Category: Work & Life

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: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, NATURAL RESOURCES, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: 4-H, Agriculture, Brevard County, Family, Health, Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid, 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, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Community, Extension, Ferns, Live Oak, Native Trees, 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
A wide view of the ocean at sunset shows the sun low on the horizon casting warm orange light across the sky. Gentle waves ripple across the water, reflecting shades of gold and blue. A small boat appears as a silhouette near the center of the horizon, with another faint vessel visible farther to the left.

Self-Compassion Practices: Be Kind to Yourself

by Angelika Keene
June 4, 2026

Everywhere we turn, social media, influencers, and even health professionals are offering endless advice on how to practice self‑care. Most of it centers on outward habits like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. These routines ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Community Volunteers, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, NATURAL RESOURCES, Professional Development, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching, Work & Life
Tags: Balance Not Perfection, Be Kind To Yourself, Growth Mindset, Healthy Mindset, Mental Health Matters, Resilience, Self Compassion, Stress Management, Wellbeing Journey
Alarm clock on a beach that reads SUMMER TIME

Summer Time Blues: Turning Free Time into Life Skills Gold

by Gayle Whitworth
May 29, 2026

Summer’s long, bright days are a perfect canvas for curiosity—especially when your kids have no school and only the sky to keep them company. Rather than waiting for the next organized camp or program, you can turn everyday moments into ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Community Volunteers, Conservation, Health & Nutrition, Money Matters, Relationships & Family
Tags: 4-H, Learning, Life Skills, Summer, Youth

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