In his Publisher’s Letter this month, Nelson discusses the substantial role UF/IFAS plays in Florida’s blueberry industry. I thought this would be a good time for a reminder that while undoubtedly integral in the research realm, the scope of UF/IFAS’s work and mission extends far beyond. In fact, the UF/IFAS Extension exists to make knowledge and expertise available to the public.
The county Extension offices serve as a link to educate and empower anyone — whether you are a grower, teacher, family, business owner, policymaker, students, or even a retiree hoping to improve your garden — with the resources needed to be successful.
The Extension faculty members serve as a community resource to translate the science and research into practical advice that doesn’t require a PhD to understand. For example, the Extension’s wildly popular Master Gardener Program amasses a wealth of knowledge for those seeking gardening advice, and Luis Rodriguez Rosado, the Small Farms and Pesticide Education Agent for the Polk Extension, writes a monthly article on page 16 of Central Florida Ag News in which he takes relevant topics and boils down to make the information accessible to the public.
In addition, the Extension often hosts educational events and classes. Here is just a sampling of upcoming educational opportunities hosted by the Polk Extension:
- Pollinators: Gardening for the Little Heroes of Our Planet — June 14, 9 a.m. – noon at the Polk Extension Office (1702 South Holland Parkway, Bartow)
Learn more about pollinators and even create a small pollinator hotel.
- Growing & Cooking With Herbs — June 24, 4-5 p.m. at Lakeland Public Library. (100 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland)
Learn which herbs you can grow and cook in your own Central Florida garden and how to incorporate them into your food.
- Pesticide Testing — July 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Certification exams for those seeing pesticide licenses in Florida.
- Growing Tropical Fruit in Your Central Florida Yard — July 29, 10-11 a.m. at Lakeland Public Library. (100 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland)
Explore tropical fruit you can grow right in your own backyard.
