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White County
UGA Extension Office

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Pollinator Garden, White County 2017
4-H-kids-can-grill-2022White County 4-H'ers learn to grill chicken and corn

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.


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Upcoming Events

  • Apr 26 - Apr 28 NE/NW District Junior Rally (6th - 8th Grades) - Wahsega 4-H Event
    • Dahlonega, GA - (15.0 Miles)
  • Aug 29 - Oct 25 Master Naturalist Program UGA Extension in Cobb, Douglas, & Paulding Counties are hosting a Master Naturalist Training program that provides comprehensive training for beginning farmers. The Georgia Master Naturalist Program is a hands-on environmental education course that explores habitats and ecosystems in Georgia and human impacts on these environments. This 9 day program consists of weekly field trips with in-depth lectures from regional experts on a wide variety of environmental and ecological topics. Transportation is provided to and from all locations. Fee covers weekly field trips, tours, speakers, class materials, name badge, Georgia Master Naturalist polo, snacks, drinks, and certificate of completion. The program dates are every Friday in September and every Thursday in October including an overnight on Oct. 24-25. The program days are from 9:00am to 4:00pm with an hour lunch, not including drive time.
    • Marietta, GA
  • Sep 9 Equine Emergency Response Awareness Clinic Individuals can attend an awareness level course to receive a TLAER Inc Awareness Level Certification. This is the most important level to attend for horse and barn owners, veterinarians, fire fighters, Animal Control/Services and law enforcement officers. The course will cover a wide ranging set of topics – such as best practices for vehicle accidents involving horses, loose livestock in the road, livestock euthanasia in the field, and we will set things afire to explore common barn fire hazards. This promises to be a interesting course for all attendees. There are more and more horses moving to our area and we want all involved to have some training and resources to best help the residents of their county – two and four legged. CE credit: Vets, fire fighters, law enforcement – email us to see if you can get CE credit – if we haven’t already arranged it in your county – we will work to make it happen!
    • Conyers, GA - (68.0 Miles)
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Nathan talks with homeowners about cover cropsNathan 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.

 


Soil sample bags

-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.