You Have To Love What You Do
It is not as common as it used to be for a man to work 5-years at a job. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of recognizing Mr. David Austin with his 5-Years of service pen and certificate from Highlands County.
“I love working with the Master Gardeners and the county is a super place to work. I think I will be here until I retire”. David Austin
5-Years Strong
David started his career with the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners as UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County Horticulture Agent I on November 12, 2012.
Since then, David has grown the Master Gardener Program in great ways.
- Over 20,000 Master Gardener Volunteer orders logged since he arrived
- David has offered over 2,000 Master Gardener Continuing Education Units (Programs)
- Master Gardeners have driven more than 99,000 miles on behalf of UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County
- David has helped develop 9 school gardens at local public and private schools
- He has helped start the Heartland Beekeepers Association and the Central Florida Butterfly and Pollinator Club
- Over 70 Master Gardener volunteers trained under his watchful eye
- The Master Gardener group grew from 21 to 77
“I am so proud to have David as a part of my team. He is well read and quick on the fly. I learn from him daily!” Laurie Hurner
If you would like more information about the Master Gardener program and all that it offers, visit our website here: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/highlands/