UF IFAS Extension Martin County

12/19/2025

We turn 25 next year, and we’re kicking things off with a community celebration in Gainesville (First Magnitude Brewing Company) on Saturday, January 17th.

The free, family-friendly event is open to the public. We hope to bring together all kinds of nature-lovers for an afternoon of connection, conservation, and fun.

Educational and outreach tables from partnering organizations, including:

- Lubee Bat Conservancy
- Alachua Audubon Society
- Alachua Conservation Trust
- MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife
- Florida Trail Association
- Florida Native Plant Society
- Florida Wildflower Foundation
- Sunrise Wildlife Rehabilitation (bringing animals and kid-friendly activities)
- Local artists

Save the date, spread the word, and let's 'Cheers to 25 Years'!

12/18/2025

Well, actually, we're not sorry. We're very proud of our program and the nearly 5,000 children we taught in 2025!

12/15/2025

12/14/2025

Pollinators, bugs that feed on pollinators, birds that feed on bugs that feed on pollinators, and so on. The food web isn't always easy to see from a distance. We have more biological diversity than we know, and we can protect it by growing plants, preserving natural areas, and limiting the use of pesticides. Learn more about Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM at https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ or by participating in a program offered at your local Extension office. We are currently working on our 2026 calendar. Stay tuned here: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/events/?location=martin

12/14/2025

The Martin County 4-H Equine Committee celebrated National Day of the Horse with a trip to Gainesville and Ocala.

The two day trip included a tour of the UF Horse Teaching Unit led by UF Animal Sciences Ambassador Emma Joyal, attending the day-long UF Horse Judging School, and taking in a horse show and the winter wonderland at the World Equestrian Center.

12/12/2025

The Florida 4-H Second Executive Board Weekend is open to all Senior 4-H members (members 14-18 years old).

Attending this weekend gives 4-H members who are interested in learning what Florida 4-H Executive Board is all about an opportunity to try it out before applying for next year's executive board.

You can find the registration and more information here: https://2eb2026.4honline.com/ #/public/ins_j/evt_409

12/12/2025

Ever wonder where nurseries in cold climates obtain quality plants for people to purchase, even in the fall/winter/spring months? The answer may be Florida, or even right here in Martin County! Florida's mild cool-season temperatures allow nurseries to grow containerized plants for local production and for shipment to nurseries in northern climates. Now is the time when nursery production really gets into full motion to meet consumer demand. Pots are being filled with soil and readied for the season's planting!

12/11/2025

Win Me in the Martin County 4-H Raffle!

We are so excited to announce this donation raffle made possible by Shearwater Marine FL, Inc.

Martin County 4-H is raffling this awesome diesel pump that is perfect for marine, farm, and industrial use. It has a $4,500 value, and tickets are a suggested donation of $20 each. All the money collected will go directly to Martin County 4-H to support their youth development programs.

If you're near Stuart, Florida, stop by Shearwater and see the pump for yourself. We'll be posting some videos about the pump in the next week.

The QR code in the picture will take you to our credit card payment option. You can also send checks to the Martin County Extension office: 2614 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart, FL 34996. Please make checks out to Martin County 4-H Association.

Be forewarned, our credit card system is not the best and it's going to make you jump through a few extra hoops. We apologize about that. It's the best option we have. If you have difficulties with it let our 4-H agent know and he'll be glad to help you: [email protected].

12/10/2025

Cost-share programs provide financial incentives to growers, making it more affordable to adopt and implement advanced technologies such as soil moisture sensors (SMS) for irrigation management. UF/IFAS recently published a summary of key cost-share opportunities available to growers for SMS across Florida.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AE612

12/09/2025

The Martin County 4-H Rifle Club is growing and growing!

We just want to take a moment to thank the NRA - National Rifle Association of America for being a great sponsor of this club. All of our equipment was provided through a grant from the NRA. Thank you!

12/04/2025

Martin County 4-H Teen Leadership Club club members Kayla and Jack met with Michael Yustin, senior project manager with Martin County Public Works, to gather information and footage for their Smithsonian 4-Histories Project.

Kayla, Jack, and the rest of their team are putting together a video that highlights the importance of preserving environmental and agricultural lands in Martin County. This is a collaborative project with Martin County 4-H and the Smithsonian Institution.