Alabama Extension

04/24/2025

April 24 is National Teach Children to Save Day, and it’s the perfect reminder that good money habits start young!

For three years, Alabama Extension’s Patricia Smith has helped kids—and parents—learn the Power of Saving. From play money lessons to DIY piggy banks, teaching children about saving doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Start with simple conversations about what money is, how to use it wisely, and the importance of saving for the future.

Check out How to Teach Children to Be Savers at https://www.aces.edu/go/4974

04/23/2025

Celebrate National Picnic Day the Healthy Way!
April 23 is the perfect excuse to grab your picnic blanket, pack a fresh meal, and head outdoors! Whether you’re hitting a local park or your own backyard, Alabama Extension's Live Well Alabama has all the tips you need to make your picnic healthy, fun, and stress-free.

Explore a local park, trail or green spaces in your community.
Pack travel-friendly foods (Recipes are linked in the article)
Stay safe with a well-stocked cooler
Keep everyone active with games like frisbee or soccer
Sip on fruit-infused water to stay cool and hydrated

From energizing snacks to easy prep ideas, we’ve got your perfect picnic menu ready to go.

National Picnic Day, celebrated every April 23, offers the perfect opportunity to gather your favorite people, pack a healthy meal and head outside.

04/22/2025

Let’s celebrate by giving a little love to the pollinators that help our world bloom!

Join Alabama Extension in supporting the Great Southeast Pollinator Census — a fun way to protect bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that keep our gardens growing strong.

Do you have a pollinator-friendly garden? Drop a picture in the comments and show us how you're helping the planet, one flower at a time!

Learn more about how you can get involved in the Pollinator Census: www.aces.edu/go/GreatSoutheastPollinatorCensus.

04/22/2025

Earth Day, Alabama Extension is celebrating the people who care for the land every day — our farmers and agriculture professionals!

Their hard work not only feeds our communities but also supports healthy soil, clean water, and sustainable practices that protect our planet for future generations.
Join us in thanking those who grow, raise, and nurture Alabama’s natural resources.

Your dedication keeps Alabama — and the Earth — thriving!

04/18/2025

The Alabama Farm-City Committee recently held their annual awards luncheon to honor students who participated in poster, essay, and video contests. They also honored the work of volunteers who make an impact in their counties. Farm-City helps connect rural farmers and urban workers by educating youth and adults about the interdependence of agriculture and industry. Several Alabama Extension agents received honors. We are proud of their work with Farm-City through their roles in the Extension County offices!

Landon Marks, Cherokee County CED, Service Award
Dale County, Melissa Voynich: Best Farm-City Committee for larger-population counties

Chilton County, Lucy Ellington: Best Media Coverage/Proclamation for larger-population counties
Houston County, Micah Johnson: Best Farm-City Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner for larger-population counties
Coffee County, Calen Monroe: Best Farm-City Tour for larger-population counties
Cherokee County, Landon Marks: Best Special Activities for smaller-population counties
Franklin County, Katernia Cole: Runner-up Best Farm-City Committee for smaller-population counties

04/16/2025

𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐠𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬!

Easter is almost here, and that means lots of colorful eggs! Whether you're dyeing or eating them, keep these safety tips in mind:

𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Use plastic eggs for hunting and keep dyed eggs in the fridge.
𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐬: They’re safe to eat for up to 7 days if kept cold.
𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Don't leave cooked eggs out for more than 2 hours, or 30 minutes to 1 hour if it's 85°F or hotter.

Stay safe and enjoy your Easter treats!

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐠𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐲𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬: https://www.aces.edu/go/4962

When it comes to dyeing, storing and even eating these eggs, there are a few things that people need to keep in mind.

04/14/2025

Take control of your diabetes by joining the Health Extension for Diabetes program in your area! This is an 8-session educational series is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a practice-tested diabetes support program designed to help you live a healthier life. 💪❤️

Led by Extension Health & Wellness Agents, this free series connects you with trusted and certified Diabetes Care Education Specialists to give you the tools, knowledge, and support you need to manage diabetes!

To learn more about the program near you, fill out the survey at

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

04/12/2025

Did you know that flies are great pollinators and can help increase crop yields? In fact, some plants have evolved specific features to attract flies, including unique colors, shapes, and odors. 🪰 🌼

We are gearing up for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census! Are you ready? Learn how to participate at www.aces.edu/go/GreatSoutheastPollinatorCensus.

04/05/2025

April’s Harvest of the Month is cauliflower!

Cauliflower will be ready to harvest 60 to 70 days after planting, when the curds (aborted flower heads) are 6 to 8 inches in diameter. However, the timing varies by variety.

Find growing instructions as well as yummy recipes that use cauliflower at https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/april-grow-more-give-more-harvest-of-the-month/.

03/27/2025

Heard that some of y'all want to get rid of 'Bradford' pear trees. We're on board! 🌳🪓

Callery pear, better known by the cultivar name ‘Bradford’ pear, outcompetes native Alabama species for light, water, and nutrients. So, fire up the chain saws (safely) and replace them with lovely native alternatives, such as the serviceberry, chalk maple, or blackgum.

Removal and Control Tips ⬇️
https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/callery-pear-history-identification-and-control/

03/20/2025

Happy first day of spring! 🌷 🌷

It sure is starting to look like spring at Alabama Extension with these gorgeous blooms outside Duncan Hall. What signs of spring are around you? Drop a picture in the comments. ⬇️

03/18/2025

Happy ! 🌱

Today, we celebrate Alabama’s farmers—the backbone of our economy—who provide safe, abundant, and affordable food. Agriculture contributes $77.3 billion annually to our state, driving innovation and sustainability.

At Alabama Extension, we’re proud to support farmers through research and outreach, helping them succeed every day. What’s your favorite thing about Alabama agriculture? Share below! 👇

03/17/2025

Did you receive a suspicious package of seeds that you didn’t order? Do not plant the seeds and do not open the sealed packages! These seeds could cause great harm to Alabama’s environment.

In cooperation with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Extension county offices statewide will serve as drop-off locations for unsolicited seed packages.

Read more: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/mystery-seed-packages-appearing-once-again-in-alabama/.

Mystery seed packages have once again found their way into some Alabama mailboxes. These seeds could cause great harm to the environment.

03/17/2025

This St. Patrick’s Day, don’t just wear green—eat it! 🥬 💚 🍀

From spinach to broccoli, eating green vegetables have many benefits, keeping your heart happy and your immune system strong.

Need some tips on eating more greens? Check out https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family/the-power-of-greens-for-st-patricks-day-and-beyond/.

March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme highlights food that connects people, so we are highlighting greens that nourish people's bodies and bring them together.

03/13/2025

Alabama Extension is proud to announce Tim Gothard as the new coordinator of the Alabama 4-H Shooting Sports Program, starting March 24. 🍀

Gothard brings great experience to the role, having served seven years as an Alabama 4-H agent and 28 years in the U.S. Army. His background in youth shooting sports and leadership will be invaluable in guiding this program to new heights.

Join us in congratulating Tim, as we look forward to the continued growth and success of the program under his leadership.

Read more: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/about-us/gothard-tapped-to-lead-alabama-4-h-shooting-sports/.

03/10/2025

March’s Grow More, Give More Harvest of the Month is asparagus! Find growing instructions as well as yummy recipes that use asparagus at https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/march-grow-more-give-more-harvest-of-the-month/.

03/06/2025

This is what Alabama 4-H is all about! 🌎🌱 Our staff and agents are always seeking ways to grow and enhance our programs to bring fresh, engaging opportunities to youth across the state.

Last week, Beth Sewell of Cherokee County 4-H and staff from our Alabama 4-H Science School attended the Environmental Education Association of Alabama (EEAA) at Lake Guntersville State Park! They connected with environmental educators, explored new outdoor programs, learned about state-wide initiatives, and even brought back some exciting resources for 4-H programming.

We love seeing our staff and agents go the extra mile to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders! 🍀🌟

03/06/2025

Not only do butterflies bring vibrant color and graceful movement to your landscape, they're also essential pollinators, ensuring the health of your blooms. 🦋🐛🌷

Visit https://www.aces.edu/.../landscaping/butterfly-gardens/ to learn what you should be growing to attract butterflies!