Clemson University Cooperative Extension offices are located in each coastal county. Contact your local county Extension agent for assistance and additional information about Coast-A-Syst topics. General water quality publications are available on the Clemson University Cooperative Extension website, http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/psapublishing/Pages/Water/water.htm. The Extension Water Quality Home Page (http://www.clemson.edu/ cleanwaterwater/) describes ongoing water quality projects, research, education and current issues.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Office of Environmental Quality Management is involved with the protection of the environment and is organized into program areas concerning solid waste and hazardous waste management, drinking water protection, water pollution control, and air quality control. There are district offices which are strategically located throughout the state and staffed with professionals who work in all EQC program areas.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts work with federal (Natural Resources Conservation Service) and state (S.C. Department of Natural Resources) partners to assist local landowners in the application of conservation practices.

Master Gardener Program

The South Carolina Master Gardener Program is a volunteer training program administered by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Introduced in Charleston County in 1981, the Master Gardener program is now offered in 25 counties

The Master Gardener program is divided into two parts: instruction and service. In the first part, participants receive at least 40 hours of intensive, practical horticultural training. A few of the following topics are covered in the program:

After successfully completing the classroom portion, which involves regular attendance and passing a final exam, participants receive the title of “Master Gardener.” The Master Gardener graduates then volunteer at least 40 hours of service in the Clemson Extension office or in the community. Volunteer activities are coordinated through the local county Extension office.

Master Gardeners share their knowledge and skills in a number of ways: answering horticulture calls at the Extension office; speaking to garden and civic clubs; working with youth or senior groups; and assissting communities with beautification projects.

Many Master Gardeners far exceed the expected 40 hours of service. Many continue in the program beyond the first year, motivated by their willingness to help others and personal satisfaction derived from participating in this community service program.

If you have the desire, commitment and time to learn and want to put your knowledge and skills to work through volunteer service, then apply for admission to the Master Gardener program. Contact your county Clemson Extension agent to see if a program is offered in your county. For those with internet access, log onto the S.C. Master Gardener website at

http://agweb.clemson.edu/Hort/SCMG/MGBrochW.htm

to see which counties have active Master Gardener programs.