Polk County Extension
David Shibles - Residential Horticulture

Brief Description of Program

The Residential Horticulture Agent is responsible for leadership of a comprehensive horticulture program including homeowners, professional service providers, and retail garden centers including garden center personnel.  The agent also gives leadership to the Master Gardener program.  Master Gardeners are volunteers who support the Residential Horticulture Program.  Expanding the successful Florida Yards and Neighborhoods environmental landscape management program to Polk County is a long term goal.

Educational Background

• 1960-1964 - B.S. Education/Biology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
• 1964-1966 - M.S. Entomology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
• 1966-1969 - Ph.D. Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

Experience

• 2000- Present
  Extension Agent II-Residential Horticulture
  University of Florida/Polk County
  Cooperative Extension Service
• 1998-2000
  Biologist
  Florida Institute of Phosphate Research
  Bartow, FL
• 1995-1998
  Private Consultant-EPA
  GLP Reregistration Studies
  Lakeland, FL
• 1986-1995
  Project Manager, Polk County Mined Lands Agricultural Research/Demonstration Project
  Bartow, FL
• 1984-1986
  Pest Control
  Owner-Operator
  Cutler Ridge, FL
• 1969-1984
  Research Farm Manager/Entomologist
  Sandoz, Inc.
  Homestead, FL