Jefferson County - Alabama Extension

08/28/2026

What's for dinner this weekend? My favorite is the squash recipe listed here. What's your favorite summer produce recipe? Fresh from the Farm Alabama Recipes, read more here: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/food-safety/fresh-from-the-farm-alabama-recipes/

08/28/2026

Did you know that much of Alabama's landscape has changed dramatically over the last century? Land that was once heavily used for agriculture has, in many areas, transitioned to forests managed for timber production. Today, many of these forested lands benefit from active management to improve forest health, support wildlife habitat, and restore ecological function.

Ecological restoration planning helps landowners develop strategies that work alongside their overall forest management goals to sustain native ecosystems for future generations.

Read more from Alabama Extension: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/ecological-restoration-planning/

08/28/2026

Alabama Extension at AAMU's program impacts are now online. These documents indicate how our programs make a difference across Alabama.

Check them out at: https://www.aces.edu/blog/tag/program-success-stories

08/28/2026

Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of young people in your area? Apply to be a part of the Alabama 4-H AmeriCorps program here in JEFFERSON County! 🍀🌟
4-H AmeriCorps members help deliver high-quality youth development opportunities to communities across Alabama. They engage with Alabama 4-H youth in grades 4-12 to deliver hands-on educational programming focused on STEM, workforce readiness and healthy living. This year long program offers its members great benefits and a flexible schedule! If interested in applying and to learn more, visit https://www.aces.edu/go/4HAmeriCorps

08/28/2026

I know we have folks in Jefferson County who are raising sheep and/or goats. This article is for you! And if you are a nerd like me, who loves to read and fantasize about raising small animals. Managing Milk Production for Dairy Sheep and Goats, read more here: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/animals-urban/managing-milk-production-for-dairy-sheep-and-goats/

08/27/2026

Check this out!

Invasive plants can create major challenges for homeowners and landowners. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Shane Harris and Chip East welcome Jacob Hodnett, former president of the Alabama Invasive Plant Council, to the podcast. The group explores some common invasive plant species that are found in Alabama and shares practical tips for managing and suppressing their spread across landscapes.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6763

08/24/2026

Learn how to turn plant debris and food scraps into soil gold.

🌱 Ready to Learn the Secrets of Successful Composting? 🌱

Join us for a FREE Compost Workshop with Bronson Lubresky, Extension Agent!

Learn: ✅ The benefits of composting
✅ What you can and cannot compost
✅ How and where to use compost
✅ And much more!

📅 Friday, August 28
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Pell City Gateway Community Garden

No registration required. No sign-up needed. Just show up and join us!

Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned grower, there's something for everyone. We hope to see you there! 🌿

08/24/2026

Another great program coming up for growers.

IPM Field Guide: Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Small Farms

Are you interested in growing crops in Alabama? Learn sustainable pest management practices that will lower costs and increase yields.

This series is a great resource for:

• Small Fruit & Vegetable Growers
• Beginning & Veteran Farmers
• Community & Home Gardeners

Online with Zoom
Last Fridays of the month
5:30 PM–6:30 PM
-----------------------------
Free Admission
Register at www.aces.edu/go/5873 to receive the Zoom URL
-----------------------------
August 28 Speaker: Dr. Brett Blaauw

Originally from Southwest Michigan, Dr. Brett Blaauw is currently a professor and Extension specialist of fruit entomology with a dual appointment at the University of Georgia and Clemson. As such, he has regional Extension responsibilities for a variety of fruits, including peaches, apples, and grapes. His research and Extension programs directly address the regional needs of southeastern fruit growers through lab, research farm trials, on-farm research, and collaborative efforts with colleagues. Additionally, as part of Dr. Blaauw’s research and Extension work, he tests the efficacy of insecticides against key insect pests, resulting in best management practices that are published and disseminated to stakeholders. Through addressing grower needs, his work highlights the importance of IPM and the support of beneficial insects for the sustainability of southeastern fruit production.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider.

08/24/2026

Looking to make a difference in the lives of young people? Apply to be a part of the Alabama 4-H AmeriCorps program!

08/24/2026

Free virtual rain barrel workshop, Wednesday, August 26th, 1-2pm. Attend the workshop and get a rain barrel delivered to your door for $30. Register here: https://auburn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hOrNxFkkQle6R8Jm2qcFIA #/registration. More information here: https://eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/auesctf/resources-and-training/rain-ready-alabama.