A little-known gem sits on South Side, tucked beneath beautiful oak trees across from Jack McLean, Jr. Park. And it has been there for 100 years. Well, maybe not that particular building. But the services offered by the Leon County Extension Center have been around since the year Muddy Waters and Billie Holiday were born. Since the first brick of the Lincoln Memorial was laid. A century ago, citizens in Leon County — then merely a collection of communities — began visiting people at home to teach farming, cooking and conservation techniques that could improve quality of life. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established collaborative resource centers that offer instruction in sustainable practices. The centers are associated with land grant universities. For us, that means the University of Florida and Florida A&M University. “We provide non-biased, research-based information and help people to implement that information in daily life,” said Kendra Zamojski, extension director for Leon County. On Saturday, Extension Centers around the country will celebrate their 100th birthday. Ours will host a garden party of grand proportions. It’s a chance for area residents to find out what the Extension Center does. For many area residents, it’s a chance to be surprised. The grounds are gorgeous, planted and labeled. The demonstration gardens cover an acre and are cared for by 150 volunteers. Extension resources are diverse, and many are free. Experts with the Sustainable Landscapes program will come to your house and assess your property, giving you tips and a checklist for becoming a “Certified Florida Friendly” yard. “Most people think we’re just about agriculture — row crops and large-scale farming,” said Taylor Vandiver, horticulture agent and organizer of this year’s event. “We want to highlight all of our programs and show our history, but also our evolution.” Vandiver, a knowledgeable 20-something, believes there is a resurgence in self-sufficiency among the younger generation, a push toward growing vegetables at home and conserving natural resources. She points out that farming is getting smaller while the population is growing, defining the need for economic and environmental sustainability. Most participants in the Extension Center’s permaculture class, a design technique that promotes natural patterns and relationships, are in their 20s. Every person in the family will find something of interest at the Extension Center. Kids can get involved in more than 50 different 4-H projects, having fun while developing leadership skills. Retirees enjoy the Master Gardener Training Program. Both nature and recreation enthusiasts will marvel at the array of environmental education classes that include habitat restoration, eco-tourism and sustainable fishing. Though staff members can boast many decades of experience, the Extension Center reaches it’s 100-year birthday with young, enthusiastic leaders on board. Amy Mullins, family and consumer sciences agent, runs the Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). The free program focuses on helping families with children and limited resources develop healthy cooking, eating and shopping habits. “I love community and I love nutrition,” said Mullins, who is in her second year at the Extension Center. She notes that busy schedules, and the resulting reliance on fast food, often have a deleterious effect on well-being. “We hope to reach people before illnesses occur, and help establish a healthy foundation.” Reaching the audiences most in need, however, has proven to be a challenge. Mullins and her interns work hard to spread the message at area churches, libraries — anywhere at least five people will gather to engage with the information. People used to come on foot, or in a wagon with wooden wheels. A recent statewide study conducted by the University of Florida showed Leon County residents as the most interested in local food production, the most willing to make sustainable health decisions. We’ve been at it for 100 years. Maybe we can look at Saturday’s free, family-friendly event as a celebration of ourselves. Post a picture on Instagram, check in on Facebook and continue learning how to live better. Michelle Gomez is a KCCI Catalyst serving on the Frenchtown Heritage Marketplace Action Team. If you go What: UF/IFAS Leon County Extension Office Spring Open House, featuring sustainable living ideas, guided garden tours, instructional booths, kids activities, Florida-Friendly landscape ideas, wildlife, plant sale, prizes and giveaways When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Where: Extension Offices, 615 Paul Russell Road (about a quarter mile east of the Fairgrounds) Cost: Free
0
