Recent Posts
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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…
Posted in: 4-H -
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…
Posted in: ANR -
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…
Posted in: 4-H -
Fall armyworms are an annual pest of pastures, hay fields, and lawns. They are actually caterpillars, not worms. The moths that lay the eggs that hatch into these grass-eating caterpillars hop-scotch north from Florida on spring and summer weather fronts. They land in pastures, fields, and lawns and lay eggs. After only a few days,…
Posted in: Uncategorized -
Walking down to the compost pile the other day, I noticed a line of dark spots on the ground. From my lofty five-foot height, they looked like tiny balls of fertilizer granules or little mounds of excavated earth – except they were the wrong color. I found a stick and scooped up some of the…
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As the drought intensified through July, landscapes showed progressive signs of stress. By the third week without rainfall, tree leaves turned colors and dropped prematurely. Plants stalled and stopped growing. Even under irrigation, lawns parched and turned brown. Despite receiving an average of 50 inches of rain each year, drought is usually part of our…
Posted in: ANR -
Since 1942, the State Congress has been the premier event for high school-aged Georgia 4-H members, showcasing their talents, leadership, and community service. Held annually in Atlanta, this four-day event features a range of contests, recognizes scholarship recipients, and honors state winners across various projects and competitions. It also serves as an opportunity to celebrate…
Posted in: 4-H -
You may have heard in recent weeks about dam failures following heavy rains. Two notable failures include Rapidan Dam in Minnesota, which began on June 25th, and the Nashville Reservoir in Illinois on July 16th. The Rapidan Dam became loaded with debris after storms knocked trees and other materials into the river. After two days…
Posted in: ANR -
The lower half of my grandmother’s apartment window was filled with African violets. Occasionally, she accidentally broke off a violet leaf when she watered or rotated the pots, but she just stuck it into another pot, and it grew into a new plant. I thought she was magical. My grandmother wasn’t magical, but she could…
Posted in: ANR -
The National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships is an annual event that brings together youth from across the United States to compete in various shooting disciplines. The competition typically includes events in archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and pistol. Participants qualify for the national championship through state-level competitions and must demonstrate not only shooting proficiency but also…
Posted in: 4-H