As the dry season continues in Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County residents looking to enhance their landscapes and learn valuable sustainability practices have a wealth of opportunities available through the Hillsborough County Extension Service, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
Beyond landscape-focused workshops, the Extension Service offers a diverse range of educational classes, seminars, and workshops covering topics from parenting and youth development to gardening, nutrition, money management, agriculture, and professional certification reviews.
Interested individuals can find more information on the Local Events Calendar or by calling (813) 744-5519.
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For those specifically looking to tackle dry season landscaping challenges, several upcoming workshops offer practical, hands-on learning:
The Triple Workshops – May 3, 8:30 a.m. – noon, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Seffner: This comprehensive series features three back-to-back workshops on Composting, Micro Irrigation, and Rainwater Harvesting. For a small fee of $10 per workshop, Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents can attend any or all sessions. Participants will receive valuable items at each workshop, including a compost bin, a micro-irrigation kit, and a food-grade barrel (limit one per household, adult representative required). Registration is required.
Marvelous Mangroves: Ecology, Protection and Maintenance – May 6, 9 a.m. to noon, Upper Tampa Bay Park, Tampa: Delve into the fascinating world of mangroves with UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Urban Forestry Extension Agent and a Sea Grant Agent. This in-depth discussion will cover mangrove ecology, identification, protection, and best practices for shoreline maintenance, including recommended trimming techniques. The class includes both classroom and outdoor learning with walking involved. This free workshop offers International Society of Arboriculture-approved Continuing Education Units, but registration is required.
Gardening With Native Plants – May 8, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Seffner: Discover the benefits of incorporating Florida native plants into your landscape. Learn how to select species that thrive in local conditions and support a healthy garden ecosystem by providing habitat and food for wildlife and pollinators. Attendees will receive seeds, a plant, and a list of native plants suitable for Central Florida home landscapes. A non-refundable $10 registration fee per person applies.
Community Tree Care – May 9, 11 a.m. – noon, Carrollwood Village Park, Tampa: Join the UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent for an interactive presentation focused on best practices for tree care within your community. Registration is required for this informative session.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ HC Webinar Series: Fertilize Appropriately – May 15, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Virtual (Zoom): Enhance your landscaping knowledge from the comfort of your home. This webinar will teach participants how to select and apply fertilizers responsibly to promote healthy plant growth while protecting the environment. Registration is required for this virtual event.
Try out These Trees! Underutilized Tree Species for Landscapes – May 20, 10 a.m. – noon, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Seffner: Expand your tree knowledge and discover underutilized species that can thrive in local landscapes. The UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent will lead an interactive presentation covering the selection, planting, and maintenance of the right tree for the right place. Registration is required.
These workshops offer valuable opportunities for Hillsborough County residents to learn practical skills, enhance their landscapes during the dry season and beyond, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Don’t miss out on these informative and engaging sessions!
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