Stories from the Yard: Fostering a Healthy Environment for Pollinators (3/8/2026) - Florida-Friendly Landscaping for Pollinators: Growing a Garden with a Purpose Join us as we share real stories from local gardeners transforming their yards into Florida-Friendly Landscaping for pollinators. Discover practical tips, successes, and lessons learned for creating gardens that are beautiful, sustainable, and easier to maintain in Florida. Discovery & Challenge As a former Master Gardener… more
UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities March 5, 2026 (3/5/2026) - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for March 5, 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 I Requisition # 538926 Posting Closes 3/15/2026… more
Discover the Power of Nutrition: Small Steps, Big Impact (3/4/2026) - National nutrition month is observed each March. It is an annual education campaign led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that promotes healthy eating and regular physical activity. The campaign encourages individuals and families to make informed food choices and build realistic wellness habits. The 2026 theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” highlights how… more
All (About Elephant) Ears (3/4/2026) - Written by MGV Henry Bruce, Edited by Theresa Badurek Are you all ears to learn something new? Plants that go by the name of "elephant ears" are really a group of similar plants with different botanical names: Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. They all have bold foliage and can add a tropical look to any garden.… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Florida 4-H Youth Development (Jan.–Feb. 2026) (3/4/2026) - Proper Personal Preparation for the 4-H Food Challenge Competition By Jean Marie Arick, Amarat Simonne, Geralyn M. Sachs, Amber Norris, Andrea Nikolai, Joshua Payne, Shane Michael, Rachel Pienta, Janine Heiney, John Ferguson, Nicole Crawson, and Samara Purvis. This publication is a supplement to the Florida 4-H Food Challenge guides and is meant to help 4-Hers… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Family, Youth and Community Sciences (Jan.–Feb. 2026) (3/4/2026) - A Taste of Culture: Overview of the Systematic Refinement of a Culinary- and Spice-based Extension Program Isabella Alobele, Lori Johnson, Hillary MacMichael, Amy Mullins, Ava Theng, Madison Gindea, Ryan Perez, Tatiana Tchuisse, Yvette Vork, and Melissa J. Vilaro. Taste of Culture is a culinary-based Extension program that integrates cultural exploration, culinary skills, and evidence-based health… more
Overcoming Obstacles to Healthy Eating (3/4/2026) - Eating a well-balanced diet can play an essential role in feeling better, decreasing the risk of chronic disease, and promoting weight management. Making informed choices regarding food is especially important in all stages of life. However, healthy eating can sometimes be challenging even with the knowledge of foods that are better for you. Common barriers… more
Replanting After the Freeze? Choose Florida-Friendly Plants (3/4/2026) - We’ve all seen the damage a freeze can do in our yards. Broken branches, browned leaves, or even entire plants are gone. It’s natural to want to fill those empty spots quickly, but before you pick up new plants, there’s a smart step to take: choose Florida-Friendly plants that thrive here and help the environment.… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Food Science and Human Nutrition (Jan.–Feb. 2026) (3/3/2026) - Shopping for Health: Sweet Corn By Audrey Mailly and Wendy J. Dahl. Sweet corn is not just a side dish for summer barbecues. It is a delicious, crunchy vegetable you can enjoy throughout the year! Many love its natural sweetness, but sweet corn has a lot more to offer than great taste. So, why is… more
UF FRE Ph.D. Candidate Suraj Gurung Places 3rd in SAEA Job Market Paper Competition (3/3/2026) - Food and Resource Economics Ph.D. candidate Suraj Gurung placed third in the Job Market Paper Competition at the 2026 Southern Applied Economics Association (SAEA) annual meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. A job market paper presents a piece of the author’s original research with the goal of demonstrating their aptitude as an economist and potential job candidate. As Gurung prepares for graduation and continues to refine his… more
What’s New on Ask IFAS: Agricultural Education and Communication (Jan.–Feb. 2026) (3/3/2026) - Preventing Teacher Burnout in Agricultural Education Savannah J. Scott, Sarah A. Bush, and Debra M. Barry. This publication provides insight into ways school-based agricultural education (SBAE) teachers can prevent burnout. International Volunteering: #1 What It Is and How to Apply Renzo Ceme Vinces, John Diaz, Sebastian Galindo, and Pablo Lamino. This first EDIS publication in… more
The Truth About Heart Disease and How We Can Change the Story (2/26/2026) - February is American Heart Month and a great time for a quick heart-to-heart. Heart disease may be the leading cause of death in the U.S. and in Florida, but the everyday choices we make can dramatically change that story! According to the American Heart Association, “as much as 80% of heart disease and stroke is… more
A Nearly Perfect Tree (2/25/2026) - Is there a perfect tree? I think this question has fueled much of historic plant exploration and discovery. Sometimes it is beauty that draws us, like the Jacaranda tree native to Brazil, with its beautiful lavender blooms each spring. Sometimes it's the fruit, like our beloved mangoes. These days, however, we search for a tree… more
Científicos desarrollan tomate enriquecido con vitamina A para combatir la deficiencia global (2/25/2026) - Creado por Brad Buck, especialista sénior en relaciones públicas para UF/IFAS. Científicos de University of Florida han desarrollado un tomate con niveles significativamente más altos de vitamina A, un avance que podría ayudar a combatir una de las deficiencias nutricionales más extendidas del mundo. En una investigación recientemente publicada por Jingwei Fu, Denise Tieman y… more
Scientists develop vitamin A-enriched tomato to fight global deficiency (2/25/2026) - University of Florida scientists have developed a tomato packed with significantly higher levels of vitamin A, a breakthrough that could help combat one of the world’s most widespread nutritional deficiencies. In newly published research by Jingwei Fu, Denise Tieman and Bala Rathinasabapathi from UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the researchers introduce fortified… more
Fresh Picks: The Month’s Classes (2/24/2026) - Spring brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect in Orange County. Our March lineup includes hands-on gardening workshops, financial education classes, healthy living programs, and community events led by our Master Gardener Volunteers. Take a look at what’s coming up—you may find just the right class to kick off the season. Ready to Register?… more
Free webinar to address healthy lifestyles to reduce risk of colorectal cancer (2/24/2026) - Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death for men and women combined. In Florida, nearly 13,000 new cases and over 4,000 deaths are projected for 2026, according to the American Cancer Society. Those numbers are more than statistics; they represent neighbors, friends and families… more
New Rules for Charitable Tax Deductions (2/23/2026) - For the current season’s 2025 tax returns, charitable contributions can be deducted only if you choose to itemize deductions. Most tax filers (91%) take the standard deduction because it usually provides a larger tax benefit than itemizing tax deductions. However, the rules for charitable deductions have changed. New Charitable Deduction for Non-Itemizers Starting this year… more
Don’t Let Cancer Sneak Up On You | Get Screened (2/20/2026) - Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer conditions in the United States, yet it remains one of the most preventable. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, many cases can be avoided with early detection and healthy lifestyle choices. In fact, more than half of all colorectal cancers are linked to factors such… more
Annual Peanut Butter Challenge: 2025 Wrap Up (2/18/2026) - Thank You, Polk County! The 2025 Annual Peanut Butter Challenge was an incredible success! This year, our community came together in a big way to fight hunger and support families across Polk County. Every jar donated represents hope, nourishment, and care for those who need it most. Totals Are In! We have our final count,… more
Starting March 5, popular Let’s Walk Florida returns! Join the healthy lifestyle mobility movement (2/17/2026) - People tend to move more when they have inviting, safe places to walk. Those kinds of surroundings also help people stay motivated and connected with others, promoting sustained healthy habits, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) remains dedicated to… more
Love in Action: Civic Engagement (2/17/2026) - This Month, Show Love Where It Counts Most — In Your Community We often think of “love” as something shared between friends and family — but what if we showed more of that care where it matters most: right in our own neighborhoods? This month, let’s shift our focus outward and put love into action… more
In our Saving Era: Tiny Habits, Big Results (2/17/2026) - Let’s be honest, saving money can feel impossible some days. Between rent or mortgage payments, rising grocery bills, gas prices, insurance, and everything else life throws your way, it might seem like there’s nothing left to save. But here’s the truth: saving isn’t about having a lot of money. It’s about building a simple habit.… more
Starting March 6, learn to cook healthy Mediterranean meals with UF/IFAS lunch and learn series (2/17/2026) - The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is committed to providing research-backed nutrition education to the community. As part of this effort, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County is offering a new virtual program that helps participants build healthier eating habits through simple, delicious and sustainable food choices. Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean… more
Benefits of Family Meal Planning (2/16/2026) - Between busy schedules, sports practices, and family commitments, many people struggle to make time for regular family meals. As a result, home-cooked meals often get pushed aside. However, planning meals together offers several important benefits. In fact, researchers have studied children’s participation in family meals and found strong links to healthier eating habits. For example,… more
From Wasteland to Wonderland: A Food Forest Journey PART 2 (2/13/2026) - Restoring degraded urban landscapes is rarely linear. It requires observation, adaptation, and a willingness to rethink initial goals. After the first phase of plant relocation and site assessment, it became clear that the project needed a more structured vision. A perfect choice that functions as a balanced ecological restoration, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. This second… more
A Heart Full of Health (2/13/2026) - Valentine’s Day is around the corner! Do you have a favorite movie for this time of year? Perhaps you commemorate the day by visiting a green space or a favorite trail, or enjoying music and art at one of Gainesville’s many charming venues. Maybe you look forward to sharing delightful meals, themed desserts, and sweets… more
This prevention science researcher studies youth right alongside them (2/12/2026) - Erin Vines is a doctoral candidate in the Youth Development and Family Science (YDFS) program at the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (FYCS). She conducts research on youth and families experiencing adversity. She focuses on promoting active youth engagement in research, practice, and policy decisions. Erin is passionate about bringing youth to… more
Unlocking the mystery of taste: Flavor experts converge in Orlando (2/12/2026) - Flavor isn’t just a sensory experience – it’s a force that shapes what we buy, what we crave and how food and beverage trends take off. Yet the mystery behind it remains irresistible. Where does flavor truly begin, and why do some people swoon over bitter coffee while others chase fruity seltzers or fiery hot… more
Alumni Spotlight: Connecting Communities Back to Agriculture (2/11/2026) - Extension From Day One Madelyn Greathouse is the UF/IFAS Extension Commercial Horticulture and Integrated Pest Management Agent serving Sumter and Pasco counties. She works with a wide range of growers, from blueberry and ornamental producers to tree farms, organic row crops, peaches, and agronomic crops like stevia. But unlike many people who discover Extension during… more
Cold snaps, wind burn, drought, stressing your landscape? UF experts available to help you detect, manage, recover (2/10/2026) - After the recent cold fronts, violent winds and ongoing drought conditions, many Floridians are stepping outside and asking the same questions: Did my mango tree survive? My lawn is yellow, dry, and windburned. Will it survive with water restrictions? Are my shrubs and groundcover dead or just stressed or dormant? How do I protect my… more
With Valentine’s Day coming up, we naturally start thinking red, making it the perfect time to add more RED fruits and vegetables to our day. (2/10/2026) - Did you know red foods are packed with nutrients that help support your overall wellness? Many of the powerful antioxidants found in red foods can help: Support your immune system Improve cardiovascular health Support brain function Reduce inflammation Lower the risk of certain cancers Help with healthy digestion Red fruits and vegetables are true powerhouse… more
Practical Strategies for Healthier Fast Food Choices (2/9/2026) - Hello and welcome to the next edition of Nutrition Stories, our series exploring hot topics in nutrition and dietetics. Our guest today is Isabella Mahboob, a graduate of the UF Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and a current MS-DI graduate student in the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) Department at the University of Florida. In… more
Closing the loop: seed saving and roasting Seminole pumpkin (2/8/2026) - Seminole Pumpkin Seed SavingIf you have been successful in growing a Seminole Pumpkin, the last very important step is to save seeds from this heirloom vegetable so we can grow them again next year and pass along to friends. Start by cutting the pumpkin in half. Then press out the seeds with a spoon. Try… more
Show Your Love Through Storytelling This Valentine’s Day (2/6/2026) - Valentine’s Day often brings to mind grand gestures—flowers, cards, and special treats. While those moments are fun, it’s often the quieter, more meaningful connections that leave the biggest impact. One powerful way to show love and appreciation this season is through storytelling. Whether you’re gathered around the kitchen table, connecting during a 4‑H meeting or… more
IRS Scams and Fake Tax Filing: What Florida Residents Need to Know (2/6/2026) - Tax season is a busy time for families and small businesses—but it’s also peak season for scammers. Each year, the IRS reports billions of dollars lost to tax-related fraud, and Florida consistently ranks among the states most affected. One of the fastest-growing threats is fake tax filing fraud, where criminals file a tax return using… more
Media alert: Florida agriculture producers asked to share impacts of winter freezes (2/5/2026) - What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with recent freeze events, including Winter Storm Gianna. Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/Winter26FreezeAgImpacts or by contacting your local UF/IFAS Extension office to see if your nearby office offers in-person or phone assessments.… more
SWES Faculty, Staff, and Student Recognized with Superior Accomplishment Awards (2/4/2026) - The Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) is proud to celebrate three outstanding members of our community. All three represent UF/IFAS in different ways, but each demonstrates exceptional service worthy of a 2026 Superior Accomplishment Award (SAA). This annual program honors faculty and staff who perform efficiently with innovation. Their work impacts the… more
A Prevention Scientist’s Journey to Address Teens’ Mental Health Online (2/4/2026) - Josie Bryan is a Doctoral Candidate in Youth Development and Family Sciences (YDFS) in the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (FYCS). She conducts prevention science research that tries to understand teens' mental health in online environments. Josie did not plan to continue her education after receiving her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and… more
Florida’s Winter Fruits Bring Fresh Flavor and Powerful Health Benefits (2/4/2026) - Floridians don’t have to wait for spring to enjoy fresh, locally grown fruit. Winter is one of Florida’s most productive fruit seasons, offering a variety of flavorful options that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Citrus fruits are the stars of the season. Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and mandarins are harvested across the state during… more
Preparing for Agricultural Damage and Loss Assessments Following Recent Winter Freeze Events (2/3/2026) - Florida has experienced several low-temperature and freeze events between late December 2025 and early February 2026. For the most up to date information about the forecast and freeze warnings in your area, visit the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center website, for additional information on current weather conditions in Florida and available tools related to… more
2025 in Review: Developing More Impacts (2/2/2026) - In the past year, Sarasota County Sustainability has advanced partnerships and projects building resilience, quality of life, public health, and sustainable and healthy living for now and our future. Building upon initiatives, programs, and partnerships allows for effective progression of impact from the groundwork of our program’s past efforts. From the 20 years celebration of… more
Understanding Fats: A Guide to Unsaturated, Saturated, and Trans Fat (2/2/2026) - Dietary fats are an essential component of a balanced diet; however, they are often a source of confusion and debate. There are three types of dietary fats: unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats. Understanding the health impacts of each type can help guide choices that can maximize health benefits and support a healthy lifestyle. The first… more
Artificial Intelligence and Children—What Adults Need to Know (2/2/2026) - Ready or not, it would seem artificial intelligence (AI) is now part of our everyday lives. You may not realize that AI has been around in various forms for decades. Most of us have been interacting with simple versions through chatbots, digital business services and even early computer gaming as far back as the 1950s.… more
Five Things You Didn’t Know About the University of Florida’s FSHN Department (2/2/2026) - The Food Science and Human Nutrition Department (FSHN) at the University of Florida is known for its innovative research, accomplished faculty and alumni, and top-notch academic programs in food science, nutritional sciences, and dietetics. Yet even for seasoned members, it's challenging to know everything about the FSHN department. That's why we're sharing five fun facts about our department, from the earliest… more
The Importance of Using a Food Thermometer (1/30/2026) - I cannot cook a meal without my trusty digital food thermometer. It gives me peace of mind and better health. It may be ever so tempting to assume food is fully cooked by looking at it, but this is not a reliable way to confirm food is safe to eat. The recent EDIS publication FSHN25-9,… more
2/18/26 GI-BMP in Orange County + Sun Spot Safety Lunch with Swag! (1/29/2026) - That is right! Fertilizer is regulated in Florida, including in Orange County and beyond. You are required to learn about it and follow the rules. We want to keep things interesting and beneficial for you, the landscape professionals. This year, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County is partnering with the Sun Spot Safety program to offer a… more
Mindful Mornings: Start the Day with Clarity and Purpose (1/29/2026) - How you start your morning can shape your entire day. A mindful morning routine is not just about checking things off a to-do list—it is about creating mental clarity, reducing stress, and showing up fully for whatever comes next. Instead of rushing through your morning, taking intentional moments can make a big difference in your… more
Frank Tipton and Joe Hayden retire after nearly 30 years in FPO (1/29/2026) - Our department is proud to have employees with many years of dedicated service. This year, I would like to honor two highly valued members of our team who, after many years with FPO, are preparing to begin a well-deserved new chapter. Frank Tipton - Celebrating 29 Years with FPO Frank Tipton was born in Glendive,… more
Too Cold to Swim: What Florida’s Winter Weather Means for Sea Turtles (1/29/2026) - Florida is famous for its warm beaches, swaying palms, and marine life. But when winter cold fronts sweep through, even our Sunshine State can get chilly enough to place sea turtles in danger. What is Cold-Stunning? Sea turtles are ectothermic meaning their body temperature matches the water around them. Unlike warm-blooded animals, they can't produce… more