u/AlabamaExtension-AU

Hurricanes, tornadoes and hail can all cause damage and major life disruptions. To help Alabamians better prepare for potential severe weather impacts, a group of experts with Alabama Extension at Auburn University is hosting the first Storm Ready workshop.

On Thursday, July 30, 2026 at the Gulf Coast Eco Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama, participants will learn everything from chainsaw and generator maintenance to food safety, insurance considerations and tree risk assessments. The workshop runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.aces.edu/go/5923

Torpedograss is a highly invasive species that spreads aggressively through rhizomes, quickly overtaking wetlands and shorelines . Managing it requires persistence—multiple herbicide treatments, monitoring regrowth, and restoring native plants to keep ecosystems healthy .

Read more here : https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/fish-water/torpedograss-identification-control/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRuwWZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5RjRTemxIOWdNSkQ5VDZkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmxedCuqK5bIowGZDPjtup-_rB9FGTyYcSTp9vNJAfpPtUhxS518F91E7zAP_aem_kz8DM-fWImA88vNbzfDeYw

Rattlebox, or red/scarlet sesbania (Sesbania punicea), is an invasive shrub or small tree found in Alabama, predominantly our southern region.

Striking red, pea-like flowers form in clusters and are visible from a distance, typically blooming April–June.

Leaves are compound and alternately arranged, made up of many small oval leaflets.

Seed pods measure about 2.5–5 inches long and have noticeable wings running the entire length, unlike the flat pods of similar species.

Mature pods turn brown and contain 4–10 seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several years.

This plant prefers wet soils and is commonly found near ponds, streams, wetlands, and drainage ditches, though it can spread into any area with adequate moisture. While most frequently recorded in south and lower central Alabama, verified sightings have also occurred in northwest Alabama.

Rattlebox can form dense thickets along waterways, reducing native plant diversity and altering habitat structure.

Pulling young plants by hand or with a weed wrench can be effective, especially before seed pods mature. If herbicides are used, always follow the label and choose aquatic-approved products when working near water.

Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is an aggressive invasive aquatic plant that can quickly choke out Alabama’s ponds and waterways. While its feathery green foliage may look attractive, it forms dense mats that block sunlight, deplete oxygen levels, and interfere with fishing and boating. Stay alert for this invader to protect our local water quality and native aquatic life!

Learn more about identifying and managing Parrot Feather here: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/fish-water/the-invasive-aquatic-plant-parrot-feather/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRpuXhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVSlcyNXlham9VZkpLTDh3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs1pdkTjfq-9y0kyjOnE4EixjtzlCdqWWIL13i3YWkCkQihisgP6XJWWut4X_aem_-Eqze2O8nneIFRFnzimQeg

MUST be a first responder to attend. SPACE IS LIMITED - PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register, go to www.aces.edu/go/MonroeSnakeTraining or scan the QR code.

Alabama is rich in water resources, from winding rivers to coastal watersheds. Join Extension and Alabama Forestry Foundation for an evening of creekside conversations about how our forests upstream protect and enhance our waters downstream.

Safety first! If you are a homeowner looking to gain confidence and stay safe while using a chainsaw, join us for a hands-on training session on Tuesday, April 28, in Gadsden.

We will cover essential safety gear and demonstrate proper techniques for holding, starting, and cutting to help you reduce the risk of accidents on your property. This is a great opportunity to learn before you tackle your next outdoor project!

Details:

April 28, 2026

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Riverbend Baptist Church, Gadsden, AL

https://au-academics.my.salesforce-sites.com/.../evt...

For more information contact Eric Schavey at ets0003@auburn.edu.

Ever thought about combining trees, pasture and livestock? Silvopasture lets you do just that—generating income from timber and forage while improving wildlife habitat and soil health. Worth considering for landowners who want multiple benefits from a single property.

https://www.aces.edu/.../forages-livestock/silvopasture/

STORM READY: Hurricane and Storms Preparedness and Recovery is a full‑day educational workshop designed to help Alabama Coast residents prepare for hurricanes and recover after storm events. Held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Gulf Coast Eco‑Center in Gulf Shores, the program covers practical, real‑world strategies for pre‑ and post‑storm readiness. Participants will learn how to prepare home gardens and landscapes for severe weather, recognize and manage salt damage, safely use and maintain equipment such as chainsaws and generators, assess and restore storm‑damaged trees, navigate insurance considerations, build community and coastal resilience, and prepare essential emergency supplies including food, water, sanitation, and first aid kits. This hands‑on workshop provides science‑based guidance and safety‑focused tools to help individuals and communities become truly storm ready. Lunch will be provide and the registration fee is $10.