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Dougherty County Extension reports growth in 4‑H, new Master Gardeners and nutrition outreach
Summary
Interim Extension coordinator Margaret Holbrook updated the commission on Project Achievement competition growth, a $1,000 grant for ag education including a hydroponic project, expansion of Master Gardeners by 11 volunteers and nutrition and ServSafe training for local restaurant managers.
Margaret Holbrook, interim county extension coordinator, presented the quarterly report to Dougherty County commissioners on April 21, highlighting growth in 4‑H, agricultural outreach and family-nutrition programming.
Holbrook said the county’s delegation to the Project Achievement competition showed measurable growth and that the program will use a $1,000 grant for special agricultural education including a hydroponic garden for instructional purposes. She noted that one high school student entered a competitive report and that the 4‑H program continues to emphasize public speaking and research skills.
Vivek Bist, the county agriculture and natural resources agent (referenced in the packet), led a pecan producers meeting that grew from about 75 attendees last year to roughly 100 this year, Holbrook said. The office also completed training for 11 new Master Gardener volunteers, adding to an existing corps (Holbrook said the county previously had 20 certified Master Gardeners, so the addition brings the group to roughly 31 volunteers).
Holbrook highlighted Family and Consumer Sciences and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP): staff have partnered with the county human-resources office to offer health and wellness classes, including cooking demonstrations, for county employees. She also reported that Rebecca Banville completed ServSafe certification and has since trained four restaurant managers; Holbrook said Banville will continue to schedule regular ServSafe sessions.
Holbrook closed by noting partnerships with Turner Job Corps and Chamberlain House and asked commissioners to contact county staff if they want more detail. Commissioners praised the work and asked a couple of clarifying questions about Master Gardener credentials; Holbrook explained the certification requires roughly 50 hours of class work, a written test and volunteer hours to complete accreditation.
Action: No vote was required. Commissioners asked staff to pass praise to program staff and to provide any follow-up information requested.
Why it matters: Extension programming supports youth leadership, agriculture and nutrition education; the Master Gardener expansion strengthens volunteer capacity for community gardening assistance.
Quote: "These children all presented speeches about topics that are interesting to them," Holbrook said of Project Achievement participants.
