Oconee County GA Cooperative Extension

Oconee County GA Cooperative Extension UGA Cooperative Extension helps Georgians become healthier, more productive, & financially independent.

U. G. Ander says, "Watering stations are a great way to support pollinators Georgia's hot, dry falls!"Fall is still plen...
08/28/2026

U. G. Ander says, "Watering stations are a great way to support pollinators Georgia's hot, dry falls!"

Fall is still plenty hot in Georgia and, historically, pretty dry. Lack of watering options can push pollinators into undesired areas, like pools. Providing watering stations can help protect them from becoming a nuisance. Watering dishes should be shallow, with perches above the water, like rocks or pebbles; insects can drown in deep water. Spruce up watering dishes by adding incentives like sliced fruit, salt, or even a sprinkle of manure. Change water often to prevent bacterial growth or mosquito larvae, and sanitize dishes weekly. Not looking to add physical stations? Spray down an open spot in a sunny location to make a natural mud puddle. It's where pollinators would naturally be looking for water, anyway.

Are you a local artist or business looking to connect with your community while supporting environmental education?The 2...
08/28/2026

Are you a local artist or business looking to connect with your community while supporting environmental education?

The 2026 Oconee County Bat Festival is seeking interested vendors to join us on Monday, October 12th, from 4-8 PM at Heritage Park. As the festival promotes environmental awareness and education, we will prioritize vendors whose handmade work features natural themes, earth-inspired elements, or representations of the environment, wildlife, and botanical subjects. No food or drink may be sold. Spots are limited, and a signed contract is required.

If you are interested, please contact Carsen Dean, Oconee County ANR agent, at [email protected] or 706-542-7078 for contract information.

Congratulations to our Administrative Assistant, Patricia McLaughlin, on receiving the Excellence in Support Service Awa...
08/24/2026

Congratulations to our Administrative Assistant, Patricia McLaughlin, on receiving the Excellence in Support Service Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi last week! This well-deserved recognition reflects Patricia’s dedication, hard work, and the many ways she supports our team and the community. We are grateful for all she does and proud to celebrate this achievement with her!

Congratulations, Patricia!

U. G. Ander says, "Worried you missed the Great Southeast Pollinator Census? Don't bug out! You can still count on Satur...
08/22/2026

U. G. Ander says, "Worried you missed the Great Southeast Pollinator Census? Don't bug out! You can still count on Saturday!"

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a six-state citizen-science count run by University of Georgia Extension. Each August, thousands of people watch a blooming plant for fifteen minutes and record the insects that visit. Together, those counts build a long-term picture of pollinator health across the Southeast. Want to contribute? Learn how to count and submit completed counts at the link below:

https://gsepc.org/

Household cleaning products can introduce potentially hazardous chemicals into your home. This week, we will look at som...
08/21/2026

Household cleaning products can introduce potentially hazardous chemicals into your home. This week, we will look at some of the signal words to look for on products and ways to avoid chemical hazards in your home. Three signal words must be on products if they contain a hazardous substance. The three words are danger, poison, and warning or caution. Danger indicates the substances are extremely flammable, corrosive, or highly toxic. Poison indicates the substances are highly toxic. Warning or caution indicates the substance is moderately or slightly toxic. Hazardous substances can enter your body in three ways: ingestion, inhalation, and absorption through the skin. To reduce the risk of chemical poisoning in your home, always use chemical products in a well-ventilated area. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of inhalation and ensure a safer working environment. Also, remember to keep these products out of reach of children and pets and follow the product's specific directions.

We hope you found these tips helpful when using chemical products in your home!

Office Phone: 706-542-7078
FACS Agent Email: [email protected]

U. G. Ander had a great time at the 2026 Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen's Association Youth Livestock Show! It was a wonderful ...
08/18/2026

U. G. Ander had a great time at the 2026 Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen's Association Youth Livestock Show! It was a wonderful (and warm) weekend of supporting the local youth as they showed off their livestock projects.

Thank you to the Clarke-Oconee Cattlemen’s Association, Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department, all our 4-Hers and FFA students, volunteers, and all the sponsors who made the show possible!

U. G. Ander says, "Sometimes the best thing we can do to support pollinators is be lazy gardeners!"Give pollinators a pl...
08/14/2026

U. G. Ander says, "Sometimes the best thing we can do to support pollinators is be lazy gardeners!"

Give pollinators a place to overwinter: leave some leaves, spent flower stems, brush piles, and sunny patches of bare ground undisturbed. Pollinators may shelter under leaf litter, attach pupae to dried stems, nest in hollow stems, or burrow into bare soil. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing! Rake leaves from sidewalks and use them in garden beds, but leave less-used corners of the yard a little messy. Mix and match these practices to meet both your needs and the pollinators’ needs.

This week, we are discussing the benefits of brown rice compared to white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain, while white...
08/14/2026

This week, we are discussing the benefits of brown rice compared to white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain, while white rice is not. Brown rice provides needed fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium to the diet. Brown rice is low in fat and sodium and is free of cholesterol and trans fat. Brown rice also has a much richer flavor than white rice. Try swapping white rice for brown rice the next time you cook your favorite dish!

Office Phone: 706-542-7078
FACS Agent Email: [email protected]

Georgia 4-H AmeriCorps State Member Oconee County Extension is accepting applications for a full-time AmeriCorps State ...
08/13/2026

Georgia 4-H AmeriCorps State Member

Oconee County Extension is accepting applications for a full-time AmeriCorps State member (ACM) to serve the local 4-H program. ACMs members provide 4-H positive youth development programming.

This is a temporary, national service position (not a traditional employment position) requiring a one-year commitment. It is a direct service position that requires transport of youth and some night and weekend hours.

ACMs receive a variety of benefits: monthly living allowance ($2,075), free health insurance, and education award ($7,395) upon completing hour requirement (1,700 hours). Other benefits are available based on eligibility (childcare assistance, loan forbearance). High School diploma or equivalent and valid driver’s license required. Experience providing youth development programming and a general knowledge of 4-H is preferred.

You can find out more details about our positions by reading our Frequently Asked Questions.
https://georgia4h.org/get-involved/americorps/
Apply here: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/491917

For more information, contact Joel Burnsed, CEC Oconee County (706) 542-7078 or fill out our Interest Form - https://forms.gle/fBv6Lz1D9gDGwqfJ9 See less

U. G. Ander says, "Fall is the time to fall in love with pollinators all over again! Support them all season long with f...
08/07/2026

U. G. Ander says, "Fall is the time to fall in love with pollinators all over again! Support them all season long with fall-blooming flowers."

Planting late-blooming flowers helps extend the foraging opportunities for vital pollinators like bees and butterflies. Asters, goldenrod, sedum, black-eyed susans, blazing star, lantana, and witch hazel will bloom later in the year, with some going all the way into November. Fall is also a great opportunity to plant these late-blooming flowers to prepare for next season; there's less heat stress, but the soil is still warm enough to encourage rapid root development.

Address

1420 Government Station Road
Watkinsville, GA
30677

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17065427078

Website

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