March Programs, Events at Escambia County Extension

Below is a listing of events occurring in March at Escambia County Extension. For more information about Extension events, please call 850-475-5230, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia or like Escambia Extension on Facebook.

Escambia County Extension location

3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment

Highlighted Events:

Science Hour - The Emanuel Point Ships: Florida’s Earliest Shipwrecks

• Thursday, March 14, 6-7 p.m. at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola  

Before the English settled Jamestown and before the Spanish colonized St. Augustine, the harbor of Pensacola was targeted by Spanish authorities as the perfect place to establish a town on the northern Gulf Coast. Only a few weeks after arrival, however, Tristán de Luna’s fleet was destroyed by a violent hurricane. Two of Luna’s ships have been discovered in Pensacola Bay and have been archaeologically investigated. This lecture presents this little-known episode of Colonial history as well as the ships and artifacts associated with the Luna expedition. The lecture is hosted by Nicole Grinnan, Public Archaeology Coordinator, Northwest Region, Florida Public Archaeology Network and University of West Florida. Learn more about the Florida Public Archaeology Network here. 
 
Elder Health and Nutrition Education

• Monday, March 4, 10:30-11 a.m., 1700 N. L St., Pensacola
• Tuesday, March 5, 10:30-11 a.m., 601 E. Mallory St., Pensacola 
• Wednesday, March 20, 10:30-11 a.m., 1400 E. Johnson Ave., Pensacola
• Thursday, March 28, 10:30-11 a.m., 900 N. F St., Pensacola

Fresh from Florida

• Friday, March 8, 9 a.m. to noon at Northview High School, 4100 County Road 4, Century

Elementary students will learn about different types of agriculture in Florida.

Keeping the Pressure Down

• Tuesday, March 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alabaster Apartments, 929 Massachusetts Ave., Pensacola 
• Tuesday, March 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alabaster Apartments, 929 Massachusetts Ave., Pensacola
• Tuesday, March 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alabaster Apartments, 929 Massachusetts Ave., Pensacola

Weed Wrangle

• Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Blackwater Heritage Trail, 5533 Alabama St., Milton

This is a community event where participants can volunteer to help remove an invasive plant from the bay area. This year participants will be removing Chinese privet from the Blackwater Heritage Trail in Milton. Volunteers will work between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Volunteers will need to wear closed-toe shoes and protective clothing for working in wooded areas, and should bring gloves, sun protection, loppers, snacks and a water bottle. A water cooler will be onsite for water bottle refills. 

Roy Hyatt’s Night of Nature

• Friday, March 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, 1300 Tobias Road, Cantonment

This is a chance for the public to visit the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center during their spring open house. Extension Services will be there to provide natural history information on led hikes at sunset. The event is free, and food will available for a small donation. 

Vermicomposting

• Wednesday, March 13, 6 p.m. at Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church, 1030 N. 57th Ave., Pensacola

Join Master Gardeners to learn about starting your own earthworm farm to help make compost for your garden. There may be worms to purchase to start your kit. Please register prior to the event to ensure enough materials are present. Three ways to register:

Register online by visiting myrtlegrovegardening.eventbrite.com.

Phone: 475-5230

Email: bbolles@ufl.edu

Saving Your Seeds

• Wednesday, March 27, 6 p.m. at Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church, 1030 N. 57th Ave., Pensacola

Join Master Gardeners to learn the techniques for saving seeds from your favorite garden plants. Please register before the event so enough materials are present for all participants.Three ways to register:

Register online by visiting myrtlegrovegardening.eventbrite.com.

Phone: 475-5230

Email: bbolles@ufl.edu

Beef Cattle and Forage Boot Camp

• Saturday, March 2, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Escambia County 4-H Livestock Facility, 5701 Highway 99, Molino

The Beef Cattle and Forage Boot Camp is a hands-on learning opportunity for cattle producers and youth livestock exhibitors. Industry representatives will be on hand to answer questions about products and services. Topics include:

• Evaluation of Beef Carcass Quality and Management Goals for Improving Yield and Quality Grade, Amanda Engle
• Winter Forage Demonstrations and Transitional Grazing Options 35, plus Winter Annual Forage Demonstration Plots with Extension Services and industry professionals, Libbie Johnson and Jose Dubeux
• Livestock Identification and Traceability Demonstration, Utilizing Proper Livestock Branding and Identification to Improve Traceability, Nick Simmons
• Sponsor and Industry Updates
• Florida Cattle Policy Changes, Florida Cattlemen’s Association

Registration fees are $10 per person, $15 per couple and free for 4-H and FFA youth. Please RSVP by Feb. 27 by calling the Escambia County Extension Office at 850-475-5230. Registration fees may be paid by cash or check the day of the event. 

For updates about Extension Services events and programs, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia, like Escambia County Extension on Facebook and follow @EscambiaExt on Twitter.