Category: 4-H & Youth

A parent and child reading together in a classroom with other parents and children

Recognized by the Library of Congress, UF’s Books & Cooks program teaches literacy and healthy eating

by Chris Vivian
September 24, 2026

What if you could encourage young children to have a love for reading and an interest in healthy eating at the same time?  That’s the concept behind the University of Florida’s (UF) Book & Cooks program. Administered by UF's Institute ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Curriculum, Health & Nutrition, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Books & Cooks, Food Is Medicine, Healthy Eating, Literacy
Young woman ties a sign to a tree.

Intern Spotlight: Discovering a Passion for Trees and Community with Natalie Vargas

by Stephanie Cadaval
September 23, 2026

This summer of 2026, we were lucky enough to bring aboard two interns to learn about urban forestry and Extension in Florida. Their contributions to our programs helped us reach young people, residents, and professionals, expanding our Urban ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth
Tags: Florida Urban Forestry Council, Forest, School Of Forest Fisheries And Geomatics Sciences, UF-IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Urban Forestry, Urban Forestry Extension, Urban Forestry Summit

Suwannee County 4-H Creativity on Parade

by Katie Jones
September 21, 2026

This October, during National 4-H Week, Suwannee County 4-H is hosting its 4th Annual Shoebox Parade.  Encouraging members to show off their 4-H sparks on a miniature scale, the shoe box parade is an easy, low-cost opportunity for all 4-H members ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth
mosquito

More Than an Itch: Protecting Your Home and Family From Mosquitoes

by Sara MacDonald
September 21, 2026

For many Floridians, mosquitoes are simply part of spending time outdoors. But a mosquito bite can be more than an annoyance. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, including dengue, West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Recent dengue ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: (MGV), Florida Friendly Landscape, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County
Volunteers lined up on a stage

The Power of Volunteers: Making a Difference Through Extension

by Lori Wiggins
September 17, 2026

Volunteers are at the heart of UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County. They give their time, share their knowledge and step forward when help is needed. While much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes, their collective impact can be seen ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: #TaylorCounty, 4-H, Family, Florida, Florida Master Gardener Volunteers, Marine Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, Volunteer

Peanut Butter Challenge Kicks Off in Jackson County Sept. 28

by Abbey Smith
September 16, 2026

Start Giving Season early this year by participating in UF/IFAS Extension’s Peanut Butter Challenge this October. Jackson County is participating again this year. The friendly competition among counties asks community members to bring a ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Jackson County, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Challenge, Peanuts, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Jackson County Extension

A Bluebird on Your Shoulder

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 11, 2026

Written by MGV Paula Bleakley The phrase “bluebird on your shoulder” symbolizes happiness or good fortune. Who doesn’t smile when they see a picture of a chubby little bluebird in its pretty orange vest? But having one in your own backyard ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Clubs & Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Attracting Bluebirds, Bird Baths, Eastern Bluebirds, Nest Building

Engaging Youth with Gardening and Life Lessons at R.C. Bannerman Learning Center

by Wayne Hobbs
September 10, 2026

What started as an unused tennis court is now an thriving garden oasis in the middle of Green Cove Springs, Florida thanks to the dedication of the Master Gardener Volunteers with the University of Florida/IFAS Clay County Extension along with ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Community Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Herb Garden, Horticulture, Landscaping, Master Gardener Volunteer, Youth As Scientists

Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories