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Urban Horticulture in St. Lucie County
Urban horticulture connects people to plants in meaningful ways—through sustainable landscaping, biodiversity conservation, and water-wise gardening. At UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, our Urban Horticulture program empowers residents to create resilient, eco-friendly landscapes that thrive in Florida’s unique environment.
We offer research-based education and practical tools to help homeowners, Master Gardeners, and local residents make informed decisions. Whether you're:
- Designing a pollinator-friendly garden,
- Maintaining your landscape with Florida-Friendly practices,
- Protecting your waterfront property, or
- Looking to reduce your environmental footprint
We’re here to support your journey toward a more sustainable landscape.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Sara Salgado MacDonald
Dr. Sara S. MacDonald is the UF/IFAS Urban Horticulture Extension Agent in St. Lucie County. With a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Florida and a Master of Science from Rhodes University in South Africa, she brings a deep understanding of plant-insect interactions, invasive species, and ecosystem resilience to her work.
Sara leads the UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteer Program, training volunteers to deliver impactful outreach through educational booths, community gardens, youth programming, and more.
Through a mix of site visits, workshops, webinars, and online education, Sara connects St. Lucie County’s diverse communities with the knowledge and tools to care for their landscapes, and the environment.
Our Programs
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
The FFL program teaches residents how to create low-maintenance landscapes that save water, reduce pollution, and support wildlife. Sara works with homeowners, HOAs, and local governments to promote sustainable yard practices through:
- Site visits and irrigation evaluations
- Yard design guidance and plant recommendations
- Neighborhood presentations and homeowners' education
- FFL Yard Recognition for environmentally sound practices
Learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Our Master Gardener Volunteers help residents with gardening questions, lead workshops, and maintain demonstration gardens. Volunteers:
- Support school and community gardens
- Lead youth and adult educational activities
- Staff the Master Gardener Help Desk
- Promote sustainable gardening through events
Contact Your Master Gardener Program Specialist
Danielle Shalginewicz (772) 462-1445, dshalginewicz@ufl.edu
Blog Posts
CONTACT
Dr. Sara Salgado MacDonald Urban Horticulture Agent UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County sara.macdonald@ufl.edu
Phone (772) 462-1132 Fax (772) 462-1510
St. Lucie County Agricultural Extension 8400 Picos Road, Suite 101 Fort Pierce, Florida 34945
Hours Monday - Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Get To Know Your Agent:
Dr. Sara Salgado MacDonald is the Urban Horticulture Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in St. Lucie County. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Florida and a Master of Science from Rhodes University in South Africa. Sara brings expertise in plant-insect interactions, invasive species management, and sustainable landscape practices to her role. She leads both the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and Master Gardener Volunteer programs, helping residents build resilient, eco-friendly spaces. Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, sharing science through outreach, and creating bilingual resources to support Florida’s diverse communities.
Expertise:
- Beneficial Insects
- Biological Control
- Entomology
- Integrated Pest Management
- Invasive Species
