young hands, cradled by older hands, hold a pile of soil with a young plant growing from it. [credit: pixabay.com, shameers rk]

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Launches New “Master Waste Reduction Educator” Program

by Randy Penn
February 6, 2026

Be part of Sarasota County’s first-ever Master Waste Reduction Educator Program! UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension is launching the inaugural Master Waste Reduction Educator Program. This immersive, six-week experience is designed to empower ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Composting, Master, Master Waste Reduction Educator, MWRE, Pgm_Waste, Recycle, Waste Reduction
Close up of milkweed flowers

Landscaping with Native Milkweeds in Sarasota County

by Ashley Ellis and Forest HeckerAshley Ellis, Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator in Sarasota County.
January 27, 2026

We often see gardeners using non-native tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica L.) in their landscapes—sometimes without realizing it was recently added to the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas list as ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Environment, FFL, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Horticulture, Landscape, Landscaping, Nature, Pgm_HortRes
someone dressed as a tree out in a park with a family

Complete All Four New Year, New Missions During January-March 2026 and Get a Field Agent Prize!

by Katherine Clements
December 31, 2025

What is Agents of Discovery? Agents of Discovery is an award-winning educational mobile game that turns the great outdoors into an interactive learning experience. Turn your next park visit into a mission and explore nature like never before! ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Natural Resources
Tags: AgentsOfDiscovery, Family, Nature, Pgm_EcoNR, Youth
Image of 20,10, and 5 dollar bills to imply saving money

Why Wait Until 2026 to Save Money on Healthier Food? Here’s How!

by Amber Daniels
December 23, 2025

Is it possible to cook healthy, delicious food and save money on your grocery bill? Absolutely! Save Money When You Buy Local Produce Look no further than your local farmers market to save on fresh, local produce! Buying local fruits and vegetables ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, Money Matters, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Diet, Food, Health, Healthy, Lifestyle, Low-cost, Nutrition, Pgm_FCS

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