Russell County - Alabama Extension

Directions Website

Russell County - Alabama Extension Alabama Cooperative Extension and Alabama 4-H provide research based, educational programs to the citizens of Alabama.

2026 Peanut Essay Contest is open! This contest is open to all 4-H members ages 9-18.Topic: What does the peanut tell u...
10/23/2026

2026 Peanut Essay Contest is open! This contest is open to all 4-H members ages 9-18.
Topic: What does the peanut tell us about America's past, present, and future?
Requirements:
-typed
-double spaced
-12 pt font
-Jr level (age 9-11) 300-500 words
-Int level (age 12-13) 500-750 words
-Sr level (age 14-18) 750-1000 words
Please return your essay to [email protected] by October 31st to be entered in this year's contest. Youth who win at the county level get to move on to state competition where there is prize money! Please include your Name, Teacher, School, Grade, Age, Mailing Address, email, phone, and T-Shirt Size as part of the email entry.

Today at our Glenwood School 4-H Club, our members dove into the science behind what makes things float! 🌊 We explored h...
10/21/2026

Today at our Glenwood School 4-H Club, our members dove into the science behind what makes things float! 🌊 We explored how buoyancy, density, and trapped air help even massive cargo ships stay afloat.

Then it was time to put science into action! 🔬 Working in teams, the Glenwood Gators took on the challenge of designing and building their own boats using a limited supply of materials, including straws, popsicle sticks, paper plates, and tape. 🛠️ Each team tested its boat by adding weight and seeing just how much it could hold before sinking.

🏆 Our winning team’s boat held nearly 70 pebbles! Talk about smooth sailing! ⚓

We love seeing our 4-H members use teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on STEM learning to turn big ideas into exciting discoveries!

🎭Trip Across America: Exploring the Southeast!🌎This week, our 4-H Trip Across America club held its third meeting as we ...
10/21/2026

🎭Trip Across America: Exploring the Southeast!🌎

This week, our 4-H Trip Across America club held its third meeting as we explored the southeastern region of the United States! 🗺️

From the breathtaking beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the vibrant streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter and the excitement of Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, our 4-H members discovered some of the incredible landmarks, culture, and history that make the Southeast unique. 🚀🏞️

We also learned about the history of Mardi Gras, including the fun fact that the first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in what is now the United States took place in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703!🎉⚜️

To wrap up our regional adventure, members got creative and designed their very own Mardi Gras masks using colorful feathers, glitter, and pom-poms! 🎨🎭

We love seeing our 4-H’ers explore new places, discover local history, and learn through hands-on activities. Stay tuned as our Trip Across America continues! 💚💛

10/21/2026

Master Gardener Monthly Update Meeting
Join us virtually for our October Monthly Update meeting! We have two great presentations lined up to help you grow your knowledge and skills.

Date: October 26
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Zoom

What You'll Learn:
Green Up Alabama with Dr. Georgious Aresniou
Smart Social Media Use with Anita Reeves 🔗
Register in advance here: https://auburn.zoom.us/meeting/register/p_vvgMLKQ3einazyIFKuVg

We hope to see you there!

Explore the Outdoors with 4-H! Get ready for a day of adventure, discovery, and outdoor fun at the Russell County 4-H Ou...
10/21/2026

Explore the Outdoors with 4-H!
Get ready for a day of adventure, discovery, and outdoor fun at the Russell County 4-H Outdoor Adventure Day Camp! Youth will spend the day exploring nature, learning about wildlife, hiking scenic trails, and participating in hands-on outdoor education activities at beautiful Callaway Gardens. Transportation is provided!
📅 November 11
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Callaway Gardens
💲 Cost: $40
This exciting one-day camp is a great opportunity for youth to connect with nature, learn new skills, and make memories while exploring one of the Southeast's premier outdoor destinations.
Registration is required through 4-H Online at v2.4honline.com.
For more information, contact the Russell County Extension Office at 334-298-6845.
Step outside, discover something new, and experience the adventure waiting just beyond the trail! 🌲✨🥾

🚤🌊 Sink or Float? 4-H Youth Put Their Engineering Skills to the Test! 🌊🚤This past Monday, members of the Doris Weaver 4-...
10/21/2026

🚤🌊 Sink or Float? 4-H Youth Put Their Engineering Skills to the Test! 🌊🚤

This past Monday, members of the Doris Weaver 4-H Club had a great time exploring science and engineering through a fun Sink or Float Boat Challenge!

Using a variety of materials, youth designed and built their own boats, then tested them to see if they would sink or float. Along the way, they learned about buoyancy, weight distribution, problem-solving, and the engineering design process. Some boats carried impressive loads, while others provided valuable lessons on how to improve their designs!
We are proud of our members for their creativity, teamwork, and willingness to experiment. Hands-on learning is one of the best parts of 4-H, and these young engineers rose to the challenge!

💚🍀 Thank you to everyone who joined us. We can't wait to see what our 4-H'ers create next!

10/20/2026

Eligible non-industrial private forest landowners can now apply for the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. Applications will be open until Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.
The program is administered through the Alabama Forestry Commission with temporary grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
“Periodic southern pine beetle outbreaks in Alabama have resulted in millions of cubic feet of pine timber killed on thousands of acres,” said Drew Metzler, forestry program specialist with the AFC. “The goal of this program is to minimize the risk of southern pine beetle outbreaks by assisting landowners with proactive management practices to improve forest health and lessen the susceptibility of pine stands to southern pine beetle attacks.”
Funds offer a cost-share for commercial or non-commercial thinning of loblolly or shortleaf pine stands, as long as certain conditions are met. The program is intended for prevention practices only and does not include individual tree removal. The maximum reimbursement per landowner is $10,000.
The online application is the first step in determining eligibility for the program. AFC staff will review all applications and contact eligible landowners with further instructions.
Guidelines and eligibility details are available within the application portal. To apply, visit forestry.alabama.gov and click on the link for the Landowner Assistance Application Portal. Then, select 2026 Alabama Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program. Applicants will be asked to login. To receive reimbursement, eligible applicants also must be enrolled as a vendor with the state of Alabama using the STAARS Vendor Self Service website.

4-H Bake Off Contest and ShowcaseTHEME: STEMShow off your baking skills with a family favorite or original recipe!Monday...
10/20/2026

4-H Bake Off Contest and Showcase
THEME: STEM
Show off your baking skills with a family favorite or original recipe!
Monday, November 16
6:00 - 7:30pm EST
Russell County Extension Office
MUST RSVP by calling 334-298-6845
• No nut products or by-products allowed due to nut allergies.
• Bake two of the following: Cookie, Cake/Cupcake,
Bread/Muffin/Biscuit/Cornbread and/or Brownie/Bar.
• Plan and prepare an exhibit of baked foods to display on a table no larger
than 3' x 3'. Exhibit must follow theme.
• Recipes for baked goods must be included in the exhibit or copies of the
recipes must be available at the exhibit.
• Each exhibit should include a 12″ x 12″ poster with the title of the exhibit.
The poster should be supported by a table easel or constructed to stand
on its own.
• Participant will answer questions about the exhibit, food preparation, and
the place of breads in a balanced diet.

10/19/2026

⚖️Join us for a Heirs’ Property & Estate Planning Clinic and get trusted guidance to help secure your family’s future.
Meet one-on-one to:
✔️ Ask questions about heirs’ property
✔️ Learn about estate planning options
✔️ Get information on protecting family land
✔️ Execute a power of attorney
✔️Execute an advance directive for healthcare
✔️ And more!
📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026
⏰ 8:15 AM – 11:15 AM
📍 Wallace Community College, Spark Campus, Bevill Center
3235 South Eufaula Avenue, Eufaula, AL 36027
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register for a session or a one-on-one appointment, or call 334-604-7978 to schedule your one-on-one appointment.
Take an important step toward protecting what matters most—share this with someone who could benefit!

10/19/2026

Alabama After Dark - Spotted Salamander

When rain falls on a winter night, one of Alabama’s most secretive amphibians begins an important journey.

Spotted salamanders spend most of the year inactive underground. On rainy winter nights, they emerge and migrate to temporary, fishless pools to reproduce, sometimes crossing roads along the way.

These large salamanders measure between 6 and 9.5 inches long and are easily recognized by the yellow or orange spots covering their dark bodies. Their underground lifestyle also helps them live for more than 20 years.

If you are traveling on a rainy winter night, slow down and watch the road. Spotted salamanders and other amphibians may be making their way to breeding pools.

Learn more about this secretive amphibian here: https://www.aces.edu/go/5853

Address

508 14th Street
Phenix City, AL
36867

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Website

, ,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Russell County - Alabama Extension posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category