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EXTENDING FLORIDA FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING TO THE NATION’S FASTEST GROWING MICROPOLITAN COMMUNITY

Extension Education

Brooke Moffis
Commercial Horticulture Agent III
UF/IFAS Extension, Lake County
TAVARES

Abstract

\r\n The UF/IFAS Extension Program Review Team suggested that the Sumter County Urban Horticulture Program increase extension education opportunities to the untapped market of The Villages.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, The Villages is the fastest growing micropolitan area in the United States.  The Sumter County Extension Office is thirty miles from this population of retirees.  The goal of the Urban Horticulture Program was to reach 1000 residents of this retirement community annually while leading to the adoption of at least one Florida Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) principle by 50% of surveyed attendees.  Two educational methods, Florida Gardens Twice on Tuesday and Florida Gardens Questions and Answers, were developed to reach The Villages’ residents within their location.  In-kind contributions of facilities enabled question and answer sessions and group teaching events to be delivered eighty-six times.  Within three years 7,858 residents attended these educational opportunities.  More than 500 residents were unable to attend due to facility size limits.  Three annual yearend online follow up surveys evaluated 2009, 2010, and 2011 Urban Horticulture events in The Villages.  64% (n=857) of surveyed attendees adopted at least one FFL principle.  93% (n=543) of surveyed respondents stated that their specific horticulture questions were adequately answered.  By focusing on The Villages, participation in the Urban Horticulture Program increased significantly and led to adoption of FFL practices in one of the Nation’s fastest growing retirement communities.  Adoption of FFL principles will reduce storm water runoff, water usage, and will result in proper applications of fertilizers and pesticides.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: B.L. Moffis, J.E. Davis
  1. Moffis, B. Urban Horticulture Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension Sumter County, Florida, 33513
  2. Davis, J. Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Agent, Florida Cooperative Extension Sumter County, Florida, 32162