Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension Office's Master Gardeners Program invites the public to learn about the hummingbirds that visit Alachua County. Hummingbird expert and tagger Fred Bassett is giving a lecture on Friday, September 18, 2009, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Conference Center (1714 SW 34^th St., Gainesville)

Bassett will talk about the use of specific plants and other techniques for attracting hummingbirds to a backyard garden during winter and summer. "Many people are unaware that hummingbirds may spend the winter in their yards if conditions are right. Leave a feeder up all winter, and you may have a special hummer spend the winter with you," says Bassett. "It's very exciting to play host to a tiny bejeweled winter visitor."

Seating is limited. Free tickets are available prior to the event at either the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39^th Avenue, Gainesville) or Wild Birds Unlimited (4215 NW 16^th Blvd, Gainesville).

To view gardening and landscaping classes offered in September by the Alachua County Extension Office, click here.

For more information, contact the Alachua County Extension Office at 352-955-2402.

All Extension Programs and Services are open to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or handicap.  For persons requiring special accommodations, please contact Wendy Wilber at (352) 955-2402 (voice) or TDD/TYY (352) 955-2406 or at the Alachua County Extension Service, 2800 NE 39^th Avenue, Gainesville, FL  32609.  Please contact the Extension Office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request.