Recent Posts

  • Two Extension volunteers share information about bats during Earth Day.

    Last Saturday, April 22, 2023, the Post Road Library hosted the annual Forsyth County Master Naturalist Extension Volunteers’ Earth Day Celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Despite the windy weather, over 200 people visited the interactive displays to learn about the wonders of our water system and facts about biting insects, spin the wheel to…

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  • Several youth surrounded by goats.

    Sparks are what help youth see the potential within themselves. Sparking young people’s inner passions, interests, and talents help inspire them on the path to success and is central to youth development work. In Forsyth County, the local Extension Staff and a dedicated group of certified volunteer leaders partner with young people in this process by…

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  • An adult man standing deep in heavy green growth of privet.

    A walk through our local parks, state forests, and even our own backyard reveals a rich mixture of plants and wildlife. Typically, some will be native species and others are specimens imported from foreign regions. Is one type better than the other? In certain circumstances, both native and introduced species can become invasive. In a…

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  • A line of brown, dead-appearing gardenia bushes.

    Renewal pruning is a technique used to reduce the size of overgrown shrubs – and sometimes as an opportunity to reshape shrubs into a more desirable form – by pruning the shrub down until the branches are just 6-12 inches above the ground. Mid-March is a good time to do renewal pruning.

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  • A group of 10 7th-12th grade students posing under a tree.

    Each year, local students in 7th through 12th grade submit a Portfolio to the local Extension Office to signify their intent to participate in Junior/Senior Project Achievement in March. Portfolios are a celebration of youth’s work and accomplishments over the last calendar year. The document is two pages long and highlight the youth’s work in…

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  • To help protect the quality of our community water source, Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department, in a coordinated effort with the Environmental Health Department, launched a rebate program last year to help people in critical areas around the Pilgrim Mill peninsula pay for the cost of having their septic tank pumped out.

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  • an overhead view of a lawn with a large section of unhealthy grass spots roughly the size of a silver dollar.

    Like flowers and holidays, lawn diseases predictably show up during certain seasons. In the spring, we may see dead spots during spring green-up. Round patches of dead grass are signs the lawn is infected with fungi that cause Dollar Spot (Sclerotinia homeocarpa), Brown Patch and Large Patch (Rhizoctonia solani), or Spring Dead Spot (Ophiosphaerella spp).…

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  • Many people approach pruning with confusion, dread, or a chainsaw. I suggest approaching the task with a little knowledge, patience, and artistic vision. Appropriate pruning maintains plant health and promotes flower and fruit production. Timing, tools, and technique are important components for pruning that is both healthy and attractive.

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  • A group of youth holding their award medals

    Fear of public speaking is a common form of anxiety and can range from slight nervousness to panic. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health 75% of people fear public speaking more than death. However, for many people, speaking regularly builds confidence and gets easier over time. Through Georgia 4-H, youth have…

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  • 4-H Day at the Capitol

    On February 8, 2023, the Georgia Capitol building turned shades of green as it welcomed more than 600 Georgia 4-H’ers, staff, and volunteers. While in Atlanta, 4-H’ers had the opportunity to learn about our state’s government, meet with Georgia legislators, and give thanks to supporters and donors from around the state.

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