Laurens County Clemson Extension Service

10/08/2026

We are getting many reports of Joro spiders in Laurens County. Here’s how to identify them. We don’t need you to report them (we know they are here in large numbers), but this may help decide if the spider you see is the invasive Joro.

Sightings of the Joro spider are increasing in Western NC!
These large Joro spiders (top left photo) are relatively new to NC, but pose no threat to humans. Read our article on everything you need to know about the Joro spider and how you can help us track it by reporting your sightings: https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/news/joro-spiders-in-north-carolina-everything-you-need-to-know
The Joro spider is easily mistaken for several native, beneficial spiders in NC.
Learn how to identify the Joro spider with this Plant Disease and Insect Clinic article: https://pdic.ces.ncsu.edu/news/similar-but-different-these-are-not-joro-spiders

NC State Forest Health

09/30/2026

Drew Smith, Jeff Fellers

09/29/2026

Stop in and visit us at our new location this Thursday! 61 Ag Center Drive, beside the new Laurens Ag Center (behind Aldi's and Ingles). Dr. Matt Holt, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences plans to be with us from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

09/01/2026

08/14/2026

🐦🌲 South Carolina Landowners: Invest in Your Land's Future 🌲🐦‍⬛

Join Audubon South Carolina, Clemson Extension and conservation partners for a series of engaging Landowner Workshops and Field Tours designed to help private landowners maintain productive, profitable and resilient forests for generations to come.

Learn about:
✅ Getting to Know Your Woods
✅ Financial Assistance for Landowners
✅ Income Opportunities from Forests & Voluntary Carbon Markets
✅ Prescribed Fire & Native Understory Management
✅ Erosion Control
✅ Bird-Friendly Forestry & Conservation Easements

South Carolina landowners face increasing pressures from development, rising costs and changing markets. These workshops provide practical tools and resources that balance conservation and economic return while helping keep your land intact for future generations.

📍 Workshop Locations & Dates
• September 17, 2026 – P*e Dee Research & Education Center, Florence
• October 20, 2026 – Sandhills Research & Education Center, Columbia
• November 18, 2026 – BearnLee Tree Farm, Laurens

🔗 To register visit- https://tr.ee/9LdY3pje35

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with forestry, wildlife, and conservation experts while learning strategies to support your land's long-term success.

08/14/2026

🗺️🌲 Ready to better understand your property?
Join us for the first session of the 4-part SC WOWFall Webinar Series as Clemson Extension’s Jeff Fellers shares tools, maps and apps that can help you learn more about your land and make informed management decisions.

📅 September 22, 2026
🕖 7:00 - 8:00 PM
💻 Zoom

💲 $15 covers the entire 4-part webinar series
👕 Participants can also purchase an official SC WOW t-shirt

👉 Register today: https://WOWFall26.eventbrite.com

✅ Pre-registration required
✅ Recordings available for all registered participants
✅ Open to everyone, regardless of s*x

08/11/2026

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-basics-of-beekeeping-hybrid-course-tickets-1996816670414?aff=oddtdtcreator

Calling all bee lovers and aspiring bee keepers 🐝

The Clemson Apiculture and Pollinator Program is offering a hybrid course on entry level bee keepers. You’ll learn about:

🐝 Honey Bee Biology
🐝 Beekeeping Equipment
🐝 Hive Management
🐝 Pests and Diseases
🐝 Honey and Other Hive Products
🐝 Review: The Beekeeper’s Year

More information below ⬇️