Letter from the Director
Dear Nassau County Residents,
We hope that everyone fared well during the storm. Nassau County and the University of Florida provide many resources to all Floridians to help in mitigation, protection, and recovery. Nassau County’s Emergency Management (onenassau.com) provides updated information regarding evacuations, threats, and other preparation resources. We encourage everyone, if you are not already, to sign up for AlertNassau – which is part of Florida’s statewide notification system. You can sign up to receive calls and text messages with up-to-date information and notifications.
The University of Florida participates in the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). It is “a collaborative multi-state effort by Cooperative Extension Services across the country to reduce the impact of disasters through research-based education.” More information on their resources can be found at www.piecenter.com/fl-eden. In addition, UF participates in disaster recovery and reporting for agricultural producers with USDA – which can help producers recover after storm impacts.
As our summer begins to wrap up, be on the lookout for all our upcoming programs! We look forward to seeing you.
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 Council
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month; 5:30pm – 7:00pm (subject to change)
Where: 543350 US-1, Callahan, FL 32011
Youth 13-18 years old
4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) Is a youth lead 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 official elected leadership roles. Over the course of the year, 4-H youth will have a chance to use their public speaking skills, work as a team, plan, and budget events.
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 Spencer Hewitt, spencer.hewitt@ufl.edu, 904-530-6353 at least 1 week in advance.
Leadership and Officer Training
When: August 13th, 2024; 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where:543350 U.S. Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011
Interested in learning more about leadership and how to lead a club? Please consider attending this training. All youth are welcome!
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 Spencer Hewitt, spencer.hewitt@ufl.edu, 904-530-6353 at least 1 week in advance.
2024 4-H Open House!
When: August 24, 9 am – 12 pm
Where: Callahan Extension Office/Callahan Multi-use Facility; 543350 US-1, Callahan, FL 32011
Who: All interested and returning 4-H families, everyone curious about what 4-H can offer their families
Drop by anytime between 9 and noon to discover how 4-H can help your youth find their spark! Come discover what Nassau County 4-H has to offer your family! 4-H is available for youth ages 5-18 and participation only costs $20 per youth for the year. Joining 4-H allows your youth to have opportunities to learn about a variety of subjects, make new friends, join a safe community program, and learn life skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. We will have representatives from our clubs and community programs to answer questions and helpful staff to assist you in getting started in 4-H!
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, 904-530-6354 at least 1 week in advance.
2024 4-H Family Orientation Night
When: September 17, 6pm
Where: ZOOM, registration required: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ufu-urTktGNAqTzd0NM2PIHOPFwKLKONI#/registration
Who: All interested and returning 4-H families, everyone curious about what 4-H can offer their families
New to 4-H or want to check out what all is in store for the upcoming year? Join us for our first family orientation!
This ZOOM meeting will allow you to learn about 4-H, our offerings and events, ask questions, and meet fellow members. We strongly recommend this for all new families, but all members are encouraged to join in.
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 Spencer Hewitt, spencer.hewitt@ufl.edu, 904-530-6353 at least 1 week in advance.
2024 Northeast Florida Fair
When: October 10-20
Where: Northeast Florida Fairgrounds
Who: All interested and returning 4-H families, families wanting to learn more about agriculture
The fair is almost here! During these weeks our office is actively supporting our competing members and educating our public about these projects. The fair has always been closely connected with 4-H, so don’t miss your chance to see why our roots will forever be in agriculture. Consider stopping by to support our youth exhibitors!
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, 904-530-6354 at least 1 week in advance.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
How to Prepare a Fall Pasture
When: August 15th, 2024 1:00 pm – 2:00pm
Where: In-Person, 7280 Motes Rd, Bryceville, Fl 32009
Learn more about growing and managing a pasture for livestock and/or food plots for game. We will cover the basics including how to prepare a fall pasture and how to manage various cool season crops including clovers, peas, ryes, etc. There is no registration fee. Please Join us in-person and bring a friend.
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.
CORE Continuing Education Units (FDACS)
When: August 19th, 2024 9:30 am – 12:00pm
Where: In-Person, 543350 US Hwy 1, Callahan, Fl 32009
Registration: Cost is $10.00 + Eventbrite fee.
Laws, Regulations, and Labeling. Understanding the label and labeling information including the common name of the pesticides they are utilizing; pests to be controlled, timing and methods of application; safety precautions; and specific disposal procedures. This class grants 2 CEUs in 487/482 General Standards/CORE
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.
THERM N’ WORM COMPOST N’ Learn
When: August 24th, 2024; 2:00pm – 4:45pm
Where: 543350 US Hwy 1, Callahan, FL 32011
Cost: $20
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/therm-n-worm-compost-n-learn-registration-966318002157?aff=oddtdtcreator
Learn to use the power of thermal microbes (therm) and red wigglers (worm)! to achieve success in composting. After this workshop you’ll be able to create rich soil for starting seeds, amending your vegetable garden, and increasing your soil health; plus, you’ll be able to recycle any food waste into fishing bait (worms) while improving the environment and lowering greenhouse gases!
If you have been to a composting workshop taught by Extension in the past, please email david.hebert@ufl.edu with the time and date of which class you attended to receive a $5 discount on the purchase price of the composting class on August 24th, 2024
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: 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.
Landscape Matters: Vermicomposting
When: October 9th, 2024; 10am – 11am
Where: Online or In-Person, 25 N. St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sduyrrTwqG9e_dl57CqC5WunWmzDhLg0B
Some of the most powerful gardeners and tenders of our soil are worms. Vermicomposting explores the words of worms in helping compost food scraps and other waste that can quickly be turned into garden amendments. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Fernandina Beach Library Branch to learn about this simple, at-home composting activity! Your garden will thank you for it, too.
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: Your Holiday Plants & The Cold
When: December 11, 2024; 10am – 11am
Where: Online or In-Person, 85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097
Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYscOivqD8qHtz5IJfmwt_CH4yoC6yH0b5o
It’s that time of year again. The warm temperatures wane and our homes fill with holiday plants. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office to learn about caring for your holiday plants and for strategies to protect your landscapes from the cold.
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.
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/
0
