Here’s what homeowners need to know about hybrid termites in Florida (6/8/2026) - Alarming reports of hybrid “super” termites have fueled misinformation, while flooding news outlets across the United States for months. University of Florida scientists are stepping in to help property owners separate fact from fiction. In the newly released publication, Hybrid Coptotermes Termites: Separating Fact from Fiction, researchers at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences… more
Blue-Green Algae Are Blooming (6/8/2026) - Here in Florida, we are no strangers to algae. It occurs naturally in both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. Our warm climate, ample sunlight, and slow-moving, shallow waters provide excellent habitats for many algal species. If you have spent time around a pond or lake, you have likely seen common algae, often visible as hairy floating… more
Storm Season in the Wild: How Animals Cope (6/5/2026) - Every hurricane season, Floridians are provided with lots of information about how to ensure they and their loved ones stay safe. But have you ever considered how Florida's native wildlife combat against these, often large, natural disasters? Categorizing Hurricanes Before we get into the incredible abilities that our wildlife have, I want to quickly remind… more
Florida Land Steward Update, June 5, 2026 (6/5/2026) - 2026 USDA FOREST SERVICE LONGLEAF CONE REPORT RELEASED The latest USDA Forest Service Longleaf Pine Cone Report shows a promising outlook for 2026. Based on green cone counts this spring, the predicted regional longleaf cone crop for this fall is GOOD with an average of 53.9 cones per tree, an encouraging indicator for both natural… more
Stay Hydrated This Summer: Why Water Matters More Than Ever (6/5/2026) - As temperatures rise during the summer months, staying hydrated becomes one of the most important things we can do to protect our health. Whether you're working outdoors, enjoying recreational activities, gardening, attending community events, or simply spending time in the heat, your body depends on adequate fluids to function properly. Water makes up approximately 60%… more
Consider Equine Disaster Preparedness Ahead of Hurricane Season (6/4/2026) - Authored By: Amanda Masholie, UF/ IFAS Extension Service Walton County With hurricane season underway, equine veterinarians and emergency managers across the Florida Panhandle are urging horse owners and farm managers to update — or establish — comprehensive disaster preparedness plans. The region, historically vulnerable to major storms, faces heightened risks each year, making planning essential… more
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities June 4, 2026 (6/4/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for June 4, 2026 IFAS Human Resources has now created an opportunity for you to view, at a glance, newly posted IFAS TEAMS positions. Please click on the link for further details. These positions were vacant as of the date of this posting. Academic Advisor II - Plant Science Major (PLS)… more
Self-Compassion Practices: Be Kind to Yourself (6/4/2026) - 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 matter as they are the foundation of healthy living, but many of us try to “fix” ourselves through… more
The Power of Sleep: Why Rest Matters at Every Age (6/4/2026) - In today’s fast-paced world, sleep is often one of the first things people sacrifice. Whether it is staying up late to finish work, scrolling on phones, studying for exams, or managing busy family schedules, many Americans are not getting the rest their bodies need. However, health experts agree that sleep is just as important as… more
Prevention Before Intervention: A 4-H Community Pride Project (6/3/2026) - Guest Author: Lani Lopez-Logan The Wakulla County 4-H Community Pride Project took a powerful step toward youth awareness and prevention this year with “Prevention Before Intervention,” a teen town hall created by youth, for youth. Led by Emily Zak and co-hosted by Caden Gruebel, the event opened honest conversations about substance use, mental health, peer… more
Meet Kristen Sturgeon: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story (6/3/2026) - Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Kristen Sturgeon Meet Kristen Sturgeon, an Environmental Specialist III with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources. In this image, Kristen is at the Celery Fields, preparing wood duck boxes for an upcoming nesting season. What a cool day at work! Kristen… more
Papaya: A Tropical Nutrition Powerhouse (6/3/2026) - This tropical fruit has bright orange-pink flesh, small black seeds in the center, and a naturally sweet flavor. Ripe papaya is typically enjoyed fresh, peeled, seeded, and sliced into cubes or wedges. Papaya is packed with nutrients while remaining low in calories. Just ½ cup contains about 27 calories and provides vitamin A, vitamin C,… more
What’s on the Menu? A Fresh Look at the New Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 (6/3/2026) - The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, developed by the USDA and HHS, are the nation’s science-based recommendations for healthy eating. At their core, the message stays consistent: build your diet around whole, nutrient-dense foods and limit added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. There has been a lot of public discussion about recent changes in visuals and… more
Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month This June (6/3/2026) - June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, the perfect time for families to enjoy the flavors, colors, and health benefits of nature’s bounty. With summer gardens beginning to produce and farmer markets filling with fresh local produce, there has never been a better time to add more fruits and vegetables to your family’s plate.… more
Bebidas frías y mitos calientes: una experta de la University of Florida desmiente las creencias comunes sobre la hidratación en verano (6/2/2026) - Creado por Brad Buck, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS Con la llegada del verano, el calor puede llevarle a buscar una bebida fría y refrescante. Sin embargo, antes de elegir la más nueva “bebida milagrosa” que promete hidratarle y darle energía, una experta de University of Florida aclara varios conceptos sobre estas bebidas… more
Cómo los hábitos saludables fortalecen el cerebro: experta de UF/IFAS destaca la prevención del Alzheimer (6/2/2026) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Se estima que 7,4 millones de estadounidenses mayores de 65 años viven con demencia tipo Alzheimer, una cifra que resalta la importancia del Mes de la Concientización sobre el Alzheimer y la Salud Cerebral, conmemorado cada junio. Esta… more
Cold drinks, hot myths: UF expert cuts through summer hydration hype (6/2/2026) - But before you grab the latest “miracle hydration drink” promising to cool and energize you, a University of Florida expert wants to pump the brakes on the hype. Laura Acosta, an instructional associate professor of food science and human nutrition at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is cutting through the noise. She… more
How healthy habits promote stronger brains: UF/IFAS expert focuses on Alzheimer’s prevention (6/2/2026) - An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, highlighting the importance of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of brain health and prevention. Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez is a registered dietitian and family and consumer sciences agent for the University of Florida Institute of… more
FIELD TRIP: Nehrling Gardens in Gotha, FL (5/31/2026) - Fourteen Master Gardener Volunteers (and family) toured Nehrling Gardens in May 2026. Theresa Schretzmann-Myers (Board of Directors Vice President) was our excellent tour guide. Ms. Theresa fed us history, facts, stories, and anecdotes in rapid succession. Here are a few bits that we learned from this very special field trip. Horticulturalist and Naturalist Henry Nehrling… more
Seven Simple Steps to a Healthier You (5/29/2026) - Many people underestimate the power of small shifts in their daily diet and lifestyle habits. These changes can create meaningful improvements in your health in terms of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, reducing risk for chronic disease, improving heart health, among other benefits. The Mediterranean Diet History The Mediterranean Diet (the "Med Way") is… more
Summer is here! Beat The Heat and Stay Healthy (5/29/2026) - When summer hits, life seems to speed up for many individuals. School ends, celebrations pile up, travel increases, and in Florida, the weather adds an extra layer of stress. These social and environmental shifts can trigger a dip in mood and energy, often called reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). What Is SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder… more
Summer Time Blues: Turning Free Time into Life Skills Gold (5/29/2026) - 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 rich learning adventures. Think of the kitchen, the garden, the grocery aisle, and your community… more
Preparing for the Storm – Home Safe Home (5/29/2026) - Next to ensuring your family’s safety and well-being during a hurricane, having a game plan to protect your largest investment – your home and property – is essential in preparing for a major storm or other disaster. Many of these tasks can be done as part of routine home maintenance well before a storm is… more
Florida Land Steward Update, May 29, 2026 (5/29/2026) - THE RAIN RETURNS! SO DID HURRICANE SEASON. TIME TO PREPARE. A big shoutout to the return of rain! Also great to see some of the burn bans finally lifting. Keep it coming. Maybe we can get some of that much needed growing season burning in soon. Hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November.… more
Precious Pollinators: Green Orchid Bee (5/28/2026) - Euglossa dilemma: Florida's Brilliant New Orchid Bee If you've spotted a dazzling, iridescent green bee darting through your garden, you may have encountered one of Florida's most fascinating recent arrivals — the Green Orchid Bee (Euglossa dilemma) also known as the Dilemma Orchid Bee. Roughly the size of a honeybee but glowing like a flying… more
SFFGS celebrates UF/IFAS Research Awards winners (5/28/2026) - Congratulations to University of Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences faculty, staff and students who were recognized for their research accomplishments during the 2026 UF/IFAS Research Awards dinner on May 21. Every year, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station hosts the event to recognize the impactful research efforts. Graduate Research The Research Awards Committee… more
El okra pasa de ser un alimento básico en cocinas y huertos caseros a convertirse en parte fundamental del movimiento “La Comida como Medicina” en la agricultura de Florida (5/28/2026) - Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. ¿Qué hace que el okra, conocido también como quimbombó, sea una elección inteligente para los huertos caseros, las comidas más saludables y el próximo gran cultivo de Florida? Investigadores de University of Florida, pertenecientes al Institute of Food… more
Suncoast Grown and Gathered: May Stone Fruit! Peaches and Plums in Abundance? (5/27/2026) - 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
Desde flamencos en el Medio Oeste hasta sapos de huracán: un estudio revela las sorprendentes historias de supervivencia de la vida silvestre frente a los huracanes (5/27/2026) - Creado por Meredith Bauer-Mitchell, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Aspectos destacados: Los huracanes pueden tener un impacto significativo en la vida silvestre, incluso llevando a algunas especies al borde de la extinción. Sin embargo, en ciertos casos, también pueden favorecer su recuperación y desencadenar aumentos poblacionales. Estos fenómenos pueden generar efectos inesperados, como el caso… more
Building for the Future in Sarasota County (5/22/2026) - Did you know a home or commercial building can be certified as sustainable? Here in Sarasota County, many of the county’s facilities are certified by the as green buildings through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. consume 25% less energy, 11% less water, and produce 34% less carbon emissions. Since… more
The Hidden Struggle for Healthy Food in Leon County (5/22/2026) - Food is national security. Food is economy. It is employment, energy, history. Food is everything. - José Andrés, chef and humanitarian Imagine living in a neighborhood where fast-food chains and liquor stores outnumber grocery stores. Snack cakes and sodas are everywhere, yet fresh tomatoes and leafy greens are distant luxuries. For millions of Americans, including… more
Supporting Florida Agriculture as Hurricane Season Approaches: Preparing For the Impact Assessment Process (5/21/2026) - Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced its predictions for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. While there is a higher likelihood for below average activity in the Atlantic Basin, even one storm can have extreme impacts for those in the affected areas. This is why preparation for the upcoming hurricane season is critical, and… more
Hurricane Preparedness for Florida Farms (5/19/2026) - Weathering the Storm Together As spring in Florida gives way to hurricane season, it’s natural to feel a mix of anticipation and concern. That’s why now is the time to proactively prepare your farm or ranch before a storm is on the horizon. Just as grocery store shelves empty quickly before a hurricane, essential farm… more
Growing Seminole Pumpkin in Florida: From Seed to Harvest to Table (5/19/2026) - Growing Seminole Pumpkin in Florida pumpkin is a great vegetable to grow in Florida's summer heat because it is heat tolerant. It's an heirloom vegetable that dates back to the native American times you can save the seeds from year to year. Plant the seeds directly in the earth or place 1 or 2 seeds… more
Interested in Learning about Florida’s Cottage Food Law? (5/19/2026) - If you’ve ever been told your cookies could win awards, your spice blends should be bottled, or your sourdough starter deserves its own fan club, you might be sitting on more than just a hobby. Many home cooks don’t realize that their passion projects, like those late-night baking sessions or weekend canning marathons, could actually… more
Ideal Times for Marinating Meat (5/15/2026) - I really enjoy baking and cooking, which is good because a fair chunk of time in my life (and likely yours) is spent eating and preparing that food to eat. While I am neither a youth nor cooking contest material, a recent Ask IFAS publication from the Florida 4-H Tailgate Contest series still piqued my… more
The Mindful May: Daily Meditation Challenges for the Busy Professional (5/15/2026) - Spring is the season of renewal. The sky is opening, the trees whisper new leaves, and for those of us in perpetual motion, an invitation to pause can feel surprisingly scarce. Yet what if you could swap a few minutes of your day for a small ritual that reorganizes your brain, steadies your emotions, and… more
Building healthier bones (5/15/2026) - Osteoporosis, often called a “silent disease,” affects millions of Americans and poses a significant public health challenge. Characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures, the condition frequently goes unnoticed until a minor fall or everyday activity results in a broken bone. As the U.S. population ages, the prevalence and consequences of osteoporosis are likely… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Family, Youth and Community Sciences (Mar.–Apr. 2026) (5/14/2026) - Osteoporosis: The Silent Disease Tammy Barnard and Wendy Dahl. Osteoporosis affects nearly 10 million Americans, most often adults over the age of 50. In osteoporosis, bones become brittle and can easily fracture. It is referred to as “the silent disease” because there are no symptoms, but it could lead to joint pain, loss of stature,… more
Managing Work and Family: A Balancing Act (5/14/2026) - In today’s fast-paced world, balancing work and family often feels overwhelming. Many people feel stretched thin by constant demands. Work responsibilities and family life both affect personal health and wellness. In particular, mental and physical health are shaped by job roles, family conflicts, and workplace organization. As workplace pressures increase, family obligations may become harder… more
Florida 4-H alumni trace tech success back to youth workforce development program (5/14/2026) - The Florida 4-H program, run by the UF/IFAS Extension, creates a pipeline of career success for tech and STEM students. Students in the K-12 program learn fundamental skills like public speaking, problem solving and perseverance. Florida 4-H alumni credit the program with their college success and career readiness. When Benjamin Wolking was raising goats in… more
Hurricane Season Begins June 1: Time to Prepare (5/14/2026) - June 1 marks the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30. Recent seasons have reminded us how active and unpredictable hurricane activity can be, especially here in Florida. Now is the time to review your emergency plans, check your supplies, prepare your home and landscape, and stay alert to official… more
Clean Up with Homemade Cleaners (5/13/2026) - Spring has sprung and you may feel the urge to give your home a deep cleaning. The American Cleaning Institute finds that 80% of us are doing some type of deep cleaning this spring so you are not alone. Deep cleaning your home after winter gives a fresh restart and boosts your spirits. When choosing… more
Fresh Picks: The Month’s Classes (5/13/2026) - Learning doesn’t slow down in the summer. Our June lineup includes classes and workshops designed to help residents care for their landscapes, manage finances, and support overall well-being. Take a look at what’s available this month and join us for a class or event. Ready to Register? View full class descriptions, dates, and registration details… more
Mental Health Awareness Month: Topics in Mental Health, A Series Supporting the Well-Being of Florida’s Agricultural Community (5/12/2026) - Florida’s agricultural industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy, environment, and communities. From farming and ranching to forestry and seafood production, agricultural producers across all 67 counties help provide food, fiber, and natural resources that support Florida’s residents and visitors every day. While agriculture is essential to the state’s success, the demands of… more
Not all smoke signals danger. Research explains how Floridians can tell the difference using access to new tools (5/12/2026) - As drought continues to dry out Florida’s landscapes and wildfires spread, smoke in the air can be hard to ignore. But experts with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) say it may also be a sign of efforts to keep fires from becoming more dangerous. "If you live in Florida, seeing or… more
From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey Part 4 – Iguanas: A Challenge, A Question, A Lesson. (5/12/2026) - The challenge with iguanas has been, without a doubt, the toughest part of working on this food forest. At times, it felt like they made my life almost impossible. But somewhere along the way, a different mindset was necessary. Instead of chasing or hunting them, I started learning how to live with them. They… more
Growing Skills and Confidence: The Roots to Work Program (5/12/2026) - At UF/IFAS Extension in Brevard County, growth doesn’t just happen in the garden—it happens in people. The Roots to Work program brings education, hands-on experience, and community connection together to create meaningful opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Developed through Florida AgrAbility - UF/IFAS, Roots to Work is more than an agricultural program. It provides a pathway to independence, confidence, and real-world skills through… more
Millet: A Naturally Gluten-Free Whole Grain with Practical Nutritional Benefits (5/12/2026) - Millet refers to a group of small-seeded cereal grains cultivated for thousands of years across Africa and Asia. Common varieties include pearl millet, foxtail millet, and proso millet, although most retail packages are simply labeled “millet.” Naturally gluten-free and relatively quick to prepare, millet has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a versatile texture. When… more
Paws, Breathe, Relax: Stress Management for You and Your Pet (5/11/2026) - By: Giselle Navarro, UF/IFAS Extension, Broward County, Family and Consumer Sciences Intern Brenda Marty Jimenez, UF/IFAS Extension, Broward County, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent IV Stress is a part of everyday life—for both humans and animals. While people may experience stress through anxiety, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating, pets often communicate it through changes in… more