Monroe County-Alabama Extension

06/23/2026

For Southerners, watermelon wisdom is passed down through generations. While some suggestions for picking the perfect melon are rooted in fact, others are just old wives’ tales.

Watermelon wisdom is passed down through generations. While some suggestions to pick a good watermelon are rooted in fact, others are just old wives’ tales.

06/18/2026

June 19 is Juneteenth. This is the newest federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth was officially designated a national holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Jubilee Day, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, which lasted for 246 years from 1619 to 1865.

Juneteenth is observed on June 19, and is also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, and Jubilee Day, marking the end of US slavery.

06/18/2026

Pollinators, such as insects, birds and bats, play a big role in our food system.

National Pollinator Week is June 22 to 28. This week highlights pollinators while encouraging people to help and protect their populations.

06/18/2026

Alabama is home to a variety of snakes, including six venomous species. The copperhead and cottonmouth are the most encountered of the venomous snake species throughout the state. Understanding their differences, similarities and behaviors can help residents appreciate the vital roles these snakes play in the ecosystem.

Knowing the differences, similarities and behaviors of copperheads and cottonmouths can help you appreciate the roles these snakes play.

06/15/2026

People know mosquitoes as those annoying insects that can ruin any outdoor activity. However, there is more to these flying pests than just an itchy bite. Mosquitoes are serious global health concerns for humans.

People know mosquitoes as those annoying insects that can ruin any outdoor activity. However, there is more to them than just an itchy bite.

06/12/2026

Before you cast a line for the 4-H BIGGEST Catch Contest, make sure you're ready to fish legally!

If you're 16 or older and plan to fish Alabama's public waters, you may need an Alabama Recreational Freshwater Fishing License. Not sure where to start? Alabama Extension has a simple step-by-step guide that walks you through the process and helps you choose the right license for your fishing adventure.

Then it's time to hit the water! From June 5–15, youth ages 9–18 can compete in the 4-H BIGGEST Catch Contest by catching, measuring, photographing, and submitting their fish for a chance to win. Whether you're after a trophy bass, a giant catfish, or creating fish-inspired artwork, there's a category for you.

Learn how to purchase your fishing license https://www.aces.edu/go/6415 and get contest-ready today https://www.aces.edu/go/4165.

06/11/2026

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.

The high temperatures and humidity levels of summer are perfect conditions for flies, which can quickly cause issues for beef cattle.

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

The Extension Master Gardener program is for adults in Alabama who want to gain knowledge and experience with home horticulture.

Gardeners can grow through the Alabama Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Apply now for the Master Gardener fall course.

06/09/2026

Pollinators play a vital role in the environment by helping crops, fruits, vegetables and flowers flourish. Through upcoming Pollinator Partners of Alabama training events, people can learn more about these fascinating creatures along with ways to protect and support their populations.

Through Pollinator Partners of Alabama trainings, people can learn about pollinators along with ways to protect and support their populations.