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

  • May 16 Container Gardens, Pretty and Productive! (Virtual Series) Container gardens are a great addition to your home for so many reasons. Ideal for those with little space; they are affordable, versatile and offer plenty of seasonal variety, you just can’t go wrong! Lisa Klein teaches you about selecting containers, types of plants, proper care, and everything in between.
    • Virtual Event
  • May 17 2024 Georgia Master Naturalist Program The Georgia Master Naturalist Program is an adult environmental education course developed by UGA Extension and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources for people interested in exploring the habitats, ecosystems and the natural environments of our state. The Program is a combination of lectures and hands-on field studies taught by UGA faculty and field experts. Each year's program is unique and field trips and topics are subject to change. Previous Athens Area Master Naturalist programs included trips to Thompson Mill Arboretum in Braselton, GA and Rock and Shoals Granite Outcrop. Georgia Master Naturalist Program graduates are invited to the annual ANREP conference. We are currently accepting applications for the 2024 Master Naturalist course! The course will begin in April of 2024 and will be held on Fridays for nine consecutive weeks.
    • Bogart, GA - (50.0 Miles)
  • May 20 Clase de ServSafe para Gerentes y examen para obtener la certificación El programa de capacitación en seguridad alimentaria de ServSafe lidera el camino al proporcionar materiales educativos al día e integrales a la industria de servicios de alimentos. La clase y el examen ServSafe para Gerentes son reconocidos por más jurisdicciones federales, estatales y locales que cualquier otra certificación de seguridad alimentaria y en Georgia, la ley exige la certificación de seguridad alimentaria. La Extensión de la Universidad de Georgia en Gwinnett se complace en ofrecer la clase y el examen de certificación de ServSafe para gerentes en español. Class, Book, and Test $150 Retest - $70 Contacte a Ines Beltran a inesb@uga.edu or al 678-477-4014
    • Lawrenceville, GA

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 $10.00 (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 inhouse 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), $10 (overnight UPS label)
    This test requires the sample be collected and shipped in a special bottle. Come by our office to get your kit, which includes bottle, instructions, and box. Follow the instructions to pull your sample, enclose a check for $36 inside the box. Come by our office and purchase an overnight UPS shipping label for $10 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.) - $25.00

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 Test (W33B) - $85.00 (+ $10 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; RUSH shipping may be available. Call us for more information