The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Environmental and Community Horticulture Programs for May 2019. These programs are offered by Dr. Taylor Clem, Environmental & Community Horticulture Agent, and the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 N.E. 39th Avenue, Gainesville), unless otherwise indicated.
Integrated Pest Management – May 2, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Newberry Branch Library (110 S. Seaboard Drive, Newberry)
Pests can be a nuisance in landscapes. By following strategies of integrated pest management, people can control landscape pests through environmentally sound control methods that are alternatives to traditional pesticides. This program teaches different control methods to manage landscape pests.
There is no registration fee for this program but participants must register by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail). It is limited to 40 participants.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Crash Course – May 20, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Gainesville Garden Club (1350 N.W. 75th Street, Gainesville)
Landscapes can be beautiful while conserving water, saving money, and minimizing maintenance. Join the UF/IFAS Alachua County’s Environmental & Community Horticulture Agent to learn tips for reducing water, minimizing fertilizer inputs, encouraging pollinators, and protecting water resources in landscapes by following principles of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program.
There is no registration fee for this program but participants must register by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail). It is limited to 100 participants.
2019 Master Gardener Plant Sale & Ag Fest – May 18, 8 a.m. to noon
The Plant Sale will have a variety of herbs, annuals, perennials, natives, and trees grown by Master Gardener Volunteers. Visitors can choose from thousands of plants. Master Gardener Volunteers will be on site for advice on selection and care of plants. There is free parking and loading.
The Ag Fest will be providing information on beekeeping, food safety, UF/IFAS Bookstore, Florida Department of Agriculture, 4-H Youth Development Program, composting, rain barrels, Food and Nutrition Program, and more. From 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., there will be a Growing Herbs presentation, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., there will be a Cooking with Herbs presentation.
Admission and parking are free. Prize drawings will be held throughout the morning. Come join us for a fun-filled and educational morning.
Introduction to the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program – May 24, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and in giving back to their communities.
The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program recruits individuals who are interested in gardening and enjoy sharing what they learn with others. Participants complete a 50-hour (or longer) training course sponsored by the University of Florida and the local county Extension office.
Certified Master Gardener Volunteers work through their county Extension Office to educate Floridians and provide research-based information about gardening—America's most popular pastime.
Master Gardener Volunteers can fulfill their volunteer hours in a variety of ways, including:
- Answering horticultural questions over the phone, in person, e-mail at the help desk or through a tabling event
- Participating in community and school garden projects
- Giving educational programs to the public
- Supporting youth activities
- Certifying Florida-Friendly yards through the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program
The 2019 training will run from September 12, through November 14, and meetings are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There is no registration fee, but participants must register online (those needing assistance with registering can call the Extension Office at 352-955-2402) by May 23. It is limited to 60 guests.
For more information about these programs, call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office website for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, Dean. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices. Information about alternate formats is available from IFAS Communications, University of Florida, PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810.