GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tina McIntyre, a longtime UF/IFAS Extension faculty member and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent, has been named the new UF/IFAS Extension Regional Specialized Agent (RSA) for Sustainable Land Development with the UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency (CLUE). McIntyre will begin her new position on August 14 working out of the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka.
McIntyre brings nearly a decade of experience educating Seminole County residents on how to adopt practices that conserve water and protect Florida’s natural resources. During her time as Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent, she developed educational programs focused on water conservation and responsible fertilizer use while working to secure and manage more than $500,000 in grant funding. She is also completing a doctoral degree in interdisciplinary ecology at the University of Florida, where her research examines the relationship between landscaping behaviors, urban water systems and water quality outcomes.
In this newly created RSA position, she will work with partners from local governments, water management districts, developers, industry and UF/IFAS experts to create low-impact development strategies that help to protect natural resources, conserve water and identify the need for green stormwater infrastructure across Central Florida.
“This position represents an exciting opportunity to work with a variety of partners to help shape the future of Florida’s rapidly changing landscape,” McIntyre said. “As our state continues to grow, we have an incredible opportunity to create communities that are attractive, functional and environmentally responsible.”
UF/IFAS Dean for Extension Andra Johnson said McIntyre’s combination of Extension experience, scientific expertise and collaborative leadership made her an ideal choice for the position.
“Tina has built an outstanding reputation through her work with UF/IFAS Extension in Seminole County,” Johnson said. “She understands the challenges that accompany growth in our state and has demonstrated an exceptional ability to translate science into practical solutions. We are excited to see her take on this important new role and help communities across Central Florida create landscapes and developments that are both beautiful and sustainable.”
Michael Dukes, UF/IFAS Associate Dean for Extension and director for CLUE, said McIntyre’s experience makes her uniquely qualified to help communities navigate the future of land development in Florida.
“Tina has spent her career helping Florida residents understand the connection between landscape decisions and the health of our water resources,” Dukes said. “Her ability to bring together partners with diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we work to build communities that protect Florida’s water resources while enhancing our quality of life.”
McIntyre joined UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County in 2018 after serving as a senior biologist with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division and as program coordinator for the University of Central Florida Arboretum. Throughout her career, she has received numerous state and national awards recognizing her leadership in Extension, environmental education and natural resource conservation.
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