Category: County Extensionagriculture Services - The County Insider

The County Insider

4-H Youth Emergency Team Interest Night

12/9/2025

12/9/25 @ 2:00 p.m.

Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary?

Join the Nassau County Extension Office on Thursday, December 11, 2025, to learn more about Nassau County 4-H's award-winning team Youth Emergency Team (YET) and graduate with the next YET cadre! Whether you're looking to build real-life skills, meet others in your community, or just looking for community service hours, this is your opportunity. Come meet some incredible YET graduates and hear firsthand how YET empowers you, builds confidence, and helps turn everyday people into community heroes!

WHAT: 4-H Youth Emergency Team Interest Night
WHEN: 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Nassau County Extension Office, 85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL

If you have any questions, please contact the Nassau County Extension Office at (904) 530-6353.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Peanut Butter Drive Results

11/5/2025

11/5/25 @ 6:00 a.m.

We’re thrilled to announce that our community donated 347 jars during this year’s Peanut Butter Challenge. That's equivalent to 592 pounds!

All donations will stay right here in Nassau County, helping to stock local food pantries and support families in need. A special thank you to UF/IFAS Nassau County for coordinating this effort and making it all possible.

Your generosity makes a real difference. Thank you for helping fight hunger in our community!

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

The Dog Program

10/8/2025

10/8/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

In July 2024, the Nassau County Extension 4-H Program partnered with Nassau County Animal Services (NCAS) to offer "The Dog Program", an 11-week course designed to educate teens ages 15-18 on the importance of responsible dog care, basic training, veterinary science, recordkeeping, and public speaking, all while working to improving the dog's chances of adoption.

Spencer Hewitt Extension Agent I for 4-H Youth Development stated, "In this program, Officer Marty Pruitt and I emphasize that while our goals include helping dogs get adopted and teaching youth fundamental training techniques, our larger mission is to develop life skills. Through this experience, youth participants build resilience, confidence in public speaking, and strong communication abilities. Many youth join the program because of their interest in dog training, and the experience often helps them explore and prepare for future careers. For instance, several participants in this year’s group aspire to become veterinarians or nurses. The Dog Program provides them with hands-on programming, which is the first step to their future career, and connects them back to their community."

Support Nassau County 4-H Youth at the Adoption Day Contest on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds. During this event, 6 youth will showcase their dog's new skills to the community in hopes of helping them find their fur-ever home. As part of the contest, youth will be evaluated in several areas including public speaking, handling skills, and overall knowledge.

Join us for an evening that celebrates compassion, learning, and community. The Dog Program is not only changing the lives of shelter dogs—it’s shaping the future of Nassau County’s youth. Your presence and support make a lasting difference for both.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

National 4-H Week

10/4/2025

Commissioner John Martin presents a Proclamation to Nassau County 4-H, declaring the week of October 5 - October 11, 2025 as 4-H Week in Nassau County, FL.

10/4/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - At the Monday, September 22, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved a Proclamation declaring October 5 - October 11, 2025, as National 4-H Week in Nassau County, Florida. This annual, week-long celebration showcases the accomplishments of 4-H members and promotes the organization by recruiting new youth and volunteers.

This year's theme, "Beyond Ready", reminds us that 4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change and equips young people with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. 4-H is currently the largest youth development organization, serving six million youth across the country, connecting young people and adults to their communities and preparing them for work and life through experiential and inquiry-based learning.

Please join us this week in recognizing Nassau County 4-H for the significant impact it has made and continues to make, and for empowering youth with the skills they need for a healthy, happy and successful life.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

2025 Peanut Butter Challenge

10/2/2025

10/2/25 @ 2:00 p.m.

October is finally here which means it's time for the annual Peanut Butter Challenge! Each October, Extension Offices across the State collect peanut butter to celebrate Florida's peanut agriculture industry while helping combat hunger. All donated jars go to local food banks and charities to distribute to high-need community members.

HOW TO DONATE
Donating is easy! Just drop off an unopened jar of peanut butter at any of the following locations before October 31, 2025:

UF/IFAS Extension Office (85831 Miner Rd., Yulee)
UF/IFAS Extension Annex (543350 US Highway 1, Callahan)
James S. Page Governmental Complex (96135 Nassau Place, Yulee)
Nassau County Chamber of Commerce (961687 Gateway Blvd. Suite 101-G, Fernandina Beach)
Fernandina Library (25 N. 14th Street, Fernandina Beach)
Hilliard Library (15821 County Road 108, Hilliard)
Yulee Library (76346 William Burgess Rd. - FSCJ Campus)
Callahan Library (450077 State Road 200, Suite 15)
Bryceville Library (7280 Motes Road)

If you have any questions, please call (904) 530-6353.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Plant Sale

9/29/2025

9/29/25 @ 11:00 a.m.

Calling all plant lovers! The next Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9am-12pm. During this event, you can find a variety of flowers, plants and shrubs to fit your landscape needs, all of which are native to the area and were carefully propagated, grown and maintained by our master gardeners. Look closely and you'll likely find unique plants that aren't often found at local stores and nurseries and are bound to make your neighbors green with envy.

The event will take place at the Nassau County- UF/IFAS Extension Office located at 58531 Miner Road in Yulee. Please note that they will only be able to accept cash and checks for payment (no credit or debit cards). All proceeds will benefit the Master Gardener Volunteer program.

Questions? Call (904) 530-6350.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Automotive 101...

9/11/2025

9/11/25 @ 7:00 p.m.

Looking to learn more about basic car maintenance and care? New to driving and want to feel more prepared to tackle car owning responsibility? Are you confident identifying issues with your vehicle? Do you know what to do if your car leaves you stranded? If any of these questions sparked something in you, come to our introduction to automotives Fun Shop! Youth are encouraged to bring their own vehicles to learn about their specific cars or use one of our example vehicles.

Participants will walk away with resources and some tools to help on their automotive adventures!

When: September 27, 9am-Noon
Where: Yulee Extension Office

There is no cost to participate, however registration is required.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Roll for Life Skills Campaign

9/8/2025

9/8/25 @ 7:00 p.m.

Did you hear? Nassau 4-H is hosting a D&D campaign! The new program uses the exciting world of Dungeons & Dragons to help youth build essential life skills like critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and mental health awareness. Through immersive storytelling and collaborative gameplay, participants will face challenges that promote real-world problem-solving and social growth.

The campaign will meet from 5-7pm at the Yulee Extension Office starting with Session 0 on September 16, 2025. All additional dates are as follows: September 16, September 23, October 7, October 28, November 4, and November 25, 2025.

Join Nassau 4-H on this unique journey where imagination meets personal development!

This campaign is open to a maximum of 8 players ages 13-18. No experience is necessary!

Register at https://forms.gle/CXvPoh3h8ZoM8dUL7.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communciations Officer

Nassau County 4-H Open House

7/20/2025

Nassau County 4-H Open House Program Flyer

7/20/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Are you interested in joining Nassau County 4-H?

Join us for our Annual 4-H Open House on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Discover the variety of programs offered
Meet club members and volunteers
Learn how 4-H helps youth grow through hands-on learning and life skill development.

They are also seeking enthusiastic volunteers to make these programs a success. Whether you’re a parent, a potential member, or someone who wants to make a difference in the life of a young person, we invite you to stop by and see what 4-H is all about.

We look forward to seeing you there!

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Volunteer Appreciation Event

7/19/2025

7/19/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

Join the Nassau County Extension Office for a fun-filled afternoon at the American Beach Community Center as we show our appreciation for all the amazing volunteers who help remove invasive species and keep our beautiful county clean. Enjoy a variety of games, delicious coffee, and great company as we celebrate your hard work and dedication in making Nassau County a better place to live!

What: Volunteer Appreciation Event
When: Monday, September 15, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: American Beach Community Center, 1600 Julia Street, Fernandina Beach

This event is FREE, but pre-registration is required.

Questions? Contact David Hébert at (904) 530-6356 or [email protected].

The Dog Program

7/15/2025

7/15/25 @ 7:00 p.m.

In July 2024, the County Extension and Nassau County Animal Services (NCAS) partnered to offer “The Dog Program”, a course designed to educate teens ages 15-18 years old on basic dog training and caring skills, in hopes of helping more shelter pets get adopted.

A new session of The Dog Program will begin in August 2025 and participants will learn about animal wellness, hands-on vet science, the adoption process and proper care. Participants will also train rescue dogs along side of professional trainers and complete a project book showcasing their learning and service hours. Lastly, each will participate in an Adoption Day Competition at the Fairgrounds in October 2025.

If you're ready to make a difference in a dog's life and grow your skills, be sure to sign up for this program. The deadline to apply is July 17, 2025. Register here.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Invasive Species Round-Up

7/12/2025

7/12/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Help save the dunes by joining the Nassau County Extension for an invasive species roundup event on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. This event will educate residents on the impacts of invasive species and will include the removal of Mother of Millions, an invasive plant that threatens Nassau County's dune system. Rated as a Category One invasive succulent by the Florida Invasive Species Council, Mother of Millions displaces native vegetation and reduces the availability of food and shelter for local wildlife.

This event is free. To participate, please register here. Participants should bring a hat and/or sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, gloves, and a water bottle.

Participants will meet at the American Beach Community Center located at 1600 Julia Street and will walk together to the dune, identifying various invasive species along the way.

Questions? Please contact David Hébert at (904) 530-6356 or at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Before the Storm: Hurricane Readiness for Nassau County

7/10/2025

7/10/25 @ 6:00 a.m.

Be prepared for this hurricane season—join UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County for a free Hurricane Preparedness course designed to help you protect your family, home, and community. Learn how to build a disaster supply kit, create an evacuation plan, and access reliable information before, during, and after a storm. Don't wait for a warning—get ready now with trusted resources from UF/IFAS Extension.

This event is FREE however, pre-registration is required. Register here.

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 Tammy Barnard, [email protected], 904-530-6359 at least 1 week in advance.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Master Gardener Plant Sale

5/5/2025

5/5/25 @ 10:00 a.m.

Calling all plant lovers! The next Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9am-12pm. During this event, you can find a variety of flowers, plants and shrubs to fit your landscape needs, all of which are native to the area and were carefully propagated, grown and maintained by our master gardeners. Look closely and you'll likely find unique plants that aren't often found at local stores and nurseries and are bound to make your neighbors green with envy. They would also make great presents for Mother's Day!

The event will take place at the Nassau County- UF/IFAS Extension Office located at 58531 Miner Road in Yulee. Please note that they will only be able to accept cash and checks for payment (no credit or debit cards). All proceeds will benefit the Master Gardener Volunteer program.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Earth Day Celebration: Invasive Species Roundup

3/18/2025

3/18/25 @ 8:30 a.m. - This Earth Day, the Nassau County Extension Office and Board of County Commissioners are teaming up to offer an invasive species roundup.

Join us on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 9am-11am while we remove the invasive Kalanchoe from the dunes. Removal of this invasive species will help native plants and wildlife (like the gopher tortoise) thrive.

There is no cost to participate however an RSVP is required. Register at this link or by scanning the QR Code above. The event will start at the American Beach Community Center at 9am where Extension Agent David Herbert will lead you on a brief walk to the beach access on Gregg Street, identifying various invasive species along the way.

If you have any questions, please contact David Herbert at (904) 530-6356 or via e-mail at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer