UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

a young girl spreads peanut butter on a partially peeled banana, while sitting at a table with a checkered tablecloth, in this promo for the 2025 peanut butter challenge. [credit: uf/ifas]

During October's 🥜 Peanut Butter Challenge 🥜, drop off unopened, unexpired jars of peanut butter at our UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County office, 6600 Clark Road, Sarasota, which we'll share with local food pantries for the holiday season.

#PBChallenge, #peanutbutter, #endhunger, #ufsarasotaext

visitors look over plants available for sale at a recent sarasota county extension plant sale + edfest event. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

Don't miss our 19th Annual Plant Sale + EdFest, a FREE, family-friendly, fall gardening event featuring thousands of plants for sale, gardening and landscaping advice, plus an open house that highlights all UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County has to offer. Learn more: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_pl...

a young girl smiles while holding an open jar of peanut butter, with peanut butter smears around her lips

We're excited to participate in the 2025 Peanut Butter Challenge 🥜. Donate unopened, unexpired jars of peanut butter in October, and we'll deliver to local food pantries. Last year, the Challenge collected nearly 20 tons statewide🎉. Donate at our Extension office, 6600 Clark Road, Sarasota.

Crumbs attract pests! Make crumb cleanup easy with a crumb cleaner. While supplies last, Sarasota County residents qualify for a free crumb cleaner. Read our blog at tiny.cc/ufsaraext_cr... and then complete the survey linked in the post.

#crumbs, #insects, #ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_chems

screen shot of a sarasota county proclamation, issued sept. 10, celebrating national public lands day and take a child outside week.

sarasota county commission chair ron cutsinger, center, poses with county staff and "forest parker" (a costumed mascot for the county's parks department) during a proclamation announcement for national public lands day and take a child outside week. [credit: sarasota county government]

🔔 Hear ye! 🔔 Hear ye! 📢 We're proclaiming that 🏞️ National Public Lands Day (Sept. 27) and 🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Take A Child Outside Week (Sept. 24-30) are fantastic celebrations, and you should be a part of them. Set aside some time from 8:30a to noon Sept. 27 to celebrate both events at Phillippi Estate Park.

The final act in today's official launch of the Educational Outreach Garden Greenhouse: the actual ribbon cutting. This great, new facility will help us share horticulture education through hands-on learning activities at our 6600 Clark Road complex. Thanks to everyone who helped make today happen.

an a-frame sign shows the agenda for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the sarasota county extension greenhouse.

decorations in place for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the sarasota county extension greenhouse.

dignitary and attendee tent for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the sarasota county extension greenhouse.

We're prepping for a ribbon-cutting ceremony today with Sarasota County commissioners and other leaders, to officially open our Education Outreach Garden Greenhouse, key for horticultural education for residents and businesses, hands-on learning, and more.

#ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_hortres

a rancher-instructor shares production information with participants at "small farm startup school" class, as organized by uf/ifas extension sarasota county. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

Our very popular "Small Farm Startup School" is back this year, with even more expert information, keen insight, tips, techniques, and more, to get you growing. Learn more and register at www.eventbrite.com/e/1596275806909.

@srqcountygov, @ufifas_solutions
#ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_ag

a rancher discusses operations and issues with participants in the 2024 sarasota county farm and ranch tour, organized by uf/ifas extension sarasota county. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]

Don't miss the 2025 Sarasota County Farm and Ranch Tour! This day-long bus tour set for Nov. 14 will showcase the agricultural roots of the area, from a historic citrus grove to Lipizzaner horses. Learn more and register at http//tiny.cc/ufs....

Don't wait! Seats fill quickly!

YouTube video by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Dishing the Dirt: Going Green at School (Ep. 04; August 2025)

Back to school is in full swing. 🎒🚸👩‍🏫🚌 Get some tips for going (or staying) green when gathering gear for the school year. Watch our latest "Dishing the Dirt" podcast: youtu.be/6QMws6XV750.

#school, #greenlife, #dishingthedirt, #podcast, #ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_chems, #ufsarasotaext_waste

photo montage illustrating the 2025 sarasota county farm and ranch tour, set for nov. 14

Don't miss the 2025 Sarasota County Farm and Ranch Tour, our guided bus tour of vibrant farming and ranching operations across the area, from aquaponics to stallions. Learn more and register: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_farmtour.

#ag, #agriculture, #farming, #ranching, #ufsarasotaext, #ufsarasotaext_ag

montage of event and staff photos from uf/ifas extension sarasota county activities

WE'RE HIRING! Help us educate, empower, and improve lives across our region. As a full-time Administrative and Financial Support Specialist, help coordinate projects and events, manage budgets, and keep things running smoothly.

Learn more and apply at scgov.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SCGOV/....

a young girl patiently holds an insect net as a young woman uses her smartphone to check insects on a plant.

Happy birthday to Herman Melville, author of the epic "Moby-Dick," a book about obsessive hunting.

How about hunting for knowledge, instead? In August, we have events (most are FREE) on everything from exploring night-time nature to a resource-saving clothes swap: ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com.

Upcoming classes and events from UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County - mailchi.mp/ifas/upcomin...

Sarasota county extension staff discuss priorities during an annual strategic plan meeting. credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county

We're brainstorming! As we discuss strategic action items and plans for how to bring you programs and projects in the coming months, share with us what you'd like from our office. Add your thoughts in the comments.

#strategicaction #strategicplanning

Join us as we explore Sarasota County Green Business Partner, Sarasota Architectural Salvage, where sustainability is central to their mission.

Learn more: www.scgov.net/government/sustainability/green-business-partnership
#SRQCountyGov #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_waste

Come with as we explore one of Sarasota County's green business partners, the Mangrove School of Sarasota. This eco-conscious educational institution is committed to nurturing a love for nature and sustainability among its students. #SRQCountyGov
#UFIFASNews #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_waste

A person hanging a refrigerator thermometer with food containers in the background

Hurricane season is here! Now’s the time to check your pantry. 🥫 Visit tiny.cc/FoodSafetyTips for recommendations to ensure your family has a safe food supply during weather events. Stay prepared!
#HurricanePreparedness #FoodSafety #UFIFASNews #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_fcs

Registration is now open for the 20th annual Sustainable Communities Workshop celebrating Sarasota’s sustainability journey!

📅 Register now: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_scw2025
🔍 Learn more: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_scw

#SCW2025 #SRQCountyWhy #UFIFASNews #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_sustain

Shoreline with trees along the side and in the background

Interested in learning about our shorelines, their functions, and their importance to coastal habitats and communities? Join our free Living Shorelines webinar, Tuesday, June 24. Sign up today. 🔗 www.eventbrite.com/e/1238138608909. #SRQCountyGov #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_marine

Today, we celebrate #WorldSeaTurtleDay. Let's raise awareness about conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures and their ocean habitats. Every action counts! Read our blog at blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/?p=25651.🐢🌊 #SRQCountyGov #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_marine

Sunday was World Ocean Day, but our commitment to protecting the ocean continues! One simple way to help is to choose sustainable seafood, which keeps fish populations healthy and supports ecosystems. Learn more ways to make a difference in our blog:🔗http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/?p=38591

Your Edibles to Plant in June guide is here.
You can download your own copy at gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/infograp...
#ufsarasotaext

Man standing behind a table.

Igor gathering produce for distribution.

Jalapeno peppers

Lettuce

Last week, we distributed 400 lbs of fresh produce at CenterPlace Health. Through our partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, community memebers received a variety of greens, tomatoes, and corn grown by aspiring farmers in the Small Farm Incubator Program.
#ufsarasotaext

🌱 Your Voice Matters for a Cleaner Future! 🌎

🚗🏡♻️🌾 Help shape our Climate Action Plan to reduce pollution & build a resilient community.

📝 Take the survey today! tiny.cc/CCAPsurvey

🔎 Learn more: scmc-pollutionreduction.com/

#ClimateAction #SRQCountyGov #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_sustain

Our MGV candidates have taken their finals, and we couldn't be prouder! 📚✨
After months of hard work, dedication, and teamwork, they showcased their knowledge and skills. We're excited to see all their efforts pay off!
Good luck, everyone! 🌟💪 #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_hortres

Did you know sharks have a sixth sense? 🦈Join our free webinar, "Sensational Sharks,", May 22 at 4p to learn about their amazing senses and why they’re vital for ocean balance! 🌊💙 Sign up today.
www.eventbrite.com/e/1238097455819.
#ufsarasotaext

This summer, encourage your child to explore and discover the world around them at our 4-H Exploring Your Environment summer camp in June! 🍀🔍
Kids will engage in hands-on learning activites, immersing themselves in adventures. 🎨✨
Register today: tiny.cc/ufsaraext_4h... 🦋
@ufsarasotaext.bsky.social

In May, the garden comes alive,
In a place where flavors thrive.
Okra, roselle, and peas to sow,
Nurtured by sun as they grow.

So grab your spade, let’s plant,
For a garden, that will enchant!

Get your May Edible Planting Guide at
tiny.cc/MayGuide.

#ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_gardens

Rock the Block Art Fest, Friday, April 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.

🎉Rock the Block Art Fest is coming up, Friday, April 25.

Join us for a day filled with creativity at interactive stations, various art activities, delicious food and lively music.

Come on out, meet new friends, and let those imaginations soar. #ufsarasotaext #ufsarasotaext_4H