Mobile County-Alabama Extension

08/31/2026

Love Alabama’s outdoors and want to turn that interest into action?

The Alabama Master Naturalist Program helps adults build a deeper understanding and appreciation of Alabama’s natural world through science-based education, hands-on learning and volunteer service. Participants learn about the state’s natural resources while gaining the knowledge and experience needed to support conservation, education and natural resource management in their own communities.

Becoming a certified Alabama Master Naturalist includes completing a self-paced online course, attending two field days and completing 30 volunteer hours in Alabama. The program is designed for adults who enjoy nature, like spending time outdoors and want to make a difference through conservation and stewardship.

Ready to learn more about Alabama’s natural world and help protect it?

Explore the Alabama Master Naturalist Program and find registration information here: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/alabama-master-naturalist-program/

08/31/2026

Alabama is home to a tree you won’t naturally find anywhere else in the world.

The Alabama Sandstone Oak is a rare, dwarf oak species found only in our state. First discovered in Etowah County in 1901, this unique tree typically reaches just 15 to 20 feet tall. Only about 1,200 are currently known in the wild.

So, what makes this oak so rare, where can it be found, and what is being done to protect it? Learn more about the Alabama Sandstone Oak and the importance of conserving this piece of Alabama.

Read more: https://www.aces.edu/go/6681

08/28/2026

We’re wrapping up our Homeowner Gardening Conference Speaker Spotlights with Dr. Jeremy Pickens! 🌱

Dr. Pickens will present “Getting Started with a Backyard Greenhouse,” sharing practical information to help home gardeners better understand greenhouse growing and how to get started successfully.

We’re excited to have him join us for the conference and round out an incredible lineup of gardening experts!

08/27/2026

Please select the quantity of each plant you would like to order. Availability is limited and orders are filled in the order received. After submitting your order, you will receive an email containing your order details and total. It may take up to 10 minutes for your email to come through. Make sur...

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

🌱 Saturday Speaker Spotlight: Dr. David Han!

A great lawn on the Gulf Coast comes with some unique challenges! From heavy rainfall and extreme heat to periods of drought. At the Homeowner Gardening Conference, Dr. David Han will share research-based tips to help you better understand your lawn and make smarter turfgrass management decisions.

Join us Saturday for “Growing a Great Lawn on the Gulf Coast” and learn practical strategies for keeping your lawn healthier through our challenging Gulf Coast conditions.

🎟️ Registration: aces.edu/go/6407

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and grow with confidence!

08/21/2026

Test you knowledge. Most insects are actually good bugs, but the bad ones give them a negative reputation. Of all the identified insects, less than 1% are major pests.

Can you identify these major pests?

Share your answers in the comments, and check here for the answers. https://www.aces.edu/go/3756

You can learn more about these insects and how to control them on www.aces.edu.

08/21/2026

It’s count day! The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is happening today and tomorrow, August 21–22, and we need your help putting Alabama’s pollinators on the map.

Getting involved is easy—and it only takes 15 minutes:
• Print your counting sheet.
• Find a pollinator-friendly plant.
• Watch for 15 minutes.
• Record the insects that land.
• Upload your count.

Whether you count in your backyard, garden, schoolyard or community, your observations become part of a larger scientific effort to better understand and conserve pollinators across the Southeast.

People of all ages can participate, so grab your family, coworkers, classmates or friends and head outside. Even Aubie is counting—will you join him?

Learn more about the count here: https://www.aces.edu/go/GreatSoutheastPollinatorCensus

You can directly download your count sheet here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6685

08/19/2026

🐝 Saturday Speaker Spotlight! 🌼

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Selina Bruckner to the Homeowner Gardening Conference! Join us as she shares “Pollinator Smarts: Making Better Choices for Your Yard” and learn practical ways you can help support bees and other pollinators right at home.

Register for the conference here: www.aces.edu/go/6407

08/18/2026

🌳Educators, let’s grow together! 🌳

Open to formal and nonformal educators!

Join us for a day dedicated to environmental education. We're teaming up with Project Learning Tree for a fun and informative day of learning. You’ll dive into hands-on activities that bring Alabama’s natural resources to life and youth-friendly environmental lessons.

Guest speakers from the Mobile Environmental Studies Center, Alabama Forestry Foundation, Dog River Clearwater Revival, AWF Delta and Bay Conservation Center, and AL Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries will share their expertise with us!

Walk away with a copy of Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide and additional teaching resources to help your students connect with the world around them.

Registration is open — come be part of this learning adventure!
Register at https://www.aces.edu/go/6541