Pinellas County Extension recently earned a prestigious state award, but the true winner over time will be the environment. Extension won a First Place Award from the Florida Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals for its local outreach program called, Check Your Green Commitment-Take a Pledge!The Check Your Green Commitment is a conservation program rolled out in Pinellas County with the purpose of asking for individuals to change simple behaviors that will produce long-term value for the consumer while conserving valuable resources both locally and nationally. Hundreds of visitors at last month's EarthFest celebration took the pledge as part of the event's festivities at the Florida Botanical Gardens and Extension.
Extension Director Mary Campbell, who led the local team, said, "Many people are not aware of the easy ways in which they can participate in natural resource conservation through everyday actions. Awareness of these sustainable practices and the commitment to make a behavior change prepare residents to make continued positive actions as part of their everyday routine."Other participating team members are Bert Henderson, Energy Agent of the University of Florida/ IFAS Pinellas County Extension, and Devesh Nirmul of the Bushnell Center for Urban Sustainability, based at the Extension.
The goals of the Florida Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals awards program are to foster high standards among its members and help expand the uses of high quality, innovative educational materials and programs.
Pinellas County Extension is located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Many programs, resources and educational services are offered about lawn and garden; family and consumer sciences; 4-H youth development and the environment. Find out more by calling (727) 582-2100 or by visiting its Pinellas County website at www.pinellascounty.org/extension.
