By agricultural tradition, fall is all about finding beautiful use for seasonal produce and the set-aside leftovers that come with each year’s harvest. At the North Alabama Agriplex, September kicks off a busy autumn calendar filled with learning opportunities and activities that celebrate the end of summer.
The list of events at the Agriplex this month includes classes on making apple cider, getting the most out of locally grown goodies like sweet potatoes, and even crafting decorative treasures out of simple tassels of corn. There’s a free September session on high tunnel crop production for veterans and beginning farmers, while kids can even play with their food — while learning all about the alphabet.
Here’s a look at everything happening at the North Alabama Agriplex in September:
Programs for kids
Sept. 5 at 12 p.m. — Heritage Homeschool (Secondary): Fall Woodworking — Make and take home an autumn-themed wooden craft just in time for the start of fall. Hosted by Leldon’s, the Cullman-based shop operated by woodcrafter Leldon Maxcy. For homeschoolers 6th through 12th grade. Course cost is $15 per student (no maximum).
Sept. 20 at 8:30 a.m. — Little Farmers: Alphabet Soup — Celebrate with soup (and letters). Kids will travel the alphabet all the way from A-Z while learning about harvest veggies. For children ages 3-5 with an adult. Course cost is $7 per child.
Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. — Farm Kids Club: All About Apple Processing — The agriplex has a bushel of ideas for how you can use apples. For children ages 5 and up accompanied by an adult. Course cost is $10 per child.
Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. — Heritage Homeschool (Elementary): Super Sweet Potatoes — The Agriplex is shining a spotlight on this locally grown super spud (that’s not even an actual potato.) Learn other sweet potato facts, tasty recipes and more. For homeschoolers ages K-6th grade and their parents. Course cost is $10 per student.
Programs for adults
Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. — Living Landscapes: Harvest Corn Tassel Wreaths — This monthly educational series offers valuable information about sustainability in your own backyard. For September, make a harvest wreath using corn tassels with Kristin Willimack of Cullman’s Fields of Flowers. Course cost is $35 per person.
Sept. 18 at 12 p.m. — Lunch & Learn: Wildlife Photography — Head to the Agriplex to learn about the basics with wildlife photographer Jake Calloway. Session cost is $10 per person.
Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. — Military Veteran and Beginning Farmer: High Tunnel Production Field Day — Led by Alabama Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this field day at Bare Bottom Farms will cover funding, crop production, pest management and other high tunnel topics. There’s no cost for this free class. Register ahead of time to secure a seat (along with a light dinner).
Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. — Heritage Skills: Apple Cider Making — Cullman Master Gardener Brad Mitchell teaches the old-time art of cider making. Course cost is $10 per person.
To learn more about the North Alabama Agriplex and register for any of the above events, visit the Agriplex’s website at agriplex.org.