The Solutions at Your Fingertips

The Growing County and Extension

What adventure will you get into today? Due to Nassau County’s diverse environments, you could enjoy a morning stroll along the beach followed by an afternoon paddling the St Mary’s River. Or, you could start your day perusing the local farmers’ markets, enjoying Fresh from Florida products, followed by an afternoon of gardening. After exploring all the great options, it is not surprising that Nassau County is quickly changing. In fact, newly released census data shows Nassau County has grown 23.24% since 2010.

As Nassau County continues to grow, it is important to remember that UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County is available for everyone. The extension mission is to develop knowledge in agricultural, human, and natural resources, and to make that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of life. Our programs focus on multiple statewide initiatives. The initiatives include supporting agricultural producers, protecting water quality and quantity, conserving our vital natural resources, helping families and individuals achieve social and economic success, and preparing youth to be responsible citizens. Therefore, as the county grows, we strive to be the solutions at your fingertips.

Extension Agents and Their Programs

UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County’s faculty and staff are prepared to help support and work with the community. To do so, the extension office provides programs about horticulture, family and consumer sciences, agriculture and natural resources, and 4-H Youth Development.

Taylor Clem, Ph.D. – Horticulture

Your horticulture program works with anyone interested in gardening and landscape management. Many of the programs work with homeowners, green-industry professionals, nurseries, community associations, or designers. Throughout the year we offer education and outreach opportunities to help the community learn about the most appropriate landscape decisions that protect water quality and quantity. In addition, we can work with you and your community to plan and adopt sustainable landscape practices.

Photo of Dr. Taylor Clem — Taylor Clem serves as the county extension director and horticulture extension agent. He has a background in sustainable landscape design, planning, and management.

Meg Mcalpine – Family and Consumer Sciences

Your family and consumer sciences program range from healthy living to family financial management. Programs offered by this agent benefit every Nassau County citizen. Regarding healthy living, offered programs include learning about basic nutrition and safely handling food to minimize food-borne illnesses. In addition, the family financial management program includes tax filing assistance and Medicare education.

Photo of Meg McAlpine — Meg Mcalpine serves as the Family and Consumer Science Agent. Her background in extension includes healthy living and family financial management.

Vacant – Agriculture and Natural Resources

Your agricultural and natural resources program celebrates the diversity of our natural and productive areas. The agent works a lot with agricultural producers, especially with management and troubleshooting. Additionally, the agent works with citizens to better understand the important role of Florida’s natural resources, which includes programs regarding invasive species control, gopher tortoise education, and coastal ecosystem protection.

Kelsey Irvine and Ted Karsch – 4-H Youth Development

Your 4-H Youth Development program is the backbone to extension. The 4-H program wants to “make the best better” by teaching youth the necessary skills to be responsible, productive citizens. Throughout the year, the 4-H agents in Nassau County offer programs focusing on leadership and civic engagement. Regardless of your youth’s interests, reach out to the county office to learn more about the county’s wonderful 4-H clubs.

Photo of Kelsey Irvine — Kelsey Irvine is one of the two 4-H Agents in Nassau County. Her background includes biology and animal sciences.

Photo of Ted Karsch — Ted Karsch serves as one of the two 4-H Youth Development Extension Agents in Nassau County. He has a background in teaching and education.

The Power of Volunteers

Your extension program wouldn’t be nearly as successful without its unbelievably talented volunteers. Master Gardener Volunteers help lead horticulture educational programming. Master Naturalist Volunteers focus a lot of efforts on educating the public about our vital resources. Finally, 4-H Youth Development volunteers are the critical parents helping support the 4-H clubs and their youth.

Your county extension office is here to provide science-based education to help enhance your quality of life. Any questions you have relating to horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, food, or 4-H programs, feel free to reach out to us. Our programs are not limited to what is listed above. Rather, we are needs-based. Our programs change and adapt to the needs of the community. Therefore, as you go about your day, remember that UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County is your local county extension office and we desire to be the solutions at your fingertips.