Forrest County Extension Office

09/04/2026

The Forrest County Extension Office will be closed on Monday, September 7th. The office will reopen Tuesday, September 8th, at 8am.

09/01/2026

💧 Hydration Reminder
Don't wait until you're thirsty. Keep a refillable water bottle nearby throughout the day.

09/01/2026

During dove hunting season, you might encounter more than just mourning doves! Mississippi is also home to the Eurasian collared dove and the less common white-winged dove.

Here are some identifying features of each species:

Mourning Dove
A slender, familiar dove found across much of North America. They are mostly plain brown and their gray plumage is accented by black spots on the wings. They also have a long, pointed tail with white spots along the edges that are especially noticeable in flight. Their distinctive mournful coo is one of the most recognizable bird calls in North America.

Eurasian Collared Dove
A large, pale brown dove that has rapidly expanded across much of North America after being released in the Bahamas in the mid-1970s. They can be identified by the narrow black collar around the back of their neck and the large white patches on their outer tail feathers. Their broad, pointed wings and relatively large size also help distinguish them from mourning doves. They have a distinctive deep three-part call.

White-Winged Dove
A medium-to-large dove native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America that has expanded its range north and east over time. In Mississippi, white-winged doves are found primarily in southern portions of the state. They are generally grayish-brown overall, but their most recognizable feature is the bold white patch along the wings, which becomes especially noticeable when the bird is in flight. They also have bright red-orange eyes, blue skin around the eye, and a dark cheek line.

Identifying the dove you're looking at is important—not only for learning the species, but also for knowing which regulations apply while hunting.

Always check the current regulations from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks for season dates, shooting hours, bag limits, possession limits, and any other requirements before heading to the field.

Follow our MSU Extension Gamebird Program page for more content like this.

09/01/2026

Here's your landscape checklist for September! Some tasks include...

Order daffodil and other spring bulbs for October planting.
Sow ryegrass seed for winter lawns.
Plant hardy annuals.
Apply pre-emergent herbicide for winter w**d prevention in your lawn.
Fertilize and water fall mums.
Watch for garden pests and diseases.
Pick flowers in bloom to create dry floral arrangements.

Learn more about each of these tasks + find further resources here: https://extension.msstate.edu/blogs/extension-for-real-life/september-landscape-checklist

08/31/2026

Tomorrow is our Wildlife Food Plot workshop! We hope to see you there!🦌☘️

Join us on September 1st as we discuss all things supplemental food plots for wildlife! This is a great way to utilize your forest lands and benefit wildlife at the same time!

We will welcome Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks private lands biologists John Henderson to cover important information to consider regarding establishment and maintenance as well as answer any questions.

Hope to see you there! 🦌🕊️🦃🦆

08/27/2026

Garden Poll!
What are your favorite garden vegetables to grow? Name them below!

08/24/2026

Why are trees dropping leaves in the middle of summer? The recent stretch of extreme heat and dry weather has many trees shedding leaves earlier than usual. This is a natural survival response that helps trees conserve water during stressful conditions. The good news? If we receive some rainfall and cooler temperatures soon, many trees should recover just fine.

📸 Desoto County Extension Office

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

REGISTRATION IS FULL///Ready to learn new skills and connect with fellow homesteaders? Join us at the Central Mississippi Homesteading Conference! From beekeeping and gardening to food preservation and livestock care, our expert-led workshops and live demonstrations have something for everyone.

Food trucks and vendors will also be there. We hope you will make plans to attend!

Dates and Time:
Friday, Nov. 6
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost: $20/person for both days.

Location:
Central MS Research & Extension Center
1320 Seven Springs Rd.
Raymond, MS 39154

Vendors are welcome. Call 601-857-2284 for more info.

Register here: https://ow.ly/sKLT50ZBFQK

08/21/2026

An easy way to eat more fruits and vegetables is to make it a habit. Look to add vegetables to whatever you're making for dinner. Have fruits easy to see and reach on the counter or in the fridge.

http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/tips-videos/add-more-fruits-and-vegetables-your-day