2024 Water School: Flowing Forward
2024-09-04 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Wednesday, September 4 at 9AM-4PM
Location: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL)
Description:
Join UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension for an in depth look at emerging water issues in our region. We will provide expert presentations and deep dives into the topics during facilitated discussions. This program is intended for local policymakers but all interested are welcome to register. $20 per person (+ Eventbrite fee). Lunch included in ticket.
Topics covered:

Conservation lands/easements
Water quality value of urban forests
Water quality estuary and marine systems
Sustainable development
Green Stormwater Initiative
Monitoring in Manatee: Keeping our water resources safe

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Special Accomodations:
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Plant Play in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-09-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-10-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Dig into the soil and learn about plants all around us. Plant Play is recommended for kids aged 3-5.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
2024-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Let us answer all of your insect and pest questions!
Do you want to learn more about pests and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we’ll cover insect life cycles, management, identification, and more.
For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program - 2024
2024-09-05 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-09-19 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-03 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-17 09:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
An intensive program to learn all about Florida’s waters. Each class takes place at a new location with guest speakers, tours and more!

Working With Water, Working With People
To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our oceans and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across Pinellas County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts.
Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community, attend a relevant stakeholder meeting and explore online resources to learn more about water between class sessions.
Each class session will be three hours long and include Working with Water instructor-led presentations looking at water at the state-level as well as Working with People instructor-led presentations highlighting communication best-practices. Classes will also include time for discussions, guest speaker presentations highlighting local water resources, and a field tour.
This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. Youth (under 18) are eligible to register as long as an accompanying adult is also registered for the program.
Schedule
Session 1 – Thursday, Sept. 5 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Watershed Basics and Stewardship @ Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs with guest speaker Robert Burnes, Project Manager, Pinellas County Public Works, Environmental Management

Session 2 – Thursday, Sept. 19 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

W ater Flow, Then and Now @ Clam Bayou Marine Education Center with guest speaker from Southwest Florida Water Management District, Surface Water Improvement & Management Program

Session 3 – Thursday, Oct. 3 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Water Laws and Other Tools @ South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility with guest speaker Lauren Twele, Education Coordinator, Pinellas County Utilities

Session 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Future Water Supply and Emerging Issues @ Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Oldsmar with guest speaker Tirusew Asefa, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Manager, Planning & System Decision Support, Tampa Bay Water

Session 5 – Thursday, Oct. 31 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*: Panel

Panel Discussion with local environmental non-profit groups and Stewardship Project Updates @ Safety Harbor Public Library

Session 6 – Thursday, Nov. 14 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Speaking of and for Water @ Ozona Village Hall with guest speaker Sadie Hundemer, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida

Session 7- Saturday Nov. 16 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Graduation and Water Stewardship In Action @ Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg with guided hike by Pinellas County volunteer or staff.

*Locations and speakers are subject to change.
Before You Register
Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:

Attend at least five of the seven sessions, two of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #7)
Attend and briefly describe a stakeholder gathering
Complete online mini-sessions
Participate in the online discussions
Submit a summary of your individual or group stewardship project

Cost: $125
If the cost of the program will prevent you from participating, please complete a scholarship application. Application deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Questions?
For more information about this course, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan at lara317@ufl.edu or 727-453-6905.

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2024-09-05 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-09-12 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-09-19 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-09-26 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-10-03 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-10-10 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-10-17 15:30 - 17:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Microirrigation Workshop
2024-09-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water when watering your garden.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2024-09-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
This workshop will be held in the Conference Center at our office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584.
RAINWATER HARVESTING: Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Backyard Composting on Zoom
2024-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
BACKYARD COMPOSTING: Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
Since you are attending this workshop on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

What Tree is That? Webinar
2024-09-11 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson, to learn techniques for identifying the trees in your community.
We will cover distinguishing characteristics and practice identifying some of our common Florida trees.
We will conduct this What Tree is That? Webinar online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Nina Stokes at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54108 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop- ZOOM
2024-09-12 09:30 - 10:30 | ZOOM, United States
Get some help for a successful vegetable garden.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to grow vegetables with the convenience of a microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a vegetable microirrigation kit after attending this workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Participants can schedule a time/date to pick up the kit.
This workshop will be offered remotely through Zoom. You do not need additional software or more than basic computer skills to attend.

REGISTER HERE
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Homeschool Program -Ages 6-8
2024-09-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 6-8.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tomatomania
2024-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Get answers to all of your tomato questions and more!
Join us for Tomatomania! In this workshop we will cover all things tomato. Topics include variety selection, growing requirements, cultivation techniques, and more.
For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 or mlessig@ufl.edu. For special accommodations, please let us know at least 10 days before the class.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-09-24 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: You will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items after May 16th. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Plant Food 101
2024-09-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for Plant Food 101! Come find out what plants need to grow.
In this two-hour workshop, we will cover basic plant nutrition. Learn about the role that nitrogen, potassium, and other elements play within a plant.
For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
2024-09-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Stalk and Vine on 39, 14923 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL, 33547, United States
The Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network is a peer-to-peer network focused on exploring diversified and sustainable farming systems.

This group is open to established and beginning farmers in Southwest Florida and hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Agents in the region.
Connect with farmers and food entrepreneurs in the region.
We’ll take a farmer-led tour of Stalk & Vine on 39 in Lithia and learn about the production methods, small farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms.
There will be a presentation on the Cottage Food Law, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small scale farmers.
UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area!
Tentative Agenda
8:30am – Registration/Check-In
9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
9:15am – Tour of the farm and overview of farm equipment
10:45am – Cottage Food Law Overview
11:00am – Round-Robin introductions and networking
11:45am – Lunch and Networking
12:30pm – Adjourn
This is a free event, but registration is required. Please register by September 23rd at noon.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
***The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact: Allie Williams (allisonwilliams@ufl.edu) at least 10 days in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
For questions contact: Allie Williams at: 813-744-5519 Ext. 54119, allisonwilliams@ufl.edu
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Backyard Citrus Workshop
2024-09-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension for a workshop on selection, planting and care of your backyard citrus.
Citrus trees will be available for purchase.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Special Accommodations:
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Family Programming in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Here Comes the Sun: Prepare for Summer and learn all about the power of the sun.

$25 for non-members and $20 for members for 4 people (includes any combo of kids and adults) and each additional child/adult is $5 for non-members and $3 for members.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Seed Saving Strategies
2024-10-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to save seeds from your favorite vegetables!
Have you ever thought about saving seeds from your favorite vegetables? Join us for this two-hour workshop about seed saving strategies. Topics will include plant mating systems, isolation techniques, seed processing, and more! For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at 941-722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
