Many Florida residents may not realize a local resource that has been offering science-based education and community programs for over 100 years right in their backyard.
UF/IFAS Extension program, has operated since the early 1900s as a partnership between state, federal and county governments, bringing university research directly to the public. Florida's 67 county extension offices each serve their local communities, but staff regularly work across county lines, developing specialties and sharing expertise wherever it's needed.
“We are the best-kept secret,” said Alyssa Vinson, urban forestry extension agent II for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County.
The Extension started with a focus on agriculture but has grown to touch nearly every aspect of daily life, from backyard gardening and tree care to tax preparation, family nutrition and professional workforce development.
"I like to describe the Extension as the intermediary between science and practice," Vinson said. "We exist in that applied science space where we get to engage with research, be a part of the research and then connect with the community and understand their needs."
At the Hillsborough County Center, staff offer educational programs and maintain a demonstration garden. But the Extension doesn't wait for residents to come to them. Staff regularly bring programs to parks, libraries and neighborhood meetings already taking place across the county.
"When I tag along with something already going on in the community, where people are already gathered, I can give a presentation and talk to 75 people at once," Vinson said. "The classes we hold, we would love to get more people to them."
Programs cover a wide range of topics: composting, rain barrels, gardening, tree care, nutrition education in local schools, and assistance with tax preparation for families. Staff also work with commercial producers and growers on agricultural best practices. And through Florida's Sea Grant program, the Extension reaches into coastal industries, teaching recreational anglers safe catch-and-release techniques and supporting professionals working in the clam industry.
"One of the great things about the Extension is that we touch all aspects of life," Vinson said.
Most programs are free, though some carry a small fee for supplies. All upcoming events are listed on Eventbrite, with 11 classes scheduled in June.
Upcoming June events still available:
Trees and Storms Preparation and Recovery, June 9 at 9 a.m. at the Extension Center
Composting Workshop, June 10 at 1 p.m. on Zoom for $10
Patio Micro Irrigation Workshop, June 11 at noon on Zoom for $10
Summer Landscape Tune-Up, June 17 at 8 a.m. at the Extension Center for $39.19
FFL HC Webinar Series: Mulch, June 18 at 10 a.m.
So You Want to be an Arborist, June 24 at 9 a.m. at the Extension Center for $105
With hurricane season underway, Vinson said the June 9 trees and storms course addresses a timely gap in public knowledge.
"Trees are capital assets. They provide valuable services — stormwater regulation, improved air quality, shade," she said. "There are a lot of misconceptions about trees and storms, and this is an opportunity to talk to people about how to protect their property."
Common mistakes, she noted, include hurricane-cutting palms and topping trees — practices she hopes to correct through the course. The Extension also has a playlist of hurricane preparedness videos available free on its YouTube channel.
Tree care extends beyond storm season. Vinson emphasized the importance of planting drought-resistant species.
"We are extending so many water resources trying to keep unsuitable plants alive," she said.
Vinson said she is lookin forward for her course called So You Want to be an Arborist at the end of June. The Extension is offering a three-day professional course designed to prepare participants for the International Society of Arboriculture certification exam.
"This course provides foundational knowledge for people who want to become certified arborists," Vinson said. "It gives professionals the skills to further help their field and do good work in the community. This is something I really want to get people into."
Vinson said what sets Extension programs apart from other how-to classes is the quality of the information behind them.
"You can take a gardening class anywhere, but that same class won't provide you with the science-based research we have," she said. "We can provide you with up-to-date information to actually be successful."
For questions the local office can't answer, Vinson said they will help direct residents to the appropriate place.
"If we don't know the answer, or don't have what you're looking for, we can find someone who does," Vinson said.
Residents can find their local Extension office in any of Florida's 67 counties and reach out to learn how to get involved, ask questions or share information about needs in the community.
"We learn from the community on how we can be a better service," Vinson said.
For Hillsborough County residents, upcoming events are listed on the Eventbrite page and free educational videos are available on their YouTube channel.