Thursday, August 24, 2017

Weekly Harvest, August 23, 2017

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ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture

Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - August 23, 2017

Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online.

Growers: NCAT seeks your feedback about crop insurance
The National Center for Appropriate Technology is studying attitudes about crop insurance, in order to plan educational efforts and make recommendations to USDA. Take a confidential 20-minute survey (on a computer, smart phone, or other mobile device) at www.ncat.org/cropinsurance. A $20 honorarium is offered to early responders.

News & Resources

  • Mobile Drip Irrigation Offers Benefits of Two Systems
  • OFRF Releases Priorities for Next Grant Cycle
  • Trials Test Compost Extract for Weed Suppression
  • Young Farmers Conference Registration Lottery to Begin
  • Vermont Environmental Stewardship Program Pilot Launched
  • Photovoice Project Helps Farmers Educate Decision-Makers on Resilience

Funding Opportunities

  • Northeast SARE Partnership Grants
  • Texas Young Farmer Grant
  • Tennessee Agriculture Enterprise Fund

Coming Events

  • Minority Landowner Magazine Farmers and Landowners Conference
  • Land Institute Prairie Festival
  • Common Ground Country Fair

News & Resources

Mobile Drip Irrigation Offers Benefits of Two Systems
Some Idaho farmers are retrofitting center pivots with long hoses to ground level, ending in drip emitters, to create mobile drip irrigation, reports the Times-News. The systems combine the benefits of a center pivot with the savings of drip irrigation. Studies show a 10 to 25% increase in water-use efficiency and also a 10 to 20% increase in crop yields. Water filtration represents the largest share of the retrofit cost.
Related ATTRA Publication: The California Microirrigation Pocket Guide

OFRF Releases Priorities for Next Grant Cycle
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has identified priority areas for its next grant cycle: soil health, innovative weed control, management of emerging insect and disease issues, and livestock health. The request for proposals and application instructions will be available on OFRF's website beginning September 12, 2017.

Trials Test Compost Extract for Weed Suppression
BioCycle reported on Rodale Institute trials of chemically and microbially designed compost extracts on weed expression and crop germination. Researchers found in greenhouse trials that varying the nitrate and nematode-to-protozoa ratios of the compost achieved significant germination controls for pigweed and lambsquarters. In field trials, the use of compost extracts significantly increased yields of test turnips and lettuce over no treatment and over hand-hoeing. The results indicate promise for compost extracts to offer a low-labor weed-management alternative.

Young Farmers Conference Registration Lottery to Begin
The 10th anniversary Young Farmers Conference will be held at Stone Barns Center in Pocantico Hills, New York, from December 6-8, 2017. Registration for this popular conference will be by lottery. Beginning farmers (farming for more than one year and less than 10) will be given registration preference. Lottery applications will be available beginning September 6, 2017. Scholarship opportunities will also be available beginning on that date. In addition, select sessions from this year's Young Farmers Conference will be streamed live, and Stone Barns Center is seeking hosts for viewing parties.

Vermont Environmental Stewardship Program Pilot Launched
The Vermont Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP) is accepting applications for its pilot program. Five to 10 farms will be chosen as VESP Pilot participants through a competitive application ranking process. Applicants must meet high environmental standards regarding nutrient management, sediment and erosion control, soil health, greenhouse-gas emissions and carbon sequestration, and pasture health.

Photovoice Project Helps Farmers Educate Decision-Makers on Resilience
In the Photovoice Project hosted by the Snohomish Conservation District and The Nature Conservancy in Washington, seven farms addressed the questions "Why is agriculture important to our community?" and "What are the major challenges facing agriculture?" through photos and discussion. Each farm chose three photos with captions that became part of a photographic exhibition designed to raise awareness of agricultural issues in the local community. The photos can be viewed online.

>>More Breaking News

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Funding Opportunities

Northeast SARE Partnership Grants
Northeast SARE Partnership Grants are for agricultural service providers who want to conduct on-farm demonstrations, research, marketing, and other projects with farmers as active cooperators. The overriding goals of the Partnership program are to uncover knowledge that farmers can use, to encourage the understanding and widespread use of sustainable techniques, and to strengthen partnerships between farmers and service providers. Partnership Grants are capped at $15,000.
The application deadline is October 17, 2017.

Texas Young Farmer Grant
The Texas Department of Agriculture administers the Young Farmer Grant program to provide financial assistance in the form of dollar-for-dollar matching grant funds to young agricultural producers. Applications are accepted from individuals 18 to 46 who are engaged or will be engaged in creating or expanding agriculture in Texas. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Applications are due by September 20, 2017.

Tennessee Agriculture Enterprise Fund
Tennessee's new Agriculture Enterprise Fund (AEF) will award grants to starting or expanding agricultural and food businesses, farmers, nonprofits, local governments, and other entities in Tennessee, or those whose project will be located in Tennessee. Successful grant recipients must demonstrate a strong potential for impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity, or agricultural innovation. Priority will be given to businesses located in at-risk counties, distressed counties, and counties adjoining at-risk or distressed counties.
The Department of Agriculture will review applications on a rolling basis.

>>More Funding Opportunities

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Coming Events

Minority Landowner Magazine Farmers and Landowners Conference
September 21-23, 2017
Greensboro, North Carolina

This 11th anniversary conference focuses on "RESOURCES: The Agencies, Organizations, and Professionals Who Support Family Farms."

Land Institute Prairie Festival
September 22-14, 2017
Salina, Kansas

This year's theme, "Urban Agriculture and Rural Agrarianism: Toward a Perennial Future," will put thinkers, advocates, and innovators from both sectors together in the barn for a lively and timely dialogue.

Common Ground Country Fair
September 22-24, 2017
Unity, Maine

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners annual Common Ground Country Fair offers more than 750 workshops, demonstrations, talks, and other events.

>>More Events

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Weekly Harvest Archives
Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest newsletters are available online.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) logo and link to home pageATTRA was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

Visit the NCAT website for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects.

© 2017 NCAT

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New ATTRA Publication
ATTRA Grazing Planning Manual and Workbook

Question of the Week
Should I choose day-old chicks or started pullets for pastured poultry egg production?

Ask an Agriculture Expert
Submit questions to our professional staff online or by calling 1-800-346-9140

Texas Hispanic Farmer and Rancher Conference
September 14-15, 2017
McAllen, Texas
Register now!

ATTRA Spanish Newsletter
Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (Monthly Harvest), ATTRA's Spanish-language e-newsletter

ATTRA is on Facebook!
We feature breaking news on sustainable agriculture topics several times a week. Add us to your Facebook friends list today!

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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

CLCE Webinar Sept. 6: Urban Trees and Stormwater Management - Transitioning from Gray to Green

Please join us and invite interested stakeholders for the upcoming Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology webinar.  Register in advance for this webinar.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 

 

Webinar:  Urban Trees and Stormwater Management – Transitioning from Gray to Green

 

Wednesday, September 6 at 1pm

 

Presenters:  Rob Northrop and Andrew Koeser

 

Trees offer a range of ecological benefits that include, but are not limited to, the reduction of stormwater runoff. As cities grow or redevelop, there are opportunities to reduce reliance on traditional gray infrastructure elements (e.g., drains and pipes) through the use of trees, green infrastructure, and knowledge of the site’s traditional natural hydrology. This session will highlight a recently completed, Forest Service-funded tool which helps urban foresters, planners, and civil engineers work together to identify the natural pathways of water and determine how best to treat water onsite using green infrastructure elements and the urban forest. Insights from Tampa, FL (United States) and Milwaukee, WI (United States) case studies will be shared.

 

See more upcoming CLCE webinars.

·         September 6 – The Perceptions of Home Irrigation Users on Water Quality and Quantity

·         December 8 – Would You Choose an Alternative Landscape? Understanding the Effects of Visual Appeal and Maintenance Requirements

 

See past and upcoming Master Gardener webinars for Master Gardener coordinators and volunteers. 

·         September 28 – Creating a Pollinator Garden with Youth Leaders

·         October 26 – Twenty Questions for Solving Plant Problems

·         November 30 – Florida-Friendly Landscaping Plts vs. Conventional Landscapes: A Research Update

·         December 14 – Plant Explorers

 

 

 

_____________________________________________________

Emily E. Eubanks, M.S., Coordinator, Information Office

UF/IFAS Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology

200 Mehrhof Hall, PO Box 110675, Gainesville, FL 32611-0675

( (352) 273-4511  |  Fax: 392-1413  |  * eee@ufl.edu

http://CLCE.ifas.ufl.edu

http://GardeningSolutions.ifas.ufl.edu

 

UF Gardening information can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Flickr, and Pinterest.

 

 

OPS Job Advertisement - FWC Inverness

OPS Job Available

 

FWC has a full-time position in Inverness (Citrus Co.) with in their Invasive Plant Management Section:

 

OPS Fish and Wildlife Biological Scientist III

 

Description of duties:

 

This is a Senior Biologist position responsible for assessing upland and aquatic plant populations; recommending and permitting aquatic plant control programs for both the private and public sectors; providing educational and informational services; monitoring upland and aquatic plant control operations and supervising private and public contractors; providing extension services upon request; and conducting investigations for violations of the aquatic plant permitting rules. Persons applying for this position should be comfortable working independently in the field, have experience trailering and operating boats and ATVs, and have experience in plant identification and the control of invasive plant species. Minimum requirements are a Bachelor’s Degree in a closely related field and experience with plant management.

   

Please feel free to call Robbie Lovestrand if you have an interest. 

 

 

8275 E. Fort Cooper Road

Inverness, FL 34450

352-726-8622

Robert.Lovestrand@MyFWC.com

USDA Farm Bill Programs Meeting in Wauchula, Fla.

USDA Farm Bill Programs Meeting in Wauchula, Fla.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service  (NRCS) and the Hardee Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) working group will discuss resource conservation concerns Aug. 30, 1 p.m. with local farmers and ranchers in Hardee and DeSoto counties. Location: Extension Service Building, 507 Civic Center Drive, Wauchula, Fla. 33873. Contact: Dan Schabilion or Marty Rowan at 863-773-4764 Ext.3

 

Link to announcement: http://tinyurl.com/ya3bps5d

 

 

Renee Bodine

NRCS

Public Affairs Florida

Desk 352.338.9565

Cell 352.514.8292

 



USDA Farm Bill Programs Meeting in Bartow--Sep. 12

USDA Farm Bill Programs Meeting in Bartow, Fla.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service  (NRCS) and the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District working group will discuss resource conservation concerns and NRCS programs Sept.12, 10-11 a.m. with local farmers, ranchers and forestland owners. Location: Polk County Cooperative Extension Service Office-Brenneman Auditorium, 1702 Hwy 17 South (Spessard Holland Parkway) Bartow, FL  33830. Contact: Ed Sheehan at 863-533-2051 Ext 3.

 

Link to announcement: http://tinyurl.com/ycd8rwjw

 

 

Renee Bodine

NRCS

Public Affairs Florida

Desk 352.338.9565

Cell 352.514.8292

 



32nd Annual Tomato Disease Workshop Presentation Submission Details

DETAILS REGARDING PRESENTATIONS FOR THE 32ND ANNUAL TOMATO DISEASE WORKSHOP:

Individuals who are interested in making an oral or poster presentation are encouraged to submit a title and brief description of their presentation to Aimin Wen (aimin.wen@ufl.edu) and preference (oral or poster). Oral presentations (20 min) are limited and any presentations that cannot be accommodated will be included as a poster presentation.  All meeting abstracts are due September 25th to be included in the Workshop Proceedings, which will be provided at the conference.  Abstracts received after September 25th will still be accepted, but only as poster presentations and might not be printed in the final proceedings.

 

 

 

From: Cooley,Christine E
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 9:22 AM
To: . IFAS-Announce-L <IFAS-Announce-L@lists.ifas.ufl.edu>; IFAS-GCREC-ALL <GCREC-L@ad.ufl.edu>
Subject: 32nd Annual Tomato Disease Workshop

 

 

Good Morning.  Registration is now open for the 32nd Annual Tomato Disease Workshop to be held October 2017 at the Univ. of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.  The link is noted below and there you will find all the details including registration, hotel accommodations, transportation information, sponsorship details, presentation guidelines, and a preliminary agenda. 

 

There is an early bird registration price, but you have register before September 25.  For lodging contact the Hilton Garden Inns Riverview directly at
(813) 626-6610 and mention the Tomato Disease Workshop to get the contracted rate.  The rate of $139 is only in effect until September 22nd.  After this date, the regular rack room rate will be in effect and room availability and choice may be limited.

 

Please forward this email onto anyone who might find it of interest.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

https://32ndtomatodiseaseworkshop.eventbrite.com

 

 

Christine Cooley

Office Assistant/Media Coordinator

Univ. of Florida/IFAS/Gulf Coast REC

14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL  33598

(813) 419-6578
ccooley@ufl.edu

http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu

 

Friday, August 18, 2017

ARS Newslink: August 14 - August 18

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
August 18, 2017


A Faster, Less Costly Way to Process Walnuts

ARS scientists are using infrared technology to improve the walnut drying process to reduce energy and obtain high-quality walnut products. (8/14)

https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2017/a-faster-less-costly-way-to-process-walnuts/

Detecting Defects Hidden in Hides

ARS scientists found that ultrasound can reveal hidden defects--and predict leather quality--in animal hides used in leather goods. (8/17)

https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2017/detecting-defects-hidden-in-hides/

___________________________________________

Newslink is the weekly e-mail pointer for web links to stories issued by the  Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

* Send feedback and questions to the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov
* You are subscribed to "Newslink" as mbhenry@ufl.edu.
* To change the address, please notify the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov.
* To unsubscribe, send a blank email to leave-264791-84528.9cd57c6e1af7d57c7b4ca2b2c824e5ca@ls.ars.usda.gov.
* Other ARS news products are available by e-mail. For details about them or to subscribe, please contact the ARS News Service or visit  http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/lists.htm.
__________________________________________
ARS News Service, Office of Communications, Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 1-2251, Beltsville MD 20705-5128
NewsService@ars.usda.gov | www.ars.usda.gov/news
Phone (301) 504-1636 | fax (301) 504-1486

Florida Land Steward Update 8/18/17

 

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE
August 18, 2017


Have Land?  Get a Plan and Stay Connected.  Florida Land Steward is your source of assistance, information, events and resources.


News, information and upcoming events below.  
Please share this update with your neighbors, colleagues and others that may be interested.

*- Link to the current quarterly Florida Land Steward Newsletter (Summer-Fall 2017, Vol 6, No 3) and back issues -*

 

NEWS & INFO BRIEF

*new events or additional information added since last updateà


AUGUST IS TREE CHECK MONTH - LOOK FOR ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wants to remind the public that August is Tree Check Month. This is the best time to spot the round, drill-like holes made by the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), a highly destructive, invasive pest that destroys trees. It has not yet been confirmed in Florida but we are on the lookout for it. 

Asian longhorned beetle has the potential to destroy millions of acres of America's treasured hardwoods, including maple, birch, elm, willow, ash and poplar trees. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure to save infested trees. Infected trees will need to be removed to keep the beetle from spreading to nearby trees, as well as to protect homes and other personal property, since infested trees will die and can drop branches.

The beetle is slow to spread on its own during the early stages of an infestation, so early detection and reporting is critical to containing it. People can also help by not moving firewood from areas quarantined because of the ALB, which can transport the beetle hidden inside to new locations.

The beetle has distinctive markings that are easy to recognize:

• Long antennae with black and white bands, longer than the insect's body.
• A shiny, jet-black body, about 1" to 1 ½" long, with white spots.
• Six legs with possible bluish-colored feet.

Signs of infestation:

• Round exit holes, about the size of a dime or smaller, in tree trunks and branches.
• Shallow oval or round scars in the bark, where the adult beetle has chewed an egg site.
• Sawdust-like material, called frass, on the ground around the tree or in the branches.
• Dead branches or limbs falling from an otherwise healthy-looking tree.

After seeing signs of the beetle:

• Make note of what was found and where. Take a photo, if possible.
• Try to capture the insect by placing it in a container and freezing it. Doing so will preserve it for easier identification.
• Report findings by calling 1-866-702-9938 or see http://www.hungrypests.com/the-threat/asian-longhorned-beetle.php

For more information about the Asian longhorned beetle, ways to keep it from spreading and eradication program activities, visit http://www.hungrypests.com/the-threat/asian-longhorned-beetle.php. For local inquiries or to be forwarded to your State Plant Health Director, call 1-866-702-9938.



COGONGRASS PROBLEM?  SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 2017 COGONGRASS TREATMENT COST-SHARE PROGRAM
Apply by August 30, 2017
A Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program is again offered to eligible non-industrial private landowners by the Florida Forest Service (FFS) through temporary grants from the USDA Forest Service. The primary objective of this program is to reduce the spread of cogongrass to new areas by helping private landowners control or eradicate existing infestations. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica L.) is a non-native, invasive grass that is established in Florida and several other southeastern states. In addition to being regulated as a state and federal noxious weed, cogongrass is a pest plant in 73 countries, and has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 Worst Weeds in the World." Cogongrass infestations negatively affect tree regeneration, growth and survival, as well as wildlife habitat, native plant diversity, forage quality and property values. They also increase the risk of wildfires and alter fire behavior. See http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg202 for more information about this pest.

The Cost-Share Program offers reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of herbicide treatment of cogongrass infestations on non-industrial private land for two consecutive years. The maximum reimbursement is $100 per year for treatment of up to one acre, and $75/acre per year for any additional area. There is no minimum size, and qualified applicants may apply to treat up to a maximum of 133 acres of infested area. Applications must be submitted through the County Forester where the property is located. For more information see the Program website at: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Cogongrass-Program or contact your Florida Forest Service County Forester.

 

2017 LONGLEAF PINE PRIVATE LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Deadline Extended
The Florida Forest Service is still accepting applications for the Longleaf Pine Private Landowner Incentives Program. The objective of this Program is to increase the acreage of healthy longleaf pine ecosystems in Florida by helping non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners to make the long-term investment required to establish and maintain this valuable ecosystem. Toward this end, the program offers NIPF landowners technical guidance and incentive payments for conducting certain approved forest management practices that help establish or improve longleaf pine stands.

The program offers incentive payments for: longleaf pine seedling establishment, timber stand improvement, prescribed burning, native plant understory establishment, mechanical underbrush treatments, invasive exotic plant treatment. All payments are made at specified per-acre or per-seedling rates.

The program is limited to the Florida counties located west of the Aucilla River, as well as Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Citrus, Clay, Lake, Levy, Marion, Orange, Putnam, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. Qualified landowners may apply for up to four approved practices per year. The minimum tract size requirement is 10 acres, and funding requests may not exceed $10,000. Only one application per landowner is permitted per year.

Contact your Florida Forest Service County Forester to apply.



AIR POTATO PATROL CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT
A new on-line Citizen Science project is looking for volunteers at https://airpotatobeetle.com/. This collaborative project between University of Florida IFAS Extension and Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services seeks to educate residents on how to identify and better control air potato vines, and to gather data important to current research and air potato leaf beetle tracking. The website contains educational videos and a blog to educate the participants and keep them updated. Volunteers will be asked to complete surveys to evaluate the level of air potato infestation and the presence of the air potato beetles in their test plots. For more information please visit the website or contact William Lester, UF/IFAS Extension, at wlester@ufl.edu.

 

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES? - CHECK OUT THE NEW DIAGNOSTICS FORUM
Hosted by a group of forest and tree health specialists with Southeastern universities and agencies, we are here to help identify pests and diseases in your forest or your backyard, and to recommend a solution, if appropriate. Join the group and report your tree health issue! Visit the new Forest Health Diagnostic forum on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SouthernTreeHealthDiagnostics/



GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities.



LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC?
Check the vast array of extension publications available at the University of Florida IFAS on the EDIS publication site:  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/  Wow, there's a publication about that?



HAVE AN EVENT OR RELATED NEWS TO SHARE?
Drop a line to Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu


More news and info at the Florida Land Steward Blog

 

***

EAST FLORIDA (Madison County, east and south)

August 23

USDA Farm Bill Programs Meeting for Lake and Sumter Counties, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., UF/IFAS Extension Service- Ag Center, 1951 Woodlea Rd Tavares, FL 32778. Give your input for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs. Local Ag producers, livestock managers, agencies, and others with interest in conservation are invited. Contact: Suzy Daubert at 352-742-7005 x3

*September 13

Certified Pile Burner Course (link), 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, UF/IFAS Madison County Extension Office, 184 NW College Loop, Madison, FL 32340. This course allows landowners and producers to burn piles legally, safely and efficiently.  When the weather is dry, certified pile burners will receive priority for authorization to burn.  In addition, certified pile burners can burn up to two hours longer per day and get multiple authorizations. $50 fee includes lunch and materials. Please register ASAP as this class fills quickly. See link above to register or contact Dan Fenneman, dfenneman@ufl.edu, 850-973-4138

*September 15

UF/IFAS Extension Workshop: Is a Conservation Easement Right for Your Land? (link), 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Office, Kissimmee, FL. This workshop will explain how conservation easements work, and the potential benefits to landowners. Conservation easements allow landowners to protect the agricultural and/or conservation uses of their property into the future. Easements can also reduce the amount of estate or inheritance tax that their heirs must pay. They are voluntary agreements that keep land as rangeland, agricultural land, open space or natural habitat. Register at https://conservationeasement.eventbrite.com/ or call Jessica Sullivan at (321) 697-3040. 

September 17-19

Organic Food and Farming Summit (link), Gainesville, FL. Provided by Florida Organic Growers. See link for details.

*September 23

Watermelon Pond Bioblitz (link), Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental Area, Watermelon Pond, 10700 SW 250 St, Newberry, FL 32669. Bioblitz = trying to find as many wildlife species as possible in a given amount of time. This will take place from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, with an early bird experience from 7:00 am – 8:30 am to view burrowing owls and, possibly, Bachman's sparrows. See link above for details and registration.

September 25- October 25

Natural Areas Training Academy: Collaborating to Manage Ecosystems (link), online and at Wekiva Springs State Park, Apopka, FL. This workshop will enhance skills in collaborating, demonstrate how and when to use working groups, and showcase successful examples of managing natural areas as part of the larger ecosystems surrounding them. Learn to work effectively in coordination with neighboring land owners, land managers, and other outside influences. See link above for details and registration. contact nata@ifas.ufl.edu for details.

September 26-27

Central Florida Agritourism Conference (link), UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Service, 1702 Hwy 17 S., Bartow, FL 33831. Join us for a Regional Agritourism conference, including informational presentations and farm tours! This event is for farmers considering or already pursuing agritourism, policy-makers, and businesses interested in developing cooperative efforts with agritourism operators. See link above for details and registration.

*September 27

Certified Pile Burner Course (link), 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, UF/IFAS West Central Agricultural Center, 7620 SR 471, Bushnell, FL 33513. This course allows landowners and producers to burn piles legally, safely and efficiently. When the weather is dry, certified pile burners will receive priority for authorization to burn. In addition, certified pile burners can burn up to two hours longer per day and get multiple authorizations. $50 fee includes lunch and materials. Please register ASAP as this class usually is to capacity by mid-August. All attendees must pre-register by September 15, 2017 in order to reserve your spot. See link above to register or call DarLinda Duteau of the UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Office, 352-569-6865.

*October 13

Turpentining in Florida: Past, Present, Future? (link), 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Austin Cary Forest, Gainesville, FL. The Association of Consulting Foresters, University of Florida, and Society of American Foresters are pleased to host a program on this important part of Florida's past, present, and future. Includes tour of the new A. Chester Skinner Jr. Turpentine Education Site at the Forest. SAF CFEs approved. $15 fee covers program and lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y9u2d9ze

*October 15-18

Master Gardner Volunteer Training Conference (link), St. Johns County Convention Center at Renaissance World Golf Village, St. Augustine, FL. There will be 20 concurrent sessions to choose from in four different tracks covering general horticulture, gardening, diagnostics and Florida-Friendly Landscaping. See link above for details and registration.

October 19

Forest Stewardship Field Day: Forest Plant Identificaation (link), 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, ET Morningside Nature Center, 3540 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32641. Join us to learn some strategies to help you identify trees, shrubs and herbaceous species. We will cover some basic skills and put them to work in the woods, identifying a sample of sandhill, flatwoods and swamp species in the field. See link above for details. $10 fee includes lunch and materials. Register on-line at https://fsp-workshop101917.eventbrite.com/. You can also reserve a space by contacting Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.

*October 20

2017 Florida Tree Farm of the Year Tour at Osceola Pines, property of John and Allison Nash, Levy County (link), 9 am ET, adjourn after lunch. Join us for a tour, lunch and awards ceremony John and Allison Nash's Osceola Pines property in Levy County. Learn about sustainable forest and wildlife habitat management and connect with the local and statewide professionals and resources that are available to assist in your land management. Most of the tour will involve riding in vans or open trailers with several discussion stops and a short walk or two. Contact Florida Forestry Association, (850) 222-5646, to sign up.

 WEST FLORIDA (Jefferson County and west)

August 24 and
September 7

2017 Beekeeping in the Panhandle Summer Series (link), 7:00 to 8:30 ET (6:00 to 7:30 pm CT), via interactive web-conferencing at UF/IFAS Extension Offices across north Florida. Topics include pest and disease management, working with pollination contracts, and minimizing bee exposure to pesticides. Registration for all three classes is $15 per person, or $25 for a family up to four, and covers course materials and refreshments. See link above for details or contact your County UF/IFAS Extension office.

August 29-31

2017 Florida Forestry Association Annual Meeting & Trade Show (link), Sandestin Grand at Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin, FL. Approved for SAF CFEs. See link for details and registration.

*August 30

Certified Pile Burner Course, Santa Rosa County (link), 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension Office, 6263 Dogwood Drive Milton, FL 32570. This course allows landowners and producers to burn piles legally, safely and efficiently. When the weather is dry, certified pile burners will receive priority for authorization to burn. In addition, certified pile burners can burn up to two hours longer per day and get multiple authorizations. $50 fee includes lunch and materials. Please register ASAP as this class fills quickly. See link above to register or contact Bethany Diamond, 850-675-6654 or bethanydiamond@ufl.edu

*September 13

Certified Pile Burner Course, Jackson County (link), 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension Office, 6263 Dogwood Drive Milton, FL 32570. This course allows landowners and producers to burn piles legally, safely and efficiently. When the weather is dry, certified pile burners will receive priority for authorization to burn. In addition, certified pile burners can burn up to two hours longer per day and get multiple authorizations. $50 fee includes lunch and materials. Please register ASAP as this class fills quickly. See link above to register or contact Doug Mayo, demayo@ufl.edu, 850-482-9620

September 15

Beef & Forage Field Day, 8:00 am CT, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center Marianna Beef Unit Pavilion, one mile west of Greenwood on Hwy 162. $10 fee. For more information contact Tina Gwin, tpgwin@ufl.edu (850) 526-1614. 

September 18-22

Big Bend Pesticide Training Series (link), UF/IFAS Leon County Extension Office. Registration is $10/session and refreshments will be provided. The different sessions serve as a review for the exam or are used to obtain CEUs. See link above for more information or pre-registration, or you can contact Mark Tancig at the Leon County Extension Office at (850) 606-5200.

*September 28

Invasive Exotic Species and Control Workshop (pdf link), 9 am to 3 pm CT, UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension Office, Crestview, FL. Join us to learn about identifying and controlling some of the most troublesome invasive exotic plants like cogongrass, Japanese climbing fern and others. We'll also address new and established exotic insects that are causing land management problems. Earn pesticide applicator CEUs and forestry CFEs and connect with partnership and assistance opportunities! Presented by the Six Rivers Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and Florida Forest Stewardship Program. Register on-line at https://fsp-workshop092817.eventbrite.com/. You can also reserve a space by contacting UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension at (850) 689-5850. Please register by September 15 so we can plan accordingly. Now approved for 4.0 Cat. 1 SAF CFEs. DOACS Pesticide CEUs pending approval.

October 5

Forest Stewardship Tour at David and Cindi Stewart's Sandhills Farm, Jackson County (pdf link), 9 am to 2 pm CT. Join us to learn about longleaf pine regeneration, prescribed fire, forest groundcover and habitat enhancements for a variety of wildlife species. Take this opportunity to meet your County Forester, UF/IFAS County Extension Agent, Landowner Assistance Biologists, and other resource partners that can provide management assistance, cost-share opportunities, forest certification and many other resources. $10 fee. Register at https://fsp-tour100517.eventbrite.com/ or contact UF/IFAS Jackson County Extension at (850) 482-9620. Please register by September 22 so we can plan accordingly. This will be a relatively short but scenic walking tour so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the field.

 

 WEBINARS

 

 

August 23

Science & Technology Webinar: The Use of the National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units for Seed Zone Demarcation (link), 11 am ET, See link for details and to join.

 

 

August 31

Forestry Webinar: Privet Biology and Management in Southeastern Forests (link), 1 pm ET, See link for details and to join.

 

 

September 14

Climate Webinar: Drought and Invasive Species (link), 2 pm ET, See link for details and to join.

 

 

September 20

Wildlife Wednesday Webinar: Commonly Encountered Ducks of Florida (link), 12:15 to 1 pm ET, See link for details and registration.

 

 

*September 28

ProNR Forest Management Series Webinar: Green Value, A Tool for Simplified Financial Analysis of Forest-based Initiatives (link), 1 pm ET, See link for details and to join.

 

 

October 18

Wildlife Wednesday Webinar: This-or-That? Florida's Birds (link), 12:15 to 1 pm ET, See link for details and registration.

 

 

November 15

Wildlife Wednesday Webinar: This-or-That? Florida's Wildlife (link), 12:15 to 1 pm ET, See link for details and registration.

 

***


More events on these sites and web calendars:

UF/IFAS Web Calendar

Florida Forest Stewardship Calendar

http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.html

http://www.floridainvasives.org/

Florida Master Naturalist Program

Florida Native Plant Society Chapters:  http://www.fnps.org/chapters/chapters

Brooker Creek Preserve Events, Pinellas County

Florida Forest Service Training Opportunities

Forestry and Natural Resources Webinars

Check with your UF/IFAS County Extension Office for more events
and information relevant to your county:

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/

On Facebook? Visit and Like   Florida Land Steward on Facebook

 

 

Florida Land Steward Partners:

 

UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES & CONSERVATION
UF/IFAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PARTNERS PROGRAM

THE LONGLEAF ALLIANCE
PENINSULAR FLORIDA LANDSCAPE COOPERATIVE

FLORIDA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION / SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE

FLORIDA TREE FARM PROGRAM

 

http://floridalandsteward.org

 

 

To be added or removed from this service, simply email a request to cdemers@ufl.edu