![group portrait of sarasota county extension volunteers and staff, gathered on stage during an annual volunteer appreciation party. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2026/04/2026_Vols_volApprnParty_group01_CROP1650x470TINY.png)
I want to share some amazing numbers: Sarasota County Extension’s 282 volunteers contributed 13,604 hours of service, worth over $448,000, in 2025. That volunteer service is equal to another 6.5 full-time staff, which, on our small ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Work & Life
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners recognized April 19–25, 2026, as Extension Services Volunteer Appreciation Week. The commissioners approved the official proclamation at their meeting on April 21, 2026. Extension ... READ MORE
Category: Events, UF/IFAS Extension
Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Dr. Davis This is Dr. Mary Davis, a retired PhD Ecologist and Sarasota County volunteer. She is also a Florida Master Naturalist Program graduate. ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
From the cypress domes of Wakulla Springs to the coastal ecosystems that define the Big Bend, Wakulla County is home to some of Florida’s most remarkable natural treasures. For the past several years, the Wakulla 4‑H Natural Resources and ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Clubs & Volunteers, Conservation, Curriculum, Forests, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Master Gardener Volunteer Catalina Franco-Cicero Growing Community, One Master Gardener at a Time: The Isles Garden Club Story In the heart of Pembroke Pines, Florida, the Isles Garden Club's Florida-Friendly ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
4-H agent Rachel Pienta announced that Wakulla 4-H will honor the 2025 Volunteer of the Year and Business/Organization of the Year nominees at the Clover Gala on January 29, 2026. Pienta said, “Each year, we ask the community to nominate ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Clubs & Volunteers, Events, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
In 2024–2025, Broward 4-H empowered youth to lead, learn, and give back to their community. Through hands-on programs, state and national experiences, and the support of dedicated volunteers, our members are building the skills to become tomorrow’s ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Camp, Clubs & Volunteers
Wakulla 4-H is a year-round youth development program serving school-age children ages 5 to 18. From September to May, youth participate in community-based clubs as well as school enrichment programs. In the summer months, youth have opportunities ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Curriculum, Events, UF/IFAS Extension
Introduction: Sowing the Seeds of Change Volunteerism holds a unique power—the ability to transform not only landscapes but lives. When people unite with a shared purpose, fueled by a passion for learning and a commitment to service, the ... READ MORE
Category: Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
By Suzette Cook/SFFGS GAINESVILLE – UF’s Florida LAKEWATCH program saved the State of Florida an estimated $5 million in water quality monitoring according to a 2024 annual report released in March. Florida LAKEWATCH is ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, Water