UNIVERSITY PARK -- The University Park Women's Club Garden Group recently spent an afternoon exploring The Tech House. The Tech House was built incorporating a variety of innovative and advanced materials and techniques to demonstrate "green" construction, energy saving, environmentally friendly products and "smart" technology.
The tour was conducted by Drew Smith, founder and president of Two Trails Inc., which focuses on green building and renovations and healthy home consulting; Ron Shoe, a representative of K
inetico Quality Water Systems of Southwest Florida; and Angela Polo, program coordinator for the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program.
FYN works with builders and developers in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties and promotes storm-resistant and Florida-friendly landscaping in new homes. FYN is an educational program of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Service.
The Garden Group also toured the nearby Sarasota County Extension gardens with Patricia Porchey, horticulturist and director of the Master Gardener program.
The University Park Women's Club provides members opportunities for shared interests and community awareness through planned activities and outings.
The Garden Group is a special interest group of the club.