Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Community & Environmental Horticulture Programs for August, 2016. These programs are being offered by Dr. Denise DeBusk, Community & Environmental Horticulture Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 N.E. 39 Avenue, Gainesville).

Climate Change - Garden Change – August 10, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (with Susan Nugent, Master Gardener)

This class examines climate change and how to adjust garden practices to reduce the impact on the environment.

Make Cheap and Easy Self-watering Tomato Containers – August 11, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (with Matt Richmond, Extension Intern)

This workshop teaches how to build self-watering tomato containers with supplies that can easily be found locally. Additional information on how to use the containers and what grows in them will be presented. A self-watering container is also provided as well as a tomato transplant with everything needed to grow healthy and tasty tomatoes.

The registration fee is $20.00 for class and container, or $5.00 for the class only. Register online (for an addition fee) or call 352-337-6209 (voicemail). Class is limited to 20 participants.

Water Forums

UF/IFAS Extension is partnering with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and the Kettering Foundation to convene Florida water issue forums as part of a national Environmental Issues Forums (EIF) program. The two events listed below are test forums, so attendees will have the opportunity to provide suggestions for improving the overall experience for future forum participants. Anyone living in Gainesville or Alachua County is invited to attend. Residents need not be experts to participate. There is no fee to attend, and light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited.

This Drains to Your Creek: Protecting Our Urban Watersheds – August 19, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (with Jennison Kipp Searcy, Sustainable FloridiansSM State Coordinator)

This forum allows participants to share their perspectives on the quality and value of our urban waters and discuss options for managing stormwater runoff and pollution.

Polishing Florida’s Gems: Choices for Springs Restoration – August 20, from 9 a.m. to noon (with Jennison Kipp Searcy, Sustainable FloridiansSM State Coordinator)

This forum allows participants to share their perspectives on the quality and value of the springs of North Central Florida and discuss options for restoring and protecting them into the future.

There is no cost to attend these forums unless indicated, and space is limited. Register at least three days before the forums by calling 352-337-6209 (voice mail).

For more information about these programs, call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office Calendar 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.