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
Three kayakers on Phillipi Creek

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, Farmers Market, Gardening, Hike, Kayak, Nature Journaling, Pgm_Sustain, Photography, Sarasota County, Sarasota County Extension, Sustainability, Things To Do, UF IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS, 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 and Ashley EllisForest Hecker, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Educator for Sarasota County's UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department.
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

Meet Tish Sacks: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story

by Katherine Clements and Zahir Ringgold CordesAvatar photo
July 2, 2026

Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate. Meet Tish Sacks Graduates form the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) routinely influence others with their knowledge of the natural world, ... READ MORE

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

Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Restrictions Extended Through October 1

by Mike D'Imperio
June 29, 2026

Last week, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) voted to extend the current Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Restrictions through October 1, 2026.Before officials enacted these restrictions earlier this year, we had ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, Water, Work & Life
Tags: Drought, Featured, Landscape, Pgm_Water, Water

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

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