UF IFAS Indian River County Extension

🌿 Landscape Professionals: Is GI-BMP Certification on Your 2026 To-Do List? 🌿

If you need CEUs, need to earn your GI-BMP certification, or simply want a solid refresher on Florida's best management practices, we've got a seat for you!

📅 Wednesday, 16 September 2026
📍 Indian River County Administration Building B, Conference Room B-501, 1800 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL, 32960
⏰ 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Our GI-BMP training brings together UF/IFAS faculty, state specialists, and green industry professionals for a full day of practical, research-based education designed for people working in Florida's landscapes.

And yes- it is an 'all-day class,' but we actually have a pretty good time! 😄🌱

Participants can:

🌿 Earn 5 CEUs
🎓 Complete training for GI-BMP certification
💧 Strengthen knowledge of fertilizer, irrigation, and landscape best management practices
🧑‍🏫 Learn directly from faculty and industry experts
🤝 Connect with other professionals working in Florida's green industry

If certification or CEUs have been sitting on your professional “I need to get that done” list, September 16 is your opportunity to check it off. ✅

🔗 Registration:https://gibmp16septemberenglish.eventbrite.com

Come spend the day learning with us- and leave with something useful for your work, your certification, and Florida's landscapes. 🌴💧

Have your registered for this year's Small & Beginning Farmers Mini-Conference? Spots are filling fast! Grab yours today to learn about starting or growing your small farm.

🚜 Direct access to experts from USDA FSA, USDA NRCS, FDACS, and your local Property Appraiser
🚜 Real-world insights from inspiring local farmers
🚜 Practical tips and guidance from UF/IFAS Extension Agents across Florida
🚜 A free Small Farms Handbook and plenty of other useful resources

Register Now 👉 bit.ly//smallfarms26

🍀Interested in 4-H?🍀

Join the fun at the Indian River County 4-H Open House!

August 27th 6-8pm.

Who's joining us for Camp Wild Roots this year? Don't miss out on the early bird registration special at bit.ly/campwildroots26

🌱 Curious about starting or growing your small farm? You won’t want to miss this year’s Small & Beginning Farmers Mini-Conference on September 2nd!

Here’s what’s in store:
🚜 Direct access to experts from USDA FSA, USDA NRCS, FDACS, and your local Property Appraiser
🚜 Real-world insights from inspiring local farmers
🚜 Practical tips and guidance from UF/IFAS Extension Agents across Florida
🚜 A free Small Farms Handbook and plenty of other useful resources

Spots are limited—grab yours now at the link below! https://bit.ly/4w55DzP

Want to become a more effective environmental educator?
Join us and One Lagoon - Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program for Florida Master Naturalist Program's Environmental Interpretation course!

Through engaging classroom sessions, field trips, and hands-on experiences, you'll learn how to:
✅ Build effective interpretive programs
✅ Connect with diverse audiences
✅ Develop themes, displays, and messaging
✅ Sharpen your presentation techniques

You will be better equipped to inspire others about Florida’s natural history and conservation - just what the Indian River Lagoon and FL environment need - more champions!

📅 Course Dates: Select Dates from September 15 thru October 1
📍 Details & registration: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/I26-03inperson.php

This is a great opportunity for our 4-H youth to develop their public speaking skills!

2026 Youth Speech Contest Applications are open. Apply by August 24th!

Spots for this year's Small & Beginning Farmers Mini-Conference are filling fast! Grab yours today to learn about starting or growing your small farm.

🚜 Direct access to experts from USDA FSA, USDA NRCS, FDACS, and your local Property Appraiser
🚜 Real-world insights from inspiring local farmers
🚜 Practical tips and guidance from UF/IFAS Extension Agents across Florida
🚜 A free Small Farms Handbook and plenty of other useful resources

Register Now 👉https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-beginning-farmers-mini-conference-tickets-1984775546087

🍀 Calling all IRC 4-H clubs and families!! 🍀
✅Mark your calendar for the Open House August 27th!
✅Spread the word to anyone interested in joining 4-H!!
✅Each club can set up a booth!
🍕 FREE Pizza and drinks!
😎Let’s get together and have some fun! 🥳

🌞 Who says gardening is just for weekends?

Life gets busy, so we're sneaking a little gardening into the week! 🌼

Join us tomorrow morning between 7:00–9:00 AM at the Demonstration Garden located in the Victor Hart Sr. Park in Gifford, FL. Stop by whenever you can- even if it's only for a little while.

🌱 Pull a few weeds.
🌻 Chat or work in silence with good people.
🌿 Enjoy a peaceful morning outdoors.
💚 Leave knowing you helped something beautiful grow.

Bring:
🧤 Gloves
🌾 Weeding tools (if you have them)
💧 Water or your favorite morning drink
👒 Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes

No experience is necessary- just come ready to enjoy the morning. Whether you're an avid gardener or simply looking for a relaxing way to start your day, we'd love to have you.

Your weekends may already be spoken for... but your weekday mornings can still bloom. 🌸

See you in the garden!

🌿