Cooperative Extension Education Center 6021 South Conway Road Orlando, Florida 32817

Overview Our History Our Mission Our Areas of Expertise Our Educational Programs Our Results The Future Our History Our Mission Our Areas of Expertise Our Educational Programs Our Results The Future

History The Cooperative Extension system was established by Congress in 1914 Orange County was one of the first counties in the nation to implement the County Agent concept of providing research based information to local residents The Cooperative Extension system was established by Congress in 1914 Orange County was one of the first counties in the nation to implement the County Agent concept of providing research based information to local residents

History United States Department of Agriculture Orange County Board of County Commissioners $1,037,735 Orange County Board of County Commissioners $1,037,735 University of Florida – Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences $1,179,521 University of Florida – Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences $1,179,521

Our Mission Cooperative Extension = Education We provide current research-based non- biased information to residents, communities and businesses Orange County is our classroom Orange County’s goals are our priorities We have the ability to react quickly with education to address current issues and needs We bring state and federal dollars to the county We provide current research-based non- biased information to residents, communities and businesses Orange County is our classroom Orange County’s goals are our priorities We have the ability to react quickly with education to address current issues and needs We bring state and federal dollars to the county

Areas of Educational Expertise Family and Consumer Sciences –Sustainable housing and environment –Financial management –Food safety and nutrition 4-H Youth Development –Adult and youth leadership –Healthy lifestyles –Environmental education –School enrichment

Areas of Educational Expertise Agriculture and Natural Resources –Livestock and forage –Natural resources/environment –Nurseries and greenhouse crops –Vegetables –Citrus Environmental Horticulture –Residential horticulture –Commercial landscape management –Florida Yards and Neighborhoods

Educational Programs Our Goals: Sustaining natural resources Enhancing the sustainability of agriculture Promoting individual, family and community well-being Cooperative Extension is education that creates an opportunity for change

Orange County Saves: Economic Living Expo Sustaining Natural Resources

To e Goal: To empower individuals and families with information on how to develop and/or expand on an Eco-Friendly lifestyle Topics:  Save money  Conserve water  Sustainable landscapes  Improve health  Save energy Sustaining Natural Resources

 Collaborations with County BCC and departments  Recruited 4-H & adult volunteers  Effective publicity campaign  12-concurrent workshops taught by Extension faculty  “Green” product vendors and exhibits  Nationally recognized keynote speakers  Collaborations with County BCC and departments  Recruited 4-H & adult volunteers  Effective publicity campaign  12-concurrent workshops taught by Extension faculty  “Green” product vendors and exhibits  Nationally recognized keynote speakers Sustaining Natural Resources

Community Partnerships Two year success –175 attendees 2008 –152 attendees 2009 State-Regional- National Awards Community Partnerships Two year success –175 attendees 2008 –152 attendees 2009 State-Regional- National Awards Sustaining Natural Resources 88%Set the thermostat to 78º or higher during the warm weather 75%Regularly changed their air conditioner filter 67%Used “green” cleaning products 67%Purchased an organic or locally produced food 63%Shut off irrigation system when it was raining 46%Installed a water saving device

Enhancing the Sustainability of Agriculture

Orange County Economy depends on Tourism  Construction  Agriculture  Research-based education benefits farmers, food costs and sustainability of agriculture

Enhancing the Sustainability of Agriculture Orange County Acreage 8,220 Jobs Overall economic impact of $472 Million Dollars. Agriculture Urbanization

Enhancing the Sustainability of Ag riculture Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Best Management Practices Integrated Pest Management Equine Disease Forum Composting & Rain Barrel Workshop Florida Master Naturalist Program Greenhouse & Nursery Financials Banker Plant & Biological Control Field Day Best Management Practices for Greenhouses Integrated Pest Management Update Certified Controlled Burner’s Training Master Gardener Program Landscape Design Know Your Irrigation Clock Florida Cattlemen’s Institute & Allied Trade Show Urban and Wildlife Interface Spring Ranchers’ Forum Central Florida Fair Small Farm Conference Agricultural Land Preservationist Training Beef Cattle Reproduction Management School Equine Institute & Allied Trade Show Fall Forage Field Day Poisonous Plants in the Pasture

Promoting Individual, Family and Community Well-Being Raising Kids, Eating Right, Spending Smart, Living Well

Promoting Individual, Family and Community Well-Being Post Purchase Workshop 339 first time homebuyers who receive down payment assistance Objective: to understand the requirements needed to protect their investment Increased knowledge –Developing a spending plan to avoid default –Manage credit and debt –Protecting and maintaining the home

Promoting Individual, Family and Community Well-Being Food Safety Certification Program Small Steps to Health and Wealth Maximizing Home Energy Savings Disaster Preparation and Recovery Healthy Homes Taking Charge of Family Finances Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Leaders Community Gardening

Promoting Individual, Family and Community Well-Being

Results: 2008 Educational Contacts 12,500 questions answered by phone 3,500 visitors helped with plant problems 900 educational opportunities attended by 35,000 adults and youth 2,700,000 visitors to our web sites 2,000,000 television, newspapers, radio and magazines contacts per month

Results: Volunteer Involvement 1,300 Volunteers 32,900 Volunteer hours $718,000 Value of volunteer time 4-H adults and youth Master Gardeners Home and Community Educators Advisory Committees Lake Watch Master Naturalist *Based on $16.07 per hour

Results: Recognition Environmental Education Award (State, Regional and National) Program Marketing Campaign Award (State and Regional) Community Partnership Award (State) Search for Excellence in Crop Production (State and Regional) PRIDE Award - Ag Production ( State) Governor's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change

Results: Major Grants Family Nutrition Program $76,500 Expanded Foods & Nutrition $56,000 Professional Enhancement - Costa Rica $3,000 Toxic Plant Garden for child and animal safety (pending) - $145,000

The Future

Cooperative Extension Education Center 6021 South Conway Road Orlando, Florida 32817