Our Impact
Making A Difference in Our County
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is working hard for its constituents. The following are examples of Extension’s impact on the county over the past year.
AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Goods and services related to Georgia’s agriculture and natural resources affect each of the state’s communities every day. Agriculture is Georgia’s largest industry and its direct and indirect economic impact totals in the billions. Hundreds of thousands of Georgia jobs are directly involved in commodity or food- and fiber-related industries. UGA Extension faculty and staff play a key role in the success of this industry by sharing university-based research for Georgians to use on the farm and at home. Recommendations in areas including soil fertility, pest management, plant and crop varieties, water quality, and herd health and management focus on maximizing production and profits while minimizing environmental impacts. Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension agents also provide homeowners and communities with information on lawn care, landscaping, gardening, and water conservation through a variety of workshops. Some agents also work with schools on projects like community gardens and farm-to-school programs. Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteers give thousands of hours of service to their communities by answering questions in county offices and creating educational opportunities.
MASTER GARDENER EXTENSION VOLUNTEERS (MGEVs)
Each year, MGEVs work to connect UGA Extension, plant enthusiasts, and communities across the state. Pickens MGEVs have a passion for volunteering. Their time was spent over the spring and summer offering native plants to our community at our local Farmers Market and assisting the public with their knowledge of native plants and home gardening. In 2024, the Farmers Market celebrated 25 years of service to Pickens County. The market saw an increase in vendor participation, and vendors benefited from increased sales.
In 2024, MGEVs offered several workshops to the public with seed swapping and plant and paint programs where those who attended would attend a presentation on garden perennials and annuals and then paint a canvas or flower pot.
MGEVs are committed to growing and helping their community and look forward to many more years of growth and service.
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Participation in the Pickens County 4-H program has been balanced with the help of our volunteers. In 2024, Pickens County hired a full-time 4-H agent and we are excited to see the program grow even more. 4-H has been recognized and welcomed into elementary schools, middle schools, and junior high schools for monthly lessons or participation in club days every year. Summer activities were created to reach youth during the summer to encourage them to be active both inside and outside. Activities involved community service projects, cooking activities, and STEM-related projects. We also competed in a variety of district competitions. District contests include Cotton Boll, Consumer Judging, and District Project Achievement. Our youth can learn new skills, increase their self-confidence, make new friends, experience different surroundings, and participate in many new things. In 2024, we have 7 students attending 4-H State Congress to compete to Master their projects.
Summer is usually one of the most exciting seasons for 4-H. Pickens County 4-H’ers would travel to a 4-H Center for a week-long summer camp. In 2024, we had participants go to Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior camps.
Pickens County is very proud of our volunteers. Many of the activities and programs listed above would not be possible without volunteers. Volunteers donate their time and effort to make 4-H programs succeed on a community, district, and state level.