Hale County-Alabama Extension

06/03/2026

Have you planted your garden yet? Whether you have or haven't, we encourage you to plant a little extra and participate in the Grow More Give More 250lb. Challenge. As part of Auburn University's 250 celebration of America, Alabama Extension's goal is 250 pounds of fresh produce donated in each county between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Food insecurity remains a serious issues across Alabama, affecting approximately 2 million residents, including 1 in 4 children. Will you be part of the challenge and make a difference in your community? Every pound counts.

Learn more about the challenge and how you can get involved here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6066

06/02/2026

Congratulations to Leigh Akins, EdS, on your new role as 2026–2027 NEAFCS Alabama Affiliate President! Your dedication to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through Alabama Extension is truly appreciated.

Wishing you continued success as you lead, serve, and inspire across Alabama and beyond!

📣 Introducing Our 2026–2027 NEAFCS Alabama Affiliate President!

Please join us in welcoming Leigh Akins, EdS, as our new NEAFCS Alabama Affiliate President!

Leigh serves as an Extension Agent III in Family & Child Development (Human Sciences), supporting 29 counties across the western region of Alabama. She has been with Extension since October 2007, bringing nearly two decades of dedication to strengthening individuals, families, and communities.

When asked about her favorite program to teach, Leigh shared her passion for Emerging Relationships, a series for 5th and 6th graders that empowers youth with the knowledge and skills to build healthy relationships and support positive personal growth.

✨ Why she chose to serve:
“I accepted this role because I believe in the power of education to transform lives. Being president gives me the chance to grow professionally while also empowering fellow educators, individuals, families, and communities. I want to help people meet their needs and reach their goals through strong, supportive learning partnerships—and this position allows me to practice that.”

🎉 What she’s excited about this year:
Leigh is looking forward to working with the new board to plan an outstanding state conference, increase membership, and achieve a record number of award submissions. She is also excited to represent Alabama at the 2026 NEAFCS Annual Session as Affiliate President and concurrent session presenter.

📸 (Photo of Leigh Akins)

Help us give Leigh a warm welcome and let her know you’re excited for the year ahead in the comments!

06/02/2026

Congratulations to Extension Agent Renee Vines, who serves Hale County!

So well deserved on your recognition at the 77th Annual NEAFCS Alabama Affiliate Awards Banquet, including the Financial Management Award in Memory of Dean Don Felker, the Innovation in Programming Award, and the Innovative Youth Development Programming Award. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to service continue to make a lasting impact.

We are especially grateful for your work in Financial Management, especially the Earnie the Eagle Money as You Grow Book Club at the Hale County Library. For all financial education questions and needs, please contact the Hale County Extension Office at 334-624-8710.

Thank you for all you do for our communities—keep shining and leading with excellence!

Throughout June, we will feature members who were recognized at the 77th Annual NEAFCS Alabama Affiliate Awards Banquet held in April.

We’re kicking off the series by celebrating 🌟 Renee Herron Vines 🌟, recipient of the🏆Financial Management Award in Memory of Dean Don Felker, the 🏆 Innovation in Programming Award, and the🏆 Innovative Youth Development Programming Award.

Help us celebrate her achievements by following along and sharing your congratulations 🎉 in the comments!

06/02/2026

Looking to learn something new close to home?

Alabama Extension offers workshops, programs and events in communities across the state covering topics like gardening, agriculture, nutrition, youth development, business, and more. Many programs are free or low-cost, making it easy to connect, learn new skills and stay involved in your local community.

See what’s happening in your county by visiting the Alabama Extension events calendar.

https://www.aces.edu/go/5949

Looking to learn something new close to home?

Alabama Extension offers workshops, programs and events in communities across the state covering topics like gardening, agriculture, nutrition, youth development, business, and more. Many programs are free or low-cost, making it easy to connect, learn new skills and stay involved in your local community.

See what’s happening in your county by visiting the Alabama Extension events calendar.

https://www.aces.edu/go/5949

06/02/2026

FIRST RESPONDERS!!!!
Venomous Snake Training
June 5, 2026
Anniston Museum of Natural History
Space Limited
Preregistration Required
www.aces.edu/go/CalhounSnakeTraining

06/02/2026

https://forms.gle/WFkm8ePrqLwswgWM8
REMINDER: We still need to hear from our BBCF family and community stakeholders throughout our region via the BBCF Media Survey: Please fill out the very brief survey here and share to anyone in your network: https://forms.gle/WFkm8ePrqLwswgWM8 THANK YOU!!

06/02/2026

You are invited...

Upcoming W**d Management Pasture Walk with Dr. David Russell, State W**d Specialist, in West Alabama.

Join us on Thursday, June 18, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. in Camden, Alabama, for an informative pasture w**d management program. Participants will hear from Alabama Extension W**d Specialist Dr. David Russell and Regional Extension Agent for Animal Sciences and Forages Court Green-Johnson as they discuss effective warm-season w**d management strategies for the Alabama Black Belt. Topics will include w**d identification, mechanical removal, grazing management, and chemical control options for common pasture w**ds.

The program will be held at Mr. Jackson’s farm, located at 86 Experiment Station State Road, Camden, AL 36726.

Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of our generous friends at South Land Company.

To register, scan the QR code located on the event flyer or visit http://www.aub.ie/WilcoxW**ds

Please reach out to Court Green-Johnson at (205) 659-6796 or the Wilcox County Extension Office at (334) 682-4289, if you have any additional questions or require assistance with registration.

We look forward to seeing you there for an afternoon of learning, networking, and discussion focused on improving pasture productivity and forage management across West Alabama.

You are invited...
Upcoming W**d Management Pasture Walk with Dr. David Russell, State W**d Specialist, in West Alabama.

Join us on Thursday, June 18, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. in Camden, Alabama, for an informative pasture w**d management program. Participants will hear from Alabama Extension W**d Specialist Dr. David Russell and Regional Extension Agent for Animal Sciences and Forages Court Green-Johnson as they discuss effective warm-season w**d management strategies for the Alabama Black Belt. Topics will include w**d identification, mechanical removal, grazing management, and chemical control options for common pasture w**ds.

The program will be held at Mr. Jackson’s farm, located at 86 Experiment Station State Road, Camden, AL 36726.

Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of our generous friends at South Land Company.

To register, scan the QR code located on the event flyer or visit http://www.aub.ie/WilcoxW**ds

Please reach out to Court Green-Johnson at (205) 659-6796 or the Wilcox County Extension Office at (334) 682-4289, if you have any additional questions or require assistance with registration.

We look forward to seeing you there for an afternoon of learning, networking, and discussion focused on improving pasture productivity and forage management across West Alabama.

06/02/2026

📢 Tombigbee RC&D 2027 Grant Applications Are Open!

Applications for the 2027 fiscal year are being accepted April 1 – June 30, 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
💰 Funding Available: $5,000 – $15,000 per project
Important Dates
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
Approved projects may begin: October 1, 2026
Grants are awarded on a reimbursement-only basis

06/02/2026

June is a busy month in the garden! Whether you're planting vegetables, maintaining flower beds, or keeping your lawn healthy through the summer heat, Alabama Extension has expert tips to help.
Some gardeners are already enjoying their first harvests, while others are just starting to see their gardens grow. Wherever you are in Alabama, check out these June planting and landscaping resources to keep your garden thriving all season long.

Planting Guide for Home Gardening in Alabama: www.aces.edu/go/5710
Alabama Gardener's Calendar: https://www.aces.edu/go/5027

If you have questions, complete the Master Gardener Help Request form to connect with local experts. https://www.aces.edu/go/3352