Russell County - Alabama Extension

10/15/2026

4-H Bake Off Contest and Showcase
THEME: STEM
Show off your baking skills with a family favorite or original recipe!
Monday, November 16
6:00 - 7:30pm EST
Russell County Extension Office
MUST RSVP by calling 334-298-6845
• No nut products or by-products allowed due to nut allergies.
• Bake two of the following: Cookie, Cake/Cupcake,
Bread/Muffin/Biscuit/Cornbread and/or Brownie/Bar.
• Plan and prepare an exhibit of baked foods to display on a table no larger
than 3' x 3'. Exhibit must follow theme.
• Recipes for baked goods must be included in the exhibit or copies of the
recipes must be available at the exhibit.
• Each exhibit should include a 12″ x 12″ poster with the title of the exhibit.
The poster should be supported by a table easel or constructed to stand
on its own.
• Participant will answer questions about the exhibit, food preparation, and
the place of breads in a balanced diet.

10/14/2026

Explore the Outdoors with 4-H!
Get ready for a day of adventure, discovery, and outdoor fun at the Russell County 4-H Outdoor Adventure Day Camp! Youth will spend the day exploring nature, learning about wildlife, hiking scenic trails, and participating in hands-on outdoor education activities at beautiful Callaway Gardens. Transportation is provided!
📅 November 11
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Callaway Gardens
💲 Cost: $40
This exciting one-day camp is a great opportunity for youth to connect with nature, learn new skills, and make memories while exploring one of the Southeast's premier outdoor destinations.
Registration is required through 4-H Online at v2.4honline.com.
For more information, contact the Russell County Extension Office at 334-298-6845.
Step outside, discover something new, and experience the adventure waiting just beyond the trail! 🌲✨🥾

10/14/2026

Come join us this club year! 4-H is a great organization with a long history of success!

10/13/2026

🌎🎣 4-H Trip Across America: The Midwest!

Today, our 4-H’ers explored the Midwest region of the United States and learned about some of its most famous landmarks and natural wonders! From Mount Rushmore and the Badlands to the Great Lakes, Willis Tower, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, we discovered just how much this region has to offer. 🏞️🏙️

We took a closer look at the Great Lakes and explored the Midwest’s rich fishing traditions, including Minnesota’s nickname, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes!” 🎣 Did you know Minnesota actually has more than 11,000 lakes?

To put our new knowledge into practice, our 4-H’ers grabbed the Backyard Bass and fishing reels to practice their casting skills! We had a great time learning about the Midwest’s geography, landmarks, and outdoor recreation while building new skills along the way. 🐟

10/13/2026

Plant now for homegrown flavor later!
October and November are the best months to plant garlic in Alabama. In south Alabama, the planting season can extend through February.

Ready to get growing?
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Separate the bulb into individual cloves.
Plant cloves pointed end up, about 1 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.
Choose a spot where onions or other related plants haven’t previously grown.

Fall-planted garlic is usually ready to harvest in late May or early June. A little planting now gives you something delicious to look forward to!

Find more growing tips here: https://www.aces.edu/go/5532

10/13/2026

Building Confidence, Responsibility, and Leadership—One Goat at a Time!
The Russell County 4-H Goat Project offers youth an exciting opportunity to learn animal husbandry, responsibility, leadership, and showmanship through hands-on experiences with livestock.
No prior livestock experience is required. Whether you're new to showing animals or looking to expand your agricultural knowledge, the 4-H Goat Project provides a supportive environment where youth can learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information on this project, please check out our digital newsletter (www.aces.edu/go/Russell4H) or call the office 334-298-6845 for a flyer.
Registration is open in 4-H Online Sept 1 - Oct 31. http://v2.4honline.com

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

Harvest of the Month - Winter Squash

Cooler days call for cozy meals, and winter squash brings comfort, color and nutrition to the dinner table.

Our Harvest of the Month includes favorites like butternut and spaghetti squash. Winter squash provides fiber, vitamins and minerals, and its versatility makes it a welcome addition to soups, roasted side dishes and satisfying main meals.

Despite its name, winter squash is harvested in the fall. Its firm rind helps it store well, so you can enjoy the harvest into the colder months.

Need some dinner inspiration? Find recipes for Spaghetti Squash Boats and Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup here: https://www.aces.edu/go/5478

10/11/2026

Seeing patches of chewed grass or caterpillars moving across your lawn? Fall armyworms may be the cause.🐛

These striped caterpillars feed on turfgrass, especially bermudagrass, and are most active on lawns in the early morning and late afternoon or evening. Look for an upside-down “Y” on the head, green droppings in the turf or birds repeatedly feeding in one area.

Can’t spot any caterpillars? Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap with 1 gallon of water and pour it over 1 to 2 square feet of lawn. If larvae are present, they may come to the surface.

Check how many you find and how much damage has occurred before deciding whether treatment is needed. Natural enemies can reduce their numbers, and some lawns can recover with proper care. If you use an insecticide, choose a product labeled for caterpillar pests of turfgrass and follow its label directions.

Find resources on managing fall armyworms on our website through the Links section of our page.