Select Page
Gardening for Pollinator Conservation Workshop – October 13th, Quincy FL

Gardening for Pollinator Conservation Workshop – October 13th, Quincy FL

Bee Balm CompressedA “Gardening for Pollinator Conservation” Workshop will take place Thursday, October 13, at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. Pollinators are important in conserving native plants, ensuring a plentiful food supply, encouraging biodiversity and helping maintain a healthier ecological environment – – – the so-called “balance of nature.” Come learn how you can conserve and promote pollinators in your own garden, all while beautifying your own little piece of Nature.

As in previous years, nursery vendors will be selling pollinator plants at the Oct. 13 workshop, making it convenient for you to put into practice what you learn at the workshop!  Registration is just $15 per person and includes lunch, refreshments, and handouts.

Check out the workshop details and register at: https://gardeningforpollinatorconservation.eventbrite.com/

What: Gardening for Pollinator Conservation

When: Thursday, October 13, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EDT

Where: University of Florida/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, 155 Research Road, Quincy, FL. Located just north of I-10 Exit 181, 3 miles south of Quincy, off Pat Thomas Highway, SR 267.

Cost: $15 per person (includes lunch, refreshments and handouts)

Registration: https://gardeningforpollinatorconservation.eventbrite.com

For more information, contact: Gary Knox, gwknox@ufl.edu; 850.875.7105

For a printable Flyer click here: Gardening for Pollinators Workshop

Our workshop builds on previous successful pollinator workshops held at Leon Co. Extension last year and in Marianna in 2012. This workshop was developed as a collaboration of county faculty from several extension offices with folks from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission as well as UF/IFAS NFREC. Sponsors helping defray costs include Florida Native Plant Society – Magnolia Chapter, Gardening Friends of the Big Bend, Inc., Mail-Order Natives, and University of Florida/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center.

We look forward to seeing you at the workshop! 

 

Got Compost? Leon County Offering Hands-on Workshops

Got Compost? Leon County Offering Hands-on Workshops

Got Compost?

macon 7

Please join UF/IFAS Leon County Agricultural and Horticultural Extension Agents for a hands-on composting workshop.

Extension Agents Mark Tancig and Molly Jameson will lead participants through:

  • An in-class presentation on composting science and research based composting methods

  • A hands-on demonstration on building and maintaining compost piles

  • Participants will help turn an existing compost pile and build a new pile

There are three chances to catch the workshop:

April 9, 10 am – 12 pm

April 19, 9 am – 11 am

April 25, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

 

General Admission: $10.00

Students: $5.00

Couples or Families: $15.00

 

The workshops will be held at the Leon County Extension Office, located at 615 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

 

Register now at http://bit.ly/1M8DS1t or call us at 850-606-5202

 

Beekeeping in the Panhandle Workshop & Trade Show April 1 & 2

Beekeeping in the Panhandle Workshop & Trade Show April 1 & 2

March ClassThe Beekeeping in the Panhandle Working Group is pleased to offer the 5th Annual Beekeepers Field Day And Trade Show 2016 Beekeeping is one of the fastest growing hobby and commercial endeavors in Florida.  There is much to learn and share about this fascinating trade.

The workshop and trade show offers something for every level and interest, and this year’s event features:

  • Extended Opportunities for Hands-On Open Hive Experiences
  • Presentations on the Latest in Research-Based Beekeeping Management Practices
  • Interaction With Expert Beekeepers
  • Vendors with Beekeeping Equipment and Hive Products
  • Door Prizes Include a Grand Prize Each Day of a 10-Frame Bee Hive!

Dates:

Friday April 1, 2016 and Saturday April 2, 2016

Place:

UF/IFAS Extension Washington County Office,
1424 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428
850-638-6180

Time:

8:00 am – 5:00 pm each day

Registration:

Includes Lunch, Refreshments, Door Prize Tickets, & Educational Sessions

  • $25 for One Day or $40 for Both Days per Person

  • $10 Age 12 and Under Each Day

  • Late Fee of $10.00 after March 22nd.

Two ways to register:
For More Information Contact:
  • UF/IFAS Extension Washington County at 850-638-6180
  • UF/IFAS Extension Calhoun County at 850-674-8323

Download the printable flyer with agenda & details:

Beekeepers Field Day And Trade Show 2016

Farmers Market Symposium on March 8, 2016

Farmers Market Symposium on March 8, 2016

farmers market symposium 2On Tuesday, March 8, 2016,  UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County will hold a Farmers Market Symposium from 8:30-3:30.  The meeting will take place at the Langley Bell 4-H Auditorium, 3730 Stefani Road Cantonment FL 32533.

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS INCLUDE:
• Overview of Florida Farmers Markets
• Starting a Community Garden
• Best Practices at Farmers Markets
• Food Safety Guidelines for Growers and Vendors
• Multiple Payment Options for Farmers Markets
• Cottage Food Laws
• Marketing Opportunities
• Food Safety at the Farmers Market
• Additional Optional Session: Farmers Market Nutrition Program Training for any interested vendors

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.  The cost is $15 for pre-registration, $20 at the door.  REGISTER ONLINE at http://tinyurl.com/IFAS-Farmers-Market-Symposium

For more information, contact Christina Walmer at cbwalmer@ufl.edu or by phone at 850.475.5230

 

Florida Master Naturalist Courses Provide Unique Perspective into Natural World

Florida Master Naturalist Courses Provide Unique Perspective into Natural World

Do you love the outdoors? Wish you knew more about the plants and animals native to our area?

Master Naturalist Jerry Patee leads classmates along his project: a wetland boardwalk in Perdido Key. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson

Master Naturalist Jerry Patee leads classmates along his project: a wetland boardwalk in Perdido Key. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson

The Florida Master Naturalist Program is a course offered by Extension agents throughout the state, including the northwestern counties. Three different modules—Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal, and Uplands—are offered. They include 40 hours of instruction time on ecosystems, plant identification, animal ecology, and how humans live within the environment. Each class includes 2-3 field trips which may entail hikes, paddling, or tours of local museums and parks. Adult students are expected to produce an educational project at the end of the course, which may vary from a display or presentation to a skit or full-blown nature trail.

Proud Master Naturalist students at their graduation. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson

Proud Master Naturalist students at their graduation. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson

Several  Master Naturalists have recently brought their projects to life. Several years ago, Charlie Lurton created a plan to build living shorelines in Bayou Grande behind homes in his neighborhood. The project was approved by state and federal environmental regulatory agencies and oyster reefs and planting have recently begun. Jerry Patee, also an Escambia County Master Gardener, worked with his church to create a boardwalk trail through wetlands to a pristine view of Bayou Garcon in Perdido Key.

Master Naturalist students vary in backgrounds from retired military and teachers to new residents and college students. Many Master Gardeners find the courses a helpful addition to their training, and utilize their newly gained knowledge when working with clientele. At completion, students receive an official Florida Master Naturalist certificate, pin, and patch. Several Panhandle courses will be offered this spring—check out the FMNP website to see when a class will be offered near you!