UF/IFAS Extension Collier County -

2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network Meeting Announced

by Jessica M. Ryals, Luis Rodriguez Rosado, David Outerbridge and Jennifer Hagen

March 25, 2026

Mark your calendars! The 2026 Spring Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network (SWFLSFN) meeting is happening on Wednesday, May 13th! We’re excited to announce that this year’s meeting will be held at Inyoni Organic Farm in Collier County. ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Events, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Agriculture, Collier County, Farming, SFAE, Small Farmers, Small Farming, Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network, Southwest Florida Small Farms Network, SWFL, SWFLSFN, SWFSFN, UF/IFAS Small Farms And Alternative Enterprises, UFIFASSFTeam

Managing Holiday Materialism: Protecting Your Marriage During the Season of Spending

by Trisha Aldridge
December 5, 2025

Managing Holiday Materialism The holiday season often amplifies financial tensions in marriages, as the pressure to create perfect celebrations through expensive gifts and elaborate decorations can strain both budgets and relationships. While ... READ MORE

Category: Money Matters, Relationships & Family,
Tags: Budget, Finance, Holiday Budget, Holiday Spending, Marriage, Money Management, Relationship, Saving, Spending

Southwest Small Farmers Network Meeting Fall 2025

by David Outerbridge
October 7, 2025

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Southwest Florida Small Farmers Network held our late summer/early fall meeting at ECHO Global Farm in Fort Myers, FL. The focus of the meeting was Community Food Systems, Agroecology, and information on ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching,
Tags: Southwest Florida Small Farms Network, Southwest Small Farmers Network

2025 JAMAS! Learning Never Tasted So Good!

by Jessica M. Ryals and Trisha Aldridge

September 26, 2025

Florida’s citrus industry has faced serious and compounding challenges in recent years. Diseases like citrus greening (HLB), hurricanes, flooding, freezes, and competition from overseas markets have resulted in citrus trees and the citrus ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Events, Food Safety, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Agriculture, Doug Caldwell, FCS, JAMAS, SWFL, Tropical Fruit, UF/IFAS Extension Collier County

When Lightning Strikes More Than Just Tall Objects

by Ryan Czaplewski
August 21, 2025

With hurricane season upon us in South Florida, it is important to remember to take cover when lightning is in the area. In today’s digital age, you can find videos of lightning striking tall objects to include buildings, trees or telephone ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension

Feast Safely Outdoors: Your Essential Guide to a Germ-Free Picnic!

by Trisha Aldridge
May 30, 2025

Summer is synonymous with sunshine, warm breezes, and the joyous tradition of outdoor picnics. There's nothing quite like gathering with loved ones, spreading out a blanket, and sharing delicious food amidst nature's beauty. And as luck ... READ MORE

Category: Food Safety,
Tags: Food Safety, Fourth Of July, Outdoor Dinning, Picnics, Safe Food Handling, Summer Events

Hydroponic Production Methods- Part 2

by David Outerbridge
May 30, 2025

Hydroponic Production Methods: A Comparative Overview of Basic Systems-Part 2 Hydroponic farming is an technology based innovation in agricultural production. These systems enable growers to produce food efficiently, utilizing nutrient water ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Hydroponics, Small Farms

Disaster Preparation Resources From UF/IFAS Extension

by David Outerbridge
May 29, 2025

Preparation Prevents Panic As the Gulf stirs and skies begin to shift with coiled serpentine collections of cloud and wind Floridians are reminded that preparedness is more than a checklist, more than a cry to the heavens, it’s a mindset. ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension

Hydroponic Production Methods-Part 1

by David Outerbridge
May 16, 2025

Hydroponic Production Methods: A Comparative Overview of Basic Systems-Part 1 Hydroponic farming is an agricultural practice that can allow you to grow plants almost anywhere. These systems enable growers to produce food efficiently, utilizing ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Hydroponics

The Magic of Creativity: How Crafting Boosts Your Mood & Mind

by Trisha Aldridge
March 28, 2025

Have you ever noticed how time flies when you're lost in a creative project? Whether making soap, pouring candles, painting, or crafting, these hands-on activities do more than pass the time. They actively boost your mental health, making ... READ MORE

Category: Events, Health & Nutrition, , Work & Life
Tags: Collier County Extension, Creativity, Emotional Well-being, Mindfulness, Relaxation, Self-care, Stress Reduction

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