HILLSBOROUGH 100 Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District In proud partnership with
Conservation
Past, Present, Future Born in North Carolina, Hugh
Hammond Bennett—the “Father of Soil Conservation”—began his conservation quest at an early age, graduating in 1903 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina with an emphasis in chemistry and geology. He accepted a government laboratory position in Washington, D.C., but first worked on a soil survey of Davidson County, Tennessee. In Bennett’s words, that task “fixed my life’s work in soils”. Over the next few years he conducted soil surveys throughout the South, as well as in Costa Rica, Panama,Alaska and Cuba. In the 1920’s he wrote steadily and increasingly about soil erosion and the devastation to America’s heartland. His writings brought the impending catastrophe of the failure to preserve the land to many individuals’ attention. The gravity of the situation became far more apparent during the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s, as millions of acres of top soil created clouds of dirt that turned daylight into darkness in America’s worst ever man-made ecological disaster. Bennett was instrumental in the unanimous pas-
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sage of a Congressional Bill to establish the Soil Conservation Service. Signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 27, 1935, Bennett served as its Director until his retirement in 1951. As the years went by, the importance of Conservation Districts became more prominent, and the issue of water conservation was added to the mission. From its inception, the Conservation District legislation created over 3,000 Districts in urban, suburban and rural counties throughout the United States. Each District is managed by a five-member countywide elected Board of Supervisors that serve without compensation.The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District’s current Supervisors are Chairman Mark Proctor, Vice-Chairman Mike Hepburn,Treasurer Susan Dumke and Supervisors Kathy Eckdahl and Andrew Brooks. Each is committed to providing the highest quality service to the residents of Hillsborough
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County through educational programming for youth and adults alike. Challenges facing conservation in the future are enormous. It’s estimated that food production must increase by 70% in the next 40 years to avoid widespread starvation. Even now, despite many worldwide efforts, over 2 million die annually as a result of consuming polluted water, with another 20 million debilitated. Of the eight countries in the world that spend less than 10% of household income on food, the U.S. ranks first at 6.4%, followed by Singapore at 6.7%, the UK at 8.2% and Switzerland at 8.7%.
Contrast this with the fact that nine countries spend in excess of 40% of household income on food, with Nigeria at 56.4%, Kenya 46.7% and Cameroon 45.6%. Countries spending large sums of household income on food, for the most part are able to purchase only low quality, non-inspected products. What’s the answer? Conservation is Everybody’s Business. For further information regarding Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District’s programs, please contact Betty Jo Tompkins, Executive Director, at the HSWCD office (813) 752-1474 Extension 3 or (813) 477-8332; 201 South Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, Florida 33563; Hillssoilandwater.org or bjt6890@yahoo.com.
“From every conceivable angle – economic, social, cultural, public health, national defense – conservation of natural resources is an objective on which all should agree.” — Hugh Hammond Bennett
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Plastic...
Adding to the Pollution Problem o you practice the Four B’s when you D go to the grocery store? You might be
wondering “What in the World is that”? It’s quite simple….Bad, Bad, Better, Best! The first and second B’s deal with the plastic bags in the produce department and checkout registers at the front of grocery stores. While they appear harmless, the damage being done by plastic is almost inconceivable. According to the Earth Policy Institute, almost one trillion bags are used annually worldwide. Yes, that’s a TRILLION! What does this mean for the environment? The average grocery plastic bag takes over 500 years to degrade in a landfill, creating microplastics that leach toxicants. Within 30 years National Geographic estimates that they’ll be more plastic in the ocean than fish. In fact, today we are seeing more and more whales dying with massive amounts of plastic lodged in their stomachs. But plastic also ensnares other wildlife, often creating a horrible death. When asked why they use so many plastic bags, most people respond,“I recycle”. This just isn’t working. According to a March 2019 publication by the Foundation for
Economic Education, Discover magazine pointed out a decade ago that recycling is a tricky business. They reported a Columbia University study in 2010 that found less than 17% of plastic collected by the New York Department of Sanitation was actually “Recyclable”. But currently, the situation is growing much more dire. Last month the New York Times reported that cities and counties throughout the country are abandoning their recycling efforts. In fact, the central Florida city of Deltona faced the reality that, despite their best efforts to recycle, their curbside program was not working and suspended it. One of the major reasons that the
situation has grown out of control is the fact that China, the largest buyer of U.S. recyclables, stopped purchasing them last year. According to Mitch Hedlund, executive director of Recycle Across America, “Recycling has been dysfunctional for a long time”. In fact, many states are facing the reality that recycling is in a crisis. But is this a new reality or one that was noted a quarter century ago by Lawrence Reed, when the recycling movement really took off? According to Reed,“The fact is that sometimes recycling makes sense and sometimes it doesn’t. In the legislative rush to pass recycling mandates, state and local governments should pause to consider the science and economics of every proposition. Simply demanding that something be recycled can be disruptive of markets and does not guarantee recycling that makes either economic or environmental sense will even occur.” With this in mind, the best approach is for EVERYONE to scale back on their usage of disposable plastic bags, foam, aluminum cans and other debris. We need to make a conscious effort to take the lead in this issue. While over 15 nations in Africa have taken action to tax or ban plastic bags, the United States has not. These countries take this issue far more seriously than in the US. In Nigeria, using plastic can result in a civil fine, as well as a prison term of up to four years. Other countries around the world have stepped up their efforts to cut back on pollution with tremendous success. In Ireland, usage of plastic bags has declined by over 90% since 2002 when they began taxing
Lipman Family Farms Family Farm’s Hillsborough 100 Garden Challenge. This year the twenty competing schools will grow their gardens in the fall, starting in September. According to Scott Rush, Director of Lipman Local and Farm Manager,“For the past two years, students have been provided with their plants to grow out from winter to spring. This year, they’ll be growing them between fall and winter, adding a new dynamic to the Challenge. We’ll see how the student gardeners adapt to opposite weather patterns.” Each participating school is given two 48 x 84 inch planter boxes and a $100.00 gift card for soil and nutrients. Additionally, each school receives the same number and size of transplants, including cherry, grape, plum and round tomatoes, as well as watermelons and cantaloupes. “There may also be a cou-
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ple of secret varieties of plants for students to cultivate,” said Rush. The purpose of the Challenge is to build students’ abilities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and teach the significance of science based agriculture. Students learn the important roles soil, water, nutrients and weather play in production agriculture. Gardens will be judged in December by members of the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation Board of Supervisors and representatives of Lipman Family Farms. Winning schools will be awarded plaques, checks and parties for their efforts. 2018 winners in the Middle School Division were: 1st Place – Ben Hill Middle School, 2nd Place – Randall Middle School, 3rd Place – Buchanan Middle School,
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Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District 201 South Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, 33563 (813) 752-1474 Extension 3 or Betty Jo Tompkins, bjt6890@yahoo.com (813) 477-8332 | Fax: (855) 464-1961 hillssoilandwater.org ELECTED SUPERVISORS: Chairman – Mark Proctor Vice-Chairman – Mike Hepburn Treasurer – Susan Dumke Kathy Eckdahl Andrew Brooks STAFF: Betty Jo Tompkins, Executive Director Jennifer Gray, Administrative Services Coordinator Erik Moretuzzo, Conservation Ag Technician
About Lipman
Lipman Family Farms Sponsors Garden Challenge with a New Twist A new twist is in store for schools participating in the 3rd annual Lipman
the product. On a positive note, many U.S. cities and communities have begun taking action to decrease the use of plastic in their communities. Small efforts by each individual can have a significant impact. So, the next time you’re in the grocery store, it’s Better to ask for a paper bag, or Best to remember to bring your recycle cloth bags……and if you don’t have any, buy some!
Honorable Mentions – Dowdell Middle School and Greco Middle School. In the High School Division, The Tampa Residential Facility took first place honors for the second consecutive year, with 2nd Place – Armwood High School, 3rd Place – Newsome High School, and Honorable Mention to Spoto High School. A new record book contest was added to determine which schools did the most outstanding job recording their activities, with Riverview High School winning 1st Place and Spoto High School winning 2nd.
North America’s largest producer of open-field tomatoes, Lipman Family Farms is located in Immokalee, Florida, with farms within the state, as well as South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, California, Canada and Mexico. In addition to producing tomatoes, Lipman Farms produce numerous other vegetable crops through their own farms, as well as small farms located throughout the country. Their tens of thousands of acres allow them to grow and ship every day of the year, providing fresh and nutritious vegetable products throughout the world. For further information, visit LipmanFamilyFarms.com.
Hillsborough County UF/IFAS EXTENSION – A Go To Source For Research Based Info! Gran noted Extension civic engagement; and programs for every illsborough County’s Extension continues to seek out exinterest. H Service is a partnership with the panded and new partnerProgramming within the Environmen-
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). It offers practical, how-to education based on university research in Agriculture and Natural Resources; Urban and Commercial Horticulture; Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development. Programs are available to all county residents with funding provided by both Hillsborough County and UF. Within the Agricultural area, Extension helps growers implement Best Management Practices, select appropriate crops, control pests, prevent/manage invasive species, manage agribusiness, educate small farmers, help commercial nursery production and safely and efficiently use pesticides and fertilizers. Family & Consumer Sciences includes nutrition, health and food safety; disaster preparation and recovery; parenting and family life, personal finance; Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Florida Master Money Mentors and childcare provider training. 4-H Youth Development initiatives include leadership training for youth and adults; organizing school and community groups; school enrichment curricula; learning life skills; projects that encourage
tal & Urban Horticulture area include: commercial landscape industry training and licensing; selecting proper plants and turf for landscapes; irrigation efficiency; pest/disease identification and troubleshooting; principles of the Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Program; Master Gardener Volunteer Program, demonstration gardens and soil pH testing. “It is important for us to reflect our value to all county residents; the taxpayers who provide funding,” said Stephen Gran, Hillsborough Extension Director. “Some have the misconception that our focus is in rural areas of the county and farmers, but the majority of our impact – some 65 percent -- is with the urban residents of Hillsborough. ”A good deal of contact with younger residents of the county, comes through our work with 4-H clubs,” said Gran. “While in the past, 4-H clubs were distinctively rural, that is no longer the case as the majority of the 4-H clubs we serve are based in urban parts of the county. We’ll continue working with communications resources within the county and UF/IFAS to assure all county residents recognize that Extension offers information and services of value to them.”
ships with other County departments to determine what educational programs and UF resources could be beneficial to those departments and the residents they serve. “We have also set increased goals in each of our Performance Measurement areas for the next several years as we continually strive to provide solutions for the lives of Hillsborough County residents,” said Gran. To provide a first -hand look at all that Hillsborough Extension offers, an Open House is planned for Noon – 2 pm, Saturday, May 4th at the Extension office, 5339 CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584. For more information, visit: Hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu or call 813-744-5519.
91%
The Hillsborough County Extension Service provides educational resources and services to strengthen communities, sustain agriculture and natural resources, promote healthy families and individuals, and enhance personal and community quality of life.
of participants indicated a knowledge gain or improved quality of life as a result of Extension education programs.
$763,734 Value of Extension Volunteer Hours
Practices and recommendations learned through Extension education provided benefits valued at
$7,177,667 213,363 for Hillsborough County and its residents
$8,900,775
Total Educational Contacts
75,553,765
Increased participant earning capacity from certifications earned through Extension
Gallons of Water conserved as a result of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and Water Wise programs
UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
For every $1 of County Investment
$15.04 in additional support & Economic impact UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County 5339 County Rd. 579, Seffner, FL. 33584-3334 (813) 744-5519 | Hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu
Infographic Data by: Stephen Gran, County Extension Director Designed by: Chanel Campbell, Media Coordinator
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Conservation and Kids Building Today For a Better Tomorrow In an effort to provide Hillsborough
County public, private, parochial, home and virtual school students opportunities to build their skills and abilities in the areas of conservation and environmental education, Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District holds numerous competitions throughout the year. These events include poster and speech contests, land judging competitions, AgVenture and the annual “Envirothon”, an environmental Olympics.
Poster and Speech Contests The 2019 theme for the poster and speech contests is: “Life in the Soil: Dig Deeper”. Posters are judged in the following grade categories: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. Winning posters at the District level continue to the Area competition, with winners advancing to the State contest. The top Florida posters compete for national awards. Posters for this event are due by April 26, 2019 at the District office, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, Florida 33563. A summer poster contest with a different theme will take place between May and August. All posters in both competitions will be on display at the 2019 Hillsborough County Fair, October 17 – 20 and October 24 – 27th. The 2018 Poster contest theme was “Watersheds, Our Water, Our Home”. Winners were: K-1st - 1st Place – Nathan Taylor; 2nd Place – Gabriella Beach; 3rd Place – Josiah Stephen; 2nd – 3rd – 1st Place – Leana Montalvo; 2nd Place – Kingston Rueda-James; 3rd Place – Evelyn Ramirez-Castillo; 4th – 6th -- 1st Place – Ava John; 2nd Place – Roselana Hermoso; 3rd Place (tie) Grace Kalains and Isabela Montalvo; 10th – 12th – 1st Place – Samacha Nernginn; 2nd Place – Priscilla Lopez; 3rd Place – Liz Rodriguez. Nathan Taylor, Leana Montalvo and Samacha Nernginn all placed 2nd in the State Contest.
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Winners in the Summer Poster Contest, with the theme “Our Tremendous Trees”, were: K – 1 – 1st Place – Sara Joy Fox; 2nd Place – Juliana Cothem; 2nd – 3rd – 1st Place – Colby Holcomb; 2nd Place – Anne Fox; 3rd Place – Issac Russell Fernando; 4th – 6th – 1st Place – Paul J. Fox; 2nd Place – Isabella M. Theofanous; 3rd Place – Brandon S. Gagnard; 7th – 9th – 1st Place – Rebecca Anne Holcomb; 2nd – Place – Taylor H. Burns; 3rd Place – Claire Lorraine Ross; 10th – 12th – 1st Place – Rachel Yvonne Stanton; 2nd Place – Michael Connor Costello; 3rd Place – Shannon Piquet. Winner of the 2018 Speech contest was Deepak Duggal. Students desiring to compete for 2019 must submit their speech by May 15, 2019.
Land Judging Contest
Fourteen area schools tested their knowledge of Aquatics, Current Issue, Forestry, Soils, and Wildlife at the 2019 Tampa Bay Envirothon on April 4th at Hillsborough River State Park, in Thonotosassa. The competition, known as the “Environmental Olympics”, consists of five tests with five member teams collaborating on their answers. Overall winner of the competition, based on the cumulative score of all five tests, was Strawberry Crest High School, with Durant High second, and Middle1st place 2019 Middle School Land Judging Contest - Turkey Creek ton in third
The annual Land Judging competition was held on March 15, 2019 at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Fulford’s Farm with the following winners: Middle School Teams – 1st Place – Turkey Creek Middle School; 2nd Place – Randall Middle School; 3rd Place – Fusion Team. Middle School Individuals – 1st Place – Braxton Butler; 2nd Place – Case Watson; 3rd Place – Trevor Hinton; High School Teams – 1st Place – Durant High School; 2nd Place – Strawberry Crest High School; 3rd Place – Newsome High School; High School Individuals – 1st Place – Emma Poole; 2nd Place – Alysa Branch; 3rd Place – J P Prescott; 4-H – 1st Place – Madison Thomas.
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Envirothon
place. Awards were also presented in the individual categories as follows: Aquatics – 1st Place – Durant High; 2nd Place Strawberry Crest High; 3rd Place (Tie) Alonso High and Newsome High; Current Issue – 1st Place – Wharton High; 2nd Place – Robinson High Recyclables Team; 3rd Place – Durant High; Forestry – 1st Place –Durant High; 2nd Place – Strawberry Crest High; 3rd Place – Wharton High; Soils – 1st Place – Middleton High; 2nd Place – Armwood High School; 3rd Place – Alonso High;Wildlife – 1st Place – Strawberry Crest High; 2nd Place – Alonso High; 3rd Place – Middleton High. Strawberry Crest High School will now advance to the State Competition, with the winner there advancing to the National Contest. Congratulations to all 2019 Envirothon participants!
2019 - 1st Place Envirothon Team - Strawberry Crest
2019 – 2nd Place Envirothon Team - Durant High
AgVenture Every Spring and Fall 3rd grade students from throughout the county participate in “AgVenture”, a day-long adventure into the mystery and magic of agriculture. Students learn first-hand the real sources of their food, with lots of fun and exciting activities.This semi-annual event is sponsored by Hillsborough County Farm Bureau with the cooperation of the Florida State Fair, HSWCD and other commodity groups.The Spring event was held April 23 - 26, 2019. For these and other HSWCD student programs, contact : HSWCD, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, FL 33563; 813-752-1474 Extension 3; 813-477-8332; hillssoilandwater.org or bjt6890@yahoo.com. Congratulations to Ava Raterman, student at Berkeley Preparatory School, 4811 Kelly Road,Tampa, for her outstanding “Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge” project.To increase student awareness about protecting the gopher tortoises found on school grounds,Ava designed on a computer, and built a wooden display providing vital information about the animals. The laser cut display includes pop up sections to test individual’s knowledge about tortoises, as well as conservation information.The project was included in the HSWCD display at the State Fair and Strawberry Festival and will be featured at several upcoming events before being permanently placed on school grounds.
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Children, Curiosity and Conservation hildren are born curious; their C interest and excitement in learning
comes naturally. Eager to learn and eager to help out, makes them perfect candidates for conservation ambassadors. Start by making a difference in your own home. Children do what they observe. Practice what you teach by turning off the water when brushing your teeth, running the dishwasher only when full, turning lights and appliances off when not in use, avoid throwing clean clothes in the laundry, watering your lawn only when absolutely necessary, and being adamant about recycling correctly. You might set a family goal to reduce the amount of water you use each month and help your children chart the progress. Plan some fun projects with your children this spring and summer. Plant a tree or two, grow a garden, make a rain garden in your backyard for water run-off, pick up trash by the road, or make a compost bin. And why not practice verma-composting? Children love watching worms! Children cross paths with nature every day, so their opportunity for learning is endless. Go birdwatching, take hikes in our county and state parks, and visit an animal sanctuary. Sign your child up for conservation camp or field trips that focus on the environment and conservation. It’s important that parents become partners with their children in understanding nature’s balance and not taking more than our fair share. Children can help build a sustainable
future.We just have to help them understand why it’s so important. Saving Green If you want help in saving money and reaching your financial goals, then contact the Hillsborough County Extension Service. Educational topics offered range from budgeting to estate planning.These programs are offered in traditional class format, online so you can access anytime, and even 1-1 financial education from Florida Master Money Mentor volunteers. Subscribe to Hillsborough County Extension Personal Finance newsletter and you’ll receive free personal finance newsletters, with information about upcoming classes, and free tax preparation information during the tax filing season. As a subscriber you’ll also automatically receive the “Guide to 10 Essential Online Personal Finance Tools.” To subscribe, simply go to the Hillsborough County Extension web site https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ hillsborough/. Saving Green Tip It’s a fact that if you pay your credit card balances in full, you avoid paying interest on both new and existing charges. A common urban myth is that in order to build credit you should not pay your credit card balances in full.The rationalization is that if you pay off balances your credit report will say the account is not active and therefore decrease your score. This is fiction, not fact. If you pay balances in full when due, your credit history
Grow it, eat it! FNEP, the Expanded Food and NutriE tion Education Program, is a free nutrition
education program for limited-resource families. For the past 50 years, the University of Florida’s EFNEP has worked in local communities teaching participants skills and strategies to stretch their food dollars, eat nutritious meals and improve their overall health. Youth participants are taught in a variety of settings, including schools and community centers, receiving not only nutrition education, but handson food demonstrations. In a recent collaboration between two Extension departments, EFNEP and School & Community Gardens, students at over 15 sites had the opportunity to grow and eat their own food. Students planted radish seeds in newspaper pots.
will reflect the balance at the time the report was pulled. Paying credit card balances in full is fine for your credit and will save you money. Food Preservation is Conservation
Did you know that 25% of the water supply used in the United States is on food that is thrown out? In the land of plenty, the U.S. is one of the few nations where hunger and obesity coexist. Approximately 1 in 8 households in America are experiencing hardships of providing food for all members while at the same time around 40% of our food supply goes to waste. This food paradox seems like an enigma but the facts remain true. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Reduce food waste by improving product development, storage, “food waste is shopping/ordering, marketing, labeling, and cooking methods the single largest component going into Recover food waste by connecting potential food donors to hunger municipal landfills” and over $160 billion relief organizations like food banks and pantries dollars’ worth of food is wasted annually. USDA Recycle food waste to feed animals or to create compost, bioenergy and the Environmental and natural fertilizers Protection Agency (EPA) have joined
USDA’S Food Waste Challenge:
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Radish seeds were chosen because they grow quickly and students were able to see results by the following week’s class. They used paper pots because they are biodegradable, as opposed to plastic pots. Students discussed germination and how deep to plant, something that was totally new for many of them! This was the second of a six-part series on nutrition basics. Stay tuned as more collaborations are planned for the summer of 2019! Call 813-744-5519 for more information.
forces to help combat this problem through the Food Waste Challenge initiative launched 2013. This effort charges organizations like grocers, restaurants, schools, universities, and local governments with the challenge to implement protocols to reduce food waste in their organizations and communities through the three R approach: Reduce, Recover, and Recycle (see the chart). Consumers can also contribute to the reduction of food waste by shopping for produce grown locally when in season; buying only enough perishable items that can be consumed within a week’s time; preserving food through methods such as freezing or canning; composting leftover food and scraps or by reusing them in other recipes. To learn more tips about food preservation and conservation, visit UF/ IFAS Extension Hillsborough County’s website at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ hillsborough/ and sign up for one of our home canning classes. Reference: https://www.usda.gov/oce/ foodwaste/faqs.htm
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Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District Proudly Supports:
Association of Florida Conservation Districts National Association of Conservation Districts Fresh From Florida FFA | 4-H | Scouts Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce
Coalition of Community Gardens Tampa Bay Beekeepers Association Florida State Beekeepers Association Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Florida Farm Bureau Federation T.R.E.E., Inc. – Tampa Bay Reforestation and Environmental Effort, Inc. Tampa Bay Times
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HILLSBOROUGH 100
PROJECTS
Alafia River State Park Clean-up When: April 27, 2019, 8:00 – 11:30 am Where: Alafia River State Park, 14326 County Road 39, Lithia 33547 Members of Friends of Alafia, Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, Park staff and the general public will be working to remove Invasive Plants from throughout the Park. Participants are encouraged to bring bug spray, gloves and water containers (water will be provided). Additionally, closed toed shoes are recommended. Further information on how to participate: call the Ranger station, 813.672.5320 Bikes for Christ When: Continuing Where: Five Pick-up Locations (see website below) The Bikes For Christ program helps the environment and people in need by refurbishing donated gently used bicycles and donates them through partner agencies to veterans and those in need of transportation to maintain jobs and provide food for their families year round. For further information: www. Bikes4Christ.com Center for Open Exploration – 3rd Annual GaspOur Beads of Tampa Bay Tampa Bay Clean-up Project When: June 2, 2019, 7 am – 1 pm Where: Davis Island Boat Ramp, 899 – 1399 Severn Avenue, Tampa 33606 For information on this event, see under Next Level Dive Club, www. nextleveldiveclub.com
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Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association “Recycling for a Better Community” When: April; 27, 2019 Kickoff Where: Center Place, 619 Vonderburg Drive #B, Brandon 33511 Realizing that conservation is everyone’s responsibility, Center Place Is initiating an effort to reduce waste and recycle, whenever possible. The project will be kicking off as part of Center Place’s annual Patron Party, scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Center Place. For further information: 813.685.8888, www.CenterPlaceBranndon.org, or centerplacebrandon@yahoo.com Community Roundtable of Brandon – Electronics and Appliance Recycling When: May 4, 2019, 9:00 am – Noon Where: Bloomingdale High School Parking Lot, 1700 East Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico 33596 Be a good conservationist and bring your broken, used or discarded electronics for recycling. Just about anything with a plug, switch or battery will be accepted. (No monitors or televisions) Examples: wires, computer hard drives, keyboards, appliances and scrap metal. For further information: The Community Roundtable of Brandon, 813.661.4350 Composting Workshop – UF/IFAS “Compost Happens” When: May 4, 2019, 8:30 am Where: UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough
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County, 5339 CR 579, Seffner, 33584 Learn how to turn your trash into treasure. Participants receive a free compost bin and thermometer. Limit of one adult per household. Open to Hillsborough County residents only. Advance registration and $5.00 fee required: 813.744.5519
City of Plant City – Plant City Main Street Festival “Make Every Day Earth Day” When: April 26, 2019, 5:00 – 9:00 pm Where: Downtown Main Street, Plant City at McCall Park Free Event with all types of activities and a Food Truck Rally. See full details under Plant City Main Street Festival. Kim Taylor, 813.478.2231 Dive N2Life – 3rd Annual GaspOur Beads of Tampa Bay Tampa Bay Clean-up Project When: June 2, 2019, 7 am – 1 pm Where: Davis Island Boat Ramp, 899 – 1399 Severn Avenue, Tampa 33606 For information on this event, see under Next Level Dive Club, www.nextleveldiveclub.com Durant Leo Club –Comprehensive Conservation When: April 27, 2019, 9:00 am – Noon Where: Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City Durant Leo Club is joining other Leo Clubs, Plant City Lions Club , and T.R.E.E., Inc. in a multi-faceted project. For details see Plant City Lions Club listing.
ECHO – Emergency Care Help Organization Bridging the Gap Between Crisis and Stability When: April 27 and May 4, 2019 Where: 507 North Parsons Avenue, Brandon 33510 Every Saturday ECHO holds a thrift sale at their location to provide funds for fresh meat and produce for weekday clients of their food pantry. The ECHO program offers comprehensive services for adults and children in need, including GED programming. On April 27 and May 4th persons who shop at the Thrift Sale will receive one reusable bag, while supplies last. Stop by ECHO, make a purchase, get a bag and Help the Environment Environmental Protection Commission – Clean Air Fair “Create a Planet to MARVEL….. Be an Environmental Superhero” When: Thursday, May 2, 2019, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Where: Pope Plaza, 200 North Franklin Street, Downtown Tampa The 18th Annual “Clean Air Fair” will feature all types of displays focusing on conservation of air, soils and water. Businesses, civic groups and governmental agencies will be among the exhibitors and will offer complimentary refreshments and food samples, exhibits, plants, prize drawings and live music. Also on display will be the finalists from EPC’s annual environmental photography contest. Participation is free and open to the public. Michelle Jenkins, 813.627.2600 Ext. 1271 or jenkinsm@epchc.org Environmental Protection Commission – Arbor Day School Event When: April 26, 2019, 10:00 am Where: Learning Gate Community School, 16215 Hanna Road, Lutz 33549 School theme : “Nature is Our Best Teacher”. The Environmental Protection Commission will visit Learning Gate Community School for a tree planting event that will include three Sugarberry trees and a children’s program. Learning Gate is a K through 8th grade school with an emphasis on incorporating environmental education in all aspects of their program. School Coordinator Michele Northrup, 813.948.4190 Family Promise of Hillsborough County “Reusing Plastic for a Purpose” When: Continuing Project Where: 201 East Morgan Street, Brandon 33510 To help counter the waste of so many one-time use plastic bags, Family Promise is recycling plastic grocery bags by repurposing them through crocheting them into beach bags. These bags are available for purchase at Family Promise, with proceeds going to their programs. Edwina Reddick, 813.551.7792
Florida Aquarium Mangrove Planting When: April 27, 2019, Where: Shoreline of Tampa Bay and Old Tampa Bay at Picnic Island The Florida Aquarium, TREE Inc, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and City of Tampa will plant 350 red mangrove, 40 black mangrove and 40 white mangrove seedlings to reduce shoreline erosion and improve water quality. For further information: www.treeinc.org
4711 North Central Avenue, Tampa 33603 Think you can’t have color, texture and “pizzazz” if you have lots of shade? This presentation will open your eyes to a world of possibilities beyond the usual bromeliads and azaleas. Learn how to assess permanent and seasonal light variations in your yard. Discover outstanding “made in the shade” champions that flourish in our area, along with sample landscape designs that combine them in eye-catching ways. For Further Information: 813.744.5519
Friends of Alafia - Alafia River State Park Clean-up When: April 27, 2019, 8:00 – 11:00 am Where: Alafia River State Park, 14326 County Road 39, Lithia 33547 Multi-group effort to remove invasive species from throughout the Park. For further details, see Alafia River State Park Clean-up. 813.672.5320
Gardening Workshop – Hydroponics 101 When: April 30, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00 pm Where: UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 CR 579, Seffner 33584 Topics to be covered: Hydroponics, Integrated Pest Management Practices and a hydroponic demonstration. Registration fee $15.00 (includes light meal). Francisco Rivera, 813744.5519 Extension 54119, friveramelendez@ufl.edu
Garden Walk – 2019 When: April 26, 2019, 5 – 8 pm Where: Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City Join Leadership Plant City and the PC Commons Community Garden for an event featuring a DJ, food, crafts, plants and exhibits. For further information: Plant City Chamber, 813.754.3707 Gardening Workshop – Shade Gardening When: April 29, 2019, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Where: Seminole Heights Branch Library,
Gardening Workshop – Edible Flowers When: May 1, 2019, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Where: Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico 33596 Why not try something different? Plant an edible flower garden. Learn what types of flowers are edible and take home some basic recipes that you can use to start cooking with flowers.
Girl Scout Troop 267, Part of Beautiful Butterflies When: During Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge Where: Seffner Community Garden, 406 North Kingsway Road, Seffner 33584 Girl Scout Troop will be cleaning and weeding the community garden to enhance both its beauty and productivity. Jeanne Baldi, 813.856.9222 Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce When: Throughout Challenge Where: Throughout Riverview Area; 10101 Bloomingdale Avenue #102, Riverview 33578 The Greater Riverview Chamber is continuing its efforts to beautify the area by tree plantings and landscaping of mediums. For further information: Debbie Kirkland, 813.234.5944 Green Party of Tampa – Fighting Plastic Pollution When: Continuing Project Where: Throughout Tampa Bay Green Party of Tampa is continuing its multi-year effort to ban single-use plastic bags here in Tampa/Hillsborough. The Green Party petition has gathered thousands of signatures. Green Party members strive to educate businesses about alternatives, which are often as inexpensive and friendly to landfills, as well as the grassroots desire of local residents to eliminate the plastic threat to our environment. For further information contact: Kim O’Conner, 850.576.8107, generalKlarc@yahoo.com
Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission – Clear Air Fair For further information see Environmental Protection Commission Hillsborough County Extension Service – Open House “Hillsborough Extension… a Go To source for research based info!” When: May 4, 2019, Noon – 2 pm Where: 5339 CR 579, Seffner, 33584 Learn about all the opportunities available at Hillsborough’s UF/IFAS Extension Service, including programs covering agriculture, budgeting, commercial citrus, commercial and urban horticulture, consumer education, EFNEP, estate planning, food and nutrition, food preservation, forestry, 4-H, personal finance, small farms/alternative enterprises, vegetable/fruit production, and much more. The best part….This is a free event where you’ll walk away with lots of new knowledge! 813.744.5519 Hillsborough River State Park – Fort Foster Tour When: Thursday, May 2, 2019, 10:30 am – 1 pm Where: 15402 US 301, Thonotosassa Learn the history of Fort Foster (located across the street from Hillsborough River State Park), its role in the 2nd Seminole War and fascinating facts about the trials and triumphs of some of Florida’s earliest SEE PROJECTS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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PROJECTS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 settlers. The cost of this educational and fun event is just $2.00 per person and tours are available on Thursdays during the year. Tickets are available at the main entrance Ranger Station at the Park. For further information: 813.987.6771
Hillsborough River State Park Paddle Tours When: May 11, 2019, 9 am – 11 am Where: 15402 US 301, Thonotosassa Enjoy a relaxing morning on a guided paddle tour on the Hillsborough River. Tours are held monthly on the 2nd Saturday. Online registration available at: signupgenius.com or contact the Ranger Station at the Park: 813.987.6771 Hillsborough River State Park Pool Fun When: Throughout the Challenge and summer Where: At the Park The ½ acre pool at Hillsborough River State Park is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. In the midst of Florida’s magnificent natural wooded park, there’s lots of fun for everyone. Admission to the park is $6.00 per vehicle, with $4.00 per person pool admission. 813.987.6771 Hope Community Garden When: Throughout Challenge Where: 4902 North 22nd Street, Tampa Installing and repairing low drip irrigation for Garden’s raised beds. Suzette Dean, bministr@yahoo.com Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon Alafia River State Park Clean-up When: April 27, 2019, 8:00 – 11:00 am Where: Alafia River State Park, 14326 County Road 39, Lithia 33547 Multi-group effort to remove invasive species from throughout the Park. For further details, see Alafia River State Park Clean-up, 813.672.5320 Kings Avenue Road Clean-up When: May 11, 2019, 8:30 am – 10:30 am Where: 409 South Kings Avenue, Brandon Members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, and their families and friends, will join together in their continuing effort to enhance Brandon by cleaning the roadways along Kings Avenue. Dave Hill, 813.625.1433 Learning Gate Community School – Arbor Day Event When: April 26, 2019, 10:00 am Where: School Grounds, 16215 Hanna Road, Lutz 33549 Students at the school will participate in a tree planting event and children’s program with the Environmental Protection Commission. For further details see Environmental Protection Commission – Arbor Day Event. School Coordinator Michele Northrup, 813.948.4190 Lipman Family Farms Garden Challenge When: To add a twist to this competition, middle and high school students will plant their competitive gardens in September 2019 and grow them until December.
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Where: Over 20 Hillsborough County public and private middle and high schools will participate in the 2019 Challenge. Lipman Family Farms, the largest round tomato producer in the United States, will sponsor the Lipman Family Farms Garden Challenge for the third consecutive year. Schools will each receive two 48 x 84 inch planter boxes, a $100.00 gift card, and the same number and size of transplants. Plants will include cherry, grape, plum and round tomatoes, as well as other vegetables. Winning schools in each category will receive cash awards and plaques, with the classes producing the top gardens receiving a party for gardeners. For further information: Betty Jo Tompkins, 813.752.1474 Extension 3; 813.477.8332; bjt6890@yahoo.com
Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) When: Throughout Challenge Where: Offices, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, Florida 33563 HSWCD will conduct its judging of posters from the 2019 poster contest, with entries displayed at the Hillsborough County Fair in October and winners advancing to the Area competition. Plant City Main Street Festival When: April 26, 2019, 5:00 – 9:00 pm Where: Downtown Main Street Plant City at McCall Park HSWCD will be sponsoring and exhibiting at the Plant City Main Street Festival “Make Every Day Earth Day” with displays and crafts for kids. For further details see www.plantcitygov.com Garden Walk When: April 26, 2019, 5 – 8 pm – 2019 Where: Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City Join Leadership Plant City and the PC Commons Community Garden for an event featuring a DJ, food, crafts, plants and exhibits. For further information: Plant City Chamber, 813.754.3707 AFCD AREA 3 Meeting When: April 29, 2019, 9:00 am Where: Seminole County, Longwood Center HSWCD Chairman and Area 3 Vice President Mark Proctor and HSWCD Executive Director and FCDEA President Betty Jo Tompkins will make presentations at the annual AFCD Area 3 meeting. Environmental Protection Commission Clean Air Fair When: May 2, 2019, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Where: Poe Plaza, 200 North Franklin Street, Downtown Tampa An educational display and materials will be presented by HSWCD at the Environmental Protection Commission’s Clean Air Fair. Adult participants will receive liquid fertilizer sticks compliments of MiracleGro. Discovery Quest When: May 4, 2019, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Where: Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place, Plant City 33563 HSWCD will be exhibiting and participating in the 2019 Discovery Quest on the campus of Plant City High School.
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Macfarlane Park IB Elementary School When: Continuing Where: Macfarlane Park IB Elementary School, 1721 North Macdill Avenue, Tampa 33607 Gifted 2nd grade students are conducting a project to promote composting school food waste in an effort to continue to grow and improve their school garden, while cutting down on waste. For further information: Wanda Vinson, 813.356.1760, wanda.vinson@sdhc.K12.fl.us Microirrigation Workshop When: May 4, 2019, 9:30 am Where: UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 CR 579, Seffner, 33584 Learn how to create a healthy and attractive lawn and landscape while conserving water. Tips on installing and using microirrigation are also presented. This irrigation system not only conserves water, but is not as restricted as traditional in-ground irrigation systems. One free microirrigation kit provided to one adult member of a household. Open to Hillsborough County residents only. Advance registration and $5.00 fee required: 813.744.5519 NAUI – 3rd Annual GaspOur Beads of Tampa Bay Tampa Bay Clean-up Project When: June 2, 2019, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm Where: Davis Island Boat Ramp, 899 – 1399 Severn Avenue, Tampa 33606 For information on this event, see under Next Level Dive Club, www. nextleveldiveclub.com Next Level Dive Club – 3rd Annual GaspOur Beads of Tampa Bay Tampa Bay Clean-up Project When: June 2, 2019, 7 am – 1 pm Where: Davis Island Boat Ramp, 899 – 1399 Severn Avenue, Tampa 33606 Volunteer divers of all levels, Kayakers, Paddle Boarders, Boat Captains, Grill Masters, Food/Drink Sponsors, Land Volunteers and everyone who wants to help remove debris and pollutants from Tampa Bay are needed. Join the Next Level Dive Club, NAUI, Dive N2 Life, Center for Open Exploration, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Anthony Falzon (Pirates Paradise), Jeremy Leitch ( Bearded BBQ), Randy Jordan (Emerald Charters), Clint Seely (Diveheart), Andrew Barton (Barton Industrial Services), Peter Friedman (Stuart Scuba), Zach Rob (Dive Time Adventures),Katelyn Weikart (Cenote Day Spa), Christina Baker (Big Blue Dive Lights) and others in this vital clean-up effort. Lots of contests are planned, with awards in the following categories: *Most Collected, *Most Hazardous Find, *Biggest Find, *Coolest Find, *Oddest Find and others. For further information and registration : www.nextleveldiveclub. com; nextleveldiveclub@yahoo.com Coordinator : Mica Neal Plant City Commons Community Garden When: April 27, 2019 and Throughout Challenge Where: 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City The Garden will be hosting a “Composting
Worm Tower Workshop” on April 27, 2019 to teach simple urban composting methods for continued fertilizer production. Other projects include a swamp milkweed seedlings project to install a shaded space for Monarch butterflies. Karen Elizabeth, 12circle8@ gmail.com
Plant City Leo Club – Comprehensive Conservation When: April 27, 2019,9L00 am – Noon Where: Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City Plant City Leo Club is joining other Leo Clubs, Plant City Lions, and T.R.E.E., Inc. in a multi-faceted project. For details see Plant City Lions Club listing
Plant City Lions Club Comprehensive Conservation When – April 27, 2019, 9:00 am – Noon Where: Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City Plant City Lions Club, in conjunction with Durant Leo Club, Plant City Leo Club, Strawberry Crest Leo Club, T.R.E.E., Inc . Plants Trees! (Tampa Bay Reforestation and Environment Effort) and Plant City Commons Community Garden will be relocating milkweed seedlings to install a shaded space for Monarch butterflies. This is the second phase of a project begun in December 2018 to remove considerable brush that was impeding water flow in a ditch east of the botanical garden to improve the flow of water as part of an overall Watershed Estuary Project that covers 49 miles through fresh water swamps and creeks. Discovery Quest – Plant City When: May 4, 2019, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Where: Plant City High School, Discovery Quest will be a daylong event that “Helps Individuals Make Connections to County Resources”, with displays of all types, including the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District exhibit promoting conservation of natural resources. Plant City Lions, Armwood High School Key Club and Leo Clubs will be assisting. Arbor Day Tree Planting When: April 22, 2019 Where: Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City SEE PROJECTS, CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
Did You Know?
Cost Share Program cost, up to a $50,000. Hillsborough County residents project’s payment. Projects qualifying that are bona fide agricultural
operators with a crop in the ground or animals above, and who are participating in the BMP (Best Management Practices) program, may apply for assistance for conservation enhancement programs.Assistance is 75% of a
Photo Contest he National Association of T Conservation Districts and the
NACD Auxiliary hold an annual photo competition for amateur youth and adult photographers who reside in the United States or its territories. Contestants may enter up to five total photos, which may be in any of the following categories: 1) Conservation Practices, 2) Close-up Conservation, 3) Conservation in Action, 4) Agriculture and Conservation Across America Photos will be judged on technical
for funding include overhead irrigation being converted to micro-drip, cross fencing and many others. Funding is limited, and interested parties should contact, HSWCD, 813-752-1474 Extension 3 for further details.
merit and composition. On technical merit, photos will be judged on whether they are well framed, properly exposed and sharp/clear. On composition, judging will be on imagination and creativity. Winners will be selected in each category and age group. Entries are due by or before December 1, 2019. For further information contact: stewardship@nacdnet.org. A local competition will be held during 2019-2020, with details available this summer by contacting HSWCD, 813-752-1474 Extension 3.
You’re Invited! Hillsborough County
UF/IFAS EXTENSION COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 4th - Noon – 2pm Come learn about lots of exciting programs & opportunities Extension Office - 5339 CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584 For information: 813-744-5519 Hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu
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PROJECTS, FROM PAGE 14 Members of the Plant City Lions Club planted Japanese Plums at the Community Garden in honor of Arbor Day. These trees, when mature, will provide fruit to area residents. The trees were purchased from “Operation Paying it Forward”, which uses revenues from plant sales for their community service projects. For further information on all Plant City Lions Club Projects, contact Karen Crumley at: kscrumley@yahoo.com
Plant City Main Street Festival “Make Every Day Earth Day” When: April 26, 2019, 5:00 – 9:00 pm Where: Downtown Main Street, Plant City at McCall Park Be a part of this free, fun, Friday, Food Truck Rally and Festival featuring: *DJ with live music, *About a dozen food trucks with all types of food to purchase,*Displays of innovative recycling with many representative agencies, *”The Market” with hand crafted items, *Dart Container’s new Styrofoam recycling truck (AND BRING YOUR RECYCLABLE STYROFOAM), *Come meet “Officer Snook”,*Kids crafts to make, including soil babies and garden scoops. There’s also a “Trash to Treasure” art contest, with winners being displayed at the Hillsborough County Fair in October. Art must be from recycled materials and will be judged in the following groups: K – 3rd grade; 4th – 6th grade; 7th – 12th grade. Kim Taylor, 813.478.2231 Portamento of Hope – Feeding the Homeless and Those in Need “Growing Gardens, Growing Kids” When: Current Where: 107 Mason Street, Brandon 33511 For its 2019 Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge children and volunteers at Portamento of Hope planed a vegetable garden to harvest at the end of April. Starting with seeds, repotting and maintaining plants is a priority. Vegetables being grown include: bell peppers, cantaloupes, collards, cucumbers, eggplant, radishes and tomatoes. Additional vegetables were planted on Easter weekend. For further information: Lela Lilyquist,813.493.9644, nhfbrandon@ gmail.com Rainwater Harvesting Workshop When: May 4, 2019, 10:30 am Where: UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 CR 579, Seffner 33584 Learn how Rain Barrels can be useful in collecting rainwater for irrigation, while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff. Make your own rain barrel using a 55 gallon plastic food grade drum. One free rain barrel provided to one adult member
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of a household, when attending the workshop. Open to Hillsborough County residents only. Advance registration and $5.00 fee required: 813.744.5519
Robles Park Village Community Garden When: Throughout Challenge Where: 3518 North Avon Avenue, Tampa Garden replacing their raised bed planters for greater water efficiency. Reva Iman, imanreva10@aol.com Rotary Club of Brandon South Global “Conservation is Everyone’s Business” When: May 13, 2019, 6 – 7 pm Where: Zoom meeting on line Join Rotarians to learn more about projects and activities you can do through positive conservation practices at the May 13th on-line meeting of Brandon South Global Rotary Club. Betty Jo Tompkins, Program Presenter. Tom Wagner, 813.843.2494 Ruskin Memorial Park Association – Community Park Clean-up When: Continuing Where: Ruskin Memorial Park, 204 Manatee Drive, Ruskin 33570 Members of the Ruskin Memorial Park Association are holding Community clean-ups to maintain the Park. For further information, or to volunteer: Suzi Bredbenner, suzi@1particularcfo.com Seminole Heights Community Garden When: Throughout Challenge Where: 6114 River Terrace, Tampa Seminole Heights Garden is building new beds using permaculture methods and is now registered as a compost collection site. Colleen Parker, info.shcg@gmail.com Strawberry Crest Leo Club – Comprehensive Conservation When: April 27, 2019 Where: Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City Strawberry Crest Leo Club is joining other Leo Clubs, Plant City Lions Club and T.R.E.E., Inc. in a multi-faceted project. For details see Plant City Lions Club listing. Squilliams, The – Road and Trash Clean-up When: Weekends Where: Westchase After observing considerable trash on the roadways in the Westchase area, The Squilliams group has taken on the Challenge of conducting weekend cleanup activities. Members of The Squilliams are Vasishta Akinapalli, Quinn Manning, Rohan Nadgir, Mukundh Vasudevan, and Sreeram Vasudevan.
Sulfur Springs Community Garden When: Throughout Challenge Where: 1506 Eskimo Avenue Redesigning garden beds and compost area; installing compost operation. Meagan Smithyman, Meagan. Smithyman@TampaYMCA.org Sustainable Living Project When: Throughout Challenge Where: 918 West Sligh Avenue Redesigning aquatic garden with smaller fish tanks to improve efficiency and registered as a ake Soil Compost Collection site. Georgia, slpgeorgea@gmail.com T.R. Robinson High School AP Environmental Science Class When: Throughout Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge Where: T.R. Robinson High School and community Robinson High School’s APES class will produce a recycle/upcycle art mural for Litter Awareness. Students will participate in the clean-up of a beach and a fresh waterway. They will then create a 3-D sculpture and mural to bring awareness to the problem of pollution and its impact on the health of the water and soil in Tampa Bay. Students will have their peers sign pledges to not litter on beaches or waterfront areas and will complete a planting to enrich and conserve the native habitat. Summer Solomon, summer. solomon@sdhc.k12.fl.us Tampa Bay Community Garden at St. Mary’s Ethiopian Church When: Throughout Challenge Where: 2418 South 86th Street Replacing elevated sprinklers with adjustable sprayers and low flow tubing to increase irrigation efficiency. Fr. Bekele, 813.679.4982 Tampa Bay Estuary Program – 3rd Annual GaspOur Beads of Tampa Bay Tampa Bay Clean-up Project When: June 2, 2019, 7 am – 1 pm Where: Davis Island Boat Ramp, 899 – 1399 Severn Avenue, Tampa 33606 For information on this event, see under Next Level Dive Club, www. nextleveldiveclub.com Tampa Heights Community Garden When: Throughout Challenge Where: 605 East Frances Avenue, Tampa Collecting leaves in neighborhood; member, Make Soil network; serving as a drop off center for compost; replacing compost operation and received Certified Wildlife Habitat recognition. Kitty Wallace, Lona Young, 813.992.0940, kittwal@aol.com
“We have been too wasteful too long in this country – indeed, over most of the world. We had so much good land in the beginning we thought the supply was limitless and inexhaustible..” — Hugh Hammond Bennett
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Temple Terrace Community Garden When: Throughout Challenge Where: 329 South Riverhills Drive, Temple Terrace Garden is establishing a community compost center at their Greco Middle School location. Shelby, templeterracecommunitygarden@hotmail. com The Regent When: During Challenge Where: 6437 Watson Road, Riverview 33578 The Regent will be conducting a conservation project during the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge T.R.E.E., Inc. Plants Trees! Tampa Bay Reforestation and Environmental Effort – Milkweed Relocation Effort When: April 27, 2019 – 9:00 am – Noon Where: Plant City Commons Community Gardens, 2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City Numerous groups will be relocating milkweed seedlings to propagate a Monarch butterfly Garden. For further information: www.treeinc.org University Area Community Garden When: Throughout Challenge (multiple volunteer activities available) Where: Project Hope Community Garden, 14013 North 22nd Street, Tampa Project Hope is installing a landscape demonstration garden to promote Florida Friendly Landscaping; growing all type of vegetables for community members to enjoy; teaching food and nutrition; and expanding garden beds to include a children’s area, as well as opening a kitchen on site. Erica Nelson, enelson@uacdc.org Vermicomposting Workshop Vermicomposting: Where worms Do The Work and We Reap The Benefits! When: May 4, 2019, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Where: UF/IFAS Hillsborough County, 5339 CR 579, Seffner 33584 Attend a workshop at the Extension Service and learn how to compost with worms. Cost to attend is $20.00 per household, which includes one bin and worms. Class size is limited to twenty people and registration is required. For further information: Lisa Meredith, 813.744.5519 Extension 54146, MeredithL@hillsboroughcounty.org Please Note: Project groups not included are 20+ middle and high schools in the Lipman Garden Challenge, as well as the following not available at press time: Boy Scouts, Brownies, Busch Gardens, Chambers of Commerce, Florida NRCS, Florida State Fair Authority, 4-H Clubs, Girl Scouts, Governmental Agencies, HCC, Hillsborough County Fair, Hillsborough Republican Executive Committee, Veterans Groups and others.
Fairs & Festivals The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District proudly participates in,
and supports, numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year with educational programming on conservation of natural resources. The purpose of these exhibits is to remind festival-goers that,“Conservation is Everybody’s Business” and that each individual can play a role in the Conservation movement. Here’s just some of the places you’ll see the HSWCD exhibit in the coming months: April 26, 2019 – Plant City Main Street “All About Earth Month” Festival, downtown Plant City. May 2, 2019 – EPC Clean Air Fair, Poe Plaza, downtown Tampa October 17 – 20 and 24 – 27, 2019 – Hillsborough County Fair, SR 60 and Sydney-Washer Road, Dover. During this Fair HSWCD will be holding its 4th annual Plant Auction November 21, 2019 – Florida Ag Expo, University of Florida Gulf Coast Research Center in Balm February 6 – 17, 2020 – Florida State Fair, US 301. Participation includes an exhibit in the Ag Hall of Fame Building, “Hillsborough Harvested” Days on February 9 and 16th; Fresh From Florida Breakfast, Governor’s Lunch,Woman of the Year in Agriculture, Ag Hall of Fame, and Champion of Champions programs.
Join HSWCD in the Fun!
February 21, 2020 – Farm Night at M&B Products in Temple Terrace, featuring exhibits, activities, food and entertainment to raise funds for Temple Terrace youth programs. February 27 – March 8, 2020 – Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, with exhibit in the Grimes Livestock Building. Participation also includes annual Farm Credit Breakfast and Grand Parade activities. In addition, HSWCD brings its exhibit, with activities, to school carnivals, Chambers of Commerce and summer events of all types. If you’d like HSWCD to come to your event, contact : Betty Jo Tompkins, (813) 752-1474 Extension 3 or (813) 477-8332.
Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors and staff joined Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried at the Strawberry Festival Farm Credit Breakfast in March, just one of many activities HSWCD participates in throughout the year.
It’s not too late... to be a part of the
Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge! Gather your family, friends, civic group, business group, or school to create a conservation project during 2019 and report it to us. It’s just that simple: call 813-752-1474, ext. 3, or log on: hillssoilandwater.org
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Community Gardens
Providing Fun, Food and Fellowship
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Decades ago, it was common to see backyard gardens in urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the country. While many grew crops for economic reasons and personal satisfaction, the truth was that not everyone had the ability to enjoy this opportunity, due to space, location and other reasons. This led to a resurgence of community gardens, which date back to the 1890s, and began as a result of an economic recession. In fact, the first organized urban garden program was developed in Detroit in the early 1900s. Early gardens were referred to as “vacant lot gardens” as they utilized unused lots in urban areas.
Remember how much fun it was when
you were a kid to play in the dirt? If you like the idea of testing your gardening skills by growing nutritious fruits and vegetables, why not consider joining a Community Garden? Located throughout Tampa Bay, as well as the state and country, each garden is independent, with differing programs, projects and activities. In this county, seventeen of the Gardens are members of the Coalition of Community Gardens, offering quarterly programs as well as an annual conference. Additionally, three new gardens are currently under development:Apollo Beach,West Tampa and North Tampa Heights. Fifteen more gardens are located in Pasco, Pinellas and Manatee counties. Individual gardens provide single and group plots, with everything from training about developing butterfly gardens, growing better produce, composting, aquaponics, gardening for those with special needs and even covered dish events
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to enjoy the harvest from the garden.The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District proudly supports these gardens and their outreach activities to inner city, urban and suburban families.
Gardens are participants in the annual Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge with a wide array of projects, some of which are included below:
➤ Plant City Commons Community Garden,
2001 East Cherry Street, Plant City. Karen Elizabeth, 12circle8@gmail. com.This garden has started a swamp milkweed seedlings project to install in a new shaded space for the enjoyment of Monarch Butterflies.The Garden is also hosting a “Composting Worm Tower” Workshop on April 27, 2019. This community event will teach a simple urban composting method that will provide an ongoing source of fertilizer when placed in a growing space.
Tampa Bay Times
➤ Hope Community Garden,
➤ Sulphur Springs
➤ Robles Park Village
1506 Eskimo Avenue. Meagan Smithyman, Meagan.Smithyman@TampaYMCA. Org. Redesigning the garden beds and compost area; installing compost operation.
4902 North 22nd Street,Tampa. Suzette Dean, bministr@yahoo.com. Repairing low drip irrigation for raised beds in the garden.
Community Garden,
3518 North Avon Avenue,Tampa. Reva Iman, imanreva10@aol.com. Garden is replacing their raised bed planters to utilize less water.
➤ Seminole Heights
Community Garden,
6114 River Terrace,Tampa. Colleen Parker, info.shcg@gmail.com. Seminole Heights Garden is building new beds using permaculture methods; and is registered as a compost collection site with: MakeSoil.org https://www.makesoil.org/map/ site/1aKOnaQ-seminole-heightscommunity-gardens
Community Garden,
➤ Sustainable Living Project,
918 West Sligh Avenue. Georgia, slpgeorgea@gmail.com. Redesigning aquatic garden area including reducing size of fish tanks for greater efficiency; registered as a Make Soil Compost Collection site: httyps:www.makeoil.org/ map/site/negZ6dw-the-sustainable-livingproject.
➤ Tampa Bay Community Garden at St. Mary’s Ethiopian Church,
2418 S. 86th Street. Fr. Bekele, (813) 679.4982. Replacing elevated sprinklers with adjustable sprayers and low flow tubing to increase irrigation efficiency.
➤ Tampa Heights Community Garden,
605 East Frances Avenue. Kitty Wallace, Lona Young Green,(813)992.0940, kittwal@aol.com. Garden has received Certified Wildlife Habitat recognition. Collecting leaves in neighborhood, member of Make Soil network, offering a drop off center for compost: https:// www.makesoil.org/map/site/DdwVwb1tampa-heights-community-garden.Also replacing compost operation.
➤ Temple Terrace Community Garden,
329 South Riverhills Drive, Temple Terrace. Shelby, templeterracecommunitygarden@ hotmail.com. The garden is establishing a community compost center at their garden location at Greco Middle School.
2019 Wish Strawberry Challenge at Fancy Farms
From left: Director Betty Jo Tompkins, Supervisor Susan Dumke and volunteer Cindy Cunningham at the 2019 Wish Strawberry Challenge at Fancy Farms.
➤ University Area Community Garden,
14013 North 22nd Street,Tampa. Erica Nelson, enelson@uacdc. org. The Project Hope Community Garden is a thriving green space near the University of South Florida that serves a marginalized community and increases healthy food access where lacking. Project Hope is installing a landscape demonstration garden promoting Florida friendly landscaping. Research shows that landscaping improvements that beautify a neighborhood can have a major impact by reducing crime and stress/anxiety, while also increasing community pride. Additional projects include expanding several garden beds to include a children’s area and opening a garden kitchen on site. The projects listed are those available at press time. If you want to learn more about Community Gardens and how to “Get Your Green Thumb On”, contact Kitty Wallace, President of the Coalition of Community Gardens, (813) 992.0940, kittwal@aol.com. or Betty Jo Tompkins, HSWCD, (813) 752.1474 Extension 3; (813) 477-8332; bjt6890@yahoo.com
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“If we are bold in our thinking, courageous in accepting new ideas, and willing to work with instead of against our land, we shall find in conservation farming an avenue to the greatest food production the world has ever known.” — Hugh Hammond Bennett, father of soil conservation
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Hillsborough County 4-H Hillsborough County 4-H seeks to provide the youth in our county with oppor-
tunities to develop key life skills through experiential learning. These experiences take many forms, including agriculture, Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics (STEM) programs, civic engagement, and the arts. One of the common underlying themes that many of these programmatic endeavors utilize is conservation. Hillsborough County 4-H is proud to offer conservation education to the youth in our community. One of the key offerings of Hillsborough County 4-H that instills conservation education is its “Water Wise” program, which teaches youth the importance of saving water, as well as about our marine and aquatic ecosystems and the importance of keeping them clean and healthy. Led by Water Wise instructor and 4-H Program Assistant, Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout, the Water Wise program is offered to elementary and middle school children at a number of schools throughout the county. These youth get hands-on learning experiences on topics like the water cycle, water use and management, and causes and effects of pollution on our water-based ecosystems. Hillsborough County 4-H has many
outlets for STEM education and activities, from aerospace to electricity to computer coding, and everything in between. One of the most popular STEM-based projects is robotics, and it has also been a key area to offer conservation-based learning. Shortly after the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, National 4-H Council offered a National Youth Science Day project that centered on “Eco-Bots,” where the youth were instructed to build barriers and robots to contain and
clean up after a simulated oil spill. While the project may have been small in scale, it was great in scope of conservation
knowledge. Participants learned the many detriments such a disaster can have on our environment and wildlife, and how modern science and technology is helping make recovery efforts more effective. In Hillsborough County, 4-H Program Assistant and STEM Instructor,Adrian Bowden, leads this project in various forms each year, and focuses on the importance of using science and technology to help build a cleaner environment. Statewide, Florida 4-H has chosen “Project LIFE,” which stands for “Living In Florida’s Environment,” as its state service learning initiative for the past two years.Throughout this process, Hillsborough County 4-H has partnered with 4-H programs in counties throughout the Bay Area to clean up shorelines around Tampa Bay. Beaches in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee Counties all received help from Hillsborough County 4-H in their clean up
and conservation efforts, as Hillsborough County 4-H worked to give back to Florida’s Environment. In all of these different activities and projects, our Hillsborough County 4-H youth are learning the importance of conservation and practices that accompany such efforts, and developing life skills that will aid them in their development into independent and generous members of our communities. By learning about subjects like water conservation through the Water Wise program, youth learn about the use of resources, healthy lifestyle choices, and responsible citizenship. Through the STEM projects, including Eco-Bots, kids learn about goal setting, teamwork, contributions to group efforts, critical thinking, and problem solving. Activities like shoreline cleanups teach participants skills including community service volunteering, service learning, disease prevention, planning/organizing, character, and concern for others. All of these life skills are just a few examples of those offered by 4-H.They contribute to positive development of youth in Hillsborough County.The lessons taught through these programs will help ensure that current and future generations of young Hillsborough County residents are conservation-minded and passionate enough about their environment to take positive steps towards its future. For information: 813-744-5519.
“Since society as a whole depends on the produce of the land for its present and future existence, society as a whole must share in the responsibility and costs of maintaining land in a productive state.” — Hugh Hammond Bennett
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UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough
Urban Horticulture-Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Programs: TM
Water and Environmental Conservation, Master Gardener Program and Professional Horitculture he University of Florida/Institute of T Food and Agricultural Sciences Hillsbor-
rely on cultural, physical and biological methods to reduce pest pressures. Don’t use pesticides by default and only spot treat as needed after reading and following all label instructions.
ough County Extension Urban Horticulture Program focus is to provide educational outreach to residents, businesses and horticulture professionals on the preservation and protection of Florida’s water and natural resources. This non-biased research based three-pronged approach of FFL, Master Gardeners and Professional Horticulture is grounded in the nine FFL principles.These principles include:
Yard waste such as grass clippings or pruned branches and other “green” and “brown” household waste can be recycled to produce decomposed organic matter that releases nutrients back to the soil in a form that plants can easily use and save you money.
➤ Right Plant, Right Place
➤ Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Select quality plants that match a site’s soil, light, water and climatic conditions, welcome wildlife, are the appropriate size when mature, and provide diversity.
➤ Water Efficiently
Group plants with similar water needs together and zone irrigation systems accordingly; check the irrigation system regularly and repair any leaks, clogs, or breaks; watch for signs of wilt before watering; be aware of the weather; don’t water when rain is predicted; follow all watering restrictions.
➤ Recycle Yard Waste
Creating rain gardens, berms (rises) and swales (dips), designing with permeable pavement, and directing downspouts into your landscape can slow runoff from heavy rains, and allow the water time to soak into the ground while filtering pollutants.
➤ Fertilize Appropriately
Fertilize according to UF/IFAS recommended rates, time applications to optimize plant uptake, use slow release fertilizer, never fertilize within 10 feet of any water body or before a heavy rain, and sweep up any fertilizer spilled on hard surfaces.
➤ Mulch
Maintaining a 2-3 inch mulch layer in landscape beds to retain soil moisture, protect plants, inhibit weed growth and give your landscape a neat, uniform appearance.
➤ Attract Wildlife
Plants provide food, water, and shelter for birds, butterflies, bats, and other wildlife that may be migrating or have been displaced by heavy urban growth.
➤ Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Use integrated pest management strategies that identify the pest first and
➤ Protect the Waterfront
Leave a 10 foot maintenance free buffer (no-mow, fertilizer, or pesticides) between your landscape and the waterway to provide pollutant filtration and minimize erosion. The FFL program provides nine principles of FFL, composting, in-ground and microirrigation, and community and school gardens education and outreach. We offer on-site in-ground irrigation system evaluations for Hillsborough County Public Utilities customers that are high water users. As a result of these consultations, residents saved 38,362,599 gallons in 2018. Monthly workshops include
compost, micro irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Extension features several demonstration gardens, including the Bette S.Walker Discovery Garden, in the courtyard of our office. The garden is a collection of areas which convey landscape design and maintenance ideas, showcase plants that are outstanding performers in central Florida, and provides a beautiful, serene setting for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of our visitors. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the Florida Master Gardener Program, a citizen-volunteer program where local residents receive horticulture training in exchange for sharing what they learn and helping other residents through volunteer service. The Residential Horticulture and Master Gardener (MG) Program works with volunteers who provide local residents with gardening information that covers planning and maintaining urban and rural landscapes and emphasizes FFL principles. MGs answer questions at the Extension office’s Home Horticulture Help Desk, provide presentations at libraries, perform soil pH testing, and maintain our teaching and demonstration gardens. During 2018, MGs volunteered more than 8,000 hours with a cumulative value of more than $196,000. The professional horticulture program provides education and outreach for commercial companies, governmental employees and practicing industry professionals who design, install and/or maintain urban landscapes. Professionals employed in horticulture industries such as landscape or irrigation design and
installation, or landscape maintenance of properties including residential, common areas, sports fields, golf courses, schools, parks and natural areas can benefit from landscape and pesticide training, consultations and site visits. By educating landscape professionals and their clientele to implement FFL and Green Industries Best Management Practices principles including proper design, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide programs we ensure that these professionals are environmental stewards while providing aesthetically pleasing and safe landscapes. Bring your plant samples and questions to our Home Horticulture Help Desk, attend a library presentation, and/or pre-register to attend our monthly triple workshops and other educational programs. Master Gardeners may be contacted at hillsmg@ad.ufl.edu. Docent tours of the Bette S.Walker Discovery Garden are available to groups of 10 or more. The UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, Florida, 33584; phone: 813-744-5519. Check our website for upcoming educational events at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/. Overall, these programs help reduce water degradation and the impact of urban landscapes on Tampa Bay ecosystems and biodiversity.
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Hillsborough County Extension
Agriculture Program
illsborough County’s Agricultural H Extension Program is composed of 5
different areas: Urban Forestry, Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises, Commercial Citrus, Environmental Horticulture Production, and Vegetable and Fruit Industry.These programs help educate producers, governmental entities, allied industry businesses, as well as homeowners and neighborhood associations, by teaching research based environmentally sustainable growing practices that preserve the environment. These practices include proper irrigation techniques to preserve water quantity, only necessary use of fertilizer to preserve water quality, reduction of pesticide use in controlling pests, diseases and weeds for environmental stewardship, as well as managing livestock health and controlling manure runoff for water quality. Extension works with growers in following these practices to produce crops that are economically viable to sustain the farming operation. Extension’s Forestry Program works with Hillsborough County and incorporated municipalities to evaluate, develop, and implement urban forest conservation and natural area restoration projects. Urban forests provide a wealth of benefits to neighborhoods and communities through reduction of energy consumption, removal of pollutants from the air and water, reduction in stormwater flows, increased valuation of private property, increased worker productivity, reduction in stress and violent crime, as well as providing recreational opportunities and aesthetic diversity. Educational programs are given on how to manage the trees,
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woodlands and forests in the county which provide a wealth of benefits to all county residents. Total carbon sequestered each year is approximately 675,000 tons which is valued at
$54.9 million annually, while energy savings from the shading of residential homes is worth $26.7 million/year. Annual runoff reduction is 12,872,000 cubic feet and health benefits are valued at $30.7 million per year in reduced doctor and hospital visits and reduced medicine expenses. The Small Farm and Alternative Enterprises educational programs are devoted to small farmers, beginning farmers and aspiring farmers to help them get started and learn to follow practices that will help them be good stewards of the land. This program focuses on two special areas- small ruminant (sheep and goat) production and peri-urban farming such as beekeeping and backyard poultry production. Also offered are hydroponic classes as well as Best Management Practices (BMPs) for managing livestock manure to
“Out of the long list of nature’s gifts to man, none is perhaps so utterly essential to human life as soil.” — Hugh Hammond Bennett, father of soil conservation
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preserve water resources and recycle nutrients. Commercial citrus production programs cover Hillsborough and Polk counties. A weather school is taught annually for growers to learn using weather information and instruments to provide better decisions for grove operations, including protecting crops from freezing temperatures. This leads to an annual reduction in water usage of 4,000,000,000 gallons and reduced production costs of $1,000,000. Growers are educated in best techniques to control Asian citrus psyllids which infects citrus with greening disease (HLB) and how to best take care of infected trees, while managing pesticide usage, fertilizer and water use.Another area is the CUPS program which grows citrus under covered structures. This project is aimed at assisting growers in raising fresh fruit, which is a high value crop under screen protected structures that keep out insects and especially the Asian citrus psyllid. CUPS would help citrus be an economically viable method to grow fruit for fresh fruit consumption. Environmental Horticulture Production programs work to improve community well-being by job creation and increased revenue from efficient production or direct savings attributed
to enhanced grower practices. This program helps mediate some environmental concerns of nursery production by reducing the amount of pesticide delivered, better scouting for pesticide timing, choosing less environmentally impactful pesticides, reducing the amount of fertilizer runoff and more effective irrigation methods to conserve groundwater pumping. This has resulted in an approximately $10 million impact to the local economy by saving growers’ inputs, reducing loss, grants, and troubleshooting plant issues. The County’s Vegetable and Fruit Industry program teaches growers about using environmentally sound growing practices that are economically viable. The latest research findings are provided by newsletter, grower educational meetings, and farm visits. Correct problem identification and best and most environmentally safe methods to handle the issue are discussed with growers. The strawberry industry alone has reduced water and fertilizer use
since the 1980’s by 95%. Bringing the latest information to growers and helping them implement environmentally sound practices are critically important. In 2017 Hillsborough’s vegetable and fruit industry was valued at $644 million, creating many jobs in the county as well as providing nutritious fresh produce. In 2017, all agriculture in the County was valued at over $865million and covered over 239,000 acres, making the impact significant. Agriculture creates a large revenue stream and provides many jobs as well as being the guardians of a significant amount of the “open natural areas” that provide for water recharging, cleaning air, wildlife refuges and corridors, as well as where numerous people make their living.
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