Walker County - Alabama Extension

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween! Before your boo crew heads out tonight, take a minute to plan for more treats and fewer frights.

Keep costumes easy to walk and see in, carry flashlights or wear reflective details, and stick together. Have an adult check treats before anyone digs in, including labels for food allergies.

Welcoming trick-or-treaters? Offer nonfood goodies so more little monsters can join the fun!

Find more tips for a safe, healthy Halloween visit our website. Link in the Links Section of our page.

10/30/2026

No tricks, just an extra hour of sleep!

After the Halloween fun on Saturday, Oct. 31, remember to turn your clocks BACK one hour before heading to bed.

Daylight saving time officially ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Enjoy a little extra rest after a night of tricks and treats!

10/29/2026

Brilliant red blooms that get attention, from gardeners and pollinators alike!

Meet cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), our October Pollinator Plant of the Month. Its summer and fall flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies while adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Have a moist, shady garden spot? Cardinal flower thrives in these conditions, making it an option for woodland gardens and rain gardens.

Learn more on our website. Check out the Links section on our page.

10/29/2026

10/28/2026

Alabama 4-H recently selected a new group of 30 young leaders from 22 counties to serve as the 2026-2027 4-H State Ambassadors.

The ambassadors serve as representatives of Alabama 4-H, promoting its programs on the regional, state and national levels. They help plan state-level events, such as the Midwinter Teen Retreat and 4-H’s statewide community service project.

“Through this experience, ambassadors learn how to work as a team, manage their time, communicate effectively and take on real leadership responsibilities,” said Alabama Cooperative Extension System Specialist Joy Scott, one of the advisors of the Alabama 4-H State Ambassadors. “These are skills that extend far beyond 4-H and can be applied in school, future careers and everyday life.”

The ambassadors also assist with 4-H youth councils within their regions. They spend the year immersed in opportunities to gain leadership and organizational skills, as well as meaningful friendships.

To read more about the role, responsibility, and meaning behind being a 4-H State Ambassador, click on the News Link in the Links section of our page.

The following 4-H members will serve as state 4-H ambassadors for the 2026-2027 program year:

Lydia Beth Adams, Marshall County
Charlotte Bell, Shelby County
Sophie Bishop, Tallapoosa County
Caroline Brown, Limestone County
William Burgess, Talladega and Blount Counties
Irish Cain, Cullman County
Gypsi Rose Crowder, Baldwin County
Abigail Davidson, Russell County
Tycen Gordon, Walker County
Hope Hill, Clay County
Samantha Huggins, Shelby County
Madisyn King, Dallas County
Jaxson Lopez, Marion County
Braylin Madison, Shelby County
Aden Massey, Shelby County
Brianna McCollum, Clay County
Colton Naylor, Morgan County
Avery Owens, Washington County
Zaila Randolph, Shelby County
Ellis Reed, Lee County
Alyssa Rios, Marengo County
Aubree Roper, Etowah County
Colton Siggers, Tallapoosa County
Rachel Sloughfy, Calhoun County
Rebecca Stewart, Walker County
Brea Swindall, Pike County
Nick Weis, Shelby County
Ellie West, Jackson County
Hannah Yocom, Shelby County
Kyzer Zeunges, Chambers County

10/27/2026

Pecan trees are a treasured part of Southern landscapes, but getting a good crop isn’t always guaranteed. On this episode of Southern Ground, hosts Chip East and Shane Harris discuss common factors that affect pecan production, from pests and diseases to weather conditions and tree health, and share practical tips for helping pecan trees thrive.

Listen to the full episode on our website. A direct link to all of our podcasts is available in the Links section of our page.

10/27/2026

An apple a day keeps the doctor away … or does it?

Apples aren’t a cure-all, but they bring plenty to the table! Fiber, water and beneficial plant compounds make this crunchy favorite a nutritious addition to your day.

Get more from every bite:
Leave the skin on for more fiber.
Pair apple slices with peanut butter for a satisfying snack.
Add chopped apples to salads or gently cook them with cinnamon for a cozy fall treat.

October is Apple Month. It is a great time to find a new favorite variety! Get the facts behind the familiar saying and learn more ways to enjoy apples: https://www.aces.edu/go/7045

10/26/2026

🌸 BLOOM & CREATE: Floral Ornament Workshop 🌸
Get creative this holiday season with Alabama Cooperative Extension System at our Bloom & Create Floral Ornament Workshop! Learn how to transform beautiful dried flowers and natural materials into unique floral ornaments you can enjoy or give as gifts. 🌿✨
📅 Tuesday, November 10
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 E. T. Sims Recreational Center
💲 Registration: $10
Space is limited, so register today!
Register for Bloom & Create
https://www.aces.edu/go/6844
🌼 Come bloom, create, and take home something beautiful!

10/25/2026

What’s the buzz about the 2026 Great Southeast Pollinator Census?

Join Alabama Extension Home Horticulture Agent Bethany O’Rear for the next Smart Yards Webinar to hear updates from this year’s census.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 1 p.m. Central. Live via Zoom

Register to receive the Zoom link and view upcoming webinar dates: https://www.aces.edu/go/2414

Hosted by Alabama Extension’s Home Horticulture team on the fourth Wednesday of each month, the Smart Yards Webinar Series covers gardening, fruits and vegetables, lawn care, wildlife, home pests and more.

10/22/2026

Alabama Extension’s At Home Beekeeping webinar series returns this month with an important topic for beekeepers: European Foulbrood.

This bacterial disease affects honey bee larvae and can weaken colonies. Join Meghan Milbrath of Michigan State University to learn more about European foulbrood and why it matters to your hives.

Tune in live Tuesday, October 27, at 6:30 p.m. Central. Hosted by Alabama Extension’s beekeeping team, the webinar includes a live Q&A so you can ask questions and hear directly from the experts.

Register today: https://www.aces.edu/go/2820