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
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
03/06/2019
DIY Recycled-Paper Mardi Gras Necklace
Mardi Gras beads and other plastic beaded necklaces are used to celebrate events all over the world. Unfortunately, they can contribute to plastic pollution if they wind up discarded and in the environment
03/05/2019
What's Going on Near You
Canning Under the Cottage Law
Did you know certain foods can be prepared in a home kitchen and sold direct to consumer without needing a certified kitchen?
Learn more about how to produce cottage foods, such as jams and jellies, during the Canning Under the Cottage Food Law class coming up March 1, 2019 at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County office.
We'll review what can and can not be sold under the cottage food law and provide additional info for
01/28/2019
Volunteers engage in a “BioBlitz” at Se7en Wetlands Park!
Approximately 12 volunteers and 10 community partners joined together at Se7en Wetlands Park to inventory the area's plants, insects, and wildlife on Thursday, November 15, 2018 during the park's first ever BioBlitz event. Participants used the iNaturalist app to catalog species seen during the event, after a short introduction to the inaturalist application by Se7en Wetlands' Environmental Program
11/15/2018
Peanut Butter Challenge Fights Hunger, One Jar at a Time
We hear a lot about hunger.
You’ve no doubt seen public service announcements on television, asking you to give to charitable organizations to help feed people
10/04/2018
Polish Sausage Sauerkraut Recipe & Growing Cabbage in Central Florida
This recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser and is greatly welcomed at Master Gardener potlucks. The recipe originally came from my dad’s family, but my mom improved on it!
Into a large pot (or crockpot), put:
1 Polish sausage (or summer sausage), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can of sauerkraut, rinsed well (Refrigerated sauerkraut may be used; be sure to rinse it!)
1 can of V8 juice (You may substitute tomato juice
02/18/2019
Whole grain dinner salad with fresh herbs
Printer-friendly recipe: Grain Salad Recipe
Main Ingredients (prepare the night before):
2 cups cooked whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, wheat or spelt berries)*
1 pound green beans (or broccoli or cauliflower or zucchini)
1 pound (large box) mushrooms
Dressing:
Your favorite salad dressing, or this.
01/08/2019
Volunteers engage in a “BioBlitz” at Se7en Wetlands Park!
Approximately 12 volunteers and 10 community partners joined together at Se7en Wetlands Park to inventory the area's plants, insects, and wildlife on Thursday, November 15, 2018 during the park's first ever BioBlitz event. Participants used the iNaturalist app to catalog species seen during the event, after a short introduction to the inaturalist application by Se7en Wetlands' Environmental Program
11/15/2018
Get Out the Grill for Some Creamy, Grilled Avocados!
Avocados are filled with healthy fats and have 60% more heart-healthy potassium than bananas. Florida avocados’ flesh holds up well for grilling and are great for cubing and slicing for adding to salads or sandwiches
08/13/2018
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