The Institute of Food and Agriculture Services (IFAS) at the University of Florida extends its programs to many counties in Florida through various extension offices. The Hillsborough County Extension office is located in Seffner off County Road 579. UF/IFAS provides information and education in family and consumer sciences, horticulture, agriculture, natural resources and youth development by conducting educational programs, seminars and demonstrations.

• Provides free compost, water-wise and rain barrel workshops to educate residents about water conservation and recycling. Workshops include distribution of compost bins, microirrigation kits and rain barrels. Programs are sponsored by UF/IFAS and Hillsborough County Extension, Tampa Bay Water, Hillsborough County Public Utilities, and Tampa Water Department.
  
• Master Gardener volunteers and staff offer free gardening workshops at plant clinics conducted in 16 public libraries throughout Hillsborough County. Master Gardeners and staff also present to garden clubs, civic organizations and local area businesses. Master Gardener volunteers are on duty Monday through Friday, 8:30 am � 4:30 pm, to answer questions, identify pests, and provide information. Weekly soil testing for pH is performed at a cost of $3.00 for each soil sample.
  
• Provides educational publications and resources on green topics to the public, on-line and in our office libraries.
  
• Provides training in Best Management Practices for anyone working in the lawn, tree, landscape, pest control, or municipal grounds areas.
  
• Showcases the 9 principles of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM program in our demonstration and teaching garden, the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, located in the courtyard of the Extension office.  Compost, mulch and vermi-composting demonstration areas and a perennial garden, all provide recycling and landscaping ideas that can be used by homeowners and businesses.
  
  
  
• Offers 4-H recycling and water-wise programs for youth.
• Has an urban community forester that provides educational programs and technical assistance regarding forestry and arboriculture.
• Have several agricultural agents that work with landscape plant growers, the citrus, vegetable, and fruit industries.
• Additional information can be found at http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.  You may also reach the extension office by phone 813-744-5519