Category: County Extensionagriculture Services - The County Insider

The County Insider

Changing Lives One Paw at a Time Through the Dog Program

4/30/2026

4/30/26 @ 2:30 p.m.

Give a shelter dog a second chance while helping teens build lifelong skills. The Dog Program is more than just training; it’s an opportunity for local youth to learn responsibility, compassion, and proper animal care through hands-on experience with shelter pets. As teens work with the dogs on socialization, basic commands, and confidence-building, the animals become more comfortable and ultimately more adoptable for their future families.

This incredible partnership between 4-H and Nassau County Animal Services continues to make a positive impact for both our youth and our shelter pets. Applications are now open for another pawsome year! To learn more, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way

4/22/2026

4/22/26 @ 7:00 p.m.

Looking for a fresh approach to healthy eating that’s both delicious and easy to maintain? Nassau County Extension is excited to offer “Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way,” a hands-on educational series designed to help you build lifelong healthy habits, one meal at a time.

This six-week program is based on the Med Instead of Meds curriculum developed by NC State University and focuses on the widely celebrated Mediterranean Diet. Participants will learn how to plan meals, prepare simple recipes, and incorporate wholesome ingredients into their everyday routine.

The Mediterranean way of eating emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats—creating meals that are as flavorful as they are nutritious. Research has shown that this lifestyle can improve overall health and help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Each session includes:

Hands-on cooking experiences
Practical meal planning tips
Easy-to-follow, budget-friendly recipes
Guidance on building healthier eating habits

Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking to refresh your routine, this interactive series offers something for everyone.

Program Details

Dates: Fridays, May 14 through June 19
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Nassau County Extension Office, 85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL
Cost: $40 for the full six-week series

Space is limited, and advanced registration is required.

Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cooking-up-health-tickets-1987327032652?aff=oddtdtcreator

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Learning About Sea Turtles in Nassau County

4/14/2026

4/14/26 @ 7:00 p.m.

Learn about the world of sea turtles and discover cool facts about these amazing creatures right in Nassau County!

Join Nassau County’s Conservation Land Management Team for an engaging and educational workshop focused on Florida’s nesting sea turtles and how we can responsibly enjoy and protect their habitat. We’ll cover lighting requirements that help keep nesting females and hatchlings oriented toward the ocean, explore the major turtle species that nest locally, such as loggerheads, green turtles, and leatherbacks, and learn how to identify turtle tracks left behind on the sand.

Participants will also practice Leave No Trace principles specific to beaches, including minimizing disturbance, avoiding obstacles, and respecting marked nests, so everyone leaves with a deeper understanding of how small actions can make a big difference for sea turtle conservation.

Learning About Sea Turtles in Nassau County
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office, 85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Financial Fitness Workshop for Teens

4/1/2026

4/1/26 @ 7:00 p.m.

Looking for a meaningful (and actually useful) opportunity for your teen?

UF/IFAS is partnering with PNC Bank to offer a FREE Financial Fitness Workshop for teens ages 13–18, designed to build real-world money skills that last a lifetime.

Your teen will learn how to:

Manage and track their money
Create a practical spending plan
Understand and avoid debt
Start building emergency savings.

April 16, 2026 | 5:30 PM
IFAS/County Extension
85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL

Give your teen a head start on financial independence. There is no cost to participate however spots are limited so register soon! All materials are provided, pizza included.

Questions? Contact the County Extension Office at (904) 530-6353.

Register today on Eventbrite.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Celebrate Earth Day in the Great Outdoors

3/27/2026

3/27/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

Join the Nassau County Extension for a fun, interactive, and educational afternoon exploring the beauty of nature at the Ralph E. Simmons Wildlife Management Area!

Get ready to connect with nature through a hands-on experience where you’ll learn to identify:

Soils
Insects
Plants
Reptiles & Amphibians
Birds
Mammals.

Discover how these elements interact within their natural ecosystem while enjoying a guided walk through one of our region’s most beautiful natural areas. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, student, or just looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day, this event is perfect for all ages!

Date: April 22
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: White Sands Trailhead (White Sand Landing Loop Trailhead, GA-4, Folkston, GA)
Cost: FREE!!!

Register today at EventBrite.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

4-H Summer Camps

3/22/2026

3/22/25 @ 4:00 p.m.

Looking for something fun, hands-on, and meaningful for the kids this summer? Nassau County 4-H has a camp for every interest! From meeting live animals and learning horsemanship, to cooking up healthy meals, exploring nature, building leadership skills, and even trying archery or air rifle basics, these camps are packed with adventure, creativity, and confidence-building experiences.

Highlights include:
• Animal encounters & barn fun
• Leadership & teamwork challenges
• Cooking & healthy living
• Outdoor exploration & gardening
• Archery & shooting sports
• Art, mindfulness & giving back

Whether your child loves the outdoors, wants to try something new, or just make new friends, there’s something here for them! Spots fill fast, so don’t wait!

Check out the full lineup and get registered today!

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

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