Cherokee County

AgriLife Extension Service Office
Close up of the side of a round bale of hay.

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.

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***

 

Cherokee County