2026 Homestead Day

Join Auburn University Rural Studio and the Aquatic Resources Team of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) for a day of demonstrations, conversations, and activities focused on food, farming, water, land, and home in Newbern, Alabama.

Explore practical skills and ideas for small land owners.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Newbern, Alabama in Hale County!

Buy lunch at the food trucks!

FREE EVENT!

All Things Growing!

Site 1: Rural Studio Farm: 8448 AL Highway 61, Newbern, Alabama

Rural Studio Farm Tours Rural Studio Farm Manager Eric Ball will lead a tour of Rural Studio’s farm and discuss practices and strategies for successful small-scale agriculture. Topics will include the kinds of tools to use, how to manage growing throughout all four seasons, how to build up and protect soil resources, how to grow organically, which crops grow well, and how to break ground and start growing in your own backyard.	9:00a.m., 10:00a.m., 11:00a.m., 12:00p.m.
Tabletop Aquaponics—Drop by and talk with David Cline Tabletop aquaponics brings together fish, plants, water, and simple technology in a small, self-contained system that demonstrates how living systems work together. This hands-on STEM activity connects biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, math, and engineering while giving students the opportunity to build, observe, and manage a working ecosystem.	9:00a.m.–1:00p.m.
Commercial Horticulture—Drop by and talk with Wade Hummer Ask an Extension horticulturist questions about fall crops, integrated pest management, soil science, and other ways to maximize yield at Homestead Day!	9:00a.m.–1:00p.m.
Alabama Sustainable Farmers Network—Drop by and talk with Rachel DeBose ASAN brings farmers together to share knowledge, build networks, and advocate for a stronger future. We offer hands-on training, emergency support, and a growing community led by farmers, for farmers.	9:00a.m.–1:00p.m.
Home Food Preservation / Alabama Cottage Food Law—Drop by and talk with Alice Moore Learn safe, research-based methods for preserving fish and produce at home through canning, drying, and freezing. Explore the Alabama Cottage Food Law and determine whether it may apply to your food business goals.	9:00a.m.–1:00p.m.

All Things Land!

Site 2: Rural Studio Morrisette House: 8448 AL Highway 61, Newbern, Alabama

Alabama Heirs’ Property Alliance—Property Owner Workshop with Jamie C. Mardis, Morrisette Community Room The Alabama Heirs’ Property Alliance (AHPA) is a collaborative educational initiative led by Auburn University, Tuskegee University, and Alabama A&M University. The AHPA provides research-based education, workshops, and resources that help families understand heirs’ property, navigate succession planning, and access technical assistance. Through community outreach and partnerships, the AHPA works to preserve family land, reduce barriers to landownership, and support the long-term sustainability of Alabama’s rural communities.	9:30a.m.
Black Belt Prairie Initiative—Property Owner Workshop with Claude Jenkins from Wildlife Biologist at the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Morrisette Community Room The Black Belt Prairie Initiative (BBPI) offers 29 conservation practices that restore and enhance the Black Belt’s ecosystem by supporting biodiversity and improving soil health, resulting in social and economic benefits. BBPI helps landowners offset the cost of installing prairie conservation practices by providing a “rebate” on installation costs. Learn more here!	11:30a.m.
Rural Wastewater Solutions / Imaging Underground with Emily McGlohn and Aurelie Frolet—Exhibit, Great Hall Imaging Underground explores the hidden infrastructure that makes wastewater treatment possible across Alabama’s Black Belt. Through drawings, diagrams, models, and other forms of visual communication, the exhibit makes complex wastewater systems visible and accessible while inviting audiences to consider the challenges of sanitation in rural communities. Developed by Emily McGlohn and Aurelie Frolet through Rural Studio and the Rural Wastewater Demonstration Project, the project uses design and communication to foster public understanding, civic participation, and more equitable access to wastewater infrastructure.	9:00a.m.–1:00p.m.
Alabama Audubon Black Belt Birding Initiative—Drop by and talk with Tim Higgins at Great Hall Alabama Audubon’s BLACK BELT BIRDING INITIATIVE brings the economic and environmental benefits of bird-based ecotourism to the region. Through field trips, special events, research partnerships, and national outreach, we leverage our expert staff and statewide reach to make a positive difference for the Black Belt’s birds and the people who love them.	9:00a.m.–1:00p.m.

Drinks available for purchase at this site from 10:00a.m.–1:00p.m.

All Things Fish!

Site 3: Rural Studio Amphitheater: 7887 AL Highway 61, Newbern, Alabama

Cage Culture Demonstration by Corey Courtwright Learn how to build and use a floating cage to grow hundreds of pounds of fish per year in your existing ponds.	9:00a.m. & 11:00a.m.
Recreational Pond Management Demonstration by Rusty Wright Ponds can provide great fishing for fun and food. Learn approaches to sustainably manage your pond for quality fishing.	9:30a.m. & 11:30a.m.
Fish Processing & Preparation Demonstration by Luke Roy and Jesse James Learn how to clean, skin, descale, dress, and fillet your fish.	10:00a.m. & 12:00p.m.

Food trucks available for purchase at this site from 11:00a.m.–1:00p.m.

All Things STEM for Children!

Site 4: The Park at Green Barn, Newbern: 7887 AL Highway 61, Newbern, Alabama

Geo Explorer Auburn—Activities for Children with Dustin Braden Geo Explorer Auburn is a mobile science lab that brings hands-on science and technology experiences directly to communities across Alabama. Step aboard to explore cutting-edge technology, interactive exhibits, and real-world science through fun, engaging activities for all ages.

9:00a.m.–1:00p.m.

All Things Soil for Children!

Site 5: Newbern Library Courtyard: 7840 AL Highway 61, Newbern, Alabama

Soil Stories—Drop by and learn with Gwen Cohen Soil is something that we rarely think about, but it connects us to one another and makes our lives above ground possible. Soil Stories provides the opportunity to engage with soil as an artistic medium—as paint and in stories. Drop by to get your hands dirty and learn about the magical world beneath your feet.

9:00a.m.–1:00p.m.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or language access services, please contact Corey Courtwright at cac0039@auburn.edu by August 26, 2026.

SPONSORED BY: Alabama Fish Farming Center, ACES Aquatic Resources Team, Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction, and AU Rural Studio