Manatee County Extension Service Offers Classes and Nature Tours for December

MANATEE--The Manatee County Extension Service is offering a variety of classes and nature tours for December 2010. If you do not have time for a class, keep reading for information on other ways to obtain gardening information.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are free and are held at the Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221, in Kendrick Auditorium. All class sizes are limited; minimum class size is required. Register in advance online via our web site at manatee.ifas.ufl.edu or call 941-722-4524 for

all workshops. Call the Master Gardeners at 941-722-4524 to register for tours. Classes and tours are free unless otherwise noted.

RECYCLE THE RAIN - RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Learn the ins and outs of rain barrels: how to use them and how much water and money you can save while improving the environment. Rain barrels will be available for $16.75 at the time of the class, so bring a vehicle you can carry a 55-gallon barrel in if you decide to try it. This free class will be held at the Manatee County Utilities Office in the Conference Room, 4410 66th Street West, Bradenton. Date/Time: December 2, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

THE LOWDOWN ON LAWN IRRIGATION

An introduction to lawn and landscape watering systems, including sprinkler types, setting timers, adjustments, and tips for improving efficiency and lowering your water bill. Class satisfies the irrigation requirement of the Manatee County Water Conservation Rebate Program. Presented by Jack Tichenor, Water Conservation Agent.

Date/Time: December 2, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

PLANT ID & NATURE TOUR - DESOTO MEMORIAL/RIVERVIEW PRESERVE

Stroll through DeSoto National Memorial and Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener volunteer to learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. Program suitable for all ages. Date/Time: December 11, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

PLANT ID & NATURE TOUR – EMERSON POINTE PRESERVE

Stroll through Emerson Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer to learn more about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. Program suitable for all ages Date/Time: December 18, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

FALL PLANT ID TOUR AT ROBINSON PRESERVE

Stroll through the Robinson Preserve’s salt marshes with a Master Gardener Volunteer to learn more about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal habitat. Program suitable for all ages. Date/Time: December 19, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

PLANT ID & NATURE TOUR – RYE PRESERVE (NEW)

Stroll through Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer to learn what grows in a dry, sandy upland habitat. Master Gardener Bob Egolf will be leading this new tour through the scrubs and pointing out the native wildflowers and shrubs. Date/Time: December 26, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Manatee County Extension Service provides the educational resources of the University of Florida through materials and training to the citizens of Manatee County. Topics relate to gardening, landscaping, water conservation and more. It is cooperatively funded by Manatee County Government, the University of Florida

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (I.F.A.S.) and the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.). Some programs are partially funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Manasota Basin Board.