Recent Posts

  • HEALTHY PACKED LUNCH IDEAS

    The new school year is in full swing.  Have you found yourself in a rut sending the same packed lunches day after day?   Figuring out creative, healthy ideas to pack for lunch can be challenging.  We can get into a routine of sandwiches, chips and some fruit.  A turkey sandwich, baked potato chips, and some…

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  • A group of 15 4th-12th grade students posing in front of a sign that says 2025 Georgia 4-H Area Forestry Judging Contest

    Every Summer, 4-H participants dive into intensive study sessions starting in July to prepare for the District Forestry Field Day competition. The contest is divided into Junior and Senior divisions, with younger students learning to identify 44 tree species, 17 timber pest insects, and 14 common diseases. They also develop skills like pacing to estimate…

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  • An adult leader and a 5th grade youth pose for a picture while holding crawdads.

    Heather Haines, 4-H Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County The weather is cooling off, and many of us have outdoor activities on our minds. Fall is a beautiful time of year for exploring our local parks, hiking trails, and visiting community green spaces. However, for some people, enjoying the outdoors is not as simple as lacing…

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  • A lilac crocus bud coming from a fallen leaf covered ground

    Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County Sometimes, I walk through a store and just shake my head. In July, Halloween merchandise filled the center aisles of local shops. Before Labor Day, Christmas items took over entire store sections. Do we really need to prepare for the next season months in advance? When…

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  • HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR MOOD

    A chalk outline of a human head in profile. In the area of the brain are colorful fruits, vegetables, and grains

    Mental health conditions have been on the rise since the pandemic (XX). One out of five adults in the U.S. has one or more forms of mental illness. Depression and anxiety are the most common conditions, and links have been found between these conditions and healthy diets. Many people look to trendy supplements and shakes…

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  • Two youths and one adult learn about handling a butterfly from an adult educator.

    Stories like Mackenzie’s show how powerful a caring adult can be in a young person’s life. Research proves it too. Youth with supportive mentors often do better in school, feel more confident, and dream bigger about their future (Raposa et al., 2019). These gains may seem small on paper, but in real life they mean…

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  • A cut-away drawing of the ground under grass showing root growth as well as the growth of the shoots of grass at different times of the year.

    School is back in session and autumn is only a few weeks away. If you have a warm-season lawn, now is the time to get it ready for winter. Proper care in late summer and early fall helps bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and zoysiagrass lawns enter dormancy at the appropriate time, protects against cold injury, prevents winter…

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  • A canning jar with green beans and garlic inside

    Relishes and pickles are a great way to enjoy the bountiful array of fruits and vegetables long after the summer growing season is over. Pickled products are not just for cucumbers anymore and add a tang of flavor to meals and snacks. Peaches, chow-chow, okra, hot peppers, and green beans can be pickled for a…

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  • An adult leans over a table where an elementary school student investigates an owl pellet.

    Parents looking for meaningful, educational, and exciting opportunities for their children this fall won’t have to look far. Forsyth County 4-H is offering a full calendar of programs that combine hands-on learning, skill-building, and plenty of fun. From nature exploration and cooking to life skills and STEM challenges, 4-H has something for every age and…

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  • Vibrant yellow-green leaves with two butterflies perched upon them

    This August 2025 marks the 7th year of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSPC). This annual citizen science event started in 2019 as the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, but has now grown to include five states. South Carolina, through Clemson University Extension, joined the project for the 2022 census, followed by North Carolina State University…

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