1. August 4, 2015 Cooperative Extension Division

2. Extension Demonstration ‘Exploration Gardens’ Commercial and residential classes & tours often include a “learning by doing/seeing” experience in our 5 acre demonstration area. Two (2) teaching pavilions, water & electric, in original architectural plans (2007, Dao Consultants) were left out due to the recession. Understood that smaller projects could be completed later using the Tree Replacement Trust Fund.

3. Extension Demonstration ‘Exploration Gardens’ Cooperative Extension is the County’s lead agency for tree education for proper variety selection, installation and maintenance of our urban and rural forest canopy. 3 Extension Agents (certified arborists) conducted 81 classes since 2012, attended by 3,605 participants. Florida Chapter International Society of Arboriculture and Florida Urban Forestry Council hold meetings and classes on site.

4. Extension Demonstration ‘Exploration Gardens’ Tree Replacement Trust Fund allows expenditures for “educational programs which promote the objectives” of the County’s landscape code. Smaller projects funded by TRTF include irrigation, tree installation and maintenance and greenhouse for garden propagation. We currently have 253 trees on property which are used in our educational programs.

5. Exploration Gardens Teaching Pavilion Currently insufficient shade structures to hold outdoor class sessions or tour groups for extended periods in May thru September. Currently no electricity or drinking water. 10,800 Exploration Garden visitors in 2014.

6. Exploration Gardens Teaching Pavilion Action requested: Approval to spend up to $80,000 to construct a teaching pavilion at the Extension Exploration Gardens and to install a handicapped accessible boardwalk to the entrance of the pavilion.

7. August 4, 2015 Cooperative Extension Division