Recent Posts
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Food pantries across the Georgia Mountain Food Bank (GMFB) region (which includes: Forsyth, Hall, Union, Lumpkin, and Dawon counties) are in crisis. Rebecca Thurman, Executive Director of GMFB, reports that food insecurity has risen by 30% over this past year. She shares that one out of eight Georgians and one out of five children are…
Posted in: FACS -
Strong communication skills are among the most important tools young people can develop to succeed in life. Whether they dream of becoming scientists, teachers, engineers, or community leaders, being able to clearly express their thoughts and ideas will set them apart. Through 4-H Project Achievement, Georgia youth have a unique opportunity to gain those skills…
Posted in: 4-H -
There are many research studies that extoll the health benefits of being outdoors in nature. But other studies show that most people spend 70 percent or more of their time indoors. Fortunately, houseplants can give us mental and physical health boosts similar to what we experience from natural environments. Various research findings indicate that houseplants…
Posted in: ANR -
Guest author Gwen Hawn, FACS Agent, UGA Extension Hall County Dietary supplements are anything that is taken by mouth that are meant to “supplement” or add to a diet. These include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and fiber. Supplements may be found in many forms including pills, capsules, powders, drinks, gels,…
Posted in: FACS -
As the calendar turns to October, green clovers begin to pop up in storefronts, schools, and community centers across the country. That’s because October 5–11, 2025, marks National 4-H Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the impact of the nation’s largest youth development program. This year’s theme, Beyond Ready, emphasizes how 4-H equips young people…
Posted in: 4-H -
Originally crossbred to improve honeybee health in Brazil, Africanized honeybees instead became incredibly defensive. They were accidentally released in the 1950s, and the so-called “killer bees” were spotted in the U.S. in the mid-1980s, creating panic across the southern states. There have been new sightings of the bees in the Southeast, but are they really…
Posted in: ANR -
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…
Posted in: FACS -
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…
Posted in: 4-H -
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…
Posted in: 4-H -
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…
Posted in: ANR