¿Ha oído hablar del avispón de patas amarillas? Lo que los propietarios de viviendas en Florida deben saber (9/9/2026) - Si disfruta pasar tiempo en su jardín, probablemente ha visto una buena cantidad de abejas, avispas y avispones. Pero ¿qué haría si encontrara un insecto que pareciera un avispón de patas amarillas? El avispón de patas amarillas (Vespa velutina) es una avispa invasora que se alimenta de abejas melíferas. Aunque no se ha detectado en… more
Pollinators keep a later calendar in human-modified landscapes — A UF study explains the phenomenon (9/9/2026) - Human development may be changing more than where pollinators live — it may also be changing when they are active. University of Florida researchers at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) found that pollinator seasons shifted later in the year across some of the most human-modified landscapes in the eastern United States. Using… more
4 Simple Food Safety Steps for this Holiday Season (9/9/2026) - September brings fall festivities, cozy attire, pumpkin spice lattes, and the upcoming holidays. Gatherings with friends and family are around the corner, which makes this a good time to discuss safe food handling to create a safe environment and reduce the risk of getting our loved ones sick. It is also timely, as September is… more
Pulses: Small Foods with Big Health Benefits (9/9/2026) - Have you heard the word “pulses” used when talking about food? You may already be eating pulses without realizing it! But what exactly are pulses, and how are they different from legumes? What Are Pulses? Pulses are the edible, dried seeds of plants in the legume family. They grow in pods and come in a… more
Mosquito species known only from Mexico recorded in U.S. for first time (9/8/2026) - While most people may associate mosquitoes with Florida’s swamps, Arizona’s deserts and mountains are also home to a surprising variety of mosquito species. A University of Florida mosquito scientist has documented one of those species for the first time in the U.S. The mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes amateuri, was previously recorded only in Mexico.… more
The Big Bend’s Next Economic Spark May Be Growing in 4-H (9/7/2026) - For many people, 4-H still brings to mind livestock projects, agriculture and county fairs. Those traditions remain important, but they represent only part of what modern 4-H offers. Across Florida, 4-H is a community-based positive youth development system that connects young people with caring adults, university expertise and opportunities to learn by doing. Florida 4-H… more
Piense antes de fumigar: Cómo usar el Manejo Integrado de Plagas en su paisaje de Florida (9/4/2026) - ¿Vio un insecto en su planta? No lo fumigue todavía. Encontrar un insecto en su planta favorita puede ser preocupante. Quizás se pregunte: “¿Está dañando mi planta?” o “¿Cómo puedo eliminarlo?”. Antes de buscar un pesticida, observe con más detenimiento. Ese pequeño paso es el comienzo del Manejo Integrado de Plagas (MIP). El MIP es… more
Spice Blend Day: Building Confidence in the Kitchen, One Flavor at a Time (9/4/2026) - What happens when you open your spice cabinet and stop thinking of herbs and spices as ingredients you simply add to a recipe—and start seeing them as tools for creating flavor? That is what Spice Blend Day is all about. Making a spice blend may seem simple, but it is a hands-on cooking lesson. Participants… more
Think Before You Spray: Using Integrated Pest Management in Your Florida Landscape (9/3/2026) - See a bug on your plant? Don't spray it just yet. Finding an insect on your favorite plant can be alarming. You may wonder, “Is it hurting my plant?” or “How do I get rid of it?” Before reaching for a pesticide, take a closer look. That small step is the beginning of Integrated Pest Management… more
September for Sickle Cell (9/1/2026) - September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, established by Congress to spotlight the need for research, better treatments, and support for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a group of inherited disorders that affect hemoglobin, the iron‑containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Normal, healthy red blood cells are round… more
Suncoast Grown and Gathered: Longans for August (8/31/2026) - At the Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension Office, we've been cultivating a Food Forest to showcase the most productive, unique, and often underutilized fruits and crops suited to our distinctive southwest Florida climate. Through this project, we aim to inspire and educate our community by offering a firsthand look at these remarkable trees, shrubs, and vines,… more
A New 4-H Year Begins in Wakulla (8/30/2026) - At the Wakulla 4-H Open House, the new club year did not begin with a speech. It began with music, conversation, curious questions and the unmistakable energy of young people discovering what they might try next. On Saturday, Aug. 29, close to 200 people moved through the Agricultural Arena at the UF/IFAS Extension facility in… more
Culinary Creations with Okra (8/28/2026) - One of my favorite parts of the summer season is cooking with all the summer fruits and vegetables. While I love summer vegetables, one that I used to shy away from cooking was okra. Whenever I would cook it, the result would be slimy and mushy. After experimenting with various preparation methods for okra, I… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 28, 2026 (8/28/2026) - HURRICANE SEASON IS RAMPING UP. ARE YOU READY? We are keeping an eye on Dolly, the next named tropical storm in the Atlantic. We’ve learned the hard way in recent years that powerful hurricanes can make their way inland and do considerable damage to forest lands and agricultural enterprises. It’s time to be ready… more
A Full-Circle Moment: From Curious Kid to Extension Agent (8/27/2026) - 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, I was looking back through some old photos, and I found a few that made me smile. The… more
Be Sugar Smart (8/27/2026) - Take a trip to the grocery store and pick up almost any packaged food item. Chances are, it contains added sugar. While enjoying an occasional sweet treat is perfectly fine, regularly consuming too much added sugar has been linked to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, and other chronic health conditions. Sugar… more
One Yard Can Inspire a Community: Karma Thomson Earns Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Gold Recognition (8/26/2026) - A landscape can be more than a beautiful view from the street. It can conserve water, support wildlife, protect Florida’s natural resources, and inspire an entire community. UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County is proud to recognize Karma Thomson, a resident of Riverland, for achieving Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Gold Recognition. For Karma, this recognition means more… more
Back-to-School Meals and Snacks: Part 3 – Becoming a Savvy Shopper (8/26/2026) - Becoming a Savvy Shopper Grocery shopping can be a balancing act between figuring out which options are healthier, navigating rising food costs, and being in a time crunch. Today, I want to share some smart shopping strategies that prioritize nutritious options while staying within your food budget, easing some of the stress of food shopping… more
4-H goes solar: South Florida teens build a national championship-winning solar car earning a national title (8/26/2026) - A 14-member team of South Florida teenagers is redefining what workforce development looks like through 4-H at UF/IFAS Extension Broward and Palm Beach counties. Instead of raising livestock or growing vegetables, these students are designing, welding, wiring and racing a solar-powered electric car from the ground up. Supported by a dedicated teacher and mentor, sponsors,… more
Mangroves: Nature’s Coastal Defenders and Climate Champions (8/25/2026) - From protecting communities during storms to helping combat climate change, mangroves provide some of the most valuable ecosystem services on Earth. Understanding these benefits highlights why protecting and restoring mangrove forests is important for people, wildlife, and resilient coastlines. What Are Ecosystem Services? Ecosystem services are the benefits people receive from nature. Mangroves provide many… more
How to Choose the Right Green Industry Professional for Your Lawn and Landscape (8/24/2026) - Your lawn and landscape are an investment. A healthy yard can increase your home's value, save water, and make your property more enjoyable. But choosing the right company is important. The lowest price is not always the best value. A trained professional can help keep your plants healthy while protecting Florida's water and wildlife. UF/IFAS… more
Wellness Wins: Small Changes, Big Impact This August (8/21/2026) - More Than Just Healthy Habits August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging self-care, stress management, and healthy routines. But in 2026, wellness is more than just going to the gym or eating more vegetables – it is about embracing holistic wellness, a full-spectrum approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 21, 2026 (8/21/2026) - FALL IS A GOOD TIME TO TREAT THAT COGONGRASS If dealing with a patch of cogongrass is on your to-do list, it’s time to get ready for that treatment. The best time to treat cogongrass is during the fall months, which of course can vary based on where you are in Florida. That window… more
Buzz Off! Everyday Mosquito Safety Tips (8/20/2026) - Mosquito bites can be annoying, itchy, painful, and even cause disease. The most common mosquito-borne diseases in Florida are St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Dengue fever. Dengue fever has been found in Pinellas County recently, and it can be a very serious illness for some. To avoid bites and the… more
Learn with Extension: How a Duval County grandmother learned to heal (8/20/2026) - In 2008, a devastating car accident left Princie Mikel, a retired nurse and grandmother in Duval County, “tore up from the floor up,” as she put it. After the crash, she had two broken hands, seven broken ribs, a crushed sternum, a skull fracture and other injuries that left her in a rehabilitation facility… more
Protein: How Much Is Enough? (8/19/2026) - Walk through almost any grocery store today and you will see one word everywhere: protein. Protein packed cereals, bars, shakes, yogurts and even desserts have become increasingly popular. Social media has taken the trend even further with “protein maxxing,” the idea that more protein is always better. But how much protein do we really need?… more
Farmers, ranchers: Free Aug. 26 workshop offers financial planning, from balance sheets to USDA loans (8/18/2026) - Whether expanding a farming or ranch operation, preparing for tax season or applying for a loan, producers need strategic financial planning to keep the business productive, profitable and sustainable. Today’s agribusiness operators must be well-versed in a range of financial skills. To support these efforts, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences… more
NCBS Intern Report: GIS Support for Levy County — Quinn Callaghan (8/17/2026) - Written by Quinn Callaghan, 2026 Undergraduate Summer Intern My Summer Working with Levy County Emergency Management Having spent my entire life in Florida, I’ve repeatedly watched the rebuilding process that occurs after natural disasters. As I’ve become interested in pursuing a career in public service, I’ve felt drawn to emergency management as I know… more
Back-to-School Meals and Snacks: Part 2 – Decoding the Nutrition Facts Label (8/17/2026) - Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label Picture this: You are at the grocery store with only 20 minutes to grab everything you need to select your ingredients for the week. You've got your grocery list ready to go, but are feeling unsure about the nutritional value of the foods or drinks you are selecting. You glance… more
Los árboles más resistentes de la llanura costera (8/14/2026) - Hace unas décadas un grupo de investigadores de University of Florida llevó a cabo un estudio para evaluar el efecto de diez huracanes en los bosques costeros: Andrew (1992), Erin (1995), Opal (1995), Georges (1998), Ivan (2004), Jeanne (2004), Charley (2004), Rita (2005), Dennis (2005) y Katrina (2005). Como resultado, los expertos obtuvieron listas de… more
Potential Funding Opportunity in Franklin County and Beyond (8/14/2026) - Local seafood industry businesses may qualify for small business loans through the Apalachee Regional Planning Council (ARPC). Created in the late 1980s, the goal of the loan program is to expand the economy in Franklin County and provide opportunities for small businesses in our area. The loan could be used for equipment, gear, or even… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 14, 2026 (8/14/2026) - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA LANDOWNERS THROUGH THE SURFACE TO SPRINGS AND FOREST TO GULF REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS (RCPPs) Apply by September 30, 2026 North Florida landowners interested habitat management and conservation can apply for conservation easements and land management financial assistance opportunities in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),… more
Back-to-School Meals and Snacks: Part 1 – Keeping Nutrition in Mind (8/13/2026) - Welcome to the Back-to-School Season! Back-to-school time can be an exciting time, as we jump back into our typical routine, but it can also be quite overwhelming. From school supplies to clothes to meals and snacks. If you're feeling overwhelmed about what to pack for school lunches… more
Getting Kids in the Kitchen (8/10/2026) - Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all, have fun! - Julia Child Childhood is an important time for developing healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. Hands-on food preparation activities can help children build cooking skills, broaden their palates, and gain confidence in exploring new… more
A Parent’s Guide to a Smooth Re Start: Making the First Day Back in Elementary School a Real Success (8/7/2026) - Get the Mental Game Readied Parents set the emotional tone for their children before they even step out the front door. The research on early‑year parental engagement is clear: when parents participate in the first‑week “look‑around” activities, students show a measurable uptick in excitement and less hesitation at home reading. A quick chat about the… more
Visit Our Bug Bungalows (8/7/2026) - Bugs are an incredibly important part of the environment. Many pollinate plants, including fruits like berries and melons, help make the soil healthier by breaking down leaves, wood, and other organic matter, serve as food for wildlife like fish and birds, and they can also eat pesky bugs in the home and garden. To celebrate… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 7, 2026 (8/7/2026) - SUMMER-FALL 2026 ISSUE OF QUARTERLY FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE In this issue: Need Equipment or Herbicides? Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Private Lands Tool Cache, Hurricane Season is Here. Are you Ready?, Forest Management Examples at your Fingertips: Showcasing the Southeast Silviculture Library, Conservation Florida's Private Lands Stewardship Program… more
Identifying Florida Lawn Weeds (8/6/2026) - The definition of a weed is any plant that is unwanted in your yard or garden. There are three types of weeds: broadleaf, grasses, and sedges. Identifying the weed type will assist in weed control methods. Broadleaf Weeds Broadleaf Weeds are those that have, as the name indicates, a wide leaf and grow from a… more
Florida Weeds to Grow (Some are Great Butterfly Plants) (8/6/2026) - A weed is a plant in an unwanted place. However, this depends on your point of view! Sometimes we are surprised that these weeds are host plants for butterflies. Host plants provide food for the caterpillars of these butterflies. Here are four host plants often seen as weeds. Tropical Buckeye Butterfly Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is… more
Mental Health First Aid: Building the Skills to Support Someone in Need (8/6/2026) - 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 of awareness and kindness can help create a pathway toward support. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a… more
Back-to-School Nutrition: Fueling Students for Success (8/6/2026) - As summer comes to an end, families are busy checking off school supply lists, organizing backpacks, and settling back into school routines. While notebooks and pencils are essential for learning, one of the most valuable school supplies isn’t found in the school aisle—it’s good nutrition. The foods and beverages children consume each day play an… more
Growing Through Experience: My Internship Journey with UF/IFAS Extension & Sustainability Sarasota County (8/6/2026) - Hi, I’m Kate Sweeney, and during the summer of 2026, I had the opportunity to serve as an Environmental Education and Outreach Intern for the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, with both the Sustainability and Ecology and Natural Resources and programs. When I moved to Sarasota County four years ago, I was immediately impressed by its… more
Back-to-School Anxiety: Helping Your Child Start the School Year with Confidence (8/5/2026) - The beginning of a new school year brings excitement, new opportunities, and fresh starts. It also brings uncertainty. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, moving to a new school, entering middle or high school, or simply returning after summer break, feeling nervous is completely normal. Parents may experience some of those same emotions, too. The… more
Preparing for the 2026 Hurricane Season: Lessons Learned and Practical Tips (8/3/2026) - On July 23, 2026, UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension, in partnership with the National Weather Service and industry experts, hosted Hurricane Preparation 2026, a workshop designed to help homeowners, landscape professionals, and community leaders prepare for the hurricane season. The program starts with "Lessons We Learned from the Last Hurricane Seasons," presented by Henry Mayer (UF/IFAS Miami-Dade… more
Preparing for a Healthy and Successful School Year (8/3/2026) - Summer break is quickly ending, and a new school year is right around the corner. While this time of the year can be stressful for both parents and children, preparation is the key to helping children start the school year strong. Ways to support a healthy start to the school year for children include: Scheduling a well-child visit with their healthcare provider Ensuring immunizations are up to date Attending school open house to meet teachers Developing a consistent nighttime… more
Happy National Intern Day, July 30th! (8/3/2026) - Meet our 2026 Summer Interns! We’re thrilled to welcome our new interns, Kate Sweeney and Felicity Ruiz. They have brought fresh energy and ideas to our programs. You can learn more about them below. We have an exciting lineup of activities planned, including workshops, and community events. These opportunities are designed to help youth explore… more
The Med Way: Step 2 – Swap Your Fats (7/31/2026) - The Mediterranean Diet (the Med Way) is a long-standing, recommended approach to balanced eating that supports optimal health and chronic disease prevention. The Med Way centers around seven simple eating tips. Last month, we explored Step #1: Changing Your Protein. Now let's take a closer look at Step #2. Tip # 2: Swap Your Fats… more
Resistant Starch in Pasta and Potato Salads (7/31/2026) - Summer is winding down, but our favorite summer dishes remain. When we gather for barbeques to celebrate independence under a sky of fireworks or simply for pool parties to beat the heat, the most sought-after summer dishes in my family are the pasta and potato salads. They bring us not only joy, but also good… more
Water Wednesday Recap: Understanding Florida Homes (7/31/2026) - Florida's heat and humidity can be challenging, especially for homeowners who are new to the state. During our July Water Wednesday webinar, Understanding Florida Homes: Humidity, Mold, and Energy Use, Lisa Hamilton, UF/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Volusia County and Associate Program Leader for Housing Education, shared practical, research-based tips to help… more
UF/IFAS Professor Retires: Jeffrey Williamson on Florida Blueberries and Mentorship (7/29/2026) - “The very fact that we’re growing blueberries at all is because of UF/IFAS. If we didn’t have those varieties, we wouldn’t be growing blueberries commercially. The breeding program is really what turned blueberries into an important crop for Florida.” - Dr. Jeffrey Williamson, Professor at the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.One of the first blueberry field… more