Bullock County - Alabama Extension

10/08/2026

Here are some helpful resources ahead of Hurricane Isaias. 🌀

For Alabama farmers who may face agricultural losses from the storm, the USDA offers a range of recovery resources. Check out a list of assistance programs that might apply to your situation at
https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farm-management/agricultural-disaster-assistance-programs/.

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

Put rainfall to good use! Join Alabama Extension’s Eco-Friendly Fridays on Friday, October 9, at 11 a.m. CT for a free webinar on rainwater harvesting with Urban Extension Agent Bronson Lubresky.

Learn more about rainwater harvesting as part of this environmental education series focused on conservation and management practices.

Register at https://www.aces.edu/go/EcoFriendlyFridays. A Zoom link will be sent after registration.

10/05/2026

Fall is here, and we've got two ways to celebrate! 🍂

This Friday, come out to our Farmers Market Day for fresh produce, live music, a bounce house, and face painting! Bring the whole family!

Then on October 23rd, join us for a pumpkin-packed evening at our Pumpkinology Workshop. It's free, but spots are limited, so register by 10/16

Check out the flyers below for all the details. We can't wait to see you! 🧡

10/02/2026

Our Landowners Tour was a huge success! 🎉

Yesterday, landowners and community members gathered in Union Springs for a day of learning and connecting. Stops included:

Hog trapping
Drones in forestry and agriculture
Forest management
Pond management

A special thank you to Bob Plaster, Assistant Commissioner with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, for sharing his time, knowledge, and resources with our guests!

Thank you to all of our presenters for making time to come out and share their knowledge and resources!

Thank you to our sponsors: The Rotton Family, Bullock Natural Resource Council, Big Cedar Education Foundation, Alabama Forestry Commission, First South Farm Credit, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Bullock County Soil and Water Conservation District, Alabama Forestry Association, USDA NRCS, and the Union Springs Herald

And thank you to everyone who attended! Your participation and donations supporting the Bullock County 4-H Club make a lasting impact on our local youth. 💚

📸 Photos from the day below!
Photo credit: Mollie Kate Erwin, Digital Marketing & Communications Specialist, Alabama Forestry Commission

10/02/2026

09/28/2026

Pollinator Plant of the Month - Butterly W**d

With bold orange flowers and whimsical seed pods, butterfly w**d fuels monarchs, feeds pollinators, and thrives in sunny gardens with little fuss. Butterfly w**d is a member of the genus commonly called milkw**ds. This plant blooms from May through September. In addition to their attractive blooms, the plant’s seed pods are also attractive when they split open to reveal silky parachutes that float the seeds throughout the landscape.

Learn more about this pollinator plant and other here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6832