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, "Algae is needed in fish ponds. But some algae blooms can make ponds unsightly, while others can make ...
06/12/2026

U. G. Ander says, "Algae is needed in fish ponds. But some algae blooms can make ponds unsightly, while others can make ponds dangerous!"

Algae are important in ponds, providing a vital link in the food chain. But certain species can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) that produce toxins, turning the water green, blue-green, or red and producing surface scum or foam. If HAB is suspected, keep people and animals away and avoid using the water for irrigation. UGA Extension offers water tests for algae and toxins; contact your local agent. To prevent blooms, reduce fertilizer runoff by limiting fertilizer, adding buffer strips, and keeping animals out. Use aerators sparingly to prevent stagnant water.

It's time for the next round of Oconee County's favorite ID game: "What's That Pest: Disease/Disorder Edition"! Private ...
06/10/2026

It's time for the next round of Oconee County's favorite ID game: "What's That Pest: Disease/Disorder Edition"!

Private message our page with your guess. All correct answers submitted by end of day next Tuesday will be entered into a random drawing to win a free soil test.

Disease/Disorder Description:
Fungal infection that spreads between cedars/junipers and apple trees. Produces orange, gelatinous "tentacles" from galls on cedars/junipers and orange-red spots on apple leaves. Can cause leaf drop and reduced fruit production in apple trees.

We didn't have a winner for last week's "What's That Pest!". Make sure to play next time!It's Sooty Mold!Sooty Mold is a...
06/10/2026

We didn't have a winner for last week's "What's That Pest!". Make sure to play next time!

It's Sooty Mold!

Sooty Mold is a black, ash-like fungus that coats leaves, stems, and fruit. It doesn’t harm plants directly; it feeds on honeydew from sap-sucking insects like aphids. However, it can block sunlight, reduce photosynthesis, and signal an insect problem.
Control the insects first by checking the plants (especially the undersides of leaves). Washing off the mold helps, but it will return if pests remain.

U. G. Ander says, "Summertime is pond time! But it can also be 'pond-issues' time."The most common summer pond issue is ...
06/09/2026

U. G. Ander says, "Summertime is pond time! But it can also be 'pond-issues' time."

The most common summer pond issue is excessive aquatic plant growth caused by warm water, fertilizer, and sunlight. Since plants are vital for pond health, offering cover, food, and gas exchange, the goal isn’t to remove them all. Keep plants at 20% or less surface coverage and prevent overgrowth by reducing fertilizer and adding a vegetative buffer strip around the water edge. Manual removal, sterile grass carp, or EPA-approved herbicides can control excessive plant growth. First, identify the plant species, and always follow herbicide label instructions as they are the law.

This week's Wildlife Spotlight is a noisy, bright blue member of the Corvid family.It's the Blue Jay!The Blue Jay is a l...
06/08/2026

This week's Wildlife Spotlight is a noisy, bright blue member of the Corvid family.

It's the Blue Jay!

The Blue Jay is a large, intelligent songbird with bright blue, black, and white plumage and a noticeable crest. Their blue color is caused by light refraction in the feathers, not blue pigment. Blue Jays are social, often mate for life, and both parents help raise the young. They communicate with calls, body language, and even mimic hawks or other sounds to warn or trick nearby animals.

Blue Jays eat insects, seeds, and nuts, with acorns being especially important. They often store acorns for later, helping spread oak trees across forests. For example, 6 Blue Jays cached up to 5,000 acorns in one season.

We’re proud to spotlight these outstanding 4-H teens who completed Teen Leader Certification I & II on June 2, 2026, at ...
06/03/2026

We’re proud to spotlight these outstanding 4-H teens who completed Teen Leader Certification I & II on June 2, 2026, at the Athens-Clarke County Extension Office in a collaborative Co-County training!

Led by Elizabeth Conway (Athens-Clarke County CEC & 4-H Agent) and Lisa Gipson (Oconee County 4-H Agent), these 4-H’ers dove into what it truly means to lead: exploring leadership styles, responsibilities, and how to confidently step up at events, including overnight programs and camps.

From understanding personality strengths to preparing for real-life leadership scenarios, these teens are equipped and ready to lead at the next level this summer and beyond.

👏 Join us in celebrating:
Front Row: Emma Garner, Ellie Poole, Clarke Ashley
Back row: Neveah Jones, Josie Ross, Harris Smith, and Baxter McLean

Also pictured: Clarke County 4-Hers.


1d

1 day ago

WIN A FREE SOIL TEST BAG!!!It's time for the next round of Oconee County's favorite ID game: "What's That Pest: Disease/...
06/03/2026

WIN A FREE SOIL TEST BAG!!!
It's time for the next round of Oconee County's favorite ID game: "What's That Pest: Disease/Disorder Edition"!

Private message our page with your guess. All correct answers submitted by end of day next Tuesday will be entered into a random drawing to win a free soil test.

Disease/Disorder Description:
Charcoal black fungus that coats leaves, fruits, twigs, and branches. Can be washed off. NOT a plant parasite, but it can block out light, reducing photosynthesis. Develops on honeydew left behind by sucking insects (aphids, scale, etc.).

We have a winner for last week's "What's That Pest?"! Make sure to play this week.It's Green Kyllinga!Green Kyllinga (Pa...
06/03/2026

We have a winner for last week's "What's That Pest?"! Make sure to play this week.

It's Green Kyllinga!

Green Kyllinga (Pasture Spikesedge) is a non-native perennial sedge that thrives in sunny, moist, overwatered lawns. It has narrow, grass-like leaves and is often mistaken for Nutsedge, but spreads in dense mats and lacks underground tubers. It spreads by rhizomes and seed.

Control is difficult; hand-pull small patches, but regrowth can occur. Reduce excess moisture by watering deeply and infrequently. Herbicides may help. Follow labels and contact your local Extension agent for options.

This week's Wildlife Spotlight is an amphibian that some people think smells like peanut butter!It's the Eastern Spadefo...
06/01/2026

This week's Wildlife Spotlight is an amphibian that some people think smells like peanut butter!

It's the Eastern Spadefoot Toad!

The Eastern Spadefoot Toad is a large toad with smoother skin than most other toads and colors ranging from tan to dark brown. Most have pale lines forming an hourglass shape on the back. Their most distinctive features are yellow eyes with cat-like pupils and the black “spades” on their back feet, which they use for digging burrows underground.

Eastern Spadefoot Toads prefer sandy soil and spend most of their lives buried underground, emerging after heavy rains to breed in temporary pools. Females can lay up to 2,500 eggs, and tadpoles develop very quickly, sometimes transforming in as little as 28 days. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates. While harmless, handling them may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

U. G. Ander says, "Want your landscape to have both beauty and function? Try edible flowers!"While edible flowers can ad...
05/29/2026

U. G. Ander says, "Want your landscape to have both beauty and function? Try edible flowers!"

While edible flowers can add flavor or interest to dishes, it's not always safe. Some flowers have only certain parts that are edible, such as the petals. Also, make sure to know where the flower was grown and what the plant was treated with during its growth. Like with all food, some people may still have sensitivity or reactions to plants that are "safe" to eat. When in doubt, throw it out! Examples of plants that produce edible flowers include: beebalm, chamomile, lemon verbena, elderberry, chives, roses, yucca, thyme, and hibiscus.

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Oconee County GA Cooperative Extension posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Oconee County GA Cooperative Extension:

Shortcuts

Share

Category