John Diaz

0000-0002-2787-8759

The Road to Recovery #6: Evaluating Virtual Strategies to Build Community Capacity and Resilience

Cody Gusto, Colby Silvert, John Diaz, and Glenn Israel

This sixth publication in the Road to Recovery series provides tips and strategies for Extension professionals interested in evaluating efforts to promote community capacity building and community resilience using virtual platforms.

Understanding the Barriers for School Garden Success: Expert Consensus to Guide Extension Programming

Susan Webb, John Diaz, and Catherine Campbell

Research has found that youth involvement in school gardens leads to numerous benefits. However, teachers and support organizations must overcome barriers for garden sustainability. This 4-page document discusses barriers for school garden success and how Extension faculty can help education professionals overcome them.

Stakeholder-Identified Community Garden Program Outcomes

Susan Webb and John Diaz

Overview of Extension Program Planning Models

John Diaz, Cody Gusto, and David Diehl

Key Program Outcomes for K-12 School Gardens Identified Through Expert Consensus

Susan Webb, John Diaz, and Catherine Campbell

The results from the Delphi study presented in this article represent the first step in developing a comprehensive set of indicators that can be used to create measurable objectives and evaluation tools.

Stakeholder-Identified Barriers, Challenges, and Obstacles in Community Gardens

Susan Webb and John Diaz

Program Evaluation Challenges for Early-Career Extension Professionals: What Can You Do to Reduce the Stress?

John M. Diaz and Laura A. Warner

The purpose of this article is to outline meaningful strategies to overcome program evaluation challenges that early-career Extension professionals face. The strategies outlined in this article are grounded in the experiences of Extension professionals in three states (Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania). In order to provide a manageable framework for agents to use, these strategies center on providing solutions to the challenges that newer Extension professionals felt were the most important to address.

The Road to Recovery #4: Evaluating Virtual Techniques to Reach Clientele and Promote Equity

Colby Silvert, Cody Gusto, John Diaz, and Glenn Israel

This fourth publication in the Road to Recovery series explores the challenges Extension professionals may encounter in reaching clientele virtually during a pandemic. The concept of digital equity is discussed, and recommendations are provided to evaluate efforts to access and connect with key audiences.

Effective Practice for Building Cross Sector Partnerships

John M. Diaz

The Road to Recovery #1: Introduction

Cody Gusto, Colby Silvert, and John Diaz

The Road to Recovery #3: Facilitating Community Resilience for Effective Pandemic Response

Cody Gusto, Colby Silvert, and John Diaz

Developing a Program Plan Based on the Program Planning Cycle

John Diaz, Cody Gusto, and David Diehl

The Road to Recovery #2: Building Physical and Emotional Trust when Engaging with Extension Clientele

Colby Silvert, Cody Gusto, and John Diaz

Understanding Extension for School-Based Agricultural Education #1: Extension 101

Debra Barry, John Diaz, Alyssa Shepherd, Jennifer Patton, and Stephen Gran

This initial publication in the Understanding Extension for School-Based Agricultural Education series provides agricultural educators and the general public with a basic understanding of Extension.

Strategically Selecting Behaviors That Impact the Problem: An Approach Drawn from Social Marketing

Laura A. Warner and John M. Diaz

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Encouraging Residents to Request Wildlife-Friendly Landscape Maintenance from Their Chosen Professionals: A Stages of Change Approach for Extension and Other Practitioners

Laura A. Warner, Dharmendra Kalauni, John M. Diaz, Emily Marois, Adam Dale, and Jaret Daniels

This publication explains Florida residents’ current involvement in requesting wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance (WFLM) and the perceived barriers and motivators associated with this behavior using the concept of stages of change. Written by Laura A. Warner, Dharmendra Kalauni, John M. Diaz, Emily Marois, Adam Dale, and Jaret Daniels, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, April 2024.

Social Norms for Behavior Change: A Synopsis

Laura A. Warner, Megan S. Cantrell, and John M. Diaz

The purpose of this document is to discuss some of the important distinctions and definitions associated with social norms, so Extension professionals and other types of nonformal education practitioners can improve the efficacy of their behavior change interventions. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication may be considered an advanced resource for those who are already familiar with basic principles of social norms. Written by Laura A. Warner, Megan S. Cantrell, and John M. Diaz.

Understanding Florida Residents’ Perceptions of and Experiences with Landscape Irrigation Restrictions: Insights for Water Conservation Experts as Well as Extension Educators

Sravani Pasula, Dharmendra Kalauni, Laura Warner, John Diaz, Ange Asanzi, James Harmon, Deirdre Irwin, and Robin L. Grantham

This publication discusses Florida residents’ awareness and perceptions of irrigation restrictions to illuminate the processes that support or prevent their compliance with these policies. Written by Sravani Pasula, Dharmendra Kalauni, Laura Warner, John Diaz, Ange Asanzi, James Harmon, Deirdre Irwin, and Robin L. Grantham, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, May 2024.

Ripple Effects Mapping for Extension Program Evaluation

Kelly Wilson, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, Linda Seals, David Outerbridge, John Diaz, and Paul Monaghan

This publication introduces Extension agents to Ripple Effects Mapping (REM), encourages them to continue exploring the methodology, and promotes collaboration with agents currently using it to learn more about ways to apply it to their own work. This guide explains the four key components of REM, describes the steps to conduct REM for Extension program evaluation, and demonstrates a real-life example of the use of REM in an Extension program. Written by Kelly Wilson, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, Linda Seals, David Outerbridge, John Diaz, and Paul Monaghan, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, April 2025.

Understanding Extension for School-Based Agricultural Education #2: Utilizing Extension Services in School-Based Agricultural Education

Debra Barry, John Diaz, Alyssa Shepherd, Jennifer Patton, and Stephen Gran

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Engaging Stakeholders and Identifying Issues in Participatory Action Research

John Diaz and Ysabel Polanco

Participatory action research (PAR) is a robust methodology for advancing community-driven inquiry, particularly within agricultural and rural development contexts. This second article in the PAR series focuses on essential strategies for engaging stakeholders and identifying priority issues early in the PAR process. The goal is to equip Extension professionals and researchers with a roadmap for launching participatory projects that are equitable, grounded, and impactful. Written by John Diaz and Ysabel Polanco, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, October 2025.

The Road to Recovery #5: Self-Assessment of Virtual Facilitation to Build Trust

Colby Silvert, Cody Gusto, John Diaz, and Glenn Israel

This fifth publication in the Road to Recovery series discusses how Extension professionals can evaluate techniques to build trust when facilitating virtual programming. Specific recommendations are provided addressing concerns about short- and long-term virtual trust, inclusion techniques, Zoom fatigue, and cybersecurity.

Strategies to Increase the Adoption of Residential Pollinator Gardening: Tackling Perceived Barriers

Colby Silvert, Laura A. Warner, John Diaz, Cody Gusto, and Rachel Mallinger

Urbanization and development of managed landscapes can harm pollinators by reducing flowers and vegetation and increasing exposure to chemicals. However, research shows that urban, developed landscapes can be designed and maintained to successfully provide habitats for diverse, healthy pollinator populations, including bees. Therefore, a major opportunity and need exist for residents, particularly those living in urban areas, to support bees and other pollinators by adopting pollinator gardening in their landscapes. Based on recent research about significant barriers and solutions, this publication intends to guide Extension agents and other practitioners on how to best encourage and facilitate adoption of pollinator gardening by addressing residents’ perceptions.

¿Qué es la agricultura urbana?

Alicia Papanek, Catherine G. Campbell, Hannah Eason, John Diaz y Valeria Caicedo Zapata

Esta publicación está dirigida a residentes urbanos, estudiantes, miembros de la comunidad, agentes de Extensión y funcionarios del gobierno local que estén interesados en desarrollar, apoyar o involucrarse en la agricultura urbana. Se discute la definición de agricultura urbana, las características comunes, los tipos de alimentos producidos, los métodos de producción más utilizados y los objetivos de los distintos tipos de operaciones. Al final del documento se enumeran recursos adicionales de apoyo sobre la agricultura urbana y técnicas de jardinería para cultivadores principiantes y experimentados.

Identifying and Meeting the Needs of Extension's Target Audiences

Laura A. Warner, Glenn D. Israel, and John M. Diaz

This document provides an overview of the concept of target audiences as it relate to Extension education, and briefly presents concepts of audience analysis and educational content selection. In contrast to the general population, a target audience is comprised of people who can take some explicit action to help solve an identified problem addressed by an Extension program. Additionally, a target audience is sometimes the people who are affected most by that problem. An understanding of the concept of target audiences paired with intentional selection of appropriate educational activities and content can support an impactful Extension program.

Tapping into Residents’ Perceptions to Diffuse Landscape Water Conservation and Protection Practices

Colby Silvert, Laura Warner, Matt Benge, and John Diaz

This new 4-page article provides real examples of how university researchers used the Diffusion of Innovations theory to analyze Florida residents’ perceptions of landscape conservation and fertilizer behaviors and identify barriers and opportunities to encourage widespread adoption. The information and recommendations are intended for Extension professionals and other practitioners to promote behavior change in household landscaping practices. Written by Colby Silvert, Laura Warner, Matt Benge, and John Diaz and published by the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.

Applying Culturally Relevant Teaching to Workshops—The Checklist

Cecilia E. Suarez, John M. Diaz, and Laura E. Valencia

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by ==Special Handling==

Pandemic Impacts on Florida Farmworkers: Emerging Takeaways to Inform Outreach and Policymaking

Colby Silvert, Whitney A. Stone, John M. Diaz, and LaToya J. O’Neal

This publication aims to synthesize emerging takeaways from reporting and literature on the challenges experienced by US farmworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting examples from Florida, when possible.

Intercultural Competencies: Understanding High- vs. Low-Context Cultures

Pablo Lamino and John Diaz

This first publication in the Intercultural Competencies series provides valuable insights and recommendations on engaging individuals from various backgrounds by understanding and applying high-context and low-context cultural communication styles. Written by Pablo Lamino and John Diaz and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, November 2024.

Barriers and Opportunities for Pollinator Gardening in Homeowners’ Associations

Laura A. Warner, Colby Silvert, John Diaz, Cody Gusto, Rachel Mallinger

Pollinator gardening has rapidly become recognized as an important component of conservation to combat the issues that have resulted from rapid urbanization. Residential yards can support pollinators and help to restore their habitats. Thus, an opportunity exists for Extension and other practitioners to encourage greater engagement in pollinator gardening. However, research has indicated unique perceived barriers exist among residents in homeowners’ associations (HOAs). By focusing on perceived barriers, Extension and other practitioners can encourage positive adoption changes among residents and HOA stakeholders. Findings in this article suggest many HOA dwellers are unsure whether they are permitted to engage in pollinator gardening, and they may perceive that this approach to landscaping is incompatible with neighborhood norms. These barriers must be addressed at the resident and HOA leadership levels  to help more people engage in gardening to support pollinators.

Integrating “Connectedness to Water” into Water-Related Extension Programs

Laura A. Warner, John M. Diaz, Jamie L. Loizzo, Nicole Pinson, Lorna Bravo, Peyton N. Beattie, and Caroline P. Barnett

This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication describes the research used to develop the Concise Connectedness to Water Scale (CCWS), a new tool that can be used for both planning and evaluation of water-related Extension programming. It discusses findings, provides recommendations for using the tool, and shares the tool itself. This document is intended for Extension professionals and other practitioners who work on water issues.

Important Resources for the Development and Sustainability of School Garden Programs

John M. Diaz and Erin Elsberry

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public and 4-H/Youth audience(s). Published by Citizen awareness of food systems and the environment

Considering Participants' Personal Wellness in Conservation-Based Extension Programs: Opportunities for Integrative Development and Evaluation

John Diaz, Erica Odera, and Laura Warner

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Using County Typology Informed by Population Size to Understand Key Audience Characteristics for Tailored Landscape Water Conservation Programs

Laura A. Warner and John M. Diaz

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Water==

Cómo solicitar una evaluación fiscal agrícola Greenbelt

Raychel Thomas, Jana Caracciolo, Catherine Campbell, John Diaz, y Valeria Caicedo Zapata

Esta publicación de EDIS está diseñada para proporcionar un resumen preciso y actual de la Ley Greenbelt de Florida. Esta publicación se distribuye con el entendimiento de que los autores no se dedican a prestar asesoramiento legal u otro asesoramiento profesional, y la información contenida en este documento no debe considerarse como un sustituto del asesoramiento profesional. Este documento es el FCS3358-Span, uno de una serie del Departmento de Familia, Juventud y Ciencias Comunitarias, UF/IFAS Extensión. Publicación original de agosto del 2023.

Developing County Associations for School and Community Gardens

John M. Diaz, Susan Tyler Webb, and Erin Elsberry

Increasingly, gardeners receive attention for the educational, environmental, health, and social impacts that their projects facilitate within schools and communities. Garden associations allow Extension to play a vital role in providing technical information to support new and existing gardens. This fact sheet outlines the framework used by a pilot garden association program in Polk County, Florida.

Co-Design for Participatory Action Research in Agriculture: A Practical Guide for Extension

John Diaz and Ysabel Polanco

This is the third article in the Participatory Action Research (PAR) series that explores the co-design phase of PAR, where Extension professionals and community stakeholders collaboratively construct a research plan. Through a review of literature and examples from agricultural contexts, this publication offers practical strategies for fostering shared goals, clarifying roles, selecting relevant methodologies, and maintaining flexibility. Written by John Diaz and Ysabel Polanco, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, December 2025.

Intercultural Competencies: Value Orientation Theory

Pablo Lamino, John Diaz, Laura Valencia, and Jaehyun Ahn

This second publication in the Intercultural Competencies series examines the implications of value orientation theory for Extension work in Florida agriculture, providing practical recommendations for developing intercultural competence and program effectiveness. Written by Pablo Lamino, John Diaz, Laura Valencia, and Jaehyun Ahn, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, April 2025.

Homeowner's Guide to Selecting a Pest Control Service

Faith Oi, James E. Davis, John M. Diaz, Sarah M. Ellis, Randall A. Cantrell, Nelly Nelson, and Judy Corbus

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Beneficios socio-comunitarios y limitaciones de la agricultura urbana

Alicia Papanek, Catherine G. Campbell, Hannah Eason, John Diaz y Valeria Caicedo Zapata

Esta publicación proporciona una visión general de los beneficios de la producción urbana de alimentos, junto con los posibles desafíos que pueden limitar el éxito de estas operaciones. Este documento está dirigido a miembros de la comunidad, desarrolladores de tierras urbanas, organizaciones comunitarias, agentes de Extensión, funcionarios del gobierno local, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y agricultores urbanos. Los lectores pueden usar este documento para examinar cómo los proyectos e iniciativas de agricultura urbana podrían integrarse mejor en sus comunidades, y para tomar conciencia de los peligros comunes asociados al desarrollo y mantenimiento de los esfuerzos de la agricultura urbana.

Wildlife-Friendly Landscaping: Connecting Professionals and the Public

Dharmendra Kalauni, Laura A. Warner, Emily Marois, John M. Diaz, Adam Dale, and Jaret Daniels

In the United States, the green industry is a billion-dollar sector that generates millions of employment opportunities annually. Green industry professionals, homeowners, and renters all play important roles in deciding how to design and maintain urban and residential landscapes. Decades of research have shown a need to accommodate wildlife and pollinator conservation efforts in urbanized landscape design and maintenance. The studies summarized in this publication were designed to evaluate the perceptions of green industry professionals and consumers regarding wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance practices to develop insights for future landscape conservation efforts that protect wildlife in Florida’s and the US’s rapidly expanding urban areas. This publication is intended for program planners, educators, Extension agents, green industry professionals, policymakers, and researchers working to promote pollinators and biodiversity in urban and residential landscapes.  

Culturally Responsive Teaching: A Framework for Educating All Audiences

John Diaz, Cecilia Suarez, and Laura Valencia

As the needs of Extension clientele continue to evolve, it is important for Extension educators to consider new approaches to effectively support the communities they serve. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for effectively engaging a broad range of audiences to support their achievement of desired learning outcomes in Extension education programs.