The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Environmental Horticulture programs for May 2024. These programs are being offered by Environmental Horticulture Agent Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary and Master Gardener volunteers.
2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale – May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Alachua County Agriculture & Equestrian Center (23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).
The Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale will have a variety of herbs, annuals, perennials, natives, trees, and more at exceptional prices. Master Gardener volunteers will be on-site for advice on the selection and care of plants. In addition, there will be plant and gardening presentations along with informational booths. Admission and parking are free.
This annual plant sale is a fundraiser for the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program. The proceeds are used to support school and community gardens, summer camp scholarships for youth and other educational workshops for the Alachua County community.
Raised Bed & Square Foot Gardening – May 14, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).
This session combines two popular garden methods: raised bed vegetable and square-foot gardening. The discussion will include the assets and liabilities of each method.
There is no registration fee, but participants must
register online. It is limited to 100 participants.
Follow the Water May 2024 – May 16 through June 6, 2024 (Refer to the program schedule for the locations and times for this event).
Follow a drop of water from southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico to see first-hand how natural hydrology, watersheds, and the urban environment affect Florida and our everyday lives. For more information about this event, visit the
Follow the Water website.
This program will be held over four days, and participants must attend all sessions. Please note that each day is scheduled for a different location and time. This is an active workshop that involves lots of walking. Please plan to carpool and bring a brown bag lunch. Weather make-up days will be reserved if needed.
Program schedule:
- Beginning of the Watershed, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge (4159 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA).
- Rivers, Springs & Agriculture, May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Big Shoals State Park & Suwannee Valley Farm Tour (White Springs, FL).
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ & Sweetwater Wetlands Park, May 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Gainesville).
- Steinhatchee Falls, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (State Road 51, 2 miles South of Tennille US 19/27, Steinhatchee, FL).
The registration fee to attend all four days is $125.00 (plus $10.23 Eventbrite fee). You cannot register for individual days. Participants must
register online by May 10. This event is limited to 15 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fees.
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
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 interested in gardening and giving back to their communities. With training from UF/IFAS Extension, Master Gardener volunteers are active in their communities, offering leadership and education in gardening, landscaping and water conservation projects.
This year’s training course begins on Aug. 14 and runs through mid-November 2024. The class meets every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry). The training costs $175.00 and includes a student manual and handbook, soil test, and other educational materials and resources. Seating for this program is limited, and placement is selective. There are typically more people who apply than they can accept.
After successfully completing the training, interns must volunteer at least 75 hours the first year to achieve their Master Gardener volunteer certification. Thirty-five volunteer hours and 10 Continuing Education Units (CEU) are required in subsequent years to maintain an active status within the program.
To apply for the 2024 Master Gardener volunteer training course, go to the
Master Gardener volunteer application. You will be directed to create an account in the volunteer management system. You will be directed to create an account in our volunteer management system. The deadline to submit your application is May 24.
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, Dr. Andra Johnson, dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county extension offices.
