Cherokee County

Cherokee County is centrally located in the Pineywoods of East Texas and was established as a county on April 11, 1846. It is bordered by the Neches River on the west and the Angelina River approximately 30 miles on the east. The county spans about 50 miles from north to south and 30 miles from east to west, encompassing a total area of 1,061 square miles and is home to an estimated population of 53,000 residents.
The Cherokee County AgriLife Extension Office, part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, serves as a vital local resource center in Rusk, Texas. Through its dedicated personnel and diverse programs, the Cherokee County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office uplifts local agriculture, horticulture, youth development, and community wellness—translating university research into practical solutions that enrich lives across the county.
4‑H & Youth Development: Offers opportunities in leadership, agriculture, and life skills—supporting Cherokee County 4‑H Clubs.
Horticulture & Master Gardeners: Facilitates local gardening initiatives such as the Cherokee County Master Gardeners program, demonstration gardens, seasonal workshops, and the annual spring gardening conference.
Agriculture & Natural Resources: Delivers field days, publications, and personalized guidance on livestock management, forage production, aquaponics, water and pond stewardship, pest control, and crop management.
Family & Community Health: Provides nutrition education, cooking safety programs, car seat safety, and wellness outreach for individuals and families.
We are available for you. Come in, email, or call us today to attend a Cherokee County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension opportunity or get more information on programming.
Through its dedicated personnel and diverse programs, the Cherokee County Extension Office uplifts local agriculture, horticulture, youth development, and community wellness—translating university research into practical solutions that enrich lives across the county. We are available for you. Come in, email, or call us today to attend an Extension opportunity or get more information on programming.
Resources Available in Cherokee County
AgriLife Extension offers key programs across the state that are organized and supported at the county level. Click the links below for more information about local programming or contact your county office.
4-H and Youth Development
Family and Community Health
Quarterly County Newsletters

Upcoming Cherokee County Events
January 2026
1 CEO Closed—New Year’s Day
16 East Region AgriLife Expo—Tyler
16 Growing the Mighty Muscadine in East Texas—Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville
19 CEO Closed—MLK Day
26 Digging Deeper into Gardening: What to Plant for East Texas Spring Gardens—CEO or Zoom
27 Breakfast CEU Series—Mollie’s Diner, Alto
February 2026
3 Master Gardener Training Orientation—CEO, Rusk
6 Annual Seed Swap—Rusk Civic Center, Rusk
8 Seed Starting Workshop—CEO, Rusk
16 CEO Closed—Presidents’ Day
20 East Texas Fruit, Nut, and Vegetable Conference—Tyler
24 Breakfast CEU Series- – Beverly’s Café, Jacksonville
March 2026
2 CEO Closed—Texas Independence Day
5-6 Cherokee Co 4-H Spring Showcase—Rusk Civic Center
14 Cherokee Co Master Gardener Conference “If Trees Could Talk” – Jacksonville
24 Breakfast CEU Series—CEO, Rusk
24-29 Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show—Cherokee Co Expo, Jacksonville
***Chair Yoga Continues Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1:30-2:30pm @ Rusk Civic Center***
Upcoming Events
Extension Topics for Cherokee County
Life & Health

Environment & Natural Resources

Plants & Crops

Animals & Livestock

Texas 4-H Youth Development

Insects, Pests & Diseases

Business & Community

News from Across the State
Cherokee County
Contact Us
Rusk, TX 75785-0504
Staff Directory
- County Extension AgentCounty CoordinatorAgriculture and Natural Resources
- County Extension AgentHorticulture
- County Extension Agent - FCHFamily and Community Health4-H Coordinator
- Cherokee County SecretarySupport Staff
- County 4-H Program Assistant4-H and Youth Development