Polk County Extension
Natural Resources

Brief Description of Program

The Natural Resources and Conservation program in Polk County is committed to improving the current state of our local ecosystems through natural resources educational programs. By sharing science-based information to improve upon current management and land use practices, the Natural Resources and Conservation Extension Program will improve the function of our natural systems. Small changes by every citizen can contribute to a brighter tomorrow for our natural environment.

In addition to educational activities, I collaborate with Florida LAKEWATCH by training volunteers and tracking active/inactive sampling sites. LAKEWATCH is a volunteer program that seeks to record water quality data on a monthly basis across the state. This data is available to the public and is considered to be scientifically sound in methods of collection. If you are interested in becoming a LAKEWATCH volunteer, please click here.

If you are experiencing an issue with aquatic or natural areas weeds and need a specimen identified for management recommendations, please click here to view information regarding plant specimen protocol.

Extension Focus

• Restoration Ecology
• Invasive Plant Management
• Watershed Ecology & Restoration
• Forest Resource Management
• Wildlife Ecology

Educational Background

• Currently Enrolled - M.S. Agricultural Education and Communication,
  University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
• 2009 - B.S. Forest Resources & Conservation, Cum Laude,
  University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
• Fellow, Class XI Natural Resources Leadership Institute,
  Burl Long Award Recipient

Experience

• 2010 - Present
  Extension Agent I - Natural Resources & Conservation
  UF/IFAS Polk County Extension
  Bartow, FL

Professional Memberships & Activities

• Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP)
• Florida Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (FANREP)
• Natural Resources Leadership Institute Alumni Network (NRLI)

University Service

UF/IFAS Extension Water Initiative Leadership Team

Community Involvement

2013
City of Winter Haven - Urban Forestry Advisory Board, Chair
FANREP - Membership Committee, Chair

2011-2013
Heartland CISMA - Steering Committee, Member
                                   Outreach Committee, Member

2012
City of Winter Haven - Urban Forestry Advisory Board, Member
Lakes Education/Active Drive - Board of Directors, Member

2011-2012
FANREP - Newsletter Committee, Member
FANREP - Membership Committee, Member

Presentations

2012

• Defenders of Crooked Lake Meeting - Crooked Lake and the Florida LAKEWATCH Program
• Watershed Education for Elected Officials, Resource Managers, and Concerned Citizens
  
• Working in University of Florida/IFAS Extension