![group portrait of sarasota county extension volunteers and staff, gathered on stage during an annual volunteer appreciation party. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2026/04/2026_Vols_volApprnParty_group01_CROP1650x470TINY.png)
For the global volunteer month in April, the Sarasota County Commissioners honored all county department volunteers March 24 for their outstanding efforts throughout Sarasota County in 2025. UF/IFAS Extension celebrated its volunteers April ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Community Volunteers, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Dr. Davis This is Dr. Mary Davis, a retired PhD Ecologist and Sarasota County volunteer. She is also a Florida Master Naturalist Program graduate. ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
What is LIFE? The Learning in Florida’s Environment (LIFE) program is a science-based educational experience that engages 4th and 5th grade students in Sarasota County in 1-hour preparatory in-class presentations followed by a 3-hour field ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
A Short History of the Energy Upgrade Program The Energy Upgrade program was established in 2012 to educate homeowners in Sarasota County on energy and water efficiency. In 2016, based on community research, the program expanded to include ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Home Management, Money Matters, Professional Development
Are you passionate about plants, sustainable landscapes, and community education? The UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County office is now accepting applications for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training course! We’re looking for ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Introducing Mary Ellen Boelhower A native of Louisiana, Mary Ellen grew up in Ponchatoula, a small town near New Orleans. She went on to study Wildlife Management and Forestry before moving to work for a statewide conservation organization ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Bob Frank, Conservation Ambassador Amateur photographer Bob Frank spent his career as a college professor in Ohio before retiring to Florida ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life![sarasota county extension volunteers enjoy a dinner and conversation at a recogntion party. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2025/05/volsDinnerWide02CROP1650x470.png)
UF/IFAS Extension volunteers had a big day April 22. In the morning, Sarasota County commissioners showered them (and other county volunteers) with accolades for the services they have provided across a range of programs and activities. Then, ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
I am delighted to announce registration is open for the 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer training program! If you're a Sarasota County resident, this is your chance to expand your horticultural knowledge, engage in meaningful community service, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & LifeBlog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Florida Master Naturalist Courses Inspire a Life of Volunteerism and Nature Immersion Like many Florida residents, Margaret Monti is a transplant. ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life