Extension in the Community

Visitors are welcome at the UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Office in Palmetto on weekdays, but that’s not the only place you’ll find us! We at Extension pride ourselves on being available all over the county, meeting our community where they are. From site visits to local events, keep reading to see where you can find us out and about.

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Extension is involved with many community events throughout the year. The next one you’ll find us at is the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival on February 15 & 16. In addition to the delicious seafood, local artistry, and live music, you can also stop to hear educational presentations about our local fisheries during “Dock Talks,” which run throughout the day and are put on by UF/IFAS and Florida Sea Grant. This annual Festival highlights Manatee County’s historic Cortez fishing village and all proceeds benefit the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage and ongoing environmental restoration at the FISH Preserve. fishcortez.org/commercial-fishing-festival/.

Plant Clinics

MGV’s at the Downtown Bradenton Farmers Market Photo: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County

Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV’s) are a great resource for residents, and you don’t have to travel far to meet them! MGV Plant Clinics are located all over the county from farmers markets to libraries to Crowder Brothers. Feel free to stop by for a chat, ask about a specific plant problem, get recommendations, and more. Check out the schedule below.

Site Visits

Commercial Horticulture Agent Caitlin Sollazzo at a nursery site visit Photo: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County

Extension agents are out in the field most days, visiting local agricultural operations to assess needs and provide research-based information to our producers. Each agent has their own specialty such as ornamental nurseries or livestock and you can often find them on a site visit at one of these locations. Agents also provide outreach for the agricultural side of Manatee County, aiming to connect everyday residents with our local food production operations through farm tours, field days, and in-person classes.

Mobile Irrigation Lab

Have you seen our Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) driving around town? Our MIL team is out most days, meeting with residents to evaluate their working in-ground, automatic irrigation system at no cost. The team gets to know each homeowner’s landscape needs and provides recommendations on how they could save water while maintaining a healthy lawn and landscape. This program is purely educational for water conservation purposes. Our team cannot make repairs. To schedule an appointment with the MIL team, call (941) 722-4524 ext. 1827.

Community Gardens

You can find us at our two community gardens locations weekly, helping members with their plots, maintaining the common areas of the garden, and providing training. The community gardens team also maintains the food forest, which is free for anyone to harvest from. You can find the food forest just outside of the gated downtown Bradenton community garden, by the Manatee County Department of Health. The community gardens program has amassed a great group of gardeners who have built their own community within Manatee County. If you’re interested in learning more or joining, contact our office at (941) 722-4524.

Florida-Friendly Landscape Recognitions

Florida-Friendly Landscape Recognition Photo: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County

You’ll find our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) coordinator all over Manatee County, recognizing exceptional yards. Florida-Friendly yards are effective at conserving our natural resources, providing habitat for wildlife, and increasing biodiversity with healthy, Florida-Friendly plants. Applicants can qualify for a Silver, Gold, or FFL Natural level recognition and will receive a FFL yard sign showcasing the designation. FFL Natural is the newest and highest ranking recognition, emphasizing landscapes that thrive with minimal maintenance. Homeowners interested in being recognized can contact our FFL coordinator at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1825.

4-H in School

4-H Program Specialist Meghan O’Brien assisting with the Herpetology School Enrichment Program Photo: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County

While 4-H is well known for their community youth programs, we also provide educational programs for schools! When teachers register for a 4-H School Enrichment Program, they receive all the materials and lesson plans they need for the program as well as support from 4-H Faculty and Staff, including online trainings, one-on-one support, and classroom visits to teach 4-H curricula. To learn more or schedule a program, contact the 4-H office at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1842.

At UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County we are committed to meeting you where you are, providing excellent service and research-based information throughout Manatee County. Extension is often referred to as the “best kept secret” but if you know where to look, we’re not hard to find!