FY 2017-2018 Accomplishments

• UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension Services capital asset improvements for FY 17-18 are valued at $340,000, to include a three-quarter mile asphalt walking track at the main campus on Stefani Road, a new livestock barn at the 4-H Livestock Center, and new field equipment, like kayaks, computers, UAV, and applicable software.
• During the 2017-18 4-H year, 5,031 youth throughout Escambia County participated in 4-H programs, including 3,938 youth participating in school enrichment programs, 367 youth enrolled as members to one of 16 different 4-H clubs, and 178 youth participating in 4-H camps. 
• A total of 1,851 limited-resource youth and 203 limited-resource adult caretakers of young children graduated the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Food, nutrition, and physical activity knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes and health behaviors increased as measured by EFNEP nationally standardized pre- and post-tests.
• Family and Consumer Sciences education programs were taught in the areas of diabetes, food preservation, food safety, prevention of lifestyle diseases, child nutrition, elder nutrition, food preparation and financial management. Education efforts reached a total of 5,881 Escambia County adults and youth.
• Over 20 programs were delivered in animal systems best management practices with over 300 youth and adult participants engaging in practical, hands-on learning. Programs were implemented through workshops, field days, seminars and short courses.
• A total of 5,595 local residents attended a program or training on invasive species. Participants learned how to identify, report and safely remove local invasives. In 2018, over 13,600 lionfish were removed during the annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day. Local divers report that finding lionfish in waters less than 120 feet has been difficult since the event. More than 800 air potato beetles were released in Escambia County this year, and 90 percent of the known locations of the invasive beach vitex have either been removed or treated. 
• The monthly Science Hour program provided expert speakers on a broad range of sometimes controversial and confusing topics such as climate change, invasive species management, and the RESTORE Act to a public audience, giving non-scientists an opportunity to learn and ask questions about issues affecting their lives. Based on evaluations over the past year, 278 participants heard from 11 speakers, 100 percent learned something new, and 70 percent said they have changed their behavior based on what they learned.
• One hundred percent of participants attending pesticide certification training increased their knowledge of pesticide safety and integrated pest management, as measured through pre- and post-tests. Pre-test scores averaged 30 percent and post-test scores improved to 70 percent. Fifteen participants passed the examination to gain the Limited Certification.
• Ninety-two percent of residents who used Extension Services were satisfied with the services they received. Seventy-three percent of clients used the information they received, and 87 percent of clientele reported their questions were answered. Seventy percent of clients reported that they shared the information they received from Extension Services.

Extension Service Statistics

• 426 educational materials produced
• 550 field consults
• 980 office consults
• 62,856 group learning contacts
• 3,450 telephone consults
• 16,439 email consults
• 78,582 website contacts
• 774 volunteers
• 28,737 volunteer hours