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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
This past fall introduced a new 4-H tradition in Greenville County. Fall Contests were hosted at the Greenville Extension office on December 11th, 2025, with three exhibits- Table Setting, Brown Bag Lunch, and Presentations.
Table Setting is open to 4-H members of any age to design a stunning place setting for one, using any theme they can dream up, from garden parties to patriotic holidays. With judging done interview-style, they get to share their inspiration, menu, and design choices face-to-face. The Brown Bag Contest blends nutrition and creativity in an exciting challenge open to all 4-H members. Participants bring a homemade meal packed in a classic brown bag or lunch bag that follows MyPlate guidelines, with just one store-bought item allowed. 4-H’ers present their meal while sharing its nutritional value and why it’s a balanced choice.
Lastly, the Presentation contest enables members to share their passion through an illustrated talk or demonstration on a topic from any 4-H project area- like agriculture, STEM, healthy living, or leadership.
Each contest had 7 youth participants, aged 5 to 18. With a wide age range also came a wide range of styles and topics. These contests ask youth to flex their knowledge, creativity, and decision-making skills, making each entry unique while exhibiting the National 4-H Beyond Ready theme. Judging for these contests was a collaborative effort among several community partners, including Lauren Couchois from School Food Rocks, Dorien Dickey from Launch GVL, and Rushawnda Olden from the SC 4-H Pinckney Leadership program.
Before the Fall Contests, Greenville 4-H hosted a clinic day to instruct in each exhibit area and gave members a place to practice these skills before deciding to register. Attending the clinic also granted free registration to the Fall Contest. But for those who specifically participated in the presentation contest, this also meant free registration to the regional presentation contest. For Junior 4-H member Juliette Johnson, her participation in Greenville’s Fall Contests led her to receive 2nd place in the Upstate Regional 4-H Presentation Contest. It later led her to compete at the state competition in Columbia, her first state contest of what she hopes to be many.
Those interested in participating in the future should subscribe to the Greenville 4-H newsletter and follow the Greenville 4-H Facebook page to get the latest news on upcoming 4-H youth programming.
By: Heather Nix, Upstate Regional Water Resource Agent
Water Quality Issues: Last year, harmful algal blooms (HABs) were plentiful and had a record long season, with SCDES identifying blooms in major reservoirs from 4/30/25 (Lake Hartwell) to 11/24/25 (J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir). We responded to many related complaints, including one that involved the deaths of 24 adult cows on a farm with cyanotoxin-producing HABs. In response, we are working to have new tools and materials available to improve and streamline responses later this year. Existing tools include several fact sheets, articles, manuals, a pocket field guide, and an online class – all available online at https://www.clemson.edu/extension/hab/materials.html
Drought Status: Reports of low water levels in ponds are increasing across the Upstate. As of 2/10/26, all of Greenville County is experiencing some level of drought (see map), including D3 Extreme (southern 30% of County), D2 Severe (middle ~50%), and D1 Moderate (northwestern 20%).
Last Thursday, February 19th, York County 4-H’ers stitched together history, hands-on learning, and heart for their community during our 4-H Sewing Workshop — and it was a day to remember.
A Field Trip into Textile History and Innovation
Our day began with a unique field trip experience that connected the past, present, and future of the textile industry right here in York County.
At the Baxter Mill Archive, youth explored an extraordinary collection that began with a passion for preserving historical textile prints. What started as a focused archive has grown into more than 1.5 million sketches, swatches, garments, painted boards, antique books, and fabrics. Participants learned how the Archive has evolved from a physical design center serving creatives to a modern digital destination offering print-on-demand fabric and wallpaper — making its vast design resources more accessible than ever before.
Next door, youth had the opportunity to see textiles being created in real time at Springs Creative. With roots dating back to 1887 and now led by the 5th and 6th generations of the Springs-Close family, Springs Creative blends tradition with innovation. Students observed how state-of-the-art digital printing technology is used to produce high-quality fabrics and wallpaper right here in South Carolina.
Together, these experiences gave our 4-H’ers a powerful look at how textiles connect history, artistry, technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility. What began as a simple sewing workshop quickly expanded into a deeper understanding of an industry that continues to shape our region — and the many career pathways available within it.
Sewing for a Purpose
After returning to the York County Extension Office, it was time to put their skills into action.
Youth worked together to create zipper pouches — practicing measuring, cutting, pinning, and sewing with purpose. For some, this was a chance to refine skills they’ve been developing. For others, it was a brand-new experience navigating a sewing machine. Regardless of skill level, every participant showed patience, focus, and determination.
But these weren’t just practice projects.
Each zipper pouch will be filled with hygiene items and donated to a local shelter, providing practical support to individuals in need within our community. The sewing workshop became more than a skill-building event — it became an opportunity for service and compassion.
Building Skills That Matter
This workshop beautifully reflected what 4-H is all about:
Learning by doing
Exploring career pathways
Developing life skills
Giving back to the community
Youth left not only with improved sewing abilities, but also with a deeper understanding of York County’s textile history and the impact they can make through service.
We are so proud of these young leaders for their hard work, teamwork, and willingness to use their talents to serve others. Events like this remind us that when we combine education with heart, incredible things happen.
Here’s to more stitching, more learning, and more opportunities to make a difference — one zipper at a time.
Kristin Kunde York County 4-H Agent Cooperative Extension Clemson University 120 N. Congress St. York, SC 29745 w 803-639-9102 kkunde@clemson.edu Civil Rights Statement
At Hickory Grove–Sharon Elementary School, 4-H is creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students in grades 3–6 — made possible through strong school and community partnerships and the dedication of club leader Julie Parris.
Hands-On Learning That Builds Life Skills
This fall, all 3rd–6th grade clubs participated in the 4-H Pie Project, where students worked together to make no-bake pumpkin pies. With support from parent and teacher volunteers, students completed every step themselves, building confidence, teamwork, and practical skills.
Students have also explored agriculture in real and engaging ways — from learning how farms operate to discovering how wool becomes yarn through creative, hands-on activities.
Community Partners Making a Difference
Local community members play a key role in the club’s success. Beth Blackof Blacks Peaches visited with 5th–6th graders to share what it’s like to run a farm and the responsibility behind agricultural careers. In December, Robin Currence and her team at Lincoln Road Farms welcomed students into their kitchen to learn how to bake the “4-H way.” Students proudly shared their homemade cookies and biscuits with teachers as a holiday thank-you, reinforcing service and gratitude.
Youth Leading the Way
This winter, students are researching South Carolina agricultural commodities and preparing presentations for a schoolwide 4-H Day in May. Their plans include hands-on activities and “make-and-takes” for younger students — giving them the opportunity to lead, teach, and inspire others.
Music, Culture, and Connection
The HGSE Pickers, a 4-H strings group, practice weekly and are preparing for an upcoming bluegrass festival. Many of these students also participate in grade-level 4-H clubs, showing how 4-H connects academics, arts, and culture.
A Strong Model of Community Impact
Through dedicated leadership, supportive schools, and invested community partners, Hickory Grove–Sharon Elementary’s 4-H program is helping youth develop skills that last a lifetime — while showing just how impactful and fun 4-H can be.
Kristin Kunde York County 4-H Agent Cooperative Extension Clemson University 120 N. Congress St. York, SC 29745 w 803-639-9102 kkunde@clemson.edu Civil Rights Statement
