UGA Extension coordinator reports rising 4‑H enrollment and expanded Master Gardener programming in Troup County

Laura, the county extension coordinator with the University of Georgia, told the Troup County Board of Commissioners that 4‑H enrollment and program contacts have risen over the past several years and that program growth was made possible by filling a previously vacant 4‑H assistant position. "The mission of Extension is to translate the science of everyday living for Georgia farmers, families, and communities," she said, describing the Extension role and three program areas: youth development (4‑H), agriculture and natural resources, and family and consumer sciences.

Laura listed concrete expansions: the office added seven new out‑of‑school opportunities for youth last year, supports two shooting‑sports teams and plans to introduce archery in the fall. She told commissioners the Master Gardener volunteer corps recorded 741 volunteer hours last year—valued at more than $23,000—and applied that labor to beautification projects at the AgCenter, approximately 284 planted specimens around the facility, and outreach into schools. Laura also said the office currently has an open Agriculture and Natural Resources agent position.