Our office continues to observe COVID-19 safety protocols and is serving the public by appointment. Please consider the following guidance:
- Agents and staff will continue to serve you via web-based communication tools.
- Please contact the office (863-519-1041) to schedule in-person appointments with agents and support team members.
- For everyone's safety, we respectfully require all in-person appointment attendees to wear their choice of personal face covering or mask.
- Pesticide exams are offered on the first business Monday of each month, with a limited number of slots available. Sign up at https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/
This information was last updated: February 24, 2021, at 9:55 AM
UF/IFAS Extension
Polk County
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County is a partnership between the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
Contact
polk@ifas.ufl.edu
(863) 519-1041
1702 Highway 17 South
Bartow, FL 33830
Hours
Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
COVID: Please contact the office to request an appointment. Masks are required.
Hurricane Prep: Securing Your Boat
Hurricanes are incredibly violent storms that can bring intense winds, heavy rain, floods, a storm surge, landslides, tornadoes, and coastal erosion. These storms are capable of causing incredible damage, and the key to protecting your boat is planning and preparation
05/06/2019
4-H Eco Warriors Online SPIN Club This Fall!
Polk and Pinellas County 4-H brings you an exciting opportunity to 'Pledge your Hands to Larger Service' by becoming an Eco Warrior.
Who are Eco Warriors?
Do you know a youth between 14 and 18 years old that wants to change the world for the better? The 4-H Eco Warriors Special Interest (SPIN) Club may be the right place for them to get started!
This September and October, 4-H, natural resources, and sustainability agents and staff from
08/28/2020
What's Going on Near You
Support local UF programs this Giving Day, Feb. 18
Highlights
Support Polk County Agri-Fest by visiting https://givingday.ufl
02/17/2021
Season of Giving
As we close out the year and take time to gather with friends and family to celebrate holidays, it’s a natural time for reflecting on all that we are thankful for.
Giving and receiving gifts are likely on the minds of many and it’s a fitting time to highlight opportunities to give to support the work of the UF/IFAS Extension Small Farms program or a host of other initiatives
12/19/2019
Squirrels are People, Too
Rebekah Heppner, Master Gardener Volunteer Trainee
I inherited my appreciation of nature from my father. I don’t know if he loved bees and butterflies as much as I do, but he definitely loved birds
04/01/2021
Do you need tree work? Find a certified arborist.
If you are in need of tree work, particularly if you have concerns as we move into hurricane season, it is important that you find a qualified professional to do that tree work for you. We suggest that you select a certified arborist by going to the Trees
06/18/2020
Should I Use Soap or Other Cleaners to Wash Produce?
Should we use soap or extra cleaners to wash our fruits and vegetables? According to UF/IFAS Extension, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the answer is no.
Soap and other detergents aren't designed for us to eat and aren't approved or labeled by the U
03/30/2020
Season of Giving
As we close out the year and take time to gather with friends and family to celebrate holidays, it’s a natural time for reflecting on all that we are thankful for.
Giving and receiving gifts are likely on the minds of many and it’s a fitting time to highlight opportunities to give to support the work of the UF/IFAS Extension Small Farms program or a host of other initiatives
12/19/2019
Preparing Your Landscape for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season starts June 1st. You are probably aware of preparations you need to make inside the home, but what do you need to do in your landscape? Survey your property now and look for things that may be an issue such as:
Flooding
Erosion
Wind directions
Tree failure (and the potential impacts to your property)
1
05/13/2019