sowega Master Gardeners

08/30/2026

Cool online class, no cost!

Free Online Course: Native plants used for natural dyes & inks, Tuesday, September 15, 12-1 pm. Discover how native plants like black walnut, goldenrod, pokeberry, sumac and more have been traditionally harvested and transformed into richly hued dyes for fiber arts. Dr. Holly Campbell with University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources will help you learn safe, ethical foraging practices, see real dye results on different fibers, and explore simple, accessible techniques for turning local plants into beautiful, usable color. Perfect for anyone curious about natural dyeing, wild harvesting.
Registration link in comments.

08/28/2026

We are excited to announce the 2026 SOWEGA Master Naturalist Program in Dougherty County starting from October 14 to December 9, 2026 in collaboration with Chehaw Park & Zoo. If you are a nature enthusiast and are interested in learning about natural habitats and environment, you should consider becoming a Georgia Master Naturalist.

Location: Chehaw Park & Zoo (105 Chehaw Park Rd, Albany, GA 31701)

Time & Date: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, Wednesdays, October 14 - December 9, 2026

Registration Deadline: 5:00 pm, October 9, 2026.

Register at https://uga.questionpro.com/2026sowegamasternaturalistprogram

For more information about this program, contact UGA Dougherty County Extension/4H at (229) 436-7216 or [email protected]

08/21/2026

Native blooms in the garden! 😻

08/20/2026

Native blooms in the garden! 😻

08/19/2026

Native blooms in the garden!

08/18/2026

Native blooms in the garden! 🥰

08/18/2026

Native blooms in the garden 😻

08/01/2026

The SOWEGA Master Gardeners are care takers of the Native Garden at Chehaw. During a workday this week it was noted that the native Azalea at the front entrance has something eating on its uppermost leaves. This time, we don’t think the culprits are caterpillars because caterpillars don’t discriminate, they eat EVERYTHING -- from top to bottom! Our guess is that the deer are selectively munching away on the newer, more tender leaves at the top of the plant. (just a guess!) And while we were studying the plant, we found a lot of small seed pods starting to form. Maybe we can try our hand at growing some of them at the end of the season? (see photos)