UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County -

The Halloween Pennant: A Festive Dragonfly and Five Plants to Attract More Like It

by Bonnie Wells
October 30, 2025

When you think of Halloween, you might picture bats swooping through the twilight or the rustle of leaves beneath a moonlit sky as an owl perches high in the trees, ready to take flight. But there’s another winged creature that fits the ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Biodiversity, Dragonflies, Entomology, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Natural Resources

Fall Fun on Osceola County Farms

by Jessica Sullivan
September 23, 2025

Osceola County farms and ranches have plenty of entertainment options this season, from fuzzy farm animals to hay rides to getting the bejeebers scared out of you. Here are some tips for getting the most out of these fall farm attractions: ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agribusiness, Agriculture
Tags: Agritourism, Corn Maze, Fall Festival, Haunted Trail, Osceola County, Pumpkins

Go Mothing! It’s National Moth Week—Join the Hunt!

by Bonnie Wells
July 23, 2025

Mothing is the practice of attracting, observing, photographing, identifying, and documenting moths—either casually for enjoyment or as part of scientific study. All it takes is a white sheet and a light source, or even a bit of sugary bait ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, , Wildlife
Tags: Biodiversity, Insects, Lepidoptera, Moths, Natural Resources

Mosquito Alert – St Lucie

by Grantly Ricketts
April 11, 2025

If you are a landscaper, you have no choice but to work outside. There are so many nuisances in the landscape and I do not believe anyone likes to be bothered by mosquitos. You may have already heard about or met the newest addition to the list ... READ MORE

Category: Invasive Species
Tags: Aedes Scapulari

Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers

by Grantly Ricketts
April 11, 2025

Recently, I went for a troll along the UF/IFAS, St Lucie County Extension Nature Walk, when I came across some beautiful Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea microptera) nymph. The nymphs have a red variation, showing a blood-red coloration ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
Tags: Lubber Grasshopper

Blueberries & Strawberries – Nature’s Delicious Superfoods!

by Felicia Marable-Williams
April 7, 2025

If you’re looking for a way to boost your health while satisfying your sweet tooth, blueberries and strawberries are the ideal pair! These colorful berries are packed with nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits. Let’s dive into ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Food Safety, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Fruits And Veggies; Nutrition; Food Waste; Healthy Eating; Shopping And Budgeting; Wellness; Well Being; Chronic Diseases; Heart Health; Inflammation; Antioxidants, Health

Bird Flu in Backyard Chickens

by Grantly Ricketts
March 27, 2025

Understanding avian influenza, transmission methods, including direct contact, contaminated equipment, and airborne spread. According to the CDC, it’s natural for Avian Influenza viruses to be among waterfowl such as ducks and geese. ... READ MORE

Category: Livestock, Pests & Disease,
Tags: Bird Flu In Backyard Chickens

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EGG

by Grantly Ricketts
March 27, 2025

I recently conducted a backyard chicken class, and many questions were asked, which led me to compile the questions and answers below. As an Extension Agent, I have been asked numerous questions about eggs. From experience, over the years, people ... READ MORE

Category: Livestock
Tags: Eggs

Let the Plants stay in their USDA Zone

by Grantly Ricketts
March 27, 2025

I recently took an out-of-state family trip, and a family member was gifted with many plants. I knew one of the plants would not do well in my county because of the preferred USDA plant hardiness zone 10a. I explained why the plant would not ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture,
Tags: Right Plant Right Zone

Nourish to Flourish: Smart Nutrition for Healthy Aging Celebrating National Nutrition Month

by Felicia Marable-Williams
March 3, 2025

Aging gracefully starts with good nutrition! As we grow older, our bodies undergo changes that require different dietary needs. Eating well can help maintain energy levels, boost immunity, and support overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll ... READ MORE

Category: Food Safety, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Chronic Disease, Fruits And Veggies, Health, Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Living, Mindful Eating, National Nutrition Month, Nutrition, Older Adults, Physical Activity, Strength Training, Whole Grains

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