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

12/20/19 @ 11:15 a.m. - On Saturday, January 11, 2020, County Extension Director, Rebecca Jordi, will conduct an Adopt-A-Tree Adult Educational Workshop at the Yulee Extension Office located at 86026 Pages Dairy Road. Participants will learn about proper tree selection for your location, soil, sun/shade, and more. Those who complete the workshop will be offered 1 or 2 free, 3-5 gallon trees to plant on their property in Nassau County. The event is free, however registration is required. To register, please click here. 

Please note that this is an adult workshop and childcare will not be provided.

Thank you to Keep Nassau Beautiful and Liberty Landscape Supply for sponsoring this event. If you have any question, please call (904) 261-0165.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/22/19 @ 2:45 p.m. - The Nassau County Extension Office is currently seeking an Extension Agent for their 4-H Youth Development programs. The Extension Office is a joint partnership between State, Federal and County governments. Said agent would be a UF/IFAS faculty member, however would work closely with the County to provide comprehensive and diverse educational programs in 4-H Youth Development for Nassau County residents.

Please click here for the complete job description, educational requirements, and other information related to this position.

If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Human Resources at (904) 530-6075.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

8/22/19 @ 12:45 p.m.

Attention Nature Lovers! The Florida Master Naturalist Program is offering an Uplands Module this Summer.
UF/IFAS Nassau County Extension along with community partners is offering an Uplands module beginning September 9 and ending October 2, 2019. This core course will provide classroom, field trip and practical experience as related to the Upland Systems of Florida. Classroom instruction will cover ecology, habitats, vegetation, wildlife and conservation issues for Florida’s... Hardwood forests, pinelands, scrub, dry prairie and rangelands as well as urban green spaces. Field trips will focus on providing students with real-life examples of these systems in Nassau County.
The only requirements of students are enthusiasm, attendance, and class project participation! Hurry up and reserve your spot today!
The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education UF/IFAS Extension program developed by the University of Florida and provided by professionals throughout the state of Florida. FMNP training will benefit persons interested in learning more about Florida’s environment or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, ecotourism guides and others.
Please register at: http://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/ and for further questions please call 904-530-6350.

-Justina Dacey
 Nassau County Extension Office

5/31/19 @ 11:15 a.m. - On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, dozens attended a Ground Breaking Ceremony in celebration of the upcoming construction of a new County Extension Facility to be located at 85834 Miner Rd in Yulee. Those in attendance included the Board of County Commissioners, UF/IFAS Extension Staff, master gardeners, community volunteers and extension supporters.

The new 2,000 square foot facility will serve as the administration office for the Extension staff and will feature classrooms for lawn, agriculture, and family consumer classes and training rooms for the master gardeners and extension agents. The property will also feature demonstration gardens, a nature trail with learning stations, an orchard, and an aquatic pond for pond maintenance training.

The new facility will be named the Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office, in honor of our current Extension Director, Ms. Becky Jordi. Anyone who has met Ms. Jordi can attest to her passion for agriculture and horticulture and her determination to make this project a reality. It is anticipated that the project will be completed within the next 16 months.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office