About Us
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University (AAMU/The Hill) invites the public to engage in various on and off-campus activities during Alabama Extension Week, April 12-18. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the organization that serves people across the state. Alabama Extension enables both AAMU and Auburn to fulfill their three-fold mission of teaching, research, and service. Service is the heart of Extension.
“Alabama Extension is an organization you can trust to deliver science-based information free to the public. We remain committed to helping people and communities thrive across the state,” said Interim 1890 Extension Administrator Majed El-Dweik.
Extension Week Lineup
Here is a lineup of Alabama Extension Week activities taking place on or near The Hill. Admission is free, but registration is required for some events.
Monday, April 13
Take a Break with Extension-Exhibits
AAMU Campus
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Carver Complex – Hobson Wing with Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute Team
- Ernest Knight Center Lobby with Animal Sciences and Integrated Pest Management Team
Take a break and enjoy any or all of the following:
- Talk with Extension specialists and educators.
- Discover important resources.
- Learn about volunteer and career opportunities.
- Register for free Alabama Extension programs.
Contact: Wendi Williams at williw1@aces.edu or 256-337-4781
Tuesday, April 14
Lawn & Landscape Demo Field Day
Agribition Center at 4925 Moores Mill Road, Huntsville, AL 35811
8:30 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Lunch will be served.
Register: www.aces.edu/go/6070
This interactive workshop will showcase professional equipment in action, including a live demonstration of the PermaGreen Triumph Ride-On Commercial Spreader-Sprayer for precise fertilization and turf applications. Participants will learn the following:
- Landscape skills, including proper pruning.
- Routine equipment maintenance.
- Safety techniques and practices that support long‑term lawn and landscape health.
The session will also offer integrated pest management education adapted for real‑world landscape settings.
Contacts: Marcus Garner at mlg0005@aces.edu or -256-541-0291 or Allyson Shabel at ams0137@aces.edu or 256-612-6766
Small Business Café Idea to Impact: Insights to Empowering Emerging Entrepreneurs – Hybrid
AAMU Campus – Dawson Building, Room 240
12:00 p.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Register: www.aces.edu/g0/6044 to join in-person or virtually
Join the community resource development team for an engaging session on how entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into impactful businesses. Founders will share real stories about the creativity, strategy, and resilience behind their success. Participants will gain practical guidance for shaping ideas, overcoming early challenges, and building momentum, along with inspiration to turn their own ideas into action.
Contact: Marisa Hawkins at msh0125@aces.edu or 256-904-1420
Small Ruminant Webinar Series
5:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.
Register: www.aces.edu/go/3930
Join the animal sciences team for monthly sessions as they explore emerging issues in small ruminant production systems. This series features speakers from different agricultural institutions across the United States who will discuss challenges and opportunities in the small ruminant production industry. Participants will also learn the best management practices necessary for goat and sheep producers to run a profitable farm operation.
Contact: Dr. Felix Samuel at felix.samuel@aamu.edu (sfu0001@aces.edu) or 256-924-0984
Let’s Talk Farm Finances – DBAN Webinar
5:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m. CST
Register: www.aces.edu/go/6063
The Financially Distressed Borrower Assistance Network (DBAN) supports farmers and borrowers experiencing financial constraints by creating welcoming, small-group spaces where farmers can connect directly with trusted technical service providers. These sessions are designed to reduce isolation, increase awareness of available assistance, and help farmers take practical steps toward financial stability and long-term viability.
Contact: Karnita Garner at kfg0003@aces.edu or 256-612-4169
Wednesday, April 15
Back 2 Basics Virtual Gardening Series: Houseplants for Homeowners
10:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Register: www.aces.edu/go/Back2Basics
In this session, participants will learn the essential needs of common houseplants and how to recognize early signs of stress or decline. Explore several novice-friendly plants, highlighting their unique characteristics.
Contact: Allyson Shabel at ams0137@aces.edu or 256-612-6766
Thursday, April 16
The People’s Patch Tour
3701 Meridian Street, Huntsville, AL 35811
10:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Register: www.aces.edu/go/ExtWeek
Join us for a special opportunity to explore this unique urban farm that strengthens local food access in our area. The People’s Patch provides fresh, healthy produce to the public at no cost, supporting individuals and families and promoting sustainable agriculture and community engagement. This tour is free and offers an educational experience for all ages.
The tour includes the following activities.
- Learn how to navigate the farm and hear about current and future projects.
- Visit the farm animals.
- Connect with agricultural professionals who are passionate about serving the community.
- Enjoy an Open House in AAMU’s Dawson Extension Building following the tour.
Contact: Jason Andra at jandra@madisoncountyal.gov or 256-532-1505 or Wendi Williams at williw1@aces.edu) or 256-337-4781
Open House: Extension Does That!
AAMU Campus – Dawson Building
11:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Outside exhibits with lunch provided.
Register: www.aces.edu/go/ExtWeek
Discover the many ways Alabama Extension makes a difference at AAMU Extension’s Open House during Alabama Extension Week! This exciting, interactive event is free and open to the public. Explore how Extension programs are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and sharing practical knowledge that people can use every day. AAMU students, faculty, and staff are especially encouraged to attend.
At the Open House, visitors will enjoy the following:
- Meeting Extension specialists and educators who serve communities across Alabama.
- Learning about innovative Extension programs.
- Discovering resources and opportunities available to individuals, families, and communities.
Contact: Wendi Williams at williw1@aces.edu or 256-337-4781
Minding Your Mind: Building Empathy and Awareness Through the Dementia Experience
AAMU Campus – Dawson Building
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register: www.aces.edu/go/6062
The Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute, in partnership with TARCOG, Oak Street Health, AAMU Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, and Dementia Friendly Alabama, offers the workshop Minding Your Mind: Building Empathy and Awareness Through the Dementia Experience. This interactive and engaging program is designed to deepen the understanding of dementia and cognitive decline. Through guided activities, sensory-based simulations, and reflective discussion, participants gain meaningful insight into what it may feel like to live with dementia.
The dementia experience features Virtual Dementia Tours, VR goggle simulations, memory screenings, an expert-led presentation, and an immersive Memory Café. Together, these activities help participants explore the daily challenges faced by individuals living with dementia while learning practical strategies to provide compassionate, effective support and discovering key resources available to assist family caregivers.
Contact: Danielle Rudolph at ddr0007@aces.edu or 334-201-2847
Take a Break with Extension-Exhibit
AAMU Campus
2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
- Ernest Knight Center Lobby with Family & Consumer Sciences staff
Take a break and enjoy any or all of the following:
- Talk with Extension specialists and educators.
- Discover important resources.
- Learn about volunteer and career opportunities.
- Register for free Alabama Extension programs.
Contact: Wendi Williams at williw1@aces.edu or 256-337-4781
Saturday, April 18
Hays Nature Preserve
Earth Day at Hays Nature Preserve
7153 Highway 431 South, Huntsville, AL 35763
10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Each year, AAMU Extension joins the City of Huntsville’s Operation Green Team in observance of Earth Day on the scenic grounds of the Hays Nature Preserve. It is free and great fun for the whole family. Enjoy earth-friendly exhibitors, interactive displays, vegetable plant giveaways, free food, and music.
Parking at Hays Nature Preserve may be limited. Additional parking is available at the Mark Russell Recreational Center located at 429 Taylor Road. Huntsville Transit will shuttle attendees to and from the Mark Russell Center and the Hays Nature Preserve. Look for signs marking shuttle pickup and drop-off points.
Contact: Karnita Garner at kfg0003@aces.edu or 256-612-4169
Information is also available on AlabamaExtensionAAMU’s Facebook page.