UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County -

Sandspurs…Sandburs…Cenchrus spp.

by Lisa Strange
December 11, 2025

What Are Sandspurs? Where in the world are all these little spurs coming from? Although it’s often considered a nuisance, this annual grass that commonly grows in sandy, undisturbed areas throughout much of the United States, does have some ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Livestock, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: #TaylorCounty, Horticulture, Lawns, Pasture, Sandspurs, UF/IFAS Extension

The Importance of Using Native Plants in Zone 9

by Lisa Strange
December 2, 2025

In zone 9, native plant material is one of the most impactful choices one can make for the environment. Native plants are adapted to our climate and soils, making them more resilient, water-efficient, and less dependent on fertilizers or pesticides. ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: #TaylorCounty, Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Landscaping, Native Plants, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Taylor County

New World Screwworm Threat

by Lisa Strange
November 18, 2025

In the 1950’s 60’s the screwworm was an ongoing burden with livestock but over years with research, breeding sterile male flies and monitoring it was eliminated in United States. Then in 2016 they were detected in Monroe County that wiped ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Livestock, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Florida, Insects, Livestock, Taylor County, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Taylor County

Hands-On Homesteading Series a Success in Suwannee and Taylor Counties

by Lisa Strange
November 18, 2025

UF/IFAS Extension Agents in Suwannee and Taylor Counties recently teamed up to offer a creative new program series, Hands-On Homesteading. Held from August 22 through September 12, the four-week series focused on practical, “back-to-basics” ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, Home Management, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, , Work & Life
Tags: Cooking, Family, Florida, Health, Homesteading, Suwannee County, Taylor County, UF/IFAS Extension

Strengthening Families 10-14 Program Strengthens Community Bonds at Kingdom Culture Church

by Abbey Tharpe
November 14, 2025

Community Families Unite for Strengthening Families Program Taylor County families recently came together at Kingdom Culture Church to participate in the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10–14, a seven-week series designed ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Clubs & Volunteers, Curriculum, Events, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: #TaylorCounty, 4-h, Children, Family, Youth

Room for Pollinators

by Lisa Strange
November 7, 2025

A pollinator hotel is a simple way to help native bees and wasps by giving them a safe place to nest and spend the winter. These beneficial insects are vital for pollinating crops and wild plants, yet their numbers are declining due to habitat ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS,
Tags: #TaylorCounty, Citizen Science, Florida, Florida Master Gardener Program, Gardening, Pollinator Gardening, Pollinators

Fall Family Fun: 4-H Inspired Things to Do This Season

by Abbey Tharpe
November 6, 2025

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall offers the perfect backdrop for family fun, learning, and connection. It’s also a great time to bring a little 4-H spirit into your home exploring nature, being creative, and spending ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: 4-h, Children, Cooking, Family, Youth

Finding Balance: Eating Healthy During the Holiday Season Without Missing Out

by Lori Wiggins
November 5, 2025

The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and yes, plenty of delicious food. Between festive parties, family gatherings, and holiday baking, it’s easy to fall into the “all or nothing” mindset: either indulge in everything ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: #TaylorCounty, Cooking, Exercise, Family, Florida, Health, Healthy, Nutrition

The Misunderstood Opossum: Nature’s Gentle Janitor

by Lisa Strange
October 15, 2025

The opossum Didelphis virginiana is one of nature’s most misunderstood and underappreciated creatures. Often dismissed or feared, these gentle animals quietly go about their business doing remarkable work for the environment. I recently ... READ MORE

Category:

Fall Planting Considerations: Asters are Naturally Pollinator Friendly Compared to Chrysanthemums

by Lisa Strange
October 8, 2025

Chrysanthemums Traditionally this time of year we spend our money on lovely colorful blooming Chrysanthemums for fall décor. Please consider our pollinators when purchasing your next landscape seasonal plants. Here’s why: in cultivated mums, ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Fall Flowering Plants, Fall Plants, Flowering Plants, Flowers, Gardening, Horticulture, Taylor County

Subscribe For More Great Content