The Youth Plant Show and Sale at the Strawberry Festival 2019

How do we get the next generation interested in horticulture?"  One way to do that is to give kids opportunities to practice horticulture skills and then encourage and financially reward them in their efforts at growing plants. We also demonstrate the appreciation of greenery in our lives, homes and businesses.

Hillsborough County youth in 4-H and FFA clubs have been growing plants for the Strawberry Festival Youth Plant Show and Sale and will be entering their projects on Wed. February 27, 2019.  Plants will be judged for best of class and best of show awards and then all plants will be auctioned off in a silent and live auction on Sunday, March 3rd, 2019.  The silent auction starts at 11:30 am the live auction will start at 2:30 pm.  The best part about buying plants at the auction is that you will get free tickets to next year's festival when you get on the buyer list.  If you are one of the top buyers you will get tickets and free parking right up close to the action for next year's event.

This is a great opportunity to motivate youth to continue to flex their "green thumbs" and reward their efforts.  Not only are they learning to grow plants but they are learning how to build businesses, market goods, social interaction, and inter-personal skills that they will need later in life.  Please come out and support the Strawberry Festival Youth Plant Show and Sale and continue to keep Hillsborough youth growing.  If you have any questions about this event please give Shawn Steed a ring at the Extension office 813-744-5519.

Aquatic Spray Technician Wanted

Florida Natives Nursery is seeking an Aquatic Spray Technician

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Managing nuisance and exotic vegetation in wetland mitigation sites and storm water ponds
- Spraying herbicides
- Weed-eating
Basic qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must be able to lift 50lbs
- Must have valid driver’s license and clean record.
- Ability to operate ATV and other 4x4 vehicles.
- Ability to identify basic plant species commonly found in storm water ponds and wetland
mitigation sites
- Must be able to work in the field in hot and humid conditions
- Must be comfortable working in remote locations
- Must be authorized to work in the US without company sponsorship
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Applicator license with Aquatic and Natural Areas endorsement
- Prior experience operating a backpack sprayer, 4 wheeler and/or small boat
- Prior relevant experience preferred but not required (will train the right individual)
- Knowledge of native and exotic wetland plants is a plus
- Self-motivated; strong initiative; effective oral & written skills
- Positive attitude, flexible, team-oriented approach
- Work ethic that recognizes the importance of punctuality and initiative
Job Type: Full-time

For more information contact:
Florida Natives Nursery, Inc.
4115 Native Garden Drive
Plant City, FL 33565
www.FloridaNativesNursery.com
(813) 754-1900