Category: UF/IFAS Extension

A child stands near a representative's desk inside the Florida House of Representatives chamber. Several visitors and rows of desks with nameplates, microphones, and small American flags are visible, with framed portraits and historic artwork displayed around the room.

A Full-Circle Moment: From Curious Kid to Extension Agent

by morganyoder
August 27, 2026

Did you know that youth who participate in organized group activities often develop a stronger sense of belonging, greater confidence, and leadership skills that can positively influence their future? I can personally attest to that. Recently, ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Community Volunteers, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: 4-H, Agriculture, Brevard County, Careers, Future, Hobbies, Lifestyles, Personalities, Values, Youth, Youth Development
a group of people having a discussion

Mental Health First Aid: Building the Skills to Support Someone in Need

by Angelika Keene
August 6, 2026

Sometimes, the moments that matter most begin with something small—a simple question, a compassionate conversation, or noticing when someone does not seem like themselves. While we may not always know what someone is going through, small moments ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: 4-H, Agriculture, Brevard County, Family, Health, Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid, Special Topics, Youth

The Oak, the Moss, and the Fern: The Art of Living Together

by Giuseppe Di Giacinto
July 23, 2026

Have you ever found yourself standing beneath a giant live oak and looking up? Its massive branches stretch across the sky like arms. Silvery strands of Spanish moss move along with the breeze, while clusters of green resurrection fern ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Community, Extension, Featured, Ferns, Live Oak, Native Trees, Special Topics, Sustainability, Urban Environments, Urban Forest
photo of bee on pink flower

Florida Heat Isn’t Just Hard on Your Plants—It’s Hard on You, Too

by Angelika Keene
July 21, 2026

As Florida Master Gardeners, we know summer gardening isn't for the faint of heart. We carefully watch our plants for signs of heat stress, adjust our watering schedules, and look for ways to help our gardens survive another hot, humid day. But ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, NATURAL RESOURCES, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Community Wellness, Fall Gardening, Florida Heat, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Gardening, Heat Illness Prevention, Heat Safety, Hydration, Master Gardener Volunteer, Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid, Mental Wellness, Outdoor Safety, Self Care, Spring Gardening Summer Gardening, Stay Cool, Summer Gardening, UF/IFAS Extension, Vegetable Gardening, Winter Gardening
Three-panel image showing the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea underwater and as a close-up specimen, highlighting its narrow, paired green leaves.

Getting Ahead of the Spread: Meet Halophila stipulacea, Florida’s New Invasive Seagrass

by Holly Abeels
July 9, 2026

A new invasive seagrass is spreading in Florida waters, and scientists are asking people to help watch for it. Halophila stipulacea is a small tropical seagrass that was first found in Florida in 2024 in Biscayne Bay near Key Biscayne. Since ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Invasive Species, NATURAL RESOURCES, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Aquatic Invasive Species, Coastal Systems, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Indian River Lagoon, Seagrass
A “Manatee Zone – Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” sign stands on posts in a calm coastal waterway, with a small motorboat traveling in the background and low green shoreline vegetation in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

Boating Responsibly This Fourth of July: Safety, Wildlife, and Florida’s Waterways

by Holly Abeels
June 30, 2026

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the year on Florida’s waterways. From lifelong locals to first-time visitors, thousands of people head out to enjoy time on the water. No matter your level of experience, understanding how ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, NATURAL RESOURCES, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Boating, Environment, Florida Sea Grant, Recreation, Water

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