Autauga County - Alabama Extension

10/07/2026

🍎Calling all Cloverbuds ages 5-8! 🍎
Come join us for a fun-filled morning all about APPLES! We will learn, make crafts, have fun, and even join Scott's Orchard LIVE for Apple Crunch Day in conjunction with Alabama Farm to School Program! We would love all cloverbuds to join us! 🍏🍎Please RSVP to Mrs. Heather with your family's name and the number of cloverbuds attending! We can't wait to see everyone! 🍎

10/07/2026

Take a few moments now to prepare.

As Tropical Storm Isaias, pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs, develops in the Gulf, Alabama Extension encourages everyone to review hurricane preparations at home, at work, and on the farm.

Review emergency plans and confirm important contacts.
Take steps to protect your family, property, and important records.
Prepare livestock, crops, and farm equipment.
After the storm, stay clear of fallen trees, loose debris, and downed power lines.

Monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service office, and follow instructions from local emergency officials.

Find preparedness resources through Alabama Extension’s Alabama Ready initiative: https://www.aces.edu/go/4522

10/07/2026

🍀 Celebrating Autauga County 4-H!

The Autauga County Commission proudly presented a proclamation recognizing October 4–10 as National 4-H Week! This year’s theme, “Beyond Ready,” celebrates preparing young people for life and career.

“Autauga County’s 4-H young people show us what it means to learn by doing and give back to their community,” said Autauga County Commission Chairman Jay Thompson. “Whether they’re developing a new skill, working together on a project, or volunteering to help others, they’re building confidence that will serve them well wherever life takes them. During National 4-H Week, we’re proud to recognize these young people and the families, volunteers, and Extension staff who support them.”

Thank you, Autauga County 4-H, for helping our young people build confidence, discover their talents, and grow as leaders! 💚

10/07/2026

🌪️ Don’t wait until the storm is at your doorstep. Take a few minutes today to review your hurricane preparedness plan and make sure your family, home, and important records are ready. Preparedness starts now.

Extension’s Alabama Ready website provides science-based guidance on preparing homes and families, protecting important records, safeguarding livestock and crops, securing equipment and property, and staying safe before, during, and after severe weather events.

Emergencies happen every day. AlabamaReady.Info is the place for information related to active emergencies in Alabama. Whether is be a hurricane threatening our shores or a disease outbreak spreading throughout the state, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is here to help you overcome these hu...

10/07/2026

Alabama After Dark: Meet the opossum!

When night falls, one of Alabama’s most misunderstood neighbors begins searching for its next meal.

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. These adaptable, nocturnal animals eat a varied diet that includes insects, rodents and carrion. By consuming these foods, opossums may help control damage to gardens and lawns while serving as part of nature’s cleanup crew.

Opossums are known for “playing possum,” but that is not usually their first response to danger. Most will try to escape. If cornered, they may hiss, growl or display their approximately 50 teeth.

They may look intimidating, but opossums rarely follow through on these defensive bluffs. They also have a remarkable resistance to many viruses and rarely contract rabies.

Learn more about this member of Alabama’s nighttime wildlife at https://www.aces.edu/go/6884

10/06/2026

Kudzu (Pueraria montana) is one of the most aggressive invasive vines in the South, quickly engulfing trees, yards, and residential structures if left unmanaged. 🌿

Controlling kudzu in residential landscapes requires persistence and integrated management strategies. Combining mechanical removal—such as repeated cutting or mowing—with targeted, properly timed herbicide applications helps exhaust the plant's massive root system and prevent re-establishment around homes and property lines.

Read the full ACES article to learn effective control methods and herbicide safety guidelines for residential kudzu management: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/kudzu-control-in-residential-areas/

10/06/2026

Happy 🍀4-H🍀Week! Go GREEN with us to celebrate!

Thank you to everyone in the office for supporting 4-H and helping us celebrate National 4-H Week!

10/05/2026

Eastern gray squirrels are common wildlife neighbors across Alabama, but when they move into attics, they can cause significant structural damage and safety hazards. 🐿️

Squirrels chew through electrical wiring, wood, and insulation to build nests, leading to costly repairs and potential fire risks. Effective management involves inspecting rooflines, sealing entry points with heavy-gauge hardware cloth, and trimming overhanging tree branches away from your home to prevent easy access.

Read the full ACES article to learn practical strategies for managing squirrel activity and preventing attic damage: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/eastern-gray-squirrels-managing-and-preventing-attic-damage/

10/05/2026

👓 Need an Eye Exam or Glasses? 👓
UAB Community Eye Care is partnering with the Autauga County Extension Office to provide eye exams and glasses to qualified individuals in our area!
📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Autauga County Extension Office
2226 Hwy 14 W, Suite E
Autaugaville, AL 36003
✅ You may qualify if: • Your income falls within federal poverty guidelines
• You are currently receiving SNAP/Food Stamps
• Vision insurance is not required
📞 Appointments are required. Call 334-361-7273 to schedule.
📋 Please bring: • Picture ID
• Insurance card (if applicable)
• Current Food Stamp/SNAP letter, or a notarized letter from a responsible party if you have no income
Help us spread the word so those in need can take advantage of this valuable community resource! ❤️👓