Environmental Series

Thursday, February 17, 2022, 3:30pm
Sara Kane-Green Living Tips for a Sustainable New Year
There are many opportunities for becoming more sustainable in our daily activities, but where should you start? This class will introduce ideas in the categories of energy, water, waste, transportation and food, help you prioritize what will work best for you and connect you with resources available in the community to get you started. Led by Sara Kane, an Extension staffer with 18-plus years in the environmental and sustainability arenas.
RSVP to Melinda Haney, 941.702.2597
Thursday, March 17, 2022, 3:30pm
Armando Ubeda - Amazing Mangroves
Aviva Senior Living, Kretzmer Center, 1951 N. Honore Ave
Armando J. Ubeda is a Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent in Sarasota with nearly 25 years of experience in marine education and conservation. His interactive presentation will include an overview of what mangroves are, the native species of mangroves that we have in Florida, why they are so important for the health of Sarasota Bay, how mangroves protect our coastal communities, tips on what you can do to help conserve mangroves.
RSVP to Melinda Haney, 941.702.2597


Thursday, April 21, 2022, 3:30pm
Katherine Clements-Shinrin-Yuku & the Health Benefits of Nature
Aviva Senior Living, Kretzmer Center, 1951 N. Honore Ave
Dr. Katherine is the ecology and natural resources educator with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota. She spends her days educating our community about wildlife, invasive plants and animals, and conservation of Florida’s ecosystems. As a former physician, she also enjoys offering presentations on the health benefits of spending time in nature which include a guided meditative nature experience called shinrin yoku, or forest bathing. We’ll start indoors, and then take ourselves outdoors for some moments of mindfulness!
RSVP to Melinda Haney, 941.702.2597
Thursday, May 19, 2022, 3:30pm
Abbey Tyrna-The Future of Water
Aviva Senior Living, Kretzmer Center, 1951 N. Honore Ave
Dr. Abbey is a Water Resources Extension Agent with nearly 20 years of experience in water education. Her presentation will include an overview of where our tap water comes from, the treatment process, water supply and future needs. Participants will compare their tap water with bottled water via a blind taste test. The presentation will conclude with a review of the annual water quality report, tips on how to conserve water, and Q & A.
RSVP to Melinda Haney, 941.702.2597


Thursday, June 16, 2022, 3:30pm
Carol Wyatt-Evens-Incredible Insects
Aviva Senior Living, Kretzmer Center, 1951 N. Honore Ave
Scientists have identified more than 1 million species of insects globally—including 12,500 in Florida alone—and estimated millions more have yet to be discovered. Join Carol Wyatt-Evens, an Extension agent with 17-plus years’ experience in the pest control arena, to learn more about what makes insects vital, why they are key to functional ecosystems, their role as food for other creatures, pollinators, nutrient recyclers, and more, plus how to conserve these six-legged crawlers.
RSVP to Melinda Haney, 941.702.2597
Thursday, July 21, 2022, 3:30pm
Randy Penn-Recycle Right
Aviva Senior Living, Kretzmer Center, 1951 N. Honore Ave
Randy Penn is a waste reduction agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Sarasota County. His programs focus on recycling, composting, and waste reduction strategies. He also is the coordinator of the Sarasota County Green Business Partnership, a program that works with businesses to implement environmental practices in your workplace. This presentation will discuss the issues of waste reduction and recycling, and explore steps you can take to help create a healthier Sarasota County. Free to the public.
RSVP to Melinda Haney, 941.702.2597
