Meet our 2026 Summer Interns! We’re thrilled to welcome our new interns, Kate Sweeney and Felicity Ruiz. They have brought fresh energy and ideas to our programs. You can learn more about them below. We have an exciting lineup of activities ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Camp, Clubs & Volunteers, Curriculum, Events, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Sarah Denison Williams A native of Florida’s east coast, Sarah Denison Williams has been smitten with the natural world since attending ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
The Mediterranean Diet (the Med Way) is a long-standing, recommended approach to balanced eating that supports optimal health and chronic disease prevention. The Med Way centers around seven simple eating tips. Last month, we explored Step #1: ... READ MORE
Category: Health & Nutrition, Work & Life
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
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
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
The Mediterranean Diet (the Med Way) is a long-standing, recommended approach for balanced eating that supports optimal health and chronic disease risk reduction. A key focus for the Med Way is choosing whole-food sources and expanding protein ... READ MORE
Category: Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
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
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
Here in Florida, we are no strangers to algae. It occurs naturally in both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. Our warm climate, ample sunlight, and slow-moving, shallow waters provide excellent habitats for many algal species. If you have ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Work & Life