Letter from the Director
Dear Nassau County Residents,
While school is out, summer camp is in! Every summer, UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County leads multiple day camps for 4-H Youth. This year’s camping program includes camps like Lego Brick Masters, Love a Horse, Lil’ Leaders, Let’s Bug Out, Arrow Adventures, and many more! To help lead our summer camps to success, our county extension office was able to welcome Rilee Decker – a recent University of Florida graduate interning within our office this summer.
While we continue throughout the summer with our other programming, it’s also important that we celebrate our successes! Last month, David Hebert and I shared our county extension programming at the Association for Natural Resource Extension Professionals national conference in Hershey, PA – including our award-winning program Follow the Water! Other successes include our ability to provide 1563 educational contacts, seven newspaper articles, and 733 volunteer hours! In total, the total service value given by the county extension office was $50,793.
We Look Forward to Seeing You,
Taylor Clem, Ph.D.
UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County
County Extension Director
Horticulture Extension Agent II
Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator
Upcoming Programs
4-H Youth Development
Teen Leadership Club
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month; 6:30pm – 8:00pm (subject to change)
Where: Miner Road Extension Office (85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097) or (543350 US-1, Callahan, FL 32011)
Youth 13-18 years old
About: 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) Is a youth-led club that provides leadership and support to Nassau County. This club is designed to help youth get out of their comfort zone, achieve reachable goals, give back to the community through volunteerism, and hold officially elected leadership roles. Over the year, 4-H youth will have a chance to use their public speaking skills, work as a team, plan, and budget events.
For more information contact:
4-H Agent, Spencer Hewitt
(904)530-6353
2024 4-H SUMMER Camps
WHEN: JUNE 4- July 25
Where: 85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097 or 54335o US HWY 1, Callahan, FL 32011
Registration Link: https://sites.google.com/view/nassau-county-4-h/things-to-do-in-4-h/camps
Each summer our 4-H agents will host a variety of affordable, local day camps for youth aged 5-18. Each year available topics will vary, but we will offer a day camp for all age categories. Day camps typically are 3-5 days in length for full camps or special 1 day events and are held out of our Extension Offices. Subjects can include archery, horses, art, sewing, cooking, environmental science, animal science, or even community service. Please see our site or specifics on this year’s available camps.
- To sign up for this year’s day and residential camps, all families must use 4-H Online.
- The camp page links will take you directly to each camp’s event sign up page or you can select specific camps under the events tab in your family profile.
- You do not need to be a 4-H member to attend our camps, but all registrations must go through 4-H online.
- Campers must wear closed-toe shoes at all times and bring a bag lunch unless otherwise specified.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact Kelsey Irvine, kelseymirvine@ufl.edu, (904)530-6353 at least 1 week in advance.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Forage Legumes
June 18th and June 24th, 2024; 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Online
Learn more about growing and managing legumes for livestock and wildlife game such as deer or turkey in food plots. We will cover the basics including how and why legumes harvest nitrogen from the air, how to prepare a new seedbed, and how to manage the crop. There are several benefits to planting clovers including: up to 150 lbs./acre free N, improved soil health, increased pollinator activity, and foundational nutrition for livestock and game.
There is no registration fee for either class.
Register for the June 18th class below:
https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vd-GpqzMuHNQ6SdeWHaSN3lJwhyl5LxPn
Register for the June 24th class below:
https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkc-6srTssH9MWux3-ffInEt7sjVn-T__L
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact David Hébert, DAVID.HEBERT@UFL.EDU (904)530-6356 at least 1 week in advance.
Beach birds of Nassau County
- June 17th, 2024 1:30pm to 2:30pm
- In-Person, 1600 Julia St., Fernandina, FL, 32034
- June 18th, 2024; 10am-11am
- Online
Learn which birds you are likely to encounter at the beach! We will teach you how to recognize these birds by their plumage, sound, habits, and movements so you can show off your birding skills to your friends and family this summer! This month will be focusing on Sanderling! We will also review the 13 beach birds covered in the previous class to help with your identification skills.
There is no registration fee for any of the classes.
Register for the June 17th class using the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/783457593566628?active_tab=about
Register for the June 18th class using the link below:
https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtduCvrzIvEtQi9WNtgzPzDi9c3c7K3SZS
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact David Hébert, DAVID.HEBERT@UFL.EDU (904)530-6356 at least 1 week in advance.
Horticulture
NEW PODCAST – Cultivating Curiosity
Want to learn on the go? Tune into the horticulture agent’s new podcast, “Cultivating Curiosity” where two extension agents explore the world of horticulture. Each month, Dr Taylor Clem and Alyssa Vinson (Manatee County Extension) discuss horticulture and gardening topics with different specialists around the state. You can find our podcast on any major podcasting platform, or you can visit our webpage for more information about each episode and links to supporting podcast providers.
https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/cultivating-curiosity/home
The Good Gardener
The Master Gardener Volunteers’ bi-monthly gardening and landscape newsletter can be found here.
2024 Landscape Matters Program
Landscape Matters, a monthly horticulture program that discusses common questions and topics with Nassau County residents. This program is presented by Nassau County’s Master Gardener Volunteers. Online and in-person. In-person location changes throughout the year, rotating between Fernandina Beach Branch Library, The Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office, and Hilliard Branch Library. Doors open at 10:00am and the program kicks-off at 10:15am.
For More Information and to Register, Visit Here: https://go.ufl.edu/2024landscapematters
Landscape Matters: Summer Vegetable Gardening
When: June 12, 2024; 10am – 11am
Where: Online or In-Person, 15821 County Road 108, Hilliard, FL 32046
Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtde2qrjsvGdy0F6RkdG_0g0l-galnrsYD
Florida’s summers and vegetable gardening do not always seem compatible. Despite the heat, our vegetable gardens can be highly productive or prepared for cooler seasons. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Hilliard Branch Library to learn about our latest recommendations and tips for managing your summer vegetable garden.
Join us online or in person (15821 County Road 108, Hilliard, FL 32046). There is no registration fee. During registration, let us know if you plan on attending in person or online. Everyone registering will automatically receive a sign-in link to view the program online.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact Taylor Clem, taylorclem87@ufl.edu, (904)530-6353 at least 1 week in advance.
Landscape Matters: What’s a Pest?
When: July 10, 2024; 10am – 11am
Where: Online or In-Person, 25 N. St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpduytrz0sHtST1FYUnm7kKDjHb49RqVsr
We have many unwelcomed pests in our gardens and landscapes, but have you ever wondered, “What is a pest?” Surprisingly, it’s not a simple question to answer. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Fernandina Beach Branch Library to learn about the different types of pests and a basic understanding of the best management practices of pests.
Join us online or in person (25 N. St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034). There is no registration fee. During registration, let us know if you plan on attending in person or online. Everyone registering will automatically receive a sign-in link to view the program online. Limited to 500 participants.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact Taylor Clem, taylorclem87@ufl.edu, (904)530-6353 at least 1 week in advance.
Landscape Matters: Attracting Beneficial Insects
When: August 14, 2024; 10am – 11am
Where: Online or In-Person, 85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097
Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctf-isqDMtGNVXhkT4uzsusmQiuk2edzYt
Not all insects are pests. In fact, the majority of pests are beneficial or benign. Attracting beneficial insects to our gardens and landscapes can help reduce pest populations, improve flowering, and increase fruit production. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension office to learn more about attracting beneficial insects to your garden.
Join us online or in person (85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097). There is no registration fee. During registration, let us know if you plan on attending in person or online. Everyone registering will automatically receive a sign-in link to view the program online. Limited to 500 participants.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact Taylor Clem, taylorclem87@ufl.edu, (904)530-6353 at least 1 week in advance.
Landscape Matters: Your Backyard Vegetable Garden
When: September 11, 2024; 10am – 11am
Where: Online or In-Person, 15821 County Road 108, Yulee, FL 32046
Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsfu-srTMtH9SZ7CuzxUmymp_DqHQRSXU0
The fall, winter, and spring are some of the best times to have a vegetable garden in Florida. Gardeners can expect a diverse selection of different fruits and vegetables to grow. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Hilliard Branch Library to learn more about backyard vegetable gardening.
Join us online or in person (15821 County Road 108, Hilliard, FL 32046). There is no registration fee. During registration, let us know if you plan on attending in person or online. Everyone registering will automatically receive a sign-in link to view the program online. Limited to 500 participants.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact Taylor Clem, taylorclem87@ufl.edu, (904)530-6353 at least 1 week in advance.
Family & Consumer Sciences
Programs on Hold
Meg McAlpine, UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County’s Family and Consumer Sciences extension agent of 22 years will be retiring. As a result there will be a temporary hold on FCS programs until the position is filled. We thank Meg McAlpine for her years of dedication and leadership to Nassau County. Please note below a list of useful resources for Nassau County residents equipped to help answer questions related to Medicare Assistance, Tax Help, Food Safety/Canning, and Social Security
Local Resources
- Medicare Assistance – Free & Unbiased
- Medicare Right’s Center – 1-800-333-4114
- Elder Source – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of the Elderly) – 1-888-242-4464
- Medicare – 1-800-633-4227
- Tax Help from the United Way – Dial 211
- Food Safety & Canning from UF/IFAS Extension Duval County
- Food Safety – Natasha Parks, 904-255-7450
- Canning – D’Alicia Straughter, 904-255-7450
- Social Security Office
- 1-800-772-1213
- Between 8:00am – 7:00pm
Contact Us
Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office
85831 Miner Road
Yulee, FL 32097
M-F; 8:00am – 5:00pm
Call in advance for scheduling.
Nassau County Extension Satellite Office
543350 US Highway 1
Callahan, FL 32011
M-F; 8:00am – 5:00pm
Call in advance for scheduling
Resources & Webpages
Webpages
- County Extension Webpage: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/nassau/
- Eventbrite & Program Registrations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-nassau-county-58363312263
- 4-H Youth Development Nassau County Webpage: https://sites.google.com/view/nassau-county-4-h/
Social Media
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NassauCountyExtension
- Nassau County Extension Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NassauCountyExtension/
- 4-H Youth Development Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NassauCounty4H/
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