Focus Team Year in Review

Transcription

1 Focus Team Year in Review January December 2010 G4F3 Florida Friendly Landscaping and Master Gardener Program Faculty (as of 2/11/11 data are preliminary; do not distribute as final or use in reporting) Faculty Name Unit Effort* 1 Andreasen, Jr, Arland M Washington County Northwest 5% 2 Arthurs, Steven P Mid Florida REC Apopka 5% 3 Bactawar, Basil R Union County Northeast 1% 4 Badurek, Theresa M Pinellas 50% 5 Barber, Lynn A Hillsborough 100% 6 Becker, Thomas S Lee 33% 7 Bolles, Elizabeth R Escambia County Northwest 95% 8 Bolques, Alejandro Gadsden County Northwest 20% 9 Brasher, Charles L Jackson County Northwest 45% 10 Brown, Stephen H Lee 30% 11 Burkey, Fred H Martin 95% 12 Burn, Brooke L Sumter County 100% 13 Carter, Roy L Gulf County Northwest 10% 14 Crane, Jonathan H Tropical REC Homestead 14% 15 Crow, William T Entomology & Nematology 2% 16 Culbert, Daniel F Okeechobee 50% 17 D'Abreau, Marina R Hillsborough 70% 18 Davis, Jr, James E Sumter County 70% 19 Delvalle, Terry B Duval County Northeast 90% 20 Demorest, Donna N Columbia County Northeast 50% 21 DeValerio, James T Bradford County Northeast 8% 22 Dunning, Sheila O Okaloosa County Northwest 15% 23 Eckhardt, Erin Harlow Duval County Northeast 2% 24 Elliott, Monica L Ft Lauderdale REC 40% 25 Fedunak, Charles A Lake County 40% 26 Ferrer, Alejandro Jose Seminole County 40% 27 Feser, Cathleen F Collier 60% 28 Figart, Lawrence Tyler Duval County Northeast 75% 29 Friday, Theresa Lynn Santa Rosa County Northwest 88% 30 Fuller, Keith D St. Johns County 60% 31 Gabel, Kim E Monroe 50% 32 Goodchild, Michael J Walton County Northwest 25% 33 Haddock, Susan R Hillsborough 5% 34 Hansen de Chapman, Gail M Environmental Horticulture 50% 35 Hodges, Amanda C Entomology & Nematology 10% 1

2 36 Holmes, David B Marion County 15% 37 Houghton, Holly V Dixie County Northeast 13% 38 Hunsberger, Adrian Miami Dade 60% 39 Hylton, Trevor A Leon County Northwest 10% 40 Israel, Glenn D Ag Education & Communication 10% 41 Jackson, Lawrence Scott Wakulla County Northwest 6% 42 Jacobson, Dianne Dilger Highlands 40% 43 Jarvis, Bobbi Jo Pasco 25% 44 Jordi, Rebecca L Nassau County Northeast 50% 45 Kelly Begazo, Christine A Indian River 40% 46 Kinsella, Debra J Hillsborough 20% 47 Lamborn, Alicia Ramirez Baker County Northeast 75% 48 Landrum, Linda B Multi County Agent Northeast 5% 49 Lenhardt, Matthew A Citrus County 50% 50 Levulis, Deborah Ann Palm Beach 100% 51 Lollar, Matthew C Seminole County 3% 52 Ludlow, Judith A Calhoun County Northwest 25% 53 Mahan, Jr, William T Franklin County Northwest 5% 54 Marshall, David W Leon County Northwest 85% 55 Mayer, Henrique Miami Dade 50% 56 McAvoy, Eugene J Hendry 5% 57 McCready, Mary S Miami Dade 10% 58 Mitchell, Ralph E Charlotte 40% 59 Moll, Jim J Hernando County 90% 60 Momol, Esengul A Environmental Horticulture 100% 61 Mylavarapu, Rao S Soil & Water Science 10% 62 Neal, Anita S St. Lucie 40% 63 Norman, Audrey R Palm Beach 2% 64 Olson, Clay B Taylor County Northeast 12% 65 Orfanedes, Michael S Broward 20% 66 Park Brown, Sydney G Gulf Coast REC Plant City Campus 100% 67 Pelham, Jennifer L Osceola County 60% 68 Pipoly III, John J Broward 51% 69 Porchey, Patricia L Sarasota 95% 70 Post, Annemarie Sarasota 95% 71 Powell, Eddie Walton County Northwest 50% 72 Ramos, Jennifer Mae Orange County 30% 73 Randaci, Angelo Frank Sarasota 10% 74 Rosenthal, Stanton Leon County Northwest 5% 75 Rudisill, Ken R Bay County Northwest 79% 76 Saft, Carolyn S Suwannee County Northeast 90% 77 Samuel, Norma R Marion County 90% 78 Sanagorski, Laura A Palm Beach 47% 79 Scalera, Sally A Brevard County 100% 80 Schall, William Lawrence Palm Beach 55% 81 Sewards, Joseph J Putnam County 30% 82 Shibles, David B Polk 42% 83 Shober, Amy L Gulf Coast REC Balm 40% 84 Singleton, Lloyd O Sumter County 60% 2

3 85 Skvarch, Edward A St. Lucie 35% 86 Stauderman, Karen M Volusia County 40% 87 Sullivan, Jessica D Osceola County 75% 88 Thralls, Edmund L Orange County 55% 89 Tichenor, Jack Manatee 10% 90 Trawick, Robert Jackson County Northwest 35% 91 Treen, Sharon A Flagler County 10% 92 Trenholm, Laurie E Environmental Horticulture 90% 93 Unruh, Joseph B West Florida REC, Milton 2% 94 Weaver, Marvin F Gilchrist County Northeast 5% 95 Wilber, Wendy L Alachua County Northeast 95% 96 Willcox, Emma V Levy County Northeast 10% 97 Williams, Larry L Okaloosa County Northwest 74% 98 Zekri, Mongi Hendry 10% 99 Zerba, Jr, Raymond H Clay County Northeast 40% * Represents the faculty member s estimated time spent in this focus area as a portion of all programmatic effort expended during the year. Clientele Contacts (as of 2/14//11 data are preliminary; do not distribute as final or use in reporting) Comparison Group Educational Materials Field Visits Office Visits Group Participation Phone Consults Consults Web Visits* G4F3 3,439 6,568 64, , , ,789 5,011,091 Goal 4 5,273 11,398 90, , , ,382 11,080,837 All Goals 38, , ,737 3,292, , ,856 57,855,216 *Web Visits may contain duplicated counts. Volunteers (as of 2/14/11 data are preliminary; do not distribute as final or use in reporting) Comparison Group Volunteer Headcount Volunteer Hours G4F3 3, ,460 Goal 4 4, ,787 All Goals 36,508 1,428,897 Multi State Activity (as of 2/16/11 data are preliminary; do not distribute as final or use in reporting) State Faculty Headcount Alabama 3 Georgia 1 New Jersey 1 Texas 1 Southern Regional 2 Unduplicated Headcount 6 3

4 Outcomes (as of 2/17/11 data are preliminary; do not distribute as final or use in reporting) Comparison Group Number Evaluated for Change in Knowledge % Who Changed Number Evaluated for Change in Behavior % Who Changed Number Evaluated for Change in Condition % Who Changed G4F3 69, % 40, % 11, % Goal 4 122, % 86, % 50, % All Goals 457, % 340, % 155, % Impacts (as of 2/18/11 data are unedited and preliminary; do not distribute as final or use in reporting) Faculty (Author) Unit Impact/Outcome/Success Story Barber, Lynn A Hillsborough Residential Horticulture Extension Survey Results: * 60% (n=191) received information from Hillsborough County Extension via , 54.2% from our website * 57.7% (n=184) collected rainwater/saved potable water * Information received helped: 67.7% (n=216) save water, 42.6% (n=136) save money, 35.1% (n=112) save time and 30.1% save energy. 37.0% (n=118) changed behaviors as a result of the information we provide Testimonials: * Since attending the rain barrel workshop, we hardly even use the potable water supply for watering our potted plants, and since attending the compost workshop, we rarely use our garbage disposal and have limited our throw aways considerably. * I moved from Fairfax, Virginia. Without the Extension Service classes and presences at other events I would not have been able to envision the creation of water barrels, the positioning of them, and other elements of trying to landscape and garden. * I would never have learned how to make a rain barrel nor would I have started a compost area. It s great to know that this service is there to help others. * They are an invaluable service and wealth of knowledge. I learned about many different topics but particularly helpful was the information on composting, drip irrigation, water dispersion, rain barrels, identifying plant blight and its treatment. A total of 2,831 Hillsborough County residents attended Compost, Water Wise and Rain Barrel workshops that provided environmental conservation information about water conservation methodologies. Objective achieved as 85% (n=2,831) of Compost, Water Wise and Rain Barrel workshop participants indicated an increase in knowledge by 253% for Compost, 211% for Water Wise and 294% for Rain Barrel attendees. Additional impacts/survey results are in progress at this time. 4

5 Becker, Thomas S Bolles, Elizabeth R Bolques, Alejandro Brasher, Charles L Brown, Stephen H Lee County South Escambia County Northwest Gadsden County Northwest Jackson County Northwest Lee County South After the FYN agent demonstrated innovations showing rainwater cisterns used to store water for micro irrigation, staff members present from the city of Ft Myers adapted and used a similar system for a multi family HUD home rehabilitation site in the city. They also planned to utilize Florida Friendly landscaping, low volume irrigation, and modular cisterns below ground to collect rainwater for renovating other city owned properties. * Agent collaborated with Coastal Sustainability Agent Carrie Stevenson to select Florida Friendly landscape plants for the Escambia County Office Complex green roof and landscape. Agents researched plants and selected eight species for the roof setting. The species were selected based on suitability of surviving in full sun and 5 inches of growing media. Ultimately, seven different species were installed in September and October on the 30,000 square foot roof. The building and county will gain several benefits from the plant cover including energy savings, reduced stormwater runoff, increased wildlife habitat, and increased green space in an urban setting. Summertime data from a green roof in Florida indicate significantly lower peak roof surface temperatures and higher nighttime surface temperatures for the green roof. The typical fee for a landscape designer on a project of this size and complexity would be 10 12% of the roof construction cost, so the free service Extension provided as consultants for this design saved the county at least $20,000. The actual energy savings from the installation of the roof are yet to be determined. In 2010, 522 individuals attended an extension programs that provided knowledge and skills in residential landscapes, pest management, and ornamental field demonstration to better manage their landscapes and the environment. Ten homeowners gained knowledge and skills related to a wide range of environmental horticultural topics to suffice the minimum of 50 training hours for the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer program. Ten homeowners attend a 10 week program via teleconferencing technology (Polycom) plus live local programming. Three Master Gardeners designed a landscape plan for a Habitat for Humanity house in Quincy and assisted in the landscape installation. Master Gardeners provided volunteer hours in Gadsden County. This is equivalent to $15, based on $18.20 according to Independent Sector, Master Gardener Trainees in the Class of 2010 were able to show knowledge gain in each of the separate lessons and blocks of instruction given to them, by about 90 percent. We gave pre and post tests on 15 of the 20 classroom activities. For two of the four public offerings of Homeowner Classes, almost 80 percent of the individuals felt like they gained in knowledge of citrus, poultry(2), and bulbs in Master Gardeners donated 4,298 hours and made 8,544 contacts. 5

6 Burkey, Fred H Burn, Brooke L Crane, Jonathan H Culbert, Daniel F Martin County South Sumter County Tropical REC Homestead Okeechobee One Master Gardener going through the training program was scared to get in front of and speak to a crowd last year. Through volunteering in our Unique Veggie Gardening Area, she came out of her shell and has done several presentations on the Veggie Garden in the community, to our MG training class this year, and to our Extension Advisory Board. Through her exceptional volunteer service of 800 hours this year, she also won the Volunteer of the Year award given by the county's Parks & Recreation Division. 3,104 Sumter County residents attended the Florida Gardens Questions and Answers and Florida Gardens Twice on Tuesdays Sumter County Urban Horticulture Programs in Over 500 residents were unable to attend due to facility size. Due to the timeliness and popularity of these sessions, additional sessions had to be conducted in order to reach those that were not able to attend initially. Quotes from participants state that I think the Sumter County Master Gardener program is a vital asset to the community. They provide information that lets the consumer make informed decisions about what types of plants and trees are best suited for their land. Some landscaping people just want to sell their products without regard to what is best for your land. They just want to make a sale. The Master Gardener program helps you learn and make better decisions. Very fine service. All speakers are knowledgeable, helpful and provide excellent resource materials to go with their subjects! Many Thanks For An Excellent Service!! Please continue, You are doing a great service to the community and helping us transplants into the community with all the knowledge that you have I thank you Keep up the excellent work! Really enjoy your programs and the fact that I can easily contact someone if I have a question or problem. 150 similar, positive comments were stated on a follow up survey when evaluating 2010 Urban Horticulture Programs. Furthermore, the follow up survey indicated that 280 residents, (75% of respondents) had adopted at least one Florida Friendly Landscape principle which has the ability to positively impact soil health and water quality. 94% of the Florida Gardens Questions and Answers session attendees felt that their questions were adequately answered while 82% adopted UF/IFAS recommendations to solve their landscape problems while another 16% plan to adopt UF/IFAS recommendations. By adopting UF/IFAS recommendations, participants will help protect the environment by decreasing non point source pollution of Florida waterways. Non target insects and wildlife will experience a reduction in pesticide exposure. Furthermore, participants can decrease money, time, and effort spent maintaining an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Fifty nine publications on some aspect of tropical and subtropical fruit crops for the Florida home landscape were accessed through EDIS by clientele and 358,950 downloads of the information were documented. Seventeen percent of downloads were Spanish language versions of the documents. Extension Service Horticulture Helpline between 1/1 and 11/15, the agent received 242 requests for horticulture or pest management information. These individuals were asked to respond to an evaluation; 62 responses were received. Responses were: * 79% said the information they received solved the problem. * 87% said they used the information provided * 76% said they shared this others: an estimate of additional persons also used this information. * 47% had never used Extension Service before, * 33% followed up with their local Extension office afterwards * 95% found the information understandable * When asked to estimate of the dollar value of the information, 22% did not assign it any dollar value; other respondents gave a dollar value to this information in the 6

7 D'Abreau, Marina R Davis, Jr, James E Delvalle, Terry B Hillsborough Sumter County Duval County Northeast amount of $1233 $1886(or more) * 79% felt the response was provided quickly * 23% of the s came from the home county; 71% came from another in state location, and 6% came from other states. The Residential Horticulture Extension Program takes advantage of a variety of media through which to contact the residents of Hillsborough County. An annual follow up questionnaire was sent to the Residential Horticulture e mail contact list (2,481 clients). Of those, 319 (13%) responded to the questionnaire. Ninety five percent (95%, N=300) indicated that upon contacting the Extension Service, he/she received the help and/or information requested. They also commented that the help/information provided helped them to save water (68%), save energy (30%), save time (35%), and/or save money (43%). The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN) extension agent worked closely with the head of Sumter County Maintenance on selecting the best Florida Friendly plants for the Sumter County government annex and public library located within The Villages. Due to limited budgeting in the county, the FYN extension agent suggested to remove costly annual beds in favor of the best plant for the right place. Prior to 2010, annual beds were installed four times a year. Maintenance included watering, fertilizing, weeding and deadheading plants to keep them attractive. During 2010, these annuals were replaced with a drought tolerant, pest free plant that required far less maintenance than annuals. Costs equate to $8.84 sq. ft. for annual beds changed out four times a year compared to $5.28 sq. ft. for a one time perennial bed of the best plant for the right place. This results in a savings of $1, for 2010 and a savings of $2, in each subsequent year. Metro North Community Garden, Bringing a Neighborhood Together The Urban Gardening Program worked with Metro North Community Development Corporation a non profit organization to start a community garden to revive a dying community. The garden serves as a catalyst to bring a neighborhood together, from seniors to youth. The fact that there are no fresh foods within a mile inside the neighborhood, only convenience stores, brings to light the serious issue of access to healthy, fresh food. This is a neighborhood where more than a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line and crime is rising. Metro North and the Extension s hope for the community garden is that by connecting with food and each other, residents will want to invest in their community; while giving thought to what they eat. It is the people in the neighborhood working together, seeing themselves as one piece in an overall neighborhood and embracing their part which will make it a safe and thriving place to live. In October 2010 President of the Metro North Garden Association and Extension broke ground in the community. A vacant lot covered with brambling weeds and trash was turned into a productive garden. The 700 square foot garden offers ten raised beds for 10 individual families (100% meet 2010 HHS poverty guidelines) as well as a common area that all will help maintain. They all share in the harvest. A sitting area is also provided to encourage a time of fellowship with fellow gardeners or those passing by. Residents are excited about the progress of the garden and are looking forward to their first harvest of beets, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, mustards, Brussels sprouts and strawberries. Most of the adults and all of the youth admitted it would be their first time eating broccoli and cauliflower. Without a picture and a brief description, several of the first time gardeners would not have been able to identify a cauliflower. They are excited about sharing recipes and the youth cannot wait to actually harvest and help in the kitchen. 7

8 Demorest, Donna N DeValerio, James T Dunning, Sheila O Columbia County Northeast Bradford County Northeast Okaloosa County Northwest Rain Water Harvesting Outcome. From , a total of 141 people attended one of eight rain water harvesting workshops. As a result, 136 rain barrels were constructed and taken home by participants, ready for installation. 38% of those who constructed rain barrels completed an exit survey and agreed to participate in a survey within 60 to 90 days after the workshop. * 60% of those who agreed to complete the follow up questionnaire mailed or ed within 60 to 90 days following the workshop actually did so. * 148 rain barrels are now being used. Eight people reported adding a total of 12 more barrels in series systems. * The average rain water use by respondents was about 250 gallons during the three month interval after installation. * Participants said they used rain water for watering flowers, vegetables, shrugs/trees, and for general outdoor maintenance activities. IMPACT At least 148 barrels are being utilized by the group to collect and use rainwater. During a one year period, it is estimated that this group uses approximately 148,000 gallons of harvested rainwater. This amount of water is not being drawn from underground water supplies, thus conserving our natural water resources. Bradford County Extension recruited and trained eight new Master Gardeners in Together with seasoned Master Gardeners they have increased their impact in the community by teaching FFL principles in schools, fairs, festivals and other public venues totaling 162 group teaching events reaching over 10,000 participants. Master Gardeners * Annually, thirty Master Gardener interns will demonstrate a 10% knowledge gain in such areas as; Entomology; Integrated Pest Management; and Right Plant, Right Place to be determined by follow up surveys. * Annually, fifty veteran Master Gardeners will demonstrate a 10% knowledge gain in such areas as Composting, Diagnostics and Tree Installation, as measured by their ability to conduct hands on demonstrations at public workshops. Outcomes: One hundred twelve interns received instruction from the Agent as part of Master Gardener training. Pre/post test scores indicated an 18% knowledge gain. The trained veterans assisted the Agent deliver five public education workshop at which hands on demonstrations were completed for 220 residents. Impacts: As a result of participating in Plant Clinics and Arbor Day Tree Planting Demonstrations, 95% (32) of the 34 participants gained the skills required to advise citizens on how to install bare root and containerized plants, prune trees for structural strength and diagnose pest problems in turf grass and on ornamental plants. Success Story: Working with the Agent, county employees and industry professionals, sixteen veteran Master Gardeners successfully completed a major landscape renovation project at the Crestview office. Using Florida friendly maintenance techniques the ten year old landscape was cleared of overgrown weak plants without disturbing the established root system of existing trees, improving the health and appearance of the overall landscape. These are skills that are difficult to learn from just classroom instruction. The hands on activity served as experiential learning for the Master Gardeners, who were then able to advise citizens about implementing the practices on their own property. 8

9 Eckhardt, Erin Harlow Elliott, Monica L Fedunak, Charles A Duval County Northeast Ft Lauderdale REC Lake County 90 Master Gardeners completed training in the area of turfgrass selection and maintenance and turfgrass management. Eight two responded on their evaluations with 100% indicating that they increased their knowledge in the area of both turfgrass management and turfgrass selection and maintenance. A 5 hour program on palm management in the Florida landscape was developed for Master Gardeners, with an emphasis on palm anatomy and growth, diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and other physiological disorders, and proper fertilization and pruning. This program was offered four times in 2010 in three counties and at the Master Gardener Conference. Based on pre and post tests, there was a 100% gain in knowledge of the 97 attendees who took the tests. Lake County Master Gardeners came in first place for the second year in the plant identification contest at the MG State Conference held in Destin FL. There were 11 counties competing. With funding and labor assistance from the Lake County Master Gardeners construction of new greenhouses and new growing areas was completed. Ferrer, Alejandro Jose Feser, Cathleen F Figart, Lawrence Tyler Friday, Theresa Lynn Seminole County Collier County South Duval County Northeast Santa Rosa County Northwest Piloted new state wide Master Gardener online reporting system. 22 students finished the master gardener training in of them participated in our Horticultural Expo day that was attended by more than 1250 residents of Seminole County. Approximately one month after implementing FFL suggestions, condo association reduced water use, realized savings of 23% and 34%, respectively, over the course of the following two months. Ten arborists completed the Arborist Certification and Education (ACE) program offered by the Duval County Extension Agent in All ten took the ISA Certified Arborist Exam and four passed it on the first try. ISA Certified Arborists are able to perform arboricultural services at a higher rate and therefore gain higher income. 1. The Santa Rosa County Horticulture program is relying more than ever on Master Gardener volunteers due to an increase in population, more demands on the Horticulture Agent's time and budget cuts. Without trained volunteers, fewer county residents would have access to Extension and fewer community projects would be enhanced. Working together with Extension Agents and State Specialists, the Santa Rosa County Master Gardeners have collaborated with the West Florida Research & Education Center, the Santa Rosa County School System and local Garden Clubs to disseminate research based horticulture information on Floridafriendly landscaping practices. In 2010, the Santa Rosa County Master Gardeners volunteered a total of 10,933 hours. This volunteer time is valued at over $198,981. This brings the Santa Rosa County Master Gardeners career totals up to 99,292 hours. 2. Comment from a Master Gardener trainee: I finished the survey but it did not allow me to tell you that this program has inspired me to learn more...the most important thing it taught me is how little I know. You are the force behind this program and make learning things fun. Your patience in teaching (sometimes having to repeat many times to slow learners like me) is so inspiring. You will be seeing more of me in the coming year. 3. Master Gardeners working with the community, local businesses and UF faculty raised over $26,000 to build a 24 x36 greenhouse at the Santa Rosa County Extension Office. 9

10 Fuller, Keith D St. Johns County St. Johns County has one homeowner Extension Horticulture agent to serve a population of 187,436 with 86,441 housing units. Volunteers are needed to increase the ability of Extension to reach county citizens and provide them with research based cultural recommenda ons which are Florida Friendly. In 2010, in support of community education, the Master Gardeners held ninetynine plant clinics, ten Florida Yards and Neighborhoods classes, and gave 281 tours of the arboretum and community gardens showing examples of recommended plantings for our area. For the year, Master Gardeners reported over 18,000 volunteer hours which is the equivalent of over eight full time program assistants. Gabel, Kim E Goodchild, Michael J Hodges, Amanda C Holmes, David B Jacobson, Dianne Dilger Monroe County South Walton County Northwest Entomology & Nematology Marion County Highlands St. Johns County Master Gardeners donated over $324,000 worth of volunteer hours to their community, helping to improve the quality of life for their fellow citizens. Twelve Monroe County Master Gardeners throughout the Florida Keys have been meeting with the Agent to develop the Florida Keys Landscaping Plants fact sheets. The goal is to develop plant fact sheets for palms, trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers. Through a series of regional group meetings we have completed the text portion of 82 palm fact sheets. Currently we are adding photos (palm overview, trunk, and flowers, fruit, and fronds, common abiotic and biotic problems) to these fact sheets. Within these fact sheets are hyperlinks to University of Florida IFAS fact sheets. These fact sheets will assist Master Gardeners at regional plant clinics in answering clientele questions and will be put online for anyone to download. 63 volunteers donated 4022 hours. Walton County Master Gardeners received a letter from Senator Don Gaetz thanking them for their efforts in planning and planting landscapes for Habitat for Humanity Homes. During 2010, 95 learners nationwide and 26 in Florida completed an e learning module on an emerging pest of concern, chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis. Learners included growers, county extension agents, governmental employees, private sector professionals, students, Master Gardeners, and other members of the general public. All learners passed a post test upon completion of the module. 18 Yards were evaluated and received certification as Florida Friendly Lawns as part of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program. Impact: The certified yards receive signage which encourages them to share practices required for certification with their neighbors, hopefully also leading them to adopt/implement these practices. At least 300 participants per year will learn appropriate landscape care. 25% will adopt at least one horticultural correct practice (ex. correct planting, watering, and pruning) in their landscape. Pre and post seminar surveys will document these changes and registrations for the number of participants. * 957 participants were reached this year; that is 657 participants more than estimated. *Two pre post surveys were conducted (n= 73/100% return rate). 23% of participants learned at least three horticulture correct practices, 67% of participants learned at least two horticulture correct practices, and 10% of participants learned at least one horticulture correct practice. 100% of all who participated learned at least one horticulture correct practice. The 25% of participants will learn at least one horticulture correct practice was achieved. * 43% of all single family homeowners in Highlands County were reached through traditional and non traditional programming. This would help local homeowners maintain their landscape property value of $132,000,

11 Jarvis, Bobbi Jo Jordi, Rebecca L Pasco County South Nassau County Northeast Lamborn, Baker County Alicia Ramirez Northeast Landrum, Linda B Multi County Agent Northeast Nine HOA boards voted to change their deed restrictions in various ways to encourage and/or allow water conserving landscapes (and other FFL principals). Examples include: increase shoreline plantings to serve as a buffer for run off of chemicals, upgrading irrigation systems or installation of micro irrigation in siteappropriate locations, expand common are/right of way beds. Nassau County and the surrounding area are 18 inches under the normal rainfall for The Florida Friendly Landscape program continues to promote reduction of excessive water usage to manage pests. Five clients responded to an on line survey six months after attending a Troubleshooting Landscape class and plant clinics. All five stated they had reduced their water bill by at least 30%. These clients were spending between $300 and $400 monthly for irrigation on lawns. At each of these sessions this agent suggested watering lawns and landscape bedding plants on an as needed basis. By making the recommended slight changes in watering each could save over $1,080 1,440 annually. In addition, all five also indicated the grass had fewer disease and insect problems. They also stated they were using soft pesticides such as Bt and horticulture oil rather than broad spectrum pesticides. All were now scouting (IPM) for pests rather than just applying pesticides without checking to see if the pest was actually present. Follow up surveys of 22 participants attending Florida Friendly Landscaping classes yielded the following results: 18% decreased water use 20% decreased fertilizer use 20% decreased pesticide use 64% decreased landscape maintenance costs Total estimated savings of surveyed participants = $790 Outcomes *72 Master Gardener volunteers learned how to prune deciduous fruit trees properly, identify native and introduced plants, recognize and correct nutrient deficiencies, propagate tomatoes by the grafting method and produce their own vegetables. *18 garden club members participated in a hands on class on how to construct and maintain a terrarium. *144 Duval County residents learned how to identify and use common landscape plants to make decorative floral/foliage arrangements for personal use or as gifts. *Residents of a local religious community learned proper pruning techniques/management strategies for their mixed fruit orchard. Impacts * With the skills learned at a Deciduous Fruit Crop Pruning Workshop, Suwannee Valley Master Gardeners are now able to teach residents how to prune deciduous fruit crops correctly, resulting in healthier plants and more fruit production. *With the skills learned at programs such as Plant Nutrient Deficiencies, Propagation, Fruit Crops Management, Plant Identification and Vegetable Gardening, Master Gardeners from Columbia and Suwannee County are now able to teach residents how to recognize nutrient deficiencies, propagate their own plants by grafting, select and manage fruit crops, properly identify plants, produce their own vegetables and prune properly thus saving money in their landscaping efforts and better protecting the environment. *Suwannee County Garden Club members can now create a terrarium and successfully maintain it thus saving dollars by making it themselves. *A post program survey indicated that 87 of the class participants would use their newly learned skills to make a flower/foliage arrangement saving them on average $35 per arrangement. *Residents of a local religious community were able with the skills they learned in proper pruning techniques/management strategies to grow about 2500 lbs of product valued at more than $2500 thus saving the community significantly on food dollars spent. Workers in the grove/garden area gained personal well being through exercise. 11

12 Lenhardt, Matthew A Levulis, Deborah Ann Citrus County Palm Beach Success Story Improving the Fruit Harvest at Local Religious Community Farm A church community farm in NW Suwannee County, has a program to try to grow most of the food consumed by the residents at the farm. Members who did most of the crop production sought help from multi county/regional specialized agents to improve their production techniques and to increase the amount of harvestable food. Assistance was provided by offering hands on training in deciduous fruit pruning and care, tours of the NFREC orchard, phone calls and s, soil sampling, bulletins and onsite visits. As a result of the agents efforts, the fruit orchard manager reported that 2010 was the best year yet with over 1,000 lbs of muscadine grapes being harvested, about 800 lbs of peaches, 300 lbs. of persimmons, enough apples to make some really great apple pies, more plums and figs than last year and 3 mulberry trees which bore fruit for the first time this year. If you calculated just the value of the 2500 lbs of fruit harvested at an average of $1 per pound, that equates to a $2100 savings provided by growing the product with minimal inputs by the orchard manager. Additionally, nurturing plants in a earth friendly manner is an important part of their religious beliefs. This agent worked with a large, upscale housing community and their landscape service company to provide UF research based knowledge, education, and assistance with their landscaping needs. This was accomplished by giving several phone and field consultations, and an educational presentation on Lawn Care Basics to the homeowners with their landscape company representative. Outcomes included helping the homeowners understand the proper ways of taking care of the landscape, while helping the landscape company build a better relationship with the members of this large account. Outcomes also included knowledge gain, practice change, and knowledge sharing of Florida Friendly Landscaping practices. The environmental impacts of proper fertilizer applications was an important feature of this class. According to EDIS publication #ENH5, (L.E. Trenholm., J.L. Cisar, and J.B. Unruh, 2006), "Proper fertilization of any lawn grass is an important component of the best management practices for your home lawn." They continue by noting "...any fertilizer that is over applied or does not get to the target source has the potential to move as either leachate through the soil or as runoff on top of the soil. When this happens, non point source pollution can result and this can have a direct effect on surface and ground water quality." In 2009, more than 41 million U.S. households had vegetable gardens, more than 19.5 million households had an herb garden, and 16.5 million households grew fruit trees. Primary reasons given by households for growing their own food includes better tasting food (58%), savings on food bills (54%), better quality food (51%) and peace of mind about the safety of their food (48%). Gardeners installing and maintaining vegetable gardens throughout Palm Beach County heavily seek advice from Master Gardeners concerning disease and pest management. The skilled Palm Beach County Master Gardeners provide a broad array of gardening advice and information to our citizens. Ken Pernezny, PhD, a weekly Hotline Room volunteer responds to plant disease questions with identification and management recommendations that affect homeowner vegetable garden production in our environment, which is heavily conducive to vegetable diseases and pests. He also provides support for the Commercial Horticulture, Horticulture and Vegetable Extension Agents. Vegetable and landscape plant samples are submitted to Dr. Pernezny each day and kept for his diagnosis during his weekly service. Dr. Penezny s ability to accurately diagnosis and recommended management of plant diseases save clients time and money, and is an important diagnostic component of the services offered by the Palm Beach County Extension office. Dr. Pernezny also educates Master Gardeners. They report the added support significantly improves their ability to properly diagnose plant diseases for the public, and adds to their level of confidence. Dr. Pernezny s, seven weekly 12

13 Ludlow, Judith A Marshall, David W Calhoun County Northwest Leon County Northwest volunteer hours is valued at $26.67 per hour for a total of $8,000 in Source: National Compensation Survey for Miami/Pompano Beach, Florida, US Department of Labor, September 2010 statistical report for part time post secondary educators). * Eight clients (for a total of 35 client contacts) attended the 2010 Master Gardening Educational Series of seven classes. o Six of eight survey respondents (75%) participating in the Gardening Educational Series indicated they will initiate at least one of the nine Florida Yards and Neighbors Best Gardening Principals o Seven of eight survey respondents (87%) indicated they learned new techniques to use in their own garden. * 47 clients attended three workshops and gained knowledge on how to grow shiitake mushrooms. Three to four Florida State University grounds department workers go through our Master Gardener program each year. The Director of Grounds told us that he sees a significant change in confidence level of his employees on the job after completing the MG program. Many of his employees now want to participate in the MG program. The University has implemented a procedure for financially rewarding participants who successfully complete the MG program and for other university employees who participate in similar improvement programs. This was initiated, though, as a result of the participation in the MG program. Mayer, Henrique Mayer, Henrique McAvoy, Eugene J McCready, Mary S Miami Dade Miami Dade Hendry County South Miami Dade One of the biggest indicators of success of the MG program with the FSU employees is in adoption of recycling of yard waste on campus. Over the last four years, as a result of the increased recycling, FSU has saved about $45,000 in landfill fees and reduced mulch costs. Success Story: The lack of horticulture education is causing the inability of some people to start or continue businesses in the landscape industry. Two agents developed a course which consists of seven workshops on basic horticulture. Forty people participated in the workshops. Participants were evaluated at the end of the course with a take home exam. 100 % of the 33 participants who returned the exam passed. The participants included an 82 year old individual who is going to start a landscape consulting business, a UPS driver, and a telecommunication technician who are going to change careers. Due to increased interest, these workshops will continue in the future. Outcome: At the completion of the course in horticulture the participants increased their level of professionalism in the landscape business. Some of the participants are going to start new businesses or change careers. For these reasons the importance of the course in order to give them the tools to be productive citizens to the community. Establishment of a small Hendry County Master Gardener Program in 2010 represents a first for Hendry County. These Master Gardeners have helped initiate a Hendry County Garden Group Mailing list and have assisted in conducting three Vegetable and Herb Gardening Workshops in Growing demands for water are causing a need to use water more efficiently. As part of the FYN principle, water efficiently, FYN in Miami Dade County is working with our water utility (Miami Dade Water and Sewer Department) to teach homeowners how to store rainwater for irrigation use. Water collected off of roofs would normally run into storm drains, by storing the water homeowners can use it later when plants do not receive the water needed through rainfall. Workshops are held all over Miami Dade County for homeowners and for minimal cost homeowners can take a rain barrel home with them. Since the beginning of 2009, 607 rain barrels have been distributed throughout Miami Dade County, with a potential water savings of 412,000 gallons of potable water per year. Eleven rain 13

14 Mitchell, Ralph E Charlotte barrel workshops have already been scheduled for 2011 at a variety of new locations and events showing a strong support from the community for rain barrel workshops Arbor Day Expo Success Story The Charlotte County Extension Service and Charlotte Soil & Water Conservation District have a long history of Arbor Day Tree Sales going back decades. In the past, these sales have been held at the County Fairgrounds, in Murdock and even at our office on Harbor View Road. This year the Arbor Day Expo was held at the East Port Environmental Campus on Saturday, May 1. Under the coordination of the Horticulture Program Coordinator, the event morphed into an educational and plant sale extravaganza that with something for everyone: workshops to whet the appetite for spring planting ideas, plant vendors selling Arbor Day dream trees, and outdoor demonstrations on caring for that tree. The workshops included native tree selection and establishment, growing peaches, plums and nectarines in our area and how to grow roses in Southwest Florida. Participants enjoyed live demonstrations outside on proper pruning techniques and how to plant a tree the right way and how to make a marigold Pillow Pack. From loquats to maple trees and from cypress trees to desert roses, there was a huge assortment of trees and plants suitable for our area for sale. With well over 400 participants attending, this was a popular, well attended event that will be repeated next year. The proceeds from the workshops and vendor fees go towards scholarships for youth enrolled in an agricultural curriculum in college. An electronic survey of thirteen (13) participants yielded the following results: On a scale of one to five (1 being the lowest score and 5 being the highest) 50% of the participants ranked it a 5, with 41.7% ranking it as a 4. When asked what was the favorite part of the Expo, 91.7% said the Workshops, 66.7% said the Vendors, 25% the Demonstrations and 16.7% the Forestry Booth. For those who attended the native tree workshop, 87.5% Strongly Agreed/Agreed that they now have an increased awareness of selecting native trees suitable for our area. Additionally, ninety percent (90%) of those who attended the Peaches, Plums and Nectarines workshop Strongly Agreed/Agreed that they now feel more confident about selecting, planting and caring for these stone fruits. Seventy nine percent (79%) Strongly Agreed/Agreed that they now have an increased understanding concerning the selection and care of roses that will succeed in our local landscapes. One hundred percent (100%) of workshop attendees Strongly Agreed/Agreed that they plan to adopt at least one new thing that they learned and implement it in their own landscape Florida Friendly Landscaping TM General Programming As a result of the February 5, 2010 Groundcovers workshop, 67% of participants strongly agreed that he/she increased knowledge of Florida Friendly groundcovers, and 68% strongly agreed that he/she planned to adopt at least one of the practices or groundcovers at home. As a result of the February 8, 2010 Landscaping Along Your Seawall class for Punta Gorda Isles Floridians, 95% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that he/she increased awareness of the importance of Florida Friendly Landscaping TM along water bodies, and 73% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that he/she planned to adopt one of the FFL landscaping ideas presented. 14

15 Moll, Jim J Hernando County As a result of the February 18, 2010 Florida Friendly Landscaping class for Pirate Harbor Residents, 85% of participants indicated a greater understanding of the FYN program, and 71% agreed or strongly agreed that he or she increased awareness as to the importance of Florida Friendly Landscaping. Also, 70% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they planned on adopting one of the Florida Friendly techniques presented. As a result of the March 12, 2010 meeting with a local homeowner, FYN staff received before and after photos of the newly planted Florida Friendly landscape. The landscaping is a work in progress, but the homeowner took great care in choosing plants she had learned about through the February 5, 2010 Groundcovers workshop, as well as the March 12 meeting with staff. As a result of the May 1, 2010 Native Trees workshop, 87.5% of participants strong agreed or agreed that they increased their awareness of proper selection of native trees suitable for Charlotte County. 100% of participants strongly agreed or agreed that they planned to adopt at least one new thing learned at the workshop FYN Yard Recognitions At least twenty (20) Charlotte County residents will have their yards recognized as Florida Friendly Yards and come into compliance with the all of the nine FYN Principles. Ninety five percent (95%) will require only one consultation before their yard is recognized. Six (6) Charlotte County residents had their yards recognized as Florida Friendly Yards in 2009 and were in compliance with the all of the nine FYN Principles. On February 24, 2010, one area yard received a Silver Palmetto status. Success Stories Urban Horticulture 2010 Late in 2010 I was fortunate to meet Mr. Lawson. He is a landscape who deals with sod installations in the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Lawson was having difficulty with so installed newer gated community. Mr. Lawson wanted Extension to point fingers and blame the manager of this community he was wrong. After a lengthy consultation in the office and field, Mr. Lawson realize a few things; he said to this Agent that his recommendation of water sod heavily for the first 30 days was wrong and then cutting off the water after 30 days was in error as well. While this is only one person educated, I believe Mr. Lawson will educate his future clients of sound watering practices on newly installed sod. This in turn will reduce how much water is consumed. This Agent is hoping Mr. Lawson, will be part of a focus group that the Southwest Florida Water Management District and this Extension Office wants to host addressing the proper water use and water needs of newly planted sod. Success Story Master Gardener 2010 Master Gardeners are great at helping this Agent. One of the most difficult nuts to crack, has been getting Master Gardeners who will to staff the plant clinic. Usually the students with the best scores on the final exam are the ones who feel they do not know enough to answer gardening questions. This past Master Gardener class has six students who not only are willing to staff a plant clinic they are doing it off site at the Lowes in Spring Hill. The remote location does not allow access to the reference library or the internet, without such reference materials available would intimidate many from staffing such a plant clinic. Much of this success can be attributed to the seasoned Master Gardeners who worked with our newest class and helped them break the fear of not knowing the answer to every possible question they might be asked at the store. Another factor are the six newest MG s who their own built in mentors are, these six really have formed a bond with one another and the group as a whole. 15

16 Neal, Anita S St. Lucie County South The Master Gardeners donated 13,762 hours to educate the community to utilize Best Management Practices (BMP s). The value of their contribution can be calculated to equal    $250,468.40, which is equivalent to paying 7 full time employees. This value is extremely important in the hard economic times each county is facing. St. Lucie County has requested assistance from volunteers due to staff reductions and frozen positions. The recognition of the Master Gardeners and their abilities has increased through their extended community outreach, they have made 80,053 contacts. 408 participants in the Spread the Shade Plant a Tree program increased their knowledge through educational stations, 95.4% planted their trees within a two month period, increasing the potential for shade within their landscapes, and reducing their carbon footprint. The City of Port St. Lucie is very pleased with the program, recorded a television program on proper planting and produced 200 CD s to be distributed to the first 200 program participants and will be continuing to fund it. Hunger for programs on edible landscaping, information requests for vegetable gardening and growing tropical fruits continues to be requested. An Incredible Edible workshop was added as suggested by Advisory committee. Clientele con nue to note that they want to learn how to grow their own to reduce food budgets and provide healthier food for their families. Agent, Program Assistant and volunteers taught over 1,350 participants in these programs. 100% of participants experienced knowledge gain and 100% plan to plant fruits and or vegetables in their landscape. Norman, Audrey R Palm Beach Olson, Clay B Taylor County Northeast Pipoly III, John J Broward 97 participants in the BMP Green Industry workshops passed the exam and are certified per the requirement of Senate Bill were St. Lucie County Landscape Maintenance professionals, 21 were St. Lucie County municipal employees. Sixty two were taught this year about what the Cooperative Extension Service is and the programs in Palm Beach County. Observation indicates that Master Gardeners are able to inform the public about our programs and services. MG's have also assisted and provided volunteer service to other Extension programs such as 4 H, Family and consumer Sciences and the Mounts Botanical Garden. Taylor County Master Gardener program has trained 3 classes in the past 6 years. The current group of active volunteers has developed a Community Garden at the local Senior Center with raised bed technology which has provided a venue for horticultural education at the Community Center and the at large community. Six (6) out door/hands on workshops were held on site during the year teaching vegetable production and management for 95 individuals in attendance. Published 2010 Success Story Urban Environmental Horticulture Broward County Extension Service Reduces Fertilizer and Pesticide Use The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) considers nonpoint source pollution, including nutrient leaching from the soil, and stormwater runoff, as the most important pollutant to our freshwater resources in urbanized areas. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) indicates that approximately 65,000 acres or 25% of developable Broward County is in urban landscape. Consequently, the SFWMD considers proper fertilization and irrigation to be critical to efforts in reducing nonpoint source pollution. In response to this critical need, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF IFAS) in partnership with the FDEP developed and is actively implementing the Florida Friendly Landscaping TM Program. 16