With spring gardening season now underway, Chattooga County Extension is reminding local gardeners that not every insect in the garden is a bad thing.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Georgia Centennial Farm Program, which honors farms that have been in the same family for 100 years or more.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers will host a special meeting on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM at the Chattooga County Ag Center, featuring guest speaker Jason Duggin of the University of Georgia Beef Team.
Cattle producers in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to have herd bulls evaluated during upcoming Bull Breeding Soundness Exams scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
The University of Georgia Extension – Chattooga County is inviting residents to participate in a “Learning to Live With Diabetes” Cooking School Series, designed to help individuals better manage diabetes and other chronic health conditions through healthier cooking and nutrition choices.
The 2026 Lunch and Learn Series will cover several topics including label reading and portion control, sweeteners, carbohydrates and fiber, hypertension and sodium, and modifying recipes for healthier alternatives. Classes will be held Wednesdays from noon until 1:30 p.m. beginning March 25 and continuing through April 22.
Each class costs $15 and includes lunch. Sessions will take place at the Chattooga County Extension Office, 40 Middle School Road in Summerville. To register, residents can call 706-857-0744 or email rbt@uga.edu.
The Chattooga River Group is inviting the public to take part in an upcoming Blue Trail paddle event on Lyerly Dam Road in Summerville. The paddle will begin with a mass launch at 10 a.m. and will follow the route from Lyerly Dam Launch to Chattoogaville.
Special guest Shane Kornberg, former manager of the Fish Hatchery in Cohutta and now an Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with UGA Extension in Whitfield County, will lead discussion during the outing. Organizers say Kornberg will cover topics including river ecology, invasive versus native species, and the benefits of a diverse ecosystem.
Participants will need to bring their own kayak, paddle, life jacket, and snacks, and should also make their own transportation arrangements for after the paddle. Organizers say each participant will be asked to provide an emergency contact and sign a waiver before launching.
The University of Georgia Beef Team is hosting a free educational webinar to help producers and the public learn more about the New World Screwworm and how to prepare for the potential threat.
Residents who want to grow their own vegetables can get ready for spring planting at a Vegetable Gardening Class happening tomorrow, Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Road.
Organizers say the class will cover site preparation, soil fertility, planting practices, and other tips to help gardeners prepare for the upcoming growing season. Space is limited, and those planning to attend are asked to call 706-857-0744 to reserve a spot.
The program is offered through UGA Extension – Chattooga County and is an equal opportunity event. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation or language access services should contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at least three weeks prior to the program date.
For more information or to register, call 706-857-0744 or email chattooga.extension@uga.edu.
Local students can get involved in 4-H style summer learning with Poultry Project 2026, with sign-ups scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 9:00 a.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, 40 Middle School Road.
Organizers say students who participate will purchase eight chicks to raise through the summer, then bring them to the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair on the last weekend in August. During the fair, students will select their best three birds to compete in the poultry show and take part in the auction.
For more details, contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744 or email chattooga.extension@uga.edu.
The familiar buzz of hummingbird wings will soon return to Chattooga County and surrounding communities as spring migration gets underway. As temperatures gradually warm, ruby-throated hummingbirds are making their long journey north from wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.