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Dothan Botanical Gardens

Serving Coffee, Dale, Houston, and Russell Counties

Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M University

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University (AAMU), like many organizations, began resuming in-person activities for 2022. Today, we primarily provide learning opportunities to urban and suburban audiences in person and through virtual platforms, such as Zoom, Facebook Live, and Nearpod. Visit www.aces.edu/go/Programs to explore and register for upcoming Urban Extension programs and services.

Making a Difference

In 2022, county Extension staff in the Dothan area delivered 120 hybrid training sessions and eight special events. In addition, 235 pounds of drugs were collected from a prescription drop box. Program participants learned best practices in money management, family and child development, environmental stewardship, and health.

  • 1.5 Full-Time Equivalents
  • 4+ Counties Served
  • 777 Urban Extension Direct Contacts
  • 10,436 Urban Extension Indirect Contacts

Dothan Urban Center Program Impacts

Urban Extension activities resulted in the following impacts:

  • 2,143 older adults learned how to prevent falls at home—a leading cause of death among older adults.
  • 2,162 youth and adults learned financial literacy skills, such as creating a budget, reducing credit card debt, and the importance of saving and investing money.
  • 1,161 participants logged 3,622,634 steps, or 1,715 miles, to lose or maintain weight and reduce the onset of chronic diseases.
  • 278 (52 percent) among 534 youth improved their ability to choose healthy foods.
  • 846 participants dropped off 1,575 pounds of medication at nine drug take-back events, removing drugs from homes and from entering public landfills and local water systems.

Alabama Extension Highlights

  • In 2022, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, consisting of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, developed the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan: Extending Knowledge, Improving Lives (www.aces.edu/blog/topics/about-us/2022-2026-strategic-plan-extending-knowledge-improving-lives/). It serves as a living document to guide programmatic, organizational, and budgetary decisions for the organization.
  • In addition, Alabama Extension launched a yearlong marketing campaign called Discover Alabama Extension to increase awareness and visibility of Alabama Extension programs and services offered across the state.

Urban Extension Highlights

  • Alabama Extension at AAMU launched a new newsletter titled Urban Extension News that features articles, publications, timely news, a spotlight on partners, and upcoming events. Visit www.aces.edu/go/UENews to subscribe.
  • Urban Extension staff secured $6.1 million in competitive and noncompetitive grant funds for 2022-2023.

State Office–Alabama A&M University

Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama A&M University

4900 Meridian St., Huntsville, AL 35810

Phone: (256) 372-5710

Visit www.aces.edu/directory for statewide office locations.

Houston County Extension Office 

Farm Center Building

1699 Ross Clark Circle, Ste. 4, Dothan, AL 36301

Phone: (334) 794-4108

Micah Johnson, County Extension Coordinator

Visit www.aces.edu/go/directory for a listing of additional Alabama Extension offices and staff.

Find Us Online

  • Alabama Extension Calendar: www.aces.edu/calendar
  • Alabama Extension at AAMU Facebook: @AlabamaExtensionAAMU
  • Instagram: @aamuextension
  • X (Formerly Twitter): @AAMUExtension

More Impacts

Visit Program Success Stories at www.aces.edu/blog/category/about-us/aamu/ to find more Urban Extension impact data.