Extension Success Stories 2008
District Extension agents across the state are finding sustainable solutions to the issues that affect their communities.
Video 1: Northwest District
Extension Agents in the Northwest District are working together to tackle a variety of community challenges. A pilot program in Santa Rosa County is bringing together youth and city leaders to resolve youth issues, and Extension agents in Escambia County are showcasing the importance of agriculture with their "Ag Tour Program." Since it began four years ago, "Okaloosa Saves" has educated thousands of people on how to save for a successful financial future. County Agents have cooperated together and delighted the public by producing the well-received district newsletter "Gardening in the Panhandle" that reaches across county lines and can serve as a model for Extension Agents throughout the state.
Video 2: Northeast District
The Northeast District has found great success in educating the public on a range of topics and working with citizens and business leaders to preserve our natural resources. The Suwannee River Partnership has implemented the BMP program to reduce nitrate run-off in our springs. The 4-H Gardening Program in Gilchrist County and Extension agents in Duval County are reaching out to youth with programs that teach them financial management and how to grow their own vegetables. And "The Clam Shack" down in Levy County is developing clam aquaculture by hosting applied research projects and educating industry members and youth groups about the clam industry.
Video 3: Central District
Innovations and education have helped the Central District increase the long-term viability of their agricultural enterprises by conserving natural resources. From recycling water and nutrients to feed two crops instead of one to offering courses for new horse owners on how to care for and raise their animals and pastures, the Central District has a wide angle approach to sustainability. In Flagler County, Extension agents are reducing the cost of health care coverage by teaching county employees how to stay healthy, and in Osceola County children are prepped for their future through the Tropicana 4-H Public Speaking Program.
Video 4: South Central District
The South Central District has been getting the public involved in participatory activities that are not only fun but help solve community issues. The Water Life Kids Cup Redfish Fishing Tournament and Redfish Tracking Program in Charlotte County show young anglers the importance of keeping their fishery healthy for the future and assists researchers and scientists with monitoring the health of the redfish population. In Collier County the 4-H members are using GIS technology to map the county for use in directing emergency personnel. Pinellas and Manatee Counties are offering programs teaching people how to turn yard clippings into compost and teaching commercial landscapers and maintenance crews how to properly use chemical fertilizers.
Video 5: South District
In the heavily populated and widely diverse South District, cross-cultural approaches help foster growth management practices in the Seminole Tribe and also educate other non-English speaking residents. From teaching kids leadership skills they’ll need to be successful adults to protecting the environment of tomorrow, Extension agents are building bridges in their communities. In Miami-Dade County, the turn-out for the three-day Agriculture and Cattle Show displayed a healthy public interest in the agricultural and livestock industries, and in St. Lucie County they are showing youth that their participation can affect how their county grows today and into the future.
Video 6: Statewide
Water and natural resource management continue to be top statewide concerns in Florida. The Program for Resource Efficient Communities works in various areas of energy efficiency, community planning, water and environmental quality and is offered in 14 counties throughout the state. Other statewide UF/IFAS Extension Programs are covering pertinent issues like money management and how to deal with financial crises, turf grass management and pesticide use, gardening outreach programs and overall an abundance of solutions for everyone in Florida.
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