August 2, 2025

Photo Credit: Ken Ryder

 Each year, Marion County leads the Great Florida Pollinator Census across the state in mid-August! 

This year, to kick off the event, we are hosting a Pollinator Event - just for kids - on Friday, August 22nd from 10:00am – 12:00pm at the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Building and Gardens – 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, Florida 34470 (next to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion).

During this FREE event, students will be able to learn:

• The process of pollination
• Build bee houses and learn about pollinator shelter needs
• Build pollinator watering dishes
• Learn how to provide for our pollinators
• Participate in the Great Florida Pollinator Census
• And more!

 Students will move through rotations and get the chance to conduct a pollinator count in our demonstration gardens,and get to build their own pollinator hotel to take home!

 The event is limited to 50 students, and it is primarily geared towards elementary age students; however, ages 5-18 are welcome. We ask that parents/guardians stay with the students throughout the duration of the event. 

 Again, the event is FREE but please sign up so we know to expect you: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1549424242619?aff=oddtdtcreator

Photo Credit: Rick French

 And for adults - Join us for a free educational talk on gardening for pollinators and how to participate in the Great Florida Pollinator Census! 

 We will start the indoor training with learning about pollinator gardening and then go over how to participate in the count. After the training, we will go out to the UF/IFAS demonstration gardens and conduct a pollinator count! Everything will be provided to you! There is also an additional optional activity to build your own take-home pollinator habitat in a pot for $10.

This fun educational event is perfect for all ages and skill levels—no experience necessary. Come get your hands dirty and leave with the tools and knowledge to make a real difference for our pollinators! Are you ready to help nature thrive?

Again, this event is free, but please sign up so we know to expect you:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1549314213519?aff=oddtdtcreator

 Photo Credit: David B. Langston, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

 Powdery Mildew is a serious fungal disease that attacks a wide range of plants. While nonresistant crape myrtle trees are especially susceptible, this disease can also attack flowers like zinnias, roses, and gerbera daisy, as well as edibles like squashes, strawberries, and tomatoes.

 One of the most noticeable symptoms of powdery mildew is the spots or patches of white powder that can be found - usually on the leaves. 

 Powdery mildew thrives in moist conditions—including humid weather, shady areas, and areas where plants are crowded. This fungus robs your plant of nutrients and will result in stunting of leaves, buds, and fruits.

 You can treat powdery or downy mildew by spraying the infected plants with a fungicide labeled specifically for this type of mildew. As always, it is important to follow all label instructions.

  Preventative measures include:

   Providing full sun exposure and good air circulation 

   Using drip or soaker irrigation instead of overhead watering

UF/IFAS Extension Marion County is a cooperation between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida to deliver relevant, research-based education programs that result in healthy people, healthy environments and healthy economies.