Please check all classes you are registering for:

As our communities have grown, there has been tremendous pressure placed upon our natural resources, such as water.  Learn how you can play an important role in minimizing the potential harmful effects of urbanization on our resources through adapting environmentally friendly landscape maintenance practices.  (1 hour class)

Although many people are afraid of spiders, the venom of most species does not pose a threat to people.  Most spiders are small, inconspicuous, and harmless.  The majority of spiders play an important role in keeping insects in check and serve as beneficial arthropods in our yards and gardens.  Dr. Fred Santana, Entomologist, will give a one-hour presentation on spiders that are commonly seen in Sarasota County.  The two principal venomous spiders, the brown and black widow, will be covered.  The brown recluse spider, which is frequently implicated as the cause of necrotic lesions, will also be covered, even though there is no evidence to support its occurrence in peninsular Florida.  (1 hour class)

Our homes often present physical barriers to us as we age. This class will discuss the design, features, and products that are usable by most people regardless of their ability or disability. Background will include accessibility guidelines that make homes easier for people who have (or develop) a mobility impairment to live in and visit.  (1hour class) 

If you live long enough in Florida, you will probably have termites in your home.  Dr. Fred Santana, Entomologist, will discuss basic termite biology and behavior, their impact on homes, various approaches that are available to control them, and steps the homeowner can take to discourage their presence.  (2 hour class)

What does "green" really mean? Focusing on energy-conserving products, systems and techniques, you’ll learn some practical ways to conserve resources, reduce pollution, save money---and maybe the planet, in the process.  (2 hour class)

Market gardening is the commercial production of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other plants, on a scale larger than a home garden, yet small enough that many of the principles of gardening can be applied, and is often oriented toward local markets.  This monthly class will provide an exploration of different aspects of the scope, startup and operation of a market garden business.  The topics for this class are "Equipment and Tools; Post-harvest Handling".  Class size is limited to 15.  (1.5 hour class)

Dinner for one all too often means take-out food or a drab frozen dinner that has too much fat and too few healthful vegetables and whole grains.  With a few extra minutes of planning and preparation, you can make meals for one both healthy and enjoyable.  Come and learn how!  (1 hour class)

Focusing on water-conserving products, techniques and technologies inside the home, this class discusses some practical ways to conserve this most precious of our resources---and save money on our water bill at the same time. You will learn how simple, common sense practices can help us to protect our local water quality and supply.  (1 hours)

As our communities have grown, there has been tremendous pressure placed upon our natural resources, such as water.  Learn how you can play an important role in minimizing the potential harmful effects of urbanization on our resources through adapting environmentally friendly landscape maintenance practices.  (1 hour class)

Dr. Santana will talk about IPM and least toxic methods of pest control for homeowners.  Blanket spraying or strict reliance on the liquid sprays is not good pest management.  There are other environmentally sound alternatives and least toxic methods that can be used to prevent and suppress many common pests in and around the home and yard.  (2 hour class)

This two-hour class will provide an in-depth look at residential sustainability concepts and technologies. It will focus primarily on the physical components of a Green Home, including the materials, equipment and products that can help to make a house operate more efficiently.  (2 hour class)