University of Florida IFAS Extension Manatee County’s Residential Horticulture Program is hosting a community-wide scavenger hunt to celebrate Florida Arbor Day, Jan. 20. The Manatee County Extension Service is an educational program within county government which brings the resources of the University of Florida to Manatee County to solve local problems, provide educational opportunities, promote economic enhancement and improve the quality of life for all. The horticulture program specifically addresses landscape and gardening concerns with Master Gardener Volunteers providing outreach in the community since 1979.

Participants of the event can explore Emerson Point Preserve, Conservatory Park, The Nest at Robinson Preserve, and Downtown Bradenton’s Riverwalk while searching for trees with a TreeQuest tag. Once found, participants can scan the QR code on the tag to open an online survey where they will be asked to enter information about the tree and register an email address for the chance to win prizes, including trees suited to our area, books on tree ID for Central and South Florida, and class passes for Extension Programs. In addition to the QR code, each tag will have information about the specific tree including its common name, scientific name, and environmental impact.

TreeQuest encourages residents to get outside and enjoy local parks while learning about tree species native to Florida and their benefits. The event has been offered in Manatee County since 2019. The scavenger hunt is free of charge and open to people of all ages, making it a perfect family outing.

“Trees provide innumerable benefits to our communities, not only providing us with life-giving oxygen but also moderating temperatures and beneficially impacting our physical and mental health," says Alyssa Vinson, Residential Horticulture Agent. "We encourage everyone to get out exploring our local parks and learning more about the benefits that trees provide.”