Bradford Pear Bounty

Bradford pears were once planted for their showy white spring blooms; they are now widely recognized as a problem tree. Its weak branch structure makes it prone to splitting and storm damage, and it spreads aggressively into woodlands, pastures, and home landscapes where it outcompetes native plants.

The Bradford Pear Bounty is designed to educate property owners and businesses about the impacts of Bradford pears and to encourage their removal and replacement with more suitable tree species.

2026 Cultivating Knowledge in the Garden

Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers and NCCE-Clay County Center is excited to announce the 2026 Cultivating Knowledge in the Garden. Each session will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, starting at 9 a.m. beginning on April 14 through August 11. All sessions are taught by Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers and this event is made possible through the annual Clay County Master Gardener Plant Sale. Classes are held in the Gazebo Classroom in the Downtown Discovery Garden, 25 Riverside Circle, Hayesville. Rain Dates will be announced on a case by case basis.

2026 Home Gardener Series

Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers & NCCE – Clay County Center is excited to announce the 2026 Home Gardener Series. This year’s lineup features professionals in various areas of horticulture who will be coming to Clay County. This event is made possible through the funds raised each year at the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale.

Spring Harbinger

As we turn the corner toward spring, there’s something many of us are quietly craving: more light.

With Daylight Saving Time just around the corner, longer days and brighter evenings are on the way — and that’s good news for our mood, motivation, and overall health.

The Winter Blues Are Real

If you’ve felt more sluggish, unmotivated, or prone to comfort foods during the winter months, you’re not imagining it. Winter depression — often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — is a real condition recognized by the National Institute of Mental Health. Reduced daylight can disrupt our circadian rhythm and lower serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and low motivation.

The Clay County 4-H Fruit Plant Sale is an annual fundraiser that gives community members the chance to purchase high-quality fruit trees, berries, and edible plants while supporting local 4-H youth programs. From February 1 through March 15, customers can order a wide selection of plants, including apples, peaches, cherries, pears, plums, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, muscadines, elderberries, paw paws, persimmons, and figs. Orders are placed bringing order form to the Clay County Center or mailing to, Clay County Center, 25 Riverside Circle, Suite 2, Hayesville, NC 28904, and plants are available for pickup in April at the Clay County Extension Office. Proceeds from the sale help fund educational opportunities, hands-on projects, and leadership experiences for local 4-H members, making every purchase an investment in both your garden and the future of Clay County youth.

Pesticide Safety Classes in Cherokee County

Keeping your certification up to date is now easier and more flexible than ever. Through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Science (NCD&CS) and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, you can choose the learning environment that best fits your lifestyle.