Recent Posts

  • A plate with fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts. Also a stethoscope and glucose monitor. All tools to manage diabetes.

    A recent study by University of Georgia (UGA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)researchers found significant increases in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. from 2012 to 2022, a continuation of trends noted from 1988 to 2012 and 1999 to 2016 in previous research. The highest rates of diabetes increases…

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  • Managing holiday spending

    Three retail sale tags in red and green Christmas colors.

    Halloween is still a week away, but the stores are already stocked with Christmas items and many of us are thinking about gift purchases. So are merchants and credit card companies, who are anticipating $979.5 to $989 billion in holiday-related decoration and gift purchases in November and December, according to the National Retail Federation. This…

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  • An advertisement for the Weathered but Strong GA Ag hurricane relief fund

    Based on preliminary damage assessments conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Forestry Commission, and the University of Georgia, Hurricane Helene left behind an estimated $6.46 billion in damage to Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries, more than three times the damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Georgia’s largest industry, agriculture contributes over $83…

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  • A brightly colored lanternfly with wings spread

    Earlier this year, I received a call from man who was urgently reporting a large number of spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) that were landing on trucks all over the depot. He was absolutely correct to call and report sighting them. These invasive planthoppers congregate in huge numbers, suck the sap from plants, and produce copious…

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  • A group of men and women standing in front a banner that reads Saluting Branches.

    On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, I had the honor of joining 29 arborists, tree care professionals, U.S. military veterans, and other volunteers at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton for the 10th anniversary of Saluting Branches. Across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico, over 4,000 volunteers came together at 110 veteran-dedicated hospitals, homes, and cemeteries…

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  • Flood awareness and safety

    A yellow sign with the image of a three-light stoplight partially submerged by flood waters.

    er Service issues alerts about potential dangerous weather conditions, including floods. Alert messages include different words – watch, advisory, or warning – to indicate the level of danger. Watch– A flood watch means that widespread flooding is possible in the area specified in the alert. The flood is expected to happen 6-12 hours after heavy…

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  • A patio of pavers and a rock wall help block the sloped area. Many green small plants cover the hillside.

    Nature is generally successful in keeping our North Georgia hills and mountainsides stable and covered with verdant plant life. In home landscapes, however, slopes and hills can present challenges. When developing a management plan for hills, we need to address all the normal considerations of landscaping, such as soil and drainage, sun exposure, irrigation, and…

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  • 7 youths pose for a picture in a forest

    Georgia’s forests are not just a vital part of the state’s economy—they are also providing a hands-on classroom for local youth. With 24.5 million acres of forestland, Georgia is one of the most forested states in the United States, contributing over $41 billion annually and supporting more than 140,000 jobs. Through programs like Georgia 4-H’s…

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  • Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County September is National Preparedness Month, and the theme this year is “Start a Conversation.” I recommend starting that conversation with a question: “What could go wrong?” Risk assessment is an important component of emergency preparedness. Only after we identify or become aware of risks can we…

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  • A 7th grade young man standing in a barn next to many horse show ribbons.

    Georgia 4-H recently hosted the State 4-H Horse Show at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, where young equestrians from across the state showcased their skills in various equestrian disciplines. Among the standout participants were Forsyth County youths Timothy Laszlo and Dustin Thomas, who, along with certified volunteer leader Lynn Brecht, represented their county with…

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