UGA Bacon County Extension

05/28/2026

The Coastal Resources Division of The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Georgia Coastal Management Program is hosting a "Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop" in partnership with Coca-Cola United on June 11th at the Georgia DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick, GA.

Registration fee is $45 and includes the 50-gallon drum, instructions and all supplies needed to build your own rain barrel. Please note that if registering for this workshop you must attend the educational presentation and construct your rain barrel at the workshop. Registration will be limited and is available on a first-come basis. There are 2 sessions to choose from; please only register for either the morning or afternoon session, as spots are limited.

Morning Session (9AM-11AM) Sign-Up Link: https://RainbarrelWorkshop_June2026_Morning.eventbrite.com

Afternoon Session (1PM-3PM) Sign-Up Link: https://RainbarrelWorkshop_June2026_Afternoon.eventbrite.com

Questions? Contact Kelly Hill at 912-264-7218 or via email at [email protected]

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Alt text: various photographs of students building LEGO creations

You're Invited!

The Coastal Resources Division of The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Georgia Coastal Management Program is hosting a "Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop" in partnership with Coca-Cola United!

Did you know: A rain barrel can save most homeowners 2,000 gallons of water each year which can be used for watering gardens, washing cars and other projects around the house?

At the workshop, rain barrel installation, maintenance and safety are discussed, along with instructions for the conversion kit which includes ALL parts needed for installation. Staff will be on hand with the hardware supplies and tools necessary to help you assemble the barrels on-site – ready to take home and use. The conversion kit uses a diverter system which eliminates the need for cutting off gutter downspouts, mosquitoes and over-flow valves.

Registration fee is $45 and includes the 50-gallon drum, instructions and all supplies needed to build your own rain barrel. Please note that if registering for this workshop you must attend the educational presentation and construct your rain barrel at the workshop. Registration will be limited and is available on a first come basis.

Please only register for either the morning or afternoon session, as spots are limited.

📅 When? June 11th, 2026, 9AM-11AM or 1PM-3PM
📍 Where? Georgia DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick, GA
🔗 Morning Session (9AM-11AM) Sign-Up Link: https://RainbarrelWorkshop_June2026_Morning.eventbrite.com
🔗 Afternoon Session (1PM-3PM) Sign-Up Link: https://RainbarrelWorkshop_June2026_Afternoon.eventbrite.com

We will be sending out more information prior to the workshop for registered participants but please feel free to contact Kelly Hill with questions at any time ([email protected] or 912-264-7218).

05/28/2026

With warmer days and longer evenings settling in, gardening season is suddenly here. In this episode, “Ready, Set, Grow: Quick Expert Tips To Get Your Garden Ready”, of Cultivating Curiosity, hosts are joined by Heather Kirk-Ballard, assistant professor in the University of Georgia Department of Horticulture and UGA Cooperative Extension specialist in sustainable urban landscapes, for a quick Q&A packed with practical, research-backed tips to help you grow with confidence this season — from soil prep and plant selection to watering, weeds and pests. Access it for listening at: https://cultivatingcuriosity.caes.uga.edu/1984244/episodes/18952131-ready-set-grow-quick-expert-tips-to-get-your-garden-ready

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Spring has a way of showing up all at once, and suddenly, the garden is calling. Whether you’re planting a backyard garden or a few containers on a patio, this episode of Cultivating Curiosity will help you start the season with confidence.We’re j...

05/27/2026

Farmers know better than anyone that the work never really stops. The long days, uncertainty, and constant pressure can weigh heavily, but your well-being matters just as much as the work you do. Caring for your mental health is part of caring for your farm!

Our friends at Georgia Peanuts have some great tips for mental health in agriculture. Be sure to check them out!

Make space to rest, stay connected, and reach out when things feel heavy. You don’t have to carry it all on your own. If you or someone you know needs support, the Georgia Crisis & Access Line is available 24/7: 1-800-715-4225.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

05/27/2026

The latest podcast episode from Tillin' It Like It Is: Agriculture and Community Development "Weathering the Dry Spell" is available for listening at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bJOFzPkgE3NrxiN1rxQSE

In this epidsode, hosts welcome Dr. Pam Knox (Senior Public Service Associate, Director of the UGA Weather Network and Agricultural Climatologist) to discuss the severe drought Georgia has been in, and future weather predictions.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Dr. Knox,

We appreciate you joining our podcast and sharing your knowledge with us. Thank you for all you’ve done over the years for agriculture, Extension, and the people of Georgia. Your dedication to helping farmers, communities, and Extension prepare for and respond to everything from droughts to hurricanes has made a lasting impact across Georgia. We wish you nothing but the best in your upcoming retirement.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bJOFzPkgE3NrxiN1rxQSE?si=4Y18d6FERciaHJKUJvSw4A

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tillin-it-like-it-is-agriculture-and-community-development/id1755012722

05/27/2026

Eligible licensed animal rescue organizations, local government animal shelters, and veterinary medical foundations across Georgia are encouraged to apply for the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP) Grant through the Georgia Department of Agriculture! The application period is open through June 15th.

Funding helps support spay/neuter procedures and expand access to critical animal welfare services statewide. Visit the DCSP website to learn more and apply: https://agr.georgia.gov/dcsp-grant-information

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Alt text: Flyer for the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Dog and Cat Sterilization Program featuring a dog and cat with program details.

APPLY NOW | 🐾 The application period for the DCSP Grant is open through June 15!

Eligible licensed animal rescue organizations, local government animal shelters, and veterinary medical foundations across Georgia are encouraged to apply. Funding helps support spay/neuter procedures and expand access to critical animal welfare services statewide. Learn more and apply: https://agr.georgia.gov/dcsp-grant-information

05/26/2026

Check out the latest UGA Beef Team blog post “What Forage Drought Resources Are Available?” written by Lisa Baxter, Ph.D.
Access it for reading at: https://beef.caes.uga.edu/news/2026/05/what-forage-drought-resources-are-available/

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution.

While we are appreciative of the recent rains, this drought is far from over. Here is a summary of the best resources we have available right now for managing forages during a drought. For more information, please visit the UGA Beef Drought Hub or contact your local County Extension Agent.

05/26/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month…a reminder that our mental and emotional well-being matters just as much as our physical health. In a world that often tells us to “push through,” may we also remember the importance of checking in on ourselves and on one another with kindness, compassion, and grace. Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is ask for help. Our friends at Elevate Couples Georgia have compiled a helpful list of important mental health and crisis support numbers to keep on hand. You may never need them personally, but someone you know might. A simple resource shared at the right moment can truly make a difference.

You are not alone. There is hope, help, and support available.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

You are not alone, and support is always within reach. 💙

Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, crisis, or simply need someone to talk to, these mental health resources are here to help. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Save this post for yourself or share it with someone who may need it. 🤍

05/22/2026

Bacon County Extension 4-H will be closed Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. Our office will reopen on Tuesday, May 26th at 8:00 a.m. for normal business hours.

We wish you a safe and peaceful Memorial Day as we honor and remember our heroes.

University of Georgia Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Alt-text: American flag in a grassy field with text about Memorial Day office closure.

05/22/2026

For those attending the Bacon County High School Class of 2026, please note the following graduation update released by the Bacon County School District:

Due to worsening weather conditions expected later this evening, we will begin the graduation ceremony at 6:00 PM. We have been in communication with multiple weather agencies and are making this decision based on their guidance and expertise.

We will continue to follow all GHSA weather protocols regarding lightning. In the event of significant lightning in the area, students will be moved to the gymnasium for shelter, and all guests will be asked to seek shelter as well. Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and understanding.

GATES OPEN AT 4:30 P.M.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Alt-text: Bacon County School District graduation update regarding weather changes

IMPORTANT GRADUATION CEREMONY UPDATE!!!! County High SchoolBacon County Middle SchoolBacon County Elementary SchoolBacon Primary City Of Alma, GA Bacon County Development Authority Bacon County Family Connection Alma Bacon ChamberAlma-Bacon County Chamber of CommerceBacon County School District Athletics Bacon County Senior Center

05/22/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You made it through late nights, hard work, big changes, and unforgettable memories. Your hard work has paid off. Now go shine even brighter! This is the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, growth, and success. Be proud of how far you’ve come and excited for where you’re headed next!!

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Alt-text: Congratulatory graphic for the Class of 2026 with text, a large number 26 made of silhouettes, balloons, and scattered graduation caps.