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White County 4-H'ers at State Council, Rock Eagle 4-H Center
What is UGA Extension?
A partnership of the University of Georgia, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. UGA Extension is on the forefront of food safety, technology, research, and education; keeping Georgia’s economy strong and making life better for Georgians.
UGA Extension White County links the resources of the University of Georgia and White County to provide educational programs, information, and assistance to citizens. UGA Extension White County helps its citizens by addressing the following initiatives:
- 4-H Youth Development and Leadership Program
- Agriculture Programming and Research Opportunities
- Water Quality
- Family and Economic Well-Being
- Conservation and Management of Natural Resources
- Community Service Learning / Citizenship
- Improving Nutrition, Diet and Health
Our Mission
Our mission is to extend lifelong learning from the University of Georgia to the everyday lives of Georgians through current, research-based education in agriculture, youth and families, the environment, and communities.
Free online learning
24/7 Tips to live a more active lifestyle, shop smarter, make healthier food choices, and cook delicious meals on a budget! Receive free kitchen and fitness items.
Upcoming Events
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Jan 22 Radon Awareness Lunch n' Learn January is Radon Awareness Month! Radon is a toxic, naturally occurring gas formed by radium breakdown that can infiltrate our water and air supply. Inhalation poses a significant threat, as long-term exposure is linked to lung cancer. Join us on January 22nd for lunch and a talk about Radon safety from the UGA Radon Educator, Rebecca Cantrell. Free Radon test kits will be provided at the end of the program. Lunch will be provided with the cost of registration. Please register by January 17th, 2025.
- Washington, GA - (86.0 Miles)
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Jan 23 Gardening Lunch and Learn Series- Planning Out Your Garden Join us for the first session of our Gardening Lunch and Learn Series as we discuss the planning it takes when it comes to gardening! We will discuss planning out a garden while also discussing when you should do certain gardening tasks during the year!
- Hartwell, GA - (53.0 Miles)
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Feb 20 Gardening Lunch and Learn Series - Soil Health and Fertility Join us for the second session of our series where we will discuss soil health and fertility and how it relates to the success of our gardens and landscapes!
- Hartwell, GA - (53.0 Miles)
Nathan Eason talks with White County residents about cover crops.
Testing Services
Soil Testing
If you have questions about your lawn, garden, trees, etc. we always suggest starting with a soil test.
It is not necessary to come by and pick up the bags first. You may bring your dry sample into our office in plastic bags, or even in a bucket; we will transfer it over to our UGA soil bags. Make sure you bring enough: about 2 cups.
The cost per sample is $12.00 (cash or check) and the results are either emailed or mailed. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00; we do close from 12:00-1:00 for lunch.
For more about how determine your sampling area, etc., check here.
Water Testing
Public and municipal water supplies are routinely tested and must meet standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Therefore, these sources usually do not need to be tested unless in-house contamination is suspected. However, only YOU are responsible for the safety of your well water.
When you pour yourself a glass of water to drink, it may appear clean, taste good, and you may expect it to be safe. However, many sources of water we assume are safe may contain dissolved minerals, organic compounds or even live organisms at harmful concentrations. Contaminated water used for drinking and cooking may affect your health. This concern merits a bacterial test:
- Total Coliform / E. coli (Colilert®) - $36.00 (test), $12 (overnight UPS label)
This test requires the sample be collected and shipped in a special bottle. Come by our office to get your supplies (bottle, instructions, and box). Follow the instructions to collect your sample, enclose a check for $36 inside the box. Come by our office and purchase an overnight UPS shipping label for $12 and ship to the lab. Sampling must be done on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and must be received at the lab in Athens WITHIN 24 HOURS of sampling.
-High concentrations of certain minerals in your water can result in quality issues such as unpleasant taste and odors or staining of bathroom fixtures and/or laundry. For this you'll need a more basic test:
- Basic Water Test (Minimum Sample Amt.: 4 oz.) - $30.00
For this test, you can bring your 4-oz. sample to our office in a clean container; we'll handle the shipping. Included in this test are pH and Hardness, Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Phosphorus (P), Boron (B), Magnesium (Mg), Silica (SiO2), Potassium (K), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), and Zinc (Zn).
Water samples should be collected from the kitchen faucet or from the faucet used most often for drinking.
Samples will be sent to a laboratory at UGA and results will be available in 7-10 business days.
Other extensive testing is available, including the Home Loan Closing Test (see details below:)
- Home Loan Closing Water Test (W33B) - $85.00 (+ $12 overnight shipping label when applicable). Comprised of four tests commonly required for home closings. Ask your lending agency for specific details about what is needed in your situation. Normal turnaround time is 5-10 business days. Call us for more information.