8/31/20 @ 8:15 a.m. - We are proud to announce that several Nassau County Extension Agents are being recognized for their outstanding programs and contributions to their communities.

The below individuals have been invited to present their programs at the 2020 Extension Professional Association of Florida (EPAF) Annual Conference:

Abstract Presentations:
Justina Dacey
Demonstration Living Shorelines: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Ted Karsch
4-H Teach Me in 3: An Innovative Approach to Traditional 4-H programs

Kelsey Irvine
Flying Lead Changes During COVID-19: Continuation of 4-H Equine Programming in the Virtual Space

Poster Presentation:
Ted Karsch
4-H Teach me in 3

The following individuals will be presented with awards:

Florida Association of County Agriculture Agenda (FACA)
Becky Jordi
Category: Bound Book. Zoe's Mission.

Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents (FAE4-HA)
1 team award and 2 individual awards.

Kelsey Irvine
Team: Excellence in Teamwork Area North 4-H Show Committee: Alisha Hutchinson, Amanda Pittman, Beth Moore, Genevieve Mendoza, Geralyn Sachs, Jessica Cooper, Kelsey Irvine, Nicole Crawson, Stephanie Conner, Derby Sale, and Savanna Turner 

Individual Awards: Excellence in Volunteerism and Service Award (both State and National Winner)

Florida Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (FEAFCS)

Meg McApline
Team: Food Safety: Team Laurie Osgood, Katherine Allen, Jill Breslawski, Nancy Gal, Jennifer Hagen, Wendy Lynch, Meg McAlpine, Ada MedinaSolorzano, Amy Mullins, Gabriella Murza, Natasha Parks, Maria Rometo, Julianne Shoup, Virgilia Zabala, and Kendra Zamojski 
 
Congratulations to all our Extension agents on their achievements! We are so happy to have such amazing agents representing our County.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/23/20 @ 1:15 p.m.

A 4-H member is a youth that is enrolled in 4-H Online and has paid an annual membership fee. Members can choose whichever and how many clubs they want to be a part of, compete in events, go on special trips, earn recognition for their work in their project, and are part of a larger network of peers, volunteers, and caring adults.

4-H members are divided based on their age as of September 1st of the current year.

Cloverbuds: Ages 5-7
Juniors: Ages 8-10
Intermediates: Ages 11-13
Seniors: Ages 14-18

Please watch this video to view the 4H Virtual Open House and learn more about this exciting program!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

8/10/20 @ 10:10 a.m.  On July 27, 2020, we shared a Press Release from the Department of Agriculture regarding reports of individuals receiving unsolicited packets of seeds from China. Click here to read it again.

Below is an important update from the Nassau County Extension Office regarding this subject and what to do if you receive any:

From the County Extension Office
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are concerned these seeds are a form of agricultural smuggling and could be an invasive plant. An invasive is any plant or animal that can takeover an area, causing economic loss, ecological damage and even harming human health. Here in Nassau County, UF/IFAS Extension and the City of Fernandina Beach have been removing invasive plant species such as Russian thistle and Mother of Millions on Amelia island.

What To Do: Anyone receiving unsolicited seed packages from other countries should follow these directions:

• Your local Extension office will accept ONLY opened packages.
• Bring seed/plant material packets and their original packaging materials to the Extension office, which should then be placed in a plastic zip bag.
• Fill out form
• OR you can contact your local FDACS-DPI office or contact the FDACS-DPI helpline at 1-888-397-1517 to arrange for pickup of the packages and leave a message.
• Additional instructions for the public are available here: http://www.fdacs.gov/seedbymail

When reporting the seed package to FDACS and USDA/APHIS, please be prepared to provide one’s name, physical address, phone number, and email address for contact purposes.
Other Resources

Here is a recent press release from FDACS on the suspicious seed packets.

Here is a news room post from the USDA.
Information on UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants.

by Justina Dacey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our County Extension Director, Rebecca Jordi. Becky lost her long, courageous battle with cancer on July 31st at the age of 66.
 
Becky began her employment with Nassau County on May 4, 2001 as an Extension Agent in Horticulture. Over the years, she also served as an Extension Agent for 4H, an Extension Agent II and finally as the County Extension Director since September 3, 2010.
 
Becky had a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida State University, a Master’s Degree from Kutztown University and earned her certification with the International Society of Arborists. She won many awards including: Florida Association of Natural Resources Professionals-Mid Career Leadership Award; Florida Association of County Agricultural Agent Search for Excellence Team Award, National Finalist; National Finalist in Landscape Horticulture; Computerized Graphic Presentation Silver Award; and Extension Professional Association Young Professional of the Year. Her most recent achievement was the publishing of her long-awaited children’s book, Zoe’s Mission.
 
Becky initiated many projects including, but not limited, the demonstration gardens at the James S. Page Governmental Complex and Yulee County Building; landscapes matters classes; plant clinics; crash courses in gardening, and much more. She had a guest column in the NewsLeader titled Garden Talk and was often called upon to speak at Epcot’s Annual Home and Garden show. She also appeared several times on WTLV 12 First Coast Living.
 
Becky loved all things related to horticulture and if you ever had the privilege of attending one of her classes or heard her speak at any event, you would have seen her passion and excitement on the subject. She was a wonderful teacher with a fun and bubbly personality. She always remained positive and upbeat, even over the past few years when she wasn’t feeling her best. She was a wonderful asset to the County and will be greatly missed.
The family has indicated that a celebration of life will be held in the fall to coincide with the opening of the new County Extension Office which is currently being constructed on Miner Rd. The Board has already dedicated the naming of the facility in her honor.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that her book, Zoe’s Mission, be purchased in her memory. It is available at the monthly landscape matters classes hosted by the Extension volunteers and their bi-annual plant sales. Proceeds go directly to the Master Gardener Program.
 
-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

5/27/20 @ 12:30 p.m.

This week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Did you know that plants not native to our area can actually disrupt the ecosystem? Did you also know that just because a plant is sold in a local store doesn't mean it's native to our area?

Below is a photo of a a Mother of Millions plant found right here in Nassau County. Please click here to learn more about this coastal invader.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

Contact: Justina Dacey
         Natural Resources & Agriculture Extension Agent II
         Phone: (904) 530-6353
         Email: jdacey@ufl.edu


UF/IFAS Extension and Nassau County Hike with a Naturalist Program Wins Award

UF/IFAS Extension and Nassau County’s natural resources and agriculture extension agent, Justina Dacey and members of the Northeast Florida Master Naturalists friend’s group Diane Howell and Gordon Saager was awarded 2nd place in the outstanding educational materials category by the Florida Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (FANREP) for their Hike with a Naturalist program.
 
The program was created in 2019 due to an increasing need for residents to learn more about the flora and fauna of their surrounding environment. Hike with a Naturalist encourages locals to explore the vegetation and wildlife found on a designated nature trail at Cary State Forest. Diane Howell created a trail brochure to supplement the hike filled with information related to various stopping points. In March 2019, 30 participants joined a hike led by Justina Dacey and Gordon Saager. Participants learned about the importance of fire ecology, invasive species, forest management and a diversity of other conservation related topics. The Northeast Florida Master Naturalists friends’ group have also offered Hike with a Naturalist at other locations and even a Paddle with a Naturalist series.
 
For more information about upcoming events with UF/IFAS Extension in Nassau County, please check out their website, https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/nassau/. If interested in becoming a member of the Florida Master Naturalists friends’ group, find more information here: tinyurl.com/neflchapter
 

3/2/20 @ 3:50 p.m. - Nassau County Extension Director, Rebecca Jordi, has written a children's book titled Zoe's Mission, which teaches the life cycle of a butterfly. The book was written to encourage observance of caterpillars and the chrysalises phase in hopes to increase the number of Zebra Longwing Butterflies (The Florida State Butterfly), in Northeast Florida. The book also introduces four other types of butterflies that are common in our area.

The Book is $26.75 and can be purchased at the County Extension Office located at 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011. It will also be available for purchase at each Landscape Matters Class (click here to see schedule) and the bi-annual Master Gardener Plant Sale. All proceeds will benefit UF/IFAS County Extension's horticulture program, specifically the 4-H program. 

Pictured left to right are Master Gardener Volunteers Lynn West, Karl Schaffer and Joanne Roach, UF/IFAS Nassau Extension Director and author Rebecca Jordi, and Master Gardener Volunteer Carol Ann Atwood.



 

2/11/ @ 11:00 a.m. - The Nassau County Extension Office is seeking volunteers to assist with two upcoming events.


Living Shoreline Citizen Science Monitoring
Tuesday, February 18th from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. OR
Sunday, February 23rd from 2:30-5:00 p.m.
Goffinsville Park, Nassauvville

Event Description
In April, Florida Master Naturalist students and community volunteers deployed CORE (Community Oyster Reef Enhancement) modules at Goffinsville Park. These CORE modules help oysters recruit and provide habitat for crabs and fish. Overtime they help stabilize the shoreline and protect our coastlines.
Now that they've had a few months to grow, we're going to take a look at the progress. Join us for a short session about the Goffinsville Demonstration Living Shoreline being built and learn more about the science behind monitoring the health of this living shoreline.
Please wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy or wet. Bring water, hat, sunscreen and a positive attitude!

Register Here


Oyster Reef Ball Deployment
Friday, March 6, 2020 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Goffinsville Park, Nassauville


Event Description:
Join UF and Nassau Extension Staff in deploying the second oyster reef material for the Goffinsville Demonstration Living Shoreline. These oyster reef balls will provide a habitat for oysters, crabs, fish and other marine animals to utilize. They will also reduce erosion and provide stability for the shoreline. We're looking for strong volunteers because these oyster reef balls are 50 pounds each! We'll be placing 20 out along the shoreline of Goffinsville Park.
Sign up to learn more about this local project, some ecology of our estuaries and how you can get involved with the citizen science monitoring.
Thank you to the University of North Florida Environmental Center for sponsoring this project.

Register Here

If you have any questions, please contact Justina Dacey at (904) 530-6350 or via email at jdacey@ufl.edu.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

1/23/20 @ 1:45 p.m. - In December 2019, we shared information on an Adopt-a-Tree Workshop Series being sponsored by Keep Nassau Beautiful and Liberty Landscape. The first Adopt-a-Tree Workshop was held on Saturday, January 11th. County Extension Director, Rebecca Jordi, did a presentation on proper tree selection and how to care for them. Those who completed the class received free 3-5 gallon trees. Below are some photos from the event.

Additional Adopt-a-Tree Workshops have been scheduled. The classes are free, however pre-registration is required. Participants for these events will also receive a tree to take home courtesy of Liberty Landscape.

Below is the schedule for the remaining classes. Note: These are adult only classes and child care will not be provided.

Saturday, February 8th  from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Callahan Extension Office, 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011
Register here

Saturday, March 14th from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Peck Center, 516 South 10th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Register here

Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Hilliard Community Center, 37177 Pecan Street, Hilliard, FL 32046
Register here

If you have any questions, please contact Keep Nassau Beautiful at (904) 261-0165 or email knb@keepnassaubeautiful.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

1/7/20 @ 4:30 p.m. - Did you know that invasive vines are bad for our environment? Not only do they spread rapidly and overtake native species, they cause structural problems to  trees and prevent the them from getting the proper amount of sunlight.

The Amelia Island Tree Conservancy and the Nassau County Extension Office have coordinated an event to spread awareness on native and non-native vines and their relationship to the tree canopies. Participants will also learn how to manage vines on their property and develop an understanding on who to contact should you need assistance.

The event will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Song & Story Neighborhood Bookstore Bistro located at 1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach. The event is free and open to the public.

If you have any questions, please contact the County Extension Office at (904) 530-6350.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office