Shelby County, Alabama Extension Office

06/16/2026

🌿🍂 We're Halfway Through Registration for the Fall Master Gardener Class! 🍂🌿

Time is flying, and we're already halfway through the registration period for the Shelby County Fall Master Gardener Class!

If you've been thinking about joining, now is the time to submit your application. Don't wait until the last minute and miss your opportunity to grow your gardening knowledge, connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, and become part of an amazing volunteer program.

📅 Applications close June 30
🌱 Classes begin August 13
📍 Orientation is August 6

Have questions? We're happy to help! Contact our office for more information.

🌻 Don't delay, get your registration in today!

06/16/2026

06/12/2026

The high temperatures and humidity levels of an Alabama summer are perfect conditions for fly populations to thrive. If left to their own devices, flies can quickly cause issues for both beef cattle and producers.

“Flies and other external parasites directly affect a producer’s bottom line and can cause many health problems in cattle,” said Dr. Soren Rodning, an Alabama Extension veterinarian at Auburn University.

Several fly species can affect cattle including horn, stable, heel, blow and screwworm flies.

The recent detections of New World screwworm in Texas and New Mexico have brought national attention to the importance of proper fly control. While this pest has not been found in Alabama yet, Rodning encourages producers to monitor their herds vigilantly.

Read more about protecting the herd against flies and what to do if New World screwworm is suspected. https://www.aces.edu/go/6456

06/11/2026

Think you know your Alabama trees?

Put your tree ID skills to the test! We've sketched the foliage of several common native trees found across the state.

This challenge is a fun way to sharpen your observation skills and learn more about the trees growing all around you. Once you've made your guesses, use the identification key to see how many you got right and learn the basics of tree identification. https://www.aces.edu/go/6025

Ready to play? Comment below with your answers.
We will share the correct answers in the comments later this week.

06/09/2026

📢 We're Hiring! Temporary Office Support Position 📢

Are you friendly, dependable, and enjoy helping others? We're looking for a temporary employee to join our office team! This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people and supporting programs that make a difference in our community. 🌟

What You'll Do:
☎️ Answer phones
🤝 Assist clients and visitors
💻 Data entry and office support
🍀 Help with special projects, including 4-H programs and food safety workshops
📋 Provide coverage when staff are out or during busy times

What We're Looking For:
✅ Strong customer service and communication skills
✅ Basic computer and organizational skills
✅ A positive attitude and willingness to jump in where needed

Schedule & Environment:
🕒 Hours are fairly flexible, except when covering for staff absences
🏢 Friendly, supportive office environment
❤️ Great clients and meaningful community work

Interested?
📞 Give us a call at (205) 669-6763 for more information.

💼 Apply here: https://tempjobs-auburn.icims.com/jobs/9284/tes-fill-in-administrative-support-associate---shelby-county/job?mode=view

Come be part of a team that works hard, serves the community, and knows how to have a little fun along the way! 🎉

06/01/2026

🌿 Applications are NOW OPEN for the Fall Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program! 🌿

Have you been wanting to grow your gardening knowledge, connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, and give back to your community? Now is your chance!

📅 Important Dates:
🌱 Early Bird Special: June 1 - June 15
🌱 Applications Close: June 30
🌱 Orientation: August 6
🌱 Class Dates: August 13 - November 5

Apply today at:
www.aces.edu/go/mgapply

📞 Questions? Contact our office at (205) 669-6763 or email [email protected].

Dig into something new this fall... we would love to have you join us! 🌻

05/27/2026

🌿 The Fall Master Gardener Class is almost here! 🌿

Registration opens Monday, June 1 for the Fall Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program!

📅 Important Dates:
🌱 Early Bird Special: June 1 - June 15
🌱 Applications Close: June 30
🌱 Class Dates: August 13 - November 5

Ready to grow your gardening knowledge and serve your community? Applications will be available starting Monday at:
www.aces.edu/go/mgapply

📞 Questions? Contact our office at (205) 669-6763 or email [email protected].

Don’t wait too long... these classes tend to sprout interest quickly! 🌻

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the Shelby County Extension Office will be closed on Monday, May 25.

We will reopen on Tuesday during normal business hours.

As we enjoy the holiday weekend, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

05/22/2026

🥫🍓 We had a great time at the Extension Office on Monday afternoon during our Food Preservation Class!

Food Safety Agent Emily Ferko taught participants the basics of both pressure canning and water bath canning, helping everyone learn safe and effective methods for preserving food at home. During the class, participants canned green beans and made delicious strawberry jam! 🫙🌱

There was so much learning, plenty of great discussion, and lots of fun along the way. Best of all, everyone got to take home the items they prepared! Thank you to everyone who joined us for this hands-on class and made it such an enjoyable afternoon.

Emily has another program coming up in September with our Home Grounds Agent, Jacob Turner. It is a garden to pantry workshop where you will not only learn food preservation, but also how to grow what yo are preserving. Be on the look out for that one so you do not miss out!

05/21/2026

🌱 What a wonderful morning at the Pelham Senior Center on Monday!

Shelby County CED, John Vanderford, had the pleasure of speaking with the gardening group about vegetable gardening and IPM, sharing research-based information and practical tips for growing a successful garden. The group was incredibly engaged and asked some fantastic questions throughout the program!

We always enjoy our time with this amazing group, not only sharing knowledge, but also building meaningful relationships and connections within our community. Thank you to the Pelham Senior Center for the warm welcome and enthusiastic participation! 🌼🍅🥒