dr. Elizabeth McCarty, who is a current expert in the treatment of HWA.

If you have hemlocks trees, know of trees that need treating, or would like to volunteer to help treat, please contact Carolyn Dawson, Clemson Extension Forestry Agent at dawson4@clemson.edu.