Monroe County-Alabama Extension

06/01/2026

Asian wisterias—Chinese (Wisteria sinensis), Japanese (Wisteria floribunda), and hybrids (Wisteria x formosa)—are invasive plants in the United States, originally introduced for their showy purple flowers and ornamental use.

Asian wisterias are invasive plants in the United States, originally introduced for their showy purple flowers and ornamental use.

05/27/2026

The scales are open for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Grow More, Give More 250 Pound Challenge. This statewide effort invites gardeners to grow extra this season and share the bounty with people in need. The challenge also celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary while giving Alabama gardeners one more reason to put their summer harvest to work.

The scales are open for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Grow More, Give More 250 Pound Challenge.

05/20/2026

As planting winds down, farm chores shift to scouting for pests and diseases. To help row crop farmers achieve greater success, Alabama Extension experts will provide best management practices for pest and disease management during the Scouting Short Course.

Alabama Extension experts will provide best management practices for pest and disease management during the Scouting Short Course.

05/11/2026

KOMBUCHA - MAKE IT AT HOME!

Have you ever wondered how to make your own kombucha at home? 👀
Now’s your chance to learn, taste, and experience it for yourself!

Join us for Introduction to Kombucha Crafting at Home on June 2, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 AM at the Monroe County Extension Office. This free, one-hour workshop will include a live demonstration, a tested recipe, and even a chance to sample kombucha.

🍃 Starter kits will be available for an additional $25
📍 334 Agriculture Drive, Monroeville
🔗 Register here: www.aces.edu/go/6129

Spots are limited, so be sure to register today—we hope to see you there!

05/07/2026

On March 31, the US Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) released its Prospective Plantings report, which forecasts row-crop acreage for the coming marketing year.

The following information outlines the current acreage projections for 2026 and provides a historical context on how accurate farmers can expect these forecasts to be.

05/07/2026

A beautiful, juicy strawberry comes from more than just luck — it’s the product of thoughtful breeding and attentive management. That’s why researchers at Auburn University dig into each strawberry cultivar, looking for the traits that matter most to growers.

A beautiful, juicy strawberry comes from more than just luck. That’s why researchers at Auburn University dig into each strawberry cultivar.

05/01/2026

🚨🐍 Attention First Responders in Monroe County! 🐍🚨

When seconds matter, knowledge saves lives. Join us for an in-depth Venomous Snake Training designed specifically for first responders in our area!

📅 Friday, May 15, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Monroe County Conservation Education Center

This hands-on training will cover:
✔️ Venomous snake identification
✔️ Safety around venomous snakes
✔️ Handling and securing snakes
✔️ Bite protocols & first responder medicine
✔️ What to expect in snakebite treatment

⚠️ Space is limited – preregistration is REQUIRED!
👉 Register here: www.aces.edu/go/MonroeSnakeTraining

📧 Questions? Contact Wesley Anderson at [email protected]

🥪 Lunch will be provided!

This is a valuable opportunity to build confidence, improve response skills, and better protect our community.

04/27/2026

The U.S. Drought Monitor released April 23 reported 100 percent of the state is now experiencing drought conditions of varying severity.

Consistent dry weather is causing concerns for Alabama agriculture. Planting has slowed, pastures are stressed and ponds are drying up.

04/22/2026

Honoring decades of leadership, the Friends of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) selected Ron Smith as a 2026 Hall of Fame inductee. Coordinated by the Southern IPM Center, the awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing pest management and supporting growers.

Honoring decades of leadership, Ron Smith was selected for the Friends of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Awards as a 2026 Hall of Fame inductee.

04/17/2026

Extension Week! 💚 Meet Dawson Rowell 💚

There are moments in this work that remind us why we do what we do… and Dawson is one of those moments.

As he shares his story, you can hear it—you can feel it—how 4-H and Youth Leadership changed his life.

What started as learning to speak in front of a group…
🌱 grew into confidence
🌱 grew into leadership
🌱 grew into a voice that carried him into the military, his career, and his future

This is more than public speaking.
This is growth.
This is courage.
This is purpose.

Dawson represents what happens when we invest in our youth—when we give them a place to belong, to learn, and to believe in themselves.

💭 From a young person finding his voice…
➡️ To a man using that voice to lead, serve, and inspire others

That is the power of 4-H.
That is the heart of Youth Leadership.
That is the impact of Monroe County Extension.

We are beyond proud of you, Dawson. Thank you for reminding us that what we do truly matters. 💚

✨ Because when you change one life, you change a future.

Extension Does That!