Jefferson County - Alabama Extension

Dorothy Leonard, one of the Jefferson County Master Gardeners has a summer camp this year, called Camp Sow Sow. They had a class recently on juicing of vegetables. All things farm to table!

We had a fun time at Foxhound Bee Co talking about pollinators and the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. We talked about how to tell the difference between bumble bees, honey bees, wasps and carpenter bees. We observed insects in the garden before the rain came. I saw my first leaf cutter bee! We talked about our favorite insects, plants, ecology, read the fabulous The Great Pollinator Count book and learned how to measure using millimeters to understand size differences. The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is on August 21st and 22nd. This is a citizen science initiative focused on pollinators. Learn more at https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/join-alabama-for-the-great-southeast-pollinator-census/. Great Southeast Pollinator Census Page Southeast Pollinator Census Community

The Jefferson County Extension Office will be closed June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.

Juneteenth: Celebrating Hope and Freedom - Alabama Cooperative Extension System Juneteenth is observed on June 19, and is also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Jubilee Day, marking the end of US slavery.

Petal powered learning: floral design 101. Spend the day learning floral design basics from Alabama Extension agents Lilly Oaks and Makahla Holloway through hands-on learning. Gain confidence in working with design materials, caring for cut flowers, and creating balanced arrangements. You'll leave with both knowledge and a stunning arrangement crafted by you! Workshop will include content for FFA Floriculture CDE. 4 PD hours approved for educators. June 25, 2026. 10am-2pm. $50 per person, lunch included. Vernon City Complex, 44425 HWY 17, Vernon, AL 35592. Register at www.aces.edu/go/PetalPoweredLearning2

Natural Resources Webinar Series – Alabama’s Deer Management Assistance Program
Wednesday, June 24th, Noon-1PM
ADCNR conducts the DMAP program to assist private lands with deer monitoring and management. Join to learn more about the program and how it can lead to healthier deer herds, habitat, and greater hunter satisfaction. Register here: https://www.aces.edu/event/natural-resources-webinar-series-alabamas-deer-management-assistance-program/

Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certification Training – West Central Region
Tuesday, June 23rd, 8:30AM-3PM
Tuscaloosa County Courthouse Annex Auditorium, 2513 7th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Learn to spot Alabama’s bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while discovering simple ways to protect them. Join us to explore their role in our food system and how you can create habitats that help them thrive statewide. Register here: https://www.aces.edu/event/pollinator-partners-of-alabama-certification-training-west-central-region/

Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certification Training
June 30th, 8:30am-3pm, Petals from the Past—16034 Co. Rd. 29, Jemison, AL 35085.
Taught by Extension Agent Bethany O'Rear.
- How to identify the diverse populations of bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators that call Alabama home.
- Important roles that pollinators play on food systems and biodiversity.
-Strategies for creating and maintaining pollinator-friendly habitats.
-Protecting pollinators by reducing pesticide risks, planting native species, and fostering landscapes that sustain pollinator populations year-round. More information and registration here: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/bees-pollinators/pollinator-partners-of-alabama-certification-training/

Tree Care and Maintenance Workshop – Etowah
Tuesday, June 23rd, 8AM-3:30PM
Etowah County Extension Office, 800 Forest Ave. Suite 400, Gadsen, AL 35901
Tree care workshop in Etowah County. ISA CEUs, Master Gardener credits, and Forestry CEU available. Register here:
https://www.aces.edu/event/tree-care-and-maintenance-workshop-etowah/

Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certificate Training
June 30th, 8:30am-3:30pm, Petals from the Past, 16034 Co. Rd. 29, Jemison, AL 35085. $40, includes lunch and program resources. For questions, contact Bethany O'Rear, [email protected]. Register here: https://au-academics.my.salesforce-sites.com/pmtx/evt__conf_detail?id=a1RUg000001OCaXMAW

Want to learn more about Alabama’s pollinators and simple ways to protect them? Join the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Home Horticulture team to become a certified pollinator partner!

This training covers key topics related to pollinators. Participants will learn how to identify the diverse populations of bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators that call Alabama home. The training will also include information on the important roles that pollinators play on food systems and biodiversity. Finally, participants will learn practical strategies for creating and maintaining pollinator-friendly habitats. This will include several concepts on protecting pollinators—such as reducing pesticide risks, planting native species, and fostering landscapes that sustain pollinator populations year-round.

Here is the recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXOKuoPI8A4. We are so lucky to have Chef Kimberly McNair Brock come record her videos here in Jefferson County Extension for AARP Alabama. Lots of great recipes here on the Youtube channel of Alabama Extension: https://www.youtube.com//playlists.