Extension Service – Frequently Asked Questions
Classification: Service
KBA Code: KBA-024
Last Updated: 4/23/2024
Description
General
What is the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program?
Florida Master Gardeners are University of Florida-trained volunteer teachers. Master Gardeners educate and provide research-based information to Floridians about gardening, America's most popular pastime. Their information about planning and maintaining urban, suburban, and rural landscapes always emphasizes environmental stewardship.
The Master Gardener Program is a major outreach that assists Extension in significant horticultural educational efforts in the community. Master Gardener volunteers provide much of the first contact through plant clinics, plant lifelines, and other educational programming.
The volunteers (or MVGs as they call themselves) execute a variety of outreach tasks as determined by the program leader (usually the consumer horticultural agent). Duties include: Answering horticultural questions over the phone, in person, or through the media; Participating in public service projects; giving educational programs; supporting youth activities, performing soil sample evaluations; and assisting in field research.
For more information and to apply for the next class, please see our information at - Master Gardener Program - Charlotte County - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)
Where can I get a Boaters Guide?
We have them at our office located at 1120 Centennial Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL. However, we also work to distribute them with local bait shops, such as Fishin’ Franks.At high tide, the waters of Charlotte Harbor and its associated bays cover a mosaic of bay bottom habitats including seagrass meadows, sandy bottom, oyster bars, mud flats and flooded forests of mangrove prop-roots. Estuaries like Charlotte Harbor, where salt water from the sea meets and mixes with fresh water from rivers and uplands, are nurseries for young fish, shellfish and crustaceans, which spend some critical stage of their development in these nearshore waters, protected from larger predators that swim the open sea.
The lush, shallow water seagrass meadows of Charlotte Harbor are locally known as "flats." Fishing the flats with light tackle or fly rod is an unforgettable, world-class experience. The deeper areas of Charlotte Harbor are world-renowned sailing waters.
By boating safely and with greater awareness of the natural environment, you can help protect Charlotte Harbor and wildlife that depend on these waters for survival.
An on-line version can be accessed at http://ocean.floridamarine.org/boating_guides/charlotte_harbor/pages/about_this_guide.html. Information on Charlotte County’s artificial reefs can also be found at https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-services/natural-resources/artificial-reefs.stml.
For information, call 941-764-4346.
How old do my children have to be to join 4-H?
4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18, determined as of Sept. 1 of the current 4-H program year and open to all counties in the State of Florida. 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests. It reaches both boys and girls through 4-H clubs, special – interest groups and short – term projects, school-age childcare, individual and family learning and mentoring, camping and school enrichment.
For information, contact Kristi Popa at 941-833-3837 or [email protected].
Where do I get a soil test done?
We have kits available at our office or you can simply download a form at this link - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/SS/SS18700.pdf.
Obtain a small amount of soil from 10 to 15 different spots in the area you wish to test (a minimum of 1/2 pint). When you sample a lawn, take the soil from the upper 2–4 inches. When sampling a vegetable garden or landscape plants, take soil from the upper 6 inches. If soil is wet, spread soil on clean paper or other suitable material to air dry. You ship the sample with the fee to the lab in Gainesville. A soil test report, including notes to help you use these results to your best advantage, will be emailed/mailed to you in 3–6 days after your sample arrives at the Extension Soil Testing Laboratory. Call the Charlotte County UF/IFAS Extension office if you have questions about the soil test report at 941-764-4340.
Where are your plant clinics?
Weekly Clinics
Plant Clinics are throughout the community September to May.
Englewood/Charlotte Library every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to Noon
Port Charlotte Library every Thursday from 1-3 p.m.
Monthly Clinics
Home Depot Port Charlotte 2nd Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Punta Gorda Library 2nd Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Punta Gorda Library Plant Topic talk 3rd Tuesday from 2-3:30 p.m.
Speak to a Master Gardener or visit them at the Plant Help desk.
Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 1-4 p.m.
Centennial Park Recreation Center
1120 Centennial Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Call 941‐764‐4340 ext. 2 or email a master gardener at [email protected]. For information, visit http://charlotte.ifas.ufl.edu.
How do I become a Florida Master Naturalist?
The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education program developed by the University of Florida and provided by participating organizations. FMNP training will benefit persons interested in learning more about Florida's environment, seeking educational contact hours, or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, and ecotourism guides. The program includes courses in three subject areas – Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal Systems and Upland Habitats.Every year, Charlotte County offers Freshwater in the Fall (before Thanksgiving), Upland Habitats in the Winter and Coastal Systems in the Spring.
In each Module you will learn through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, and be provided instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of the environments covered. The program also addresses society's role in natural areas, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics.
Each module is a stand-alone program and graduates of each program are recognized (certificates of achievement, pins) as Coastal, Wetlands, or Upland naturalists. Special recognition for completion of all three programs will include a special Florida Master Naturalist certificate and pin.CEU’s are also offered.
Registration Fees (per person): $350. This fee covers registration as well as costs necessary for the required field trips. However, there are scholarships available at https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/become-a-master-naturalist/scholarships/
For information, visit our website at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotte/florida-master-naturalist-program/ or contact Kate Rose at 941-764-4346 or [email protected].
Do you have a 4-H Summer Camp?
Yes, Camp Cloverleaf!
Building Life Skills through Outdoor Ed-Ventures
Education Youth learn new skills and test new ideas in non-threatening environments. Special attention is given to individual interest and rate of progress. Group Living Youth learn how to live and work with a small group of their peers, cooperatively making decisions that affect the group. Adventure Youth experience adventure and challenge not usually found in daily home life. Outdoors Youth develop an awareness and appreciation of their natural environment and experience direct contact with the out-of-doors.
Self-Image - Youth accept new responsibilities in leadership, conquer fears, practice new skills and discover individual differences in an environment that reinforces the value of each person. Independence - Youth develop independence and self-assurance. Friends - Camp provides a place for youth to make new friends. Relationships - Youth develop meaningful relationships with respected and trusted adults and older teens. Fun - Youth have the opportunity to play and develop healthy leisure habits. Camp Cloverleaf is a traditional camp with modern conveniences, combining a relaxed camp atmosphere with today's camping desires. Nestled on the banks of Lake Francis in Highlands County, its private facilities, open spaces and good fishing allow participants to play, learn, and work in a safe and enjoyable environment. Please see here for additional information - http://charlotte.ifas.ufl.edu/4h/forms-4h/2015%20Camp%20Cloverleaf%20Packet.pdf.
For information, contact Kristi Popa at 941-833-3837 or [email protected].
Where can I have my plant disease and insect problem diagnosed?
We can diagnose many plant and insect issues right in our office, Plant Lifeline or Plant Clinics. If we cannot figure out the problem or make an exact identification, then specimens can be sent to the UF Plant Pathology Lab - https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/media/PDC/PDC_Submission_form_CC_1-18.-8.pdf.
Insect Identification Lab - http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/SR/SR01000.pdf
UF Herbarium for plant identification - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SR024?downloadOpen=true
How do I become a 4H leader?
If you would like to become a 4-H Leader, you may contact Kristi Popa at 941-833-3837 or [email protected].
Where do I get rain barrels and how much do they cost?
Charlotte County's Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program sells rain barrels for $40 for the first barrel, and $48.15 for each additional barrel. Each 55-gallon recycled food grade barrel comes with an instruction booklet and hardware kit, containing all necessary pieces for assembly and use. Barrels can be purchased at Centennial Park, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33953, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, contact Sara Weber at 941-764-4351 or [email protected].
Rain barrels are important tools for water conservation. A ½ inch rain can easily fill one 55-gallon rain barrel, and that water can be used (without restriction) for irrigating plant beds, filling watering cans, or washing garden tools. Reduce the amount of potable water you use by purchasing a rain barrel today!
We give you a rain barrel handbook for provide some instruction when you come in to pick up the rain barrel. Call if you'd like to make an appointment to talk about installing a rain barrel. We also have several posters in the office showing rain barrel installations, construction and painting.
Are the non-ad valorem assessments by calendar year or fiscal year?
The sanitation assessment is by fiscal year, Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. All other county non-ad valorem assessments are the same as the ad valorem taxes, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
Where can I find a list of Public Works MSBUs and MSTUs, district maps, and the name of my district representative?
Where can I find information about MSBU public hearing notices?
Where can I find information about wastewater expansion MSBUs?
How do I find the pay-off amount for a non-ad valorem capital assessment?
Visit https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/msbu-mstu/ and click MSBU Record Search.
How do I search for MSBU records?
Visit https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/msbu-mstu/ and click MSBU Record Search.
How do I search for non-ad valorem assessments?
Visit https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/msbu-mstu/ and click MSBU Record Search.
How do I find information concerning Charlotte County's environmental lands?