UT/TSU Extension Hosts Free Summer Lunch N Learn Series in Bolivar
The UT/TSU Extension Hardeman County Office invites community members to attend its free Lunch N Learn Series beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing through August 26, 2026. Sessions will be held each Wednesday at noon at the UT/TSU Extension Office, located at 210 Vildo Road in Bolivar.
The featured speaker for the first session will be Dr. Walter Battle, who will present on the topic of vegetables. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning to grow your own food, this program will offer valuable information and practical tips for successful vegetable production.
Dr. Battle has dedicated 36 years to the University of Tennessee Extension, serving 31 years as Haywood County Director before becoming the West Tennessee Community and Economic Development Specialist. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Ripley Center, where he teaches courses in agriculture, agricultural policy, and rural economics.
Many Mid-South residents recognize Dr. Battle from his frequent appearances on the popular WKNO Memphis television gardening program, The Family Plot. His passion for agriculture began at an early age while working on his family’s vegetable farm and produce market in Nashville.
Dr. Battle earned both his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and master’s degree in Agricultural Science from Tennessee State University. This spring, he completed a doctorate in Learning and Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He remains actively involved in numerous local, regional, and national organizations focused on conservation, economic development, agriculture, and community leadership.
The Lunch N Learn Series is designed to provide educational opportunities on a variety of gardening and community topics while offering a relaxed environment for learning and discussion. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch and enjoy presentations from Extension specialists and local experts.
“We are excited to offer this expanded series to the community,” said Rachel Howell, TSU Horticulture Extension Agent III for Hardeman County. “While many of our topics focus on gardening and horticulture, we have also included sessions on Estate Planning and Disaster Emergency Preparedness to provide valuable information that can benefit families and homeowners.”
The 2026 Lunch N Learn schedule includes:
• July 1 – Vegetables, presented by Dr. Walter Battle
• July 8 – Garden Favorites in Bloom, presented by Celeste Scott
• July 15 – Getting to Know Tennessee Trees, presented by Candace Herron
• July 22 – Safety & Sanitation in the Garden, presented by Jessica Maestas and Joseph Seago
• July 29 – Soil Testing, presented by Dr. Robert Florence
• August 5 – Estate Planning, presented by Leann Hopper
• August 12 – Disaster Emergency Preparedness, presented by Rita Fleming
• August 19 – Fall Gardening in West Tennessee, presented by Mary Stiles
• August 26 – TN Smart Yards & Master Gardener Information, presented by Rachel Howell
The series is free and open to the public. Whether you are an experienced gardener, a beginning homeowner, or simply interested in learning more about these topics, everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information about the Lunch N Learn Series, contact the UT/TSU Extension Hardeman County Office at 731-658-2421 or email Rachel Howell at rparker1@utk.edu.
The UT/TSU Extension Hardeman County Office is committed to providing research-based educational programs that strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout Hardeman County.
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