June marks the start of hurricane season in Georgia — and there’s no better time to prepare than on a sunny day. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we’re joined by Pam Knox, agricultural climatologist and director of the UGA Weather Network, to unpack what hurricane season means for Georgia residents. Pam breaks down the terms residents often hear but may not fully grasp, explaining the difference between weather and climate, how the El Niño–Southern Oscillation impacts hurricane activity, and how Georgia’s farmers rely on real-time data from UGA’s 90 weather stations across the state. We also discuss NOAA’s predictions for an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and what that could mean in practical terms. Whether you're managing a farm or prepping your household, Pam shares her top three tips to stay safe and minimize damage. And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry — we’ve included links to several helpful UGA Extension resources in the show notes.

Resources:

• Find your UGA Cooperative Extension office
• UGA Cooperative Extension Weather Emergency Resources
• UGA Weather Network
• UGA Climate Blog
• Resident’s Handbook To Prepare for Natural Hazards in Georgia
• Georgia Hurricane Evacuation Zones
• USDA Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Guides for Georgia Producers
  
  

Content from CAES:

• Weathering change: How can we achieve agricultural resilience in a changing climate?
• What the warmest year on record means for agriculture in 2025
  
  

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

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In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we dive into the science behind composting with two University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts — what composting is, why it matters and how you can start doing it right at home. Whether you’re new to composting or looking to improve your bin game, this episode breaks down the basics, offers beginner-friendly tips and shares the real-life benefits of turning your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Plus, learn how composting can save you money and help the planet, one banana peel at a time.

Resources:

• Find your UGA Cooperative Extension office
• Composting and mulching (UGA Extension publication)
• Composting: Recycling Landscape Trimmings (UGA Extension publication)
• Composting with UGArden
  
  

Content from CAES:

• Should you be composting?
• Spring is a perfect time to start composting
• Quick intro to vermicomposting (Instagram Reel)

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

As temperatures rise and Georgians head outdoors, the battle against bloodsucking pests begins in earnest. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we are joined by CAES entomologist Nancy Hinkle and public health Extension specialist Elmer Gray for a practical, no-nonsense look at two of the South’s most irritating pests: ticks and mosquitoes. In the first half of the episode, we learn essential advice on tick prevention and simple strategies for protecting our families, pets, and landscape without solely relying on pesticides. In the second half, we hear tips on how to avoid bites and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. Whether you're an avid outdoors person or just mowing the lawn, this episode will leave you better prepared to face the bugs of summer—and a little more curious about the critters creeping around your backyard.

Resources:

• Mosquito Control Around the Home (UGA Cooperative Extension publication)
• Mosquito Biology and Behavior (UGA Cooperative Extension publication)
• The Intersection of Mosquito Management and Pollinator Protection (UGA Cooperative Extension publication)
• Protect Yourself from Ticks (UGA Cooperative Extension publication)

Content from CAES:

• Community clean-ups are an important part of mosquito management
• Mosquito activity booming in Georgia's late-summer heat
• There are 63 species of mosquito in Georgia — and they are still biting
• Help prevent the spread of dengue fever
• Summertime is tick time in Georgia; time to get tick-smart
• Disease-bearing Asian longhorned tick found in north Georgia
  
  

Almanac is an annual publication that provides a window into the work being done at CAES to make the world increasingly healthy, equitable and sustainable. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 edition is now available online. Explore stories of science in service of humanity and the environment.

Get social with us!
Follow CAES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and check out UGA Extension on on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.