r/AlabamaExtensionAU

The 2026 Great Southeast Pollinator Census is set for August 21 and 22. In this citizen-science project, thousands of people from Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida will observe, count, and celebrate pollinators. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System invites all residents to join in on the fun and learn more about the pollinators that keep Alabama’s ecosystem thriving.

Learn how you can help here: https://gsepc.org/

Planting a tree is an investment that can provide shade, cleaner air, wildlife habitat, and beauty for generations—but only if it's planted correctly.

From choosing the right planting time to proper watering, mulching, and root care, following a few key best practices can help your tree establish strong roots and thrive for years to come.

Learn how to give your next tree the best possible start with these research-based recommendations from Alabama Extension: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/best-practices-for-successful-tree-planting/

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) can be both a benefit and a nuisance to landowners. It is important to appreciate their contributions to the ecosystem and know the proper methods for managing their presence. Known widely for playing dead when frightened, the opossum is a creature with a unique place among Alabama's wildlife. The opossum is the only marsupial (pouched mammal) native to the United States.

Learn more about opossum here: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/virginia-opossum-our-only-native-marsupial/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTmriVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXFvT25KdVQwSG5vNVA0QWhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe6Kw2a7VSpR6fmPndACYLM9lkTKPiwl-iLjSJQHJgJDgnRols00DHf8WEpNU_aem_Ibdk82GDIAVaHlppkoCc0g

Submerged vegetation growing in ponds, lakes, and streams provide valuable habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. However, several non-native invasive aquatic plant species are present in the Southeast and can quickly form dense mats under the water surface, disrupting aquatic habitats, impacting navigation and recreation, and creating costly management and repair challenges.

What's growing under the water near you?

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata): 4–8 leaves grow in whorls around the stem. The plant feels rough when pulled through your hand because of one or more teeth located on the underside of the leaf along the midrib.

Brazilian elodea / Egeria (Egeria densa): Leaves on the upper and middle sections grow in whorls of 4–6 (compared to whorls of 3 in native Elodea canadensis) and can reach 1.5 inches in length. Its white, three-petaled flowers are larger than those of hydrilla or native elodea and is a key distinguishing feature.

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum): Features 3–5 feather-like leaves growing in whorls around a reddish-brown stem.

Curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus): Leaves can grow up to 4 inches long and often have wavy edges, though they may sometimes be straight and flat. Leaf color ranges from bright green to dark green or even reddish.

These invasive species are commonly found in lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams. Hydrilla, Eurasian watermilfoil and Brazilian elodea, as well as many other invasive aquatic plants, were likely introduced to the United States through the aquarium trade. Never release aquarium plants or animals into public waters.

Because these plants can spread from small stem fragments, they are easily transported on boats, trailers, motors and other water-related equipment. Be sure to inspect and clean your equipment before leaving the water to help prevent the spread of these invasive plants to new waterbodies.

Learn about management strategies for private waterbodies in the ACES publication, Weed Management in Lakes and Ponds, https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/fish-water/weed-management-in-lakes-and-ponds/

Application of herbicides to public waters may require permits issued by the Army Corps of Engineers & an aquatic labeled commercial pesticide applicator license. For additional information, contact your local Extension office.

Once known as the most iconic game bird in the South, Northern Bobwhite populations have faced major declines due to habitat loss.

Bobwhite quail depend on early succession habitats like native grasses for nesting, thickets for cover, and open ground for foraging. Landowners can help restore these habitats using key management practices:

Prescribed Fire: Clears dense litter and stimulates native seed growth.

Light Disking: Rotates vegetation and exposes bare ground.

Supplemental Planting: Boosts food sources and native cover.

Learn how to manage your property for quail restoration: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/bobwhite-quail-management/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTmr3pwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXFvT25KdVQwSG5vNVA0QWhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEekzLNVyuS6YpZc94FOlggbewQ02R522x-loE23kmfWhmJqbicBYLkmGA9CXs_aem_zp3ihFRvqt3oed6QqZyIrg