Tag: Pgm_Ag

Keeping Sarasota Cool: Equipping Sarasota for Extreme Heat Conditions

by Michelle Marinangel
July 15, 2026

Over the last three summers, our team has interacted with residents in Sarasota County to discuss extreme heat science, safety, and conditions in our backyards. During our outreach events, we also distribute free resources such as cooling towels, ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Work & Life
Tags: Climate, Community Education, Extreme Heat, Healthy Living, Outreach, Pgm_Sustain, Sustainability, Weather

8 Sustainable Adventures in Sarasota County

by Kate Sweeney
July 6, 2026

Are you stuck doing the same things for fun and looking for affordable ways to enjoy Sarasota County? Luckily, Sarasota County offers a load of sustainable adventures, from its beaches and parks to its sunny weather and countless attractions. ... READ MORE

Category: Work & Life
Tags: Beaches, Budget, Eco-friendly Activities, Farmer's Market, Gardening, Hike, Kayak, Nature Journaling, Pgm_Sustain, Photography, Sarasota County, Sarasota County Extension, Sustainability, Things To Do, UF-IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Wellness, Wildlife

Red, White, and Blooming: Master Gardener Volunteers Revamp the Flagpole Garden for America’s 250th!

by Forest Hecker
July 2, 2026

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the Master Gardener Volunteers of Sarasota County are marking the occasion in the most fitting way they know how — with plants! This July 4th, visitors to Twin Lakes Park ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
Tags: FFL, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Landscape, Landscaping, Master Gardener Volunteer, Pgm_HortRes

The Med Way: Step 1 – Changing Your Protein

by Amber Daniels
June 30, 2026

The Mediterranean Diet (the Med Way) is a long-standing, recommended approach for balanced eating that supports optimal health and chronic disease risk reduction. A key focus for the Med Way is choosing whole-food sources and expanding protein ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Food Is Medicine, Health, Nutrition, Pgm_FCS

Beyond the Classroom: My Experience Interning with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

by Evelyn Spencer
June 15, 2026

My name is Evelyn Spencer, and I worked as an Environmental Education and Outreach Intern in the fall of 2025 and spring of 2026 with the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Sustainability Program. I graduated in May 2026 from the ... READ MORE

Category: Professional Development, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Careers, Internship, Pgm_Sustain, Professional Development, Sarasota County Extension, Sustainability

Blue-Green Algae Are Blooming

by Mike D'Imperio
June 8, 2026

Here in Florida, we are no strangers to algae. It occurs naturally in both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. Our warm climate, ample sunlight, and slow-moving, shallow waters provide excellent habitats for many algal species. If you have ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Work & Life
Tags: Algae, Algal Bloom, Blue-green Algae, Cyanobacteria, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Harmful Algae, Pgm_Water, Sarasota, Sarasota County, Water Quality

Suncoast Florida Drought Update: What It Means for Your Landscape, Water Supply, and Fire Risk

by Forest Hecker
June 4, 2026

How Bad Is the Current Drought? Since the end of our rainy season in early fall, rainfall totals across west-central Florida have dropped dramatically. Local meteorologists report this has been one of the driest fall–winter periods in over ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Water
Tags: Drought, Fire, Landscape, Landscaping, Pgm_HortRes, Pgm_Water

Meet Kristen Sturgeon: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story

by Katherine Clements
June 3, 2026

Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Kristen Sturgeon Meet Kristen Sturgeon, an Environmental Specialist III with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources. In this ... READ MORE

Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Florida Master Naturalist Program, Fmnp-in-srq, Nature, Pgm_EcoNR, Volunteers

Seven Simple Steps to a Healthier You

by Amber Daniels
May 29, 2026

Many people underestimate the power of small shifts in their daily diet and lifestyle habits. These changes can create meaningful improvements in your health in terms of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, reducing risk for chronic disease, ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Aging Healthy, Eating Locally Grown, Food Is Medicine, Healthy Eating, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Pgm_FCS

Precious Pollinators: Green Orchid Bee

by Forest Hecker
May 28, 2026

Euglossa dilemma: Florida's Brilliant New Orchid Bee If you've spotted a dazzling, iridescent green bee darting through your garden, you may have encountered one of Florida's most fascinating recent arrivals — the Green Orchid Bee (Euglossa ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: FFL, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Landscape, Landscaping, Pgm_Chemicals, Pgm_HortRes, Wildlife

Subscribe For More Great Content