Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to offer the following classes in January, 2010. All classes are presented at the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39^th Ave., Gainesville). Pre-register by calling 352-337-6209.

• January 25 - Equipping Your Financial Toolbox
  This workshop shows how to prepare a spending plan or update your budget, organize your financial papers and desig a warranty file. Please note that this program is also suggested for high school juniors, seniors and their parents. Helping students and young workers become financially knowledgeable is especially important in today's economy. The program is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. There is not a fee and free materials will be provided. It is helpful to pre-register (so we have enough materials) by calling 352-337-6209.
   
• January 26 - Green Industries Best Management Practices Workshop
  This workshop is designed to provide training in Best Management Practices (BMPs) for anyone working in the lawn, landscape, pest control, or municipal grounds areas. This is a required training class for all commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators in Alachua County according to the Alachua County Fertilizer Standards and Management Practices Code.
  
  A "Commercial Fertilizer Applicator" means any person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants in Alachua County in exchange for money, goods, services or other valuable consideration. 
  
  An "Institutional Fertilizer Applicator" means any person, other than a non-commercial or commercial applicator (unless such definitions also apply under the circumstances), that applies fertilizer for the purpose of maintaining turf and/or landscape plants. Institutional applicators shall include, but shall not be limited to, owners and managers of public lands, schools, parks, religious institutions, utilities, industrial or business sites and any residential properties maintained in condominium and/or common ownership.
  
  BMPs are focused on reducing non-point source pollution resulting from fertilization or pesticide application. In some areas, you need to be certified in the BMPs to be able to bid on jobs or have commercial customers. It will be mandatory throughout the state in the near future. Stay a step ahead of the new requirements.
  Earn CEUs for pesticide license holders. For CEUs, get form signed before you leave.
  *(2) CORE, (2) Ornamental & Turf, Limited Commercial Landscape.
  Cost $25.00 (includes materials and lunch). Pre-register by January 22^nd. A complete brochure with registration form can be found at http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml.

 For more information, call 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 the Extension office 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.