Marion County Extension Office

Coosa County Creeks Map Now Available

Cooking Alabama's Wild Game Books Available: Not long ago, most of the meat on an Alabama table was wild game,  game, trapped, and prepared by the family.  The majority of Alabamians now are inexperienced in preparing meats from wild game.  This cookbook was prepared to provide recipes for cooking wild game and information on the correct way to care for and prepare it from the time it is harvested until the time it is cooked.  With this book, a little cooking experience, and common sense, anyone can do a first-class job of preparing wild game meats.  Some recipes titles include "Best Barbecued Venison", "Easy Baked Quail", "Fried Wild Turkey" and many more to choose from.  If you don't happen to have game meats for these recipes the book tells you how to substitute domestic meats such as lean beef or pork.  75 recipes in all and the cost is $8.00 each book.  Makes a great gift for the hunter that has everything! 

Home Food Preservation Books Are Here: Many people in Marion County are gearing up for exceptional garden yields this summer.  Growing and preserving your own food allows you to enjoy delicious, in season fruits and vegetables throughout the year.  The Marion County Extension has in stock Home Food Preservation Books with a variety of recipes and instructions on how to can, freeze, or dry your fresh fruits and vegetables.  They are available for $9.00 each.  Come on it to get yours today! 

 Marion County Farmer's Market Is Open: The Marion County Farmer's Market is now open.  The market is located at 2151 Bexar Avenue West, Hamilton, AL in the Old Weston Fire Department.  Market Days will be Tuesday & Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Grower's permits are required and can be obtained at the Marion County Extension Office.  Co-Managers in the market are Agnes Powell & Bob & Doris Langley.  To sign up to receive for the Senior Nutrition Vouchers (click here).  Eligibility guidelines apply.  In order for a farmer to take the vouchers they must have a valid 2011 growers permit and take online training with the Farmer's Market Authority.  To view the 2011 Farmer's Market Rules (click here).  

To obtain a burn permit call 1-800-942-3107.
You will need to know your Section, Township, & Range of your property.  That information can be located on your deed.  If approved you will be given a burn permit # over the phone.  If your property is within city limits please contact your local city hall or fire department to be aware of any ordinances that may affect you.

 Know It & Grow It Hotline Is Now Available

You can reach experts in the field of horticulture with questions related to vegetables, flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, insects, diseases, soil, fertilizer, and anything related to growing and gardening in the Alabama climate.
The Hotline is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Call: 1-877-252-4769

About Marion County

Marion county was originally part of the Chickasaw Indian Nation.  It was named for Gen. Frances Marion, the "swamp fox" of Revolutionary War fame.  The county covers 743 square miles, but was once larger, containing all of what is now Lamar county, until 1866.  Andrew Jackson's Old Military Road runs from Columbiana, Tenn., through Marion County, to Columbus, Miss.

In 1830, Marion County's population was 4,000.  Today, approximately 30,000 people live in the rural county.  Ninety-six percent of the population is white, 3.4 percent is black and .6 percent are hispanic or other.  There are 15 educational outlets in the county.  The majority of the county residents have at least completed 10th grade.

Timber, cattle, soybeans, and corn are the major agricultural crops grown in Marion County.  Major industries include mobile homes, tapered roller bearings, reflective products, conveyor systems and furniture.  Bear Creek Lake, Mule Day in Winfield and the Sam Murphy Wildlife Management Area attract tourists to Marion County.

The Marion County Extension Office has three full-time and 2 part-time employees and about 325 volunteers who help with various programs.  Some of the more popular Extension programs in the county include TGIF, Nutrition Education Program, Crisis Intervention, Parenting Classes, Master Cattle Producers, and the Master Gardening program.  More than 900 youth are involved in 4-H.