Clemson Extension Upstate District

Health Extension for Diabetes Continues to Motivate and Empower Participants

Posted on by rzeider

Health Extension for Diabetes is a 16 week, research-based program designed to equip participants with the tools and support they need to better manage their diabetes. The program focuses on seven key self-care behaviors including healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring, medications, reducing risks, problem solving, and healthy coping.

Rural Health and Nutrition Agent Elizabeth Josey is currently wrapping up another cohort, with participants graduating this month after completing the full 16 week series.

Health Extension for Diabetes is offered both online and in person, providing flexibility for busy schedules and transportation needs. The online option allows participants to participate in interactive lessons and receive ongoing support from the comfort of home.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the next session, contact Elizabeth Josey at (864) 986-1623 for more information or to register.

Posted in Fairfield, Rural Health & NutritionTagged

New “Ask a CLC” Program Offers Breastfeeding Support

Posted on by rzeider

A new opportunity is available for parents and caregivers seeking guidance with breastfeeding. The Ask a CLC program, offered by the Rural Health and Nutrition team, provides one-on-one support with a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) to answer questions, offer tips, and provide practical guidance.

Sessions are designed to be flexible and supportive, helping families feel confident and informed about breastfeeding.

For more information or to register, visit the Eventbrite page: Ask a CLC – Breastfeeding Support.

This is a great chance to get expert support and have your questions answered by a professional in a friendly, accessible setting.

Elizabeth Josey | parker4@clemson.edu

Ask a CLC Program
Posted in Fairfield, Rural Health & NutritionTagged

Midlands Vegetable Growers

Posted on by rzeider

The Midlands Vegetable growers meeting, hosted in Pelion on February 11, was well attended, with 28 producers and growers of various sizes, representing multiple counties in the Midlands. 100 % of the attendees reported that they had learnt new material, and 78% of those have identified areas of their own operations where adjustments to practices can be made to improve both crop and economic sustainability.

As we move into Spring, I urge producers to check the Upcoming Events page of the South Carolina Grower Blog for a complete list of events in the state. A couple of examples are the statewide pea and bean meeting on March 4, March 12 sees the Midlands Strawberry meeting, and March 27 sees the commercial lavender growers meeting.

Please reach out if I can be of any assistance: Rob Last – rlast@clemson.edu | 803-359-8515 .

Posted in Commercial Fruit & Vegetables, Fairfield

Fall 2025 Workshop in Home Food Preservation

Posted on by rzeider

The Fall 2025 Midlands Food Preservation workshops unfolded as a hands-on learning journey of transformation for participants. Either new to the world of pickling, pressure canning, and jam making, or with foundational knowledge, attendees quickly embraced food safety skills with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Food Preservation Workshop
Food Preservation Workshop
Food Preservation Workshop

At the end of each workshop participants leveled up their knowledge and resource bank, ready to preserve the season’s bounty while cultivating a sense of community. They eagerly shared recipes and techniques, forming a network of home preservers dedicated to safe and sustainable practices. These workshops exemplified the empowering impact of education, merging tradition with innovation in kitchens across the community.

Sign Up with your e-mail now to stay informed about upcoming workshops.

Faith Isreal | fisreal@clemson.edu

Posted in Fairfield, Food Systems & Safety, Workshops

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

Posted on by rzeider

The upcoming ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification workshops are set to empower individuals in the food industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure safe dining experiences. These workshops are a crucial step for professionals seeking to certify or recertify their expertise in managing food safety.

ServSafe

Click the Links for More Information and to Register for a Workshop:

Location: FCL Homemaker’s Building – 634 W Dekalb St, Camden, SC 29020

Successfully completing the workshop and exam will earn you the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, a recognized credential in the food service industry. Join us to become a leader in food safety and ensure your establishment provides a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons. Your commitment to food safety not only protects your customers but also enhances your professional credibility and the reputation of your business.

Faith Isreal | fisreal@clemson.edu

Posted in Fairfield, Food Systems & Safety, Workshops

Greenville County Extension Partners with Greenville State Farmers Market

Posted on by acleer

By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent

Greenville County Extension is excited to announce a new partnership with the Greenville State Farmers Market, strengthening opportunities for agricultural education, horticulture outreach, and community engagement in Greenville County.

This partnership creates a shared space where Extension programming and the Farmers Market’s mission intersect—connecting residents with practical, research-based information while supporting local agriculture and green industry professionals.

Through this collaboration, Drew Jeffers, Horticulture Agent for Greenville County, will work with market leadership to deliver educational workshops, demonstrations, and trainings that serve homeowners, Master Gardeners, landscapers, growers, and the general public. Planned programming will focus on topics such as urban tree care, sustainable landscaping, pest management, seasonal gardening practices, and homeowner horticulture education.

In addition, Amie Mabe, 4-H Agent for Greenville County, is actively planning youth-focused programs at the Farmers Market that will support agricultural literacy, hands-on learning, and community engagement. These efforts will expand opportunities for young people to connect with food systems, horticulture, and environmental stewardship in a highly visible public setting.

Other Greenville County Extension agents are also exploring the possibility of scheduling future programs and workshops at the Farmers Market, reflecting a broader interest in using the site as a hub for Extension education across program areas.

The Greenville State Farmers Market provides an accessible, high-traffic location that attracts a diverse audience—from experienced growers to first-time gardeners. Hosting Extension programs at the market allows education to meet people where they already gather, reinforcing Extension’s role as a trusted source of science-based information.

By combining Extension expertise with the Farmers Market’s strong community presence, this partnership enhances Greenville County’s capacity to promote sustainable practices, informed decision-making, and long-term stewardship of landscapes and natural resources.

Details on upcoming programs and events hosted through this partnership will be announced in future newsletters and through Greenville County Extension communication channels.

For more information on Extension programs and educational opportunities, contact Greenville County Extension.

Posted in GreenvilleTagged ,

Growing Stronger Urban Trees: Highlights from the Urban Tree Workshop

Posted on by acleer

By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent

Urban trees are more than landscape features—they provide shade, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and add long-term value to our communities. To help homeowners, landscapers, and Master Gardeners better understand how to establish and care for trees in developed environments, Greenville County Extension recently hosted an Urban Tree Workshop led by Drew Jeffers, Horticulture Agent for Greenville County.

The workshop attracted 42 participants from across the county and focused on practical, research-based strategies for improving tree survival and long-term performance in urban and suburban landscapes.

One of the primary topics covered was proper tree planting techniques, including correct planting depth, identifying the root flare, and the importance of wide, shallow planting holes. Participants learned that many common tree problems begin at planting and that improper installation can shorten a tree’s lifespan by decades. Common issues such as girdling roots, buried root flares, and compacted soils were discussed, along with methods for correcting or preventing them.

The workshop also addressed mulching and watering practices, areas where well-meaning maintenance often causes unintended harm. Participants learned how excessive mulch can damage tree trunks and restrict oxygen to roots, as well as why consistent, moderate watering is more effective than infrequent heavy irrigation. Proper mulch placement and irrigation timing were emphasized as simple, low-cost practices that significantly improve tree establishment.

Another key focus was urban tree stress. Trees growing in developed environments face unique challenges, including limited rooting space, reflected heat, soil compaction, and mechanical injury. Understanding these stressors helps explain why trees in landscapes often decline prematurely and highlights the importance of proactive management rather than reactive treatments.

The workshop concluded with a discussion on long-term tree care, including structural pruning, monitoring for pests and diseases, and recognizing when professional arborist services may be needed. Participants were encouraged to view tree care as a long-term investment that benefits both individual properties and the broader community.

Educational programs like this Urban Tree Workshop support Greenville County’s commitment to healthy landscapes, resilient urban forests, and informed environmental stewardship. By improving how trees are selected, planted, and maintained, residents can help ensure Greenville County’s trees thrive for generations to come.

For information on upcoming Extension programs and educational opportunities, contact Greenville County Extension.

Posted in GreenvilleTagged

Clemson Extension Hosts 8th Annual IPM Symposium in Greer

Posted on by acleer

By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent

Clemson Extension recently hosted the 8th Annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium in Greer, bringing together professionals from across the region for a full day of applied, research-based education.

Pictured is the 8th annual Intergrated Pest Management Symposium conference

The symposium attracted 93 participants, including landscapers, nursery and greenhouse professionals, pesticide applicators, Extension personnel, and industry representatives. The event focused on practical IPM strategies designed to improve pest control outcomes while reducing unnecessary pesticide use and minimizing environmental and economic risk.

Sessions emphasized the core principles of IPM, including accurate pest identification, monitoring and threshold-based decision making, resistance management, and the integration of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control tools. Speakers highlighted how improper timing, overreliance on single modes of action, and reactive management approaches can contribute to control failures and resistance development.

Participants also received updates on current pest issues affecting ornamental landscapes and production systems, along with guidance on selecting appropriate control options based on site conditions, plant material, and pest pressure. Emphasis was placed on making informed management decisions that protect both plant health and applicator safety.

The symposium provided an opportunity for professionals to earn pesticide recertification credits while engaging directly with Extension specialists and peers. Attendees were encouraged to take information from the program back to their operations to improve long-term pest management efficiency and sustainability.

Educational events like the IPM Symposium reflect Clemson Extension’s commitment to supporting South Carolina’s green industry through science-based training and professional development. By promoting IPM principles, Extension helps ensure that pest management practices remain effective, economical, and environmentally responsible.

Information on future IPM programs and educational opportunities will be shared through Clemson Extension and Greenville County Extension communication channels.

For more information, contact Greenville County Extension.

Posted in GreenvilleTagged

Increasing Vegetable Intake Through At-Home Gardening

Posted on by acleer

By: Camilla Herndon, Rural Health and Nutrition Agent

According to a 2024 South Carolina Department of Public Health Report, 20.3% of South Carolina adults eat less than one serving of vegetables per day. In addition, approximately 6 in 10 adults in South Carolina have a chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Substantial evidence affirms that diets rich in fruit and vegetables reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, research suggests that gardening improves fruit and vegetable consumption by increasing access to fresh produce and fostering positive attitudes for eating fruits and vegetables.

Pictured is a Growing Health Classroom setup with items needed to start the class.

In an effort to address nutrition through gardening, Greenville County Clemson Extension hosted three Growing Health classes during the spring, summer, and fall growing seasons in 2025. The Growing Health program, jointly facilitated by the county Horticulture Agent and Rural Health Agent, provided gardening and nutrition education to beginner gardeners at no cost. Each class focused on one of three vegetables: tomatoes, leafy greens, and broccoli. During the class, participants learned about the vegetable’s planting dates, fertilization practices, pest and disease management, how to harvest the vegetable, and recipes for cooking with the vegetable.

Participants left the class with a booklet on the vegetable, a 5-gallon grow bag, seedlings or transplants of the vegetable, and a kitchen measuring cup to aid their gardening and nutrition efforts at home.

Harvard School of Public Health’s Healthy Eating Plate visually communicates evidence-based nutrition information. To create healthy, balanced meals at home, consider using the plate method:

Pictured is an example of a healthy balanced meal using the plate method.
  • Fill ½ of your plate with colorful vegetables and fruits: leafy greens, bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, berries, apples, peaches
  • Fill ¼ of your plate with whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat pasta or bread
  • Fill ¼ of your plate with lean proteins: fish, poultry, chickpeas, or beans
  • Use oils in moderation: vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, and others
  • Drink water and avoid sugary beverages

If you’d like to participate in the 2026 Growing Health classes, sign up on Eventbrite here.

Posted in Greenville, Rural Health & NutritionTagged

Growing Health Series Launches in Greenville County

Posted on by acleer

By: Andrew Jeffers, Greenville County Horticulture Agent

Greenville County Clemson Extension is pleased to announce the launch of the Growing Health series, a new educational program developed through a partnership between Drew Jeffers, Horticulture Agent, and Camilla Herndon, Rural Health Agent.

The Growing Health series is designed to connect horticulture, food systems, and community health by exploring how gardening, plants, and local food production support physical, mental, and environmental well-being. The program reflects Extension’s integrated approach to addressing both landscape sustainability and human health outcomes.

Sessions will be held throughout spring and summer 2026 and are open to the public at no cost. Each program will focus on practical, accessible topics that link plant-based education with healthy living, making the series relevant for homeowners, gardeners, families, and community members interested in wellness and sustainability.

Scheduled dates for the Growing Health series include:

  • Friday, March 6, 2026 – 2:00 PM
  • Friday, April 17, 2026 – 2:00 PM
  • Friday, May 29, 2026 – 2:00 PM
  • Friday, July 24, 2026 – 2:00 PM

The partnership between horticulture and rural health programming highlights Clemson Extension’s commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary education that meets community needs. By combining plant science expertise with public health perspectives, the Growing Health series encourages participants to view gardens and landscapes as tools for improving quality of life.

Registration is limited for each session to allow for interaction and discussion, and advance registration is encouraged.

More details about individual session topics and registration information will be shared through Greenville County Extension communication channels.

For additional information on the Growing Health series or other Extension programs, contact Greenville County Clemson Extension.

Posted in Greenville, Rural Health & Nutrition