Univerisity of Florida Internship Blog #2

University of Florida Internship Blog #2

My experience with working with the University of Florida as an intern has been more than an experience it's an adventure. I have had the opportunity to apply some of my knowledge of sustainably into the work place.  Every month we have a staff meeting which includes all the departments in the extention office the meeting are designed to keep each department accountable for making sure that we are updated and able to inform the community of changes in the state of Florida based on  the mission of UF IFAS Extention. At the meeting I was able to introduce myself and some of the changes I would like to implement. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce everyone was in agreement. 

UF IFAS extended office provides workshops one Saturday of the month, the workshops are Composting, Microirrigation & Rainwater Harvesting. Once you complete the class you receive a value of $140 worth of supplies to allow you to take action right away!

The classes are offer in conjunction with the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program, public education and outreach. UF is under the umbrella program for Mircoirrigation, Compost and Rainwater Harvesting workshops.  There are 9 FFL principles (highlighted  ones are what the main focus for the workshops).

·       Right Plant, Right Place

·       Reduce Stormwater Runoff

·       Water Efficiently

·       Fertilize “As Needed”

·       Control Pest Wisely

·       Project Waterfronts

·       Provide for Wildlife

·       Recycle

·       Mulch

As a part of my internship I attended the workshops, the one that really hit home with me was the composting class.  After I attended the workshop, I was given the opportunity to teach a class to a small group along side Lisa Meredith on the subject of composting. I was able to relay the message of being more sustainable while composting. I was able to provide them with the history of Florida recycling.  The group was really excited and very open to the information that was provided. 

In the next weeks to come I will be attending more workshops and conducting more classes! Let the QRC coding begin!