Basal area is an important unit of measurement in forestry and land management, but it can often be misunderstood, even by professionals. Learn what basal area is, why it is used as a measurement instead of trees-per-acre, and how it is cal…

Approximately 70 percent of Alabama is covered with forests. In addition to providing clean air, water, and recreational opportunities, Alabama forests provide the raw material for a $20 billion dollar forest products indu…

The wild cougar is presumed extinct east of the Mississippi River, except for a small protected population in southwest Florida, and there hasn’t been a confirmed cougar sighting in …

Before you begin replanting your land, a valid contract between you and the contractor or forest consultant is needed to protect all participants and outline objectives and requirements needed for a quality planting job. Although you should…

Without a basic understanding of forestry terms, it can be difficult to communicate with foresters or buyers of forestland or timber. Being well versed in forestry terminology can help landowners feel confident when making management decisi…

If you enjoy being outdoors, then you will love the Alabama 4-H S.A.F.E. program (Shooting Awareness Fun Education). This program covers firearm safety and teaches responsible handling, use, and storage. Get ready because this project is ha…

Archery involves a fascinating group of sports for people of all ages. The fundamentals are simple, the requirements are few. 4-H members coached by a trained 4-H S.A.F.E. archery coach can be shooting fairly well within a short time.

Ar…

Since youth development is the foundation of 4-H, our coaches keep positive youth development in mind at all times. Safety is always a primary consideration. Alabama 4-H S.A.F.E. coaches are trained to maintain the highest standards of safe…

Hunting is an outdoor pastime, promoting stewardship of the environment as well as healthy lifestyles of eating wild game and physical exertion required for the activity. Hunting is recognized as an important wildlife management tool.

Wi…

The 4-H S.A.F.E. Rifle program includes BB gun, air rifle, and smallbore rifle (.22 rimfire only). Centerfire rifles are not endorsed in a 4-H setting. Since youth development is the foundation of 4-H, our coaches keep positive youth develo…

The 4-H S.A.F.E. Western Heritage Project includes rifle, shotgun, and pistol disciplines. In addition to progressive shooting in old West attire, youth learn about arts, crafts, and survival skills that Americans practiced as the young nat…

The Alabama Cottage Food Law, which went into effect in 2014, provides rules and regulations for foods prepared by cottage food entrepreneurs. These foods include jams and jellies that can be safely canned in a boiling water bath canner.

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The cost of instruction is $80. The fee covers classroom instruction and the exam. The fee DOES NOT cover the cost of the textbook. Anyone taking the examination for the first time or needing an updated edition must purchase the textbook ($…

Approximately 40 species of snakes occur in Alabama, and only six of these are venomous. Yet these six attract a lot of attention. Get a crowd of people together and yell snake and you’re bound to get a reaction. Since early times, people…

As interest in wildlife has grown in recent years, the fascination of attracting birds to feeding stations has also grown. More than 62 million Americans feed birds around their homes, and many people maintain natural areas and plantings fo…