Laura A. Warner

0000-0003-2784-6666

Conducting the Needs Assessment #2: Using Needs Assessments in Extension Programming

Matthew Benge and Laura Warner

Impatiens Downy Mildew

N. A. Peres and L. A. Warner

Downy mildew on impatiens is of great concern throughout Florida. Winters in south Florida provide high humidity paired with cool nights, creating ideal conditions for disease development. Downy mildews are caused by several different species of pathogens that tend to be plant-host specific. Plasmopara obducens is the pathogen that affects impatiens. Some literature indicates that nighttime temperatures of about 50°F to 72°F favor downy mildew, but the disease has been reported on impatiens year-round in south Florida.

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.

Conducting the Needs Assessment #1: Introduction

Matthew Benge, Amy Harder, and Laura Warner

Conducting the Needs Assessment #10: The Delphi Technique

Laura Warner and Amy Harder

Perceptions of Florida-Friendly Landscapes: Linking Visual Quality and Environmental Health through Landscape Codes

Gail Hansen, Laura A. Warner, Paul Monaghan, Emily Ott, Tim Fogarty, Claire Lewis, and Esen A. Momol

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.

Conducting the Needs Assessment #4: Audience Motivations, Barriers, and Objections

Laura Warner and Matt Benge

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

Conducting the Needs Assessment #9: The Nominal Group Technique

Mary Bammer, Matt Benge, and Laura Warner

This ninth publication in the Conducting the Needs Assessment series provides an overview of using the nominal group technique (NGT) to conduct a needs assessment. This document defines the scenarios in which the NGT is suitable, describes the steps involved in conducting the NGT, and provides examples of the use of this technique in Extension. Written by Mary Bammer, Matt Benge, and Laura Warner, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication; 5 pp.

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.

Using the Decision-Ade™ Segmentation Strategy to Better Understand Extension Audiences

Randall Cantrell, Laura Warner, Joy Rumble, and Alexa Lamm

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Family Resource Management

Prioritizing Extension Resources Using Perceived Importance and Satisfaction: An Underutilized Approach

Laura A. Warner and Anil Kumar Chaudhary

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Academic audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Special Handling==

Emphasizing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in Agricultural Extension

Kathryn A. Stofer, Laura A. Warner, and Steven Arthurs

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

Addressing Labor Needs by Understanding Grower Perceptions about Adoption of Automated Nursery Technologies: A Resource for US Extension Professionals

Laura A. Warner, Alicia L. Rihn, Amy Fulcher, Susan Schexnayder, Anthony V. LeBude, Lloyd Nackley, Margarita Velandia, and James Altland

This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication presents research assessing how nursery growers perceive automated and mechanized nursery technologies (ANTs) and determine how these perceptions relate to adoption. This information could guide the development of Extension programs that help nursery operations make informed decisions about ANT adoption and identify ANT characteristics that are positively correlated with ANT adoption. This document was designed for Extension professionals and other practitioners who serve nursery grower clientele across the United States, including companies developing and marketing ANTs to nursery operations. Written by Laura A. Warner, Alicia L. Rihn, Amy Fulcher, Susan Schexnayder, Anthony V. LeBude, Lloyd Nackley, Margarita Velandia, and James Altland.

Identifying Key Community Leaders to Assess Extension Programming Needs

Laura A. Warner and Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Community Development==

Best Practices for Communicating about Outdoor Residential Water Conservation

Jacqueline Aenlle and Laura A. Sanagorski Warner

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

Water Conservation and Extension Participants: An Interesting Synergy

Laura A. Warner, Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez, and Anil Kumar Chaudhary

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Urban Water

Residents’ Perceived Outcomes of Irrigation Restriction Compliance: A Guide for Florida’s Water Conservation Professionals

Laura Warner, Sravani Pasula, Dharmendra Kalauni, Jamie Loizzo, and Sadie Hundemer

This publication is intended to provide information about Floridians’ expected outcomes associated with complying with irrigation restrictions so educators and communicators (e.g., Extension professionals and conservation coordinators) can integrate this information into outreach. Written by Laura Warner, Sravani Pasula, Dharmendra Kalauni, Jamie Loizzo, and Sadie Hundemer, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2024.

Floridians' Engagement in Landscape Best Practices to Protect Water Resources: Information from a 2018 Survey

Laura A. Warner, Esen Momol, Claire Lewis, Tom Wichman, Wendy Wilber, and A.J. Reisinger

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

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.

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.

Diffusion of Innovation Explaining Support for Septic to Sewer System Conversion Programs Among Florida Residents: Lessons for Educators and Related Stakeholders

Dharmendra Kalauni, Laura Warner, Lisa Krimsky, Shelli Rampold, and Sravani Pasula

Water quality impaired by excess nutrients has been linked to negative effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. Residential septic systems (i.e., onsite sewage treatment) contribute to these excess nutrients. Conversion from a septic system to a sewer system (hereafter referred to as S2S) is one way to mitigate pollution from excess nutrients. There are voluntary and mandatory S2S conversion programs throughout and beyond Florida. While there are multiple benefits of making such a change, S2S conversion is a complex and costly process. This document was developed to aid environmental management professionals, policymakers, and communication and education professionals (e.g., Extension agents) in understanding residents’ perceptions pertaining to S2S conversion. More details on the study presented in this document are available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115651.

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.

Extension Professionals: Anticipating and Solving Common Challenges in Planning and Delivering Educational Programs

Laura A. Warner and Kathryn A. Stofer

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

Making Action Easier: Behavioral Economics and Nudges for Extension Professionals

Laura A. Warner, Kathryn A. Stofer, and Hayk Khachatryan

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

Introduction to Social Network Research: General Introduction and Major Terminology

Anil Kumar Chaudhary and Laura A. Warner

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

Meeting US Nursery and Greenhouse Growers' Needs with Water Conservation Extension Programs

Laura A. Sanagorski Warner, Alexa J. Lamm, Sarah A. White, Paul R. Fisher, and Peyton N. Beattie

Nursery and greenhouse growers comprise an important sector of United States agriculture that is uniquely situated to conserve water while growing plants that provide many social and environmental benefits. In order for Extension professionals to effectively help growers use water conservation technologies, it is important to understand the knowledge level and adoption rates growers have surrounding different water conservation techniques. It is also important to understand how grower perceptions of water conservation strategies relate to their adoption. In this publication, we present results of a study designed to understand the knowledge level, adoption rate, and levels of continuance associated with eight water conservation technologies among nursery and greenhouse growers. We also examined whether five characteristics of these technologies (trialability, complexity, compatibility, relative advantage, and observability) predicted grower adoption. This information is intended for us

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.

Public Perceptions of Pollinator Perfection

Vashti Tatman, Adeyinka Ayodele, Laura Warner, Jaret Daniels, Ricky Telg, and Angela Lindsey

The study discussed in this publication was conducted to gauge public perceptions and identify ways to increase support for pollinator-friendly roadsides. The purpose of this publication is to provide results from this study specifically to increase understanding of public perceptions of pollinator-friendly roadsides. Written by Vashti Tatman, Adeyinka Ayodele, Laura Warner, Jaret Daniels, Ricky Telg, and Angela Lindsey, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2025.

Estimating Return on Investment (ROI) for a Behavior Change: An Evaluation Tool for Extension Programs

Amanda D. Ali, Laura A. Warner, and Hayk Khachatryan

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

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.

How Do Floridians Perceive Their Role in Protecting Water Quality and Quantity Through Landscape Practices?

Laura A. Sanagorski Warner, Alexa J. Lamm, and Anil Kumar Chaudhary

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

Using the Delphi Technique to Achieve Consensus: A Tool for Guiding Extension Programs

Laura A. Warner

The ability to achieve a group consensus may be critical during specific activities throughout an Extension professional’s career. For example, it may be important to identify an advisory committee’s highest priorities or a group of stakeholders’ most important programmatic needs. The Delphi method has been recognized as a suitable alternative to interviews and formal meetings in certain circumstances. This fact sheet provides an overview of the Delphi method and suggestions for using this technique to support Extension programming. 

Cluster Analysis for Extension and Other Behavior Change Practitioners: Information and Terminology Needed for Cluster Analysis

Laura A. Warner

By identifying audience subgroups, cluster analysis (a quantitative technique) helps Extension agents tailor their education and communication programs to specific audiences. This publication falls under the Cluster Analysis for Extension and Other Behavior Change Practitioners series and discusses key information and terminology associated with cluster analysis. The publication thus builds upon “Cluster Analysis for Extension and Other Behavior Change Practitioners: Introduction,” which introduced cluster analysis as a technique for audience segmentation. This publication provides essential information for the publications which follow, “A Practical Example” and “Integrating the Results of Cluster Analysis into Meaningful Audience Engagement.”

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 Audience Commitment to Promote Behavior Change

Laura A. Warner and Paul Monaghan

A UF/IFAS numbered 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==

Using Journey Mapping within Extension: A Tool for Supporting Behavior-Change Programs

Colby Silvert and Laura A. Sanagorski Warner

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

Using Social Norms to Increase Behavior Change in Sustainable Landscaping

Laura A. Warner and Paul Monaghan

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Informed community decision-making

Introduction to Social Network Research: Brokerage Typology?

Anil Kumar Chaudhary and Laura A. Warner

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

Consultation Forms for Walk-In Clientele and Landscape Site Visits

Amanda D. Ali, Laura A. Warner, Sydney Park Brown, Susan Haddock, Laurie Albrecht

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

Visually Plotting Importance and Satisfaction to Identify Extension Clients' Needs

Anil Kumar Chaudhary and Laura A. Warner

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

Introduction to Social Network Research: Application of Social Network Analysis in Extension

Anil Kumar Chaudhary and Laura A. Warner

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

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.  

Estimating Benefits of Residential Outdoor Water Conservation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tatiana Borisova, Laura A. Warner, Weizhe Weng, Jennison Searcy, Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Michael Dukes

This article was developed to help Extension agents, water-conservation managers, and homeowners estimate the economic benefits of residential outdoor water conservation. It provides guidance for reporting benefits, including lowered utility bills for homeowners, reduced water-delivery costs for utilities, and increased water supply. This publication also offers an example of an impact statement.­

Increasing Efficiency in Extension Using the Train-the-Trainer Approach

Laura A. Warner, Amy Harder, Tom Wichman, and Frank Dowdle

Extension has adapted to today’s financial realities through a number of strategies, including increased reliance on partnerships. One strategy that expands the reach of an Extension agent and capitalizes on partners is the “train-the-trainer” approach. This 4-page fact sheet describes the train-the-trainer approach as it applies to Extension programming, provides contextual examples from within and beyond UF/IFAS Extension, and offers best management practices.

Cluster Analysis for Extension and Other Behavior Change Practitioners: Introduction

Laura A. Warner

Helping people adopt behaviors to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions is central to Extension’s mission. This new publication describes cluster analysis, a quantitative technique that can be used to identify audience subgroups so that tailored education and communications can be designed, and conveys its value in supporting behavior change to help readers understand how this technique is applied and encourage others to consider using it. Written by Laura A. Warner; 5 pp.

Exploring Relationships among Social Norms, Aesthetics, HOA Regulations and Water Conservation

Amanda D. Ali and Laura A. Sanagorski Warner

In the United States, landscape irrigation often comprises 50% or more of residential water used by a household (Hurd, 2006), and aesthetics may take preference over water-conserving elements in the landscape. Other factors such as perceived social norms and homeowners' association (HOA) regulations also impact water conservation behaviors (Wentz, Rhode, Li, Tellman, & Turner, 2016; Zmyslony & Gagnon, 1998). Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the impact of aesthetics, perceived social norms, and HOA regulations on residents’ water conservation intentions. Findings revealed that when individuals placed a higher-than-average value on aesthetics and perceived stronger social support for conservation, home irrigation users had greater intent to conserve water. The research presented in this document is intended for extension professionals and other practitioners who work on urban landscape water issues.

Identifying Gaps between Importance and Satisfaction to Identify Extension Clients' Needs

Anil Kumar Chaudhary and Laura A. Warner

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

Incorporating Individual Teachings (aka Individual Contact Teaching Methods) into an Extension Horticulture Plan of Work and Report of Accomplishment

Laura A. Warner

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

Repackaging as a Strategy to Increase Efficiency in Extension Programs

Laura A. Warner

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

Extension and the Environment: Understanding Florida Residents' Perceptions of Environmental Water-Related Topics

Caroline R. Warwick, Alexa Lamm, and Laura A. Warner

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Developing organizational and volunteer systems to support youth development

Building Impactful Extension Programs By Understanding How People Change

Laura A. Warner, Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez, and Michael S. Gutter

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

A 2021 Snapshot of Citizens’ Awareness and Understanding of Florida’s Irrigation Restrictions

Laura A. Warner, Michael D. Dukes, Nicholas W. Taylor, Deirdre Irwin, and James Harmon

A new 5-page UF/IFAS numbered publication of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. The information presented here is intended to inform water management district personnel, utility staff, public employees, and other educators and communicators who are charged with developing policies, promoting water use efficiency, and enforcing irrigation restrictions as a water conservation tool. Written by Laura A. Warner, Michael D. Dukes, Nicholas Taylor, Deirdre Irwin, and James Harmon.

Planned Behavior Change: An Overview of the Diffusion of Innovations

Amy Harder