The 4-H Lego project is a hands-on educational initiative that allows youth to engage in creative and problem-solving activities using Lego bricks. This project is part of the 4-H program, which is designed to provide youth with opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through various activities. The Lego project is a [&#8230;]

<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2025/08/4-HOnline-QRCode.png"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-36791 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="209" height="268" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2025/08/4-HOnline-QRCode.png"></a>The 4-H Lego project is a hands-on educational initiative that allows youth to engage in creative and problem-solving activities using Lego bricks. This project is part of the 4-H program, which is designed to provide youth with opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through various activities. The Lego project is a popular choice among 4<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2025/08/Untitled-design-8.png"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-36823 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="304" height="254" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2025/08/Untitled-design-8.png"></a>-H members, as it offers fun and interactive ways to explore engineering concepts and design projects. Scan the QR Code to enroll in the LEGO Club today!

The 4-H Lego project is a hands-on educational initiative that allows youth to engage in creative and problem-solving activities using Lego bricks. This project is part of the 4-H program, which is designed to provide youth with opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through various activities. The Lego project is a popular choice among 4-H members, as it offers fun and interactive ways to explore engineering concepts and design projects. Scan the QR Code to enroll in the LEGO Club today!

The 4-H Lego project is a hands-on educational initiative that allows youth to engage in creative and problem-solving activities using Lego bricks. This project is part of the 4-H program, which is designed to provide youth with opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through various activities. The Lego project is a […]

Jackson County 4-H Lego Club

Early planning is underway for a new comprehensive natural resource building to be located on the main University of Florida campus. The building would house seven programs, including several within the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and provide an innovative and collaborative learning environment that centralizes the faculty, staff, and students of these [&#8230;]

Early planning is underway for a new comprehensive natural resource building to be located on the main University of Florida campus.
The building would house seven programs, including several within the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and provide an innovative and collaborative learning environment that centralizes the faculty, staff, and students of these units.
“Our vision for this building is to provide opportunity for collaboration and integration not only within these programs, but also with one another,” said Scott Sager, assistant director in the <a href="https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS</a> <a href="https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/">School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences.</a>
The <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation-2022-grant-recipients">U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant Program</a> is funding the initial planning efforts, supporting the programming and concept design of the new building, as well as exploring the opportunity to construct the building using mass-timber materials. Mass-timber construction utilizes wooden boards to construct beams and structural panels. The use of wood, as opposed to concrete or steel, creates a significantly lower carbon footprint, as well as shorter overall construction time.
“This award uniquely positions the University of Florida to be a leader in resilient and ecologically conscious building practices,” Sager said.
The building site is proposed to be located between the Reitz Union/Constans Theatre and McCarty Hall A. The effort’s planning and design is led by Christopher and Shawna Meyer of Atelier Mey in Miami. Atelier Mey designed and built the first mass-timber structure in Miami-Dade County and continues to collaborate within the forestry and timber industry to design new mass-timber projects.
<h2>About the Wood Innovation Grant Program</h2>
The U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant funding supports the expansion of wood energy markets and the application of timber as a construction material in commercial and institutional buildings to support the sustainable management of the National Forest System and other forest lands. The program is funded by the USDA 10.674 Wood Utilization Assistance.
Learn more about the award and other recipients: <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation-2022-grant-recipients">fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-</a> <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation-2022-grant-recipients">products/wood-innovation-2022-grant-recipients.</a>
<h2>About Atelier Mey</h2>
Led by Principals Christopher Meyer, AIA, and Shawna Meyer, AIA, <a href="http://www.ateliermey.net/">Atelier Mey</a> was established in Miami as an interdisciplinary full-service design firm building on two decades of professional design experience. Projects are realized at varying scales and range from the intimacy of the human body to the assemblage of architecture into urbanism.
<hr />
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. <a href="http://IFAS.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu </a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
IFAS is an equal opportunity institution. 
The work upon which this project is based was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded by USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free voice (866) 632-9992, TDD (800) 877-8339, or voice relay (866) 377-8642.USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Early planning is underway for a new comprehensive natural resource building to be located on the main University of Florida campus.
The building would house seven programs, including several within the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and provide an innovative and collaborative learning environment that centralizes the faculty, staff, and students of these units.
“Our vision for this building is to provide opportunity for collaboration and integration not only within these programs, but also with one another,” said Scott Sager, assistant director in the UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences.
The U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant Program is funding the initial planning efforts, supporting the programming and concept design of the new building, as well as exploring the opportunity to construct the building using mass-timber materials. Mass-timber construction utilizes wooden boards to construct beams and structural panels. The use of wood, as opposed to concrete or steel, creates a significantly lower carbon footprint, as well as shorter overall construction time.
“This award uniquely positions the University of Florida to be a leader in resilient and ecologically conscious building practices,” Sager said.
The building site is proposed to be located between the Reitz Union/Constans Theatre and McCarty Hall A. The effort’s planning and design is led by Christopher and Shawna Meyer of Atelier Mey in Miami. Atelier Mey designed and built the first mass-timber structure in Miami-Dade County and continues to collaborate within the forestry and timber industry to design new mass-timber projects.
About the Wood Innovation Grant Program
The U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant funding supports the expansion of wood energy markets and the application of timber as a construction material in commercial and institutional buildings to support the sustainable management of the National Forest System and other forest lands. The program is funded by the USDA 10.674 Wood Utilization Assistance.
Learn more about the award and other recipients: fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest- products/wood-innovation-2022-grant-recipients.
About Atelier Mey
Led by Principals Christopher Meyer, AIA, and Shawna Meyer, AIA, Atelier Mey was established in Miami as an interdisciplinary full-service design firm building on two decades of professional design experience. Projects are realized at varying scales and range from the intimacy of the human body to the assemblage of architecture into urbanism.
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS
IFAS is an equal opportunity institution. 
The work upon which this project is based was funded in whole or in part through a grant awarded by USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free voice (866) 632-9992, TDD (800) 877-8339, or voice relay (866) 377-8642.USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Early planning is underway for a new comprehensive natural resource building to be located on the main University of Florida campus. The building would house seven programs, including several within the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and provide an innovative and collaborative learning environment that centralizes the faculty, staff, and students of these […]

University of Florida Begins New Natural Resources Building Effort

The Orange County fertilizer ordinance (and most other counties in Florida) prohibits application of nitrogen and phosphorus because they contribute to degradation of our precious water bodies in Central Florida. In Orange County, 104 of our 600 water bodies are impaired. To learn more about our water bodies, visit the Water Atlas. The restricted season [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_8313" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8313" style="width: 678px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/09/Florida-water-aerial_UF.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-8313 size-full lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="678" height="554" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/09/Florida-water-aerial_UF.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8313" class="wp-caption-text">Florida has precious water resources that can be protected with appropriate fertilizer use. Photo: UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
The Orange County fertilizer ordinance (and most other counties in Florida) prohibits application of nitrogen and phosphorus because they contribute to degradation of our precious water bodies in Central Florida. In Orange County, 104 of our 600 water bodies are impaired. To learn more about our water bodies, visit the <a href="https://www.orange.wateratlas.usf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Water Atlas</a>. The restricted season runs from June 1st until Sept. 30th, which corresponds with our summer rainy season. During that time period you have the choice not to fertilize at all or choose fertilizers or other soil amendments with an analysis of zero nitrogen and zero phosphorus. When you look at a fertilizer bag the three numbers represent the N-P-K, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. To find analysis of the other nutrients you will have to look closely at the label. Remember to always follow label instructions when applying any kind of fertilizer.
Plant Nutrients Plants need 17 essential elements to perform their life cycles. Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) are provided by air and water, and they are readily available therefore do not need to be supplied to the plants. Macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) are needed in large quantities. The micronutrients are needed, but in very small quantities. They include manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), chlorine (Cl), and nickel (Ni). The law requires fertilizer labels to list the guaranteed analysis on all fertilizer bags, this is the minimum percentage of each nutrient. To learn more, see our EDIS publication on <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AG462" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plant Essential Nutrients and their Role</a>.
&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_8315" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8315" style="width: 400px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/09/magnesium_deficient_palm.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-8315 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="400" height="322" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/09/magnesium_deficient_palm.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8315" class="wp-caption-text">This date palm has a magnesium deficiency which can be corrected by small and steady micronutrient fertilizer applications. Photo: UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Blackout Compliant Fertilizers Commercially available summer blend fertilizers are now entering the market. To choose a Florida-Friendly blackout compliant fertilizer the analysis would look something like 0-0-8. Before adding fertilizers, its best to get a soil test to see if your soil is lacking any nutrients. Potassium does not harm water bodies and is often deficient in our soils that is needed in large quantities. Kelp meal is good organic source of potassium and trace minerals. Iron is another product that can be applied to lawns and landscape to help nourish plants and green up the lawn. In palms, micronutrient deficiencies are common, and applications of magnesium or manganese may benefit the plants health. The photo on the first page shows Magnesium deficiency in a date palm, to correct this apply palm fertilizer every 3 months and during the restricted season find a fertilizer with no nitrogen or phosphorus. Micronutrients can be applied as a single nutrient, for example magnesium sulfate, or as part of a micronutrient blend. Rock dust is an example of an organic source of trace minerals. 
<figure id="attachment_8317" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8317" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/09/Summer-fertilizer-blends.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-8317 size-large lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="1024" height="511" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/09/Summer-fertilizer-blends-1024x511.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8317" class="wp-caption-text">Fertilizers that can be applied in the summer contain zero nitrogen or phosphorus. Photo: UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Probiotics for Plants Another component that helps with plant health is the beneficial microbes, the bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms or “microbes” that live in the soil and feed on organic matter. These microbes are a good indicator of soil health and can help protect your plants from disease and enhance nutrient uptake by converting nutrients in the soil to plant available forms. Soil life is not measured as part of a standard soil test; however they can be seen with a microscope. Think of them as probiotics for plants, as they help the plants thrive. There are some products that can be purchased or made on your own to add microbes including compost, worm castings, and microbial sprays. Adding organic matter such as compost will also increase the nutrient holding ability of your soil. Learn more in our new EDIS publication <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ep624" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soil Health and Fertility of Florida-Friendly Edible Landscapes</a>.
<figure id="attachment_8319" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8319" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/09/wormbin-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-8319 size-full lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="1000" height="750" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/09/wormbin-3.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8319" class="wp-caption-text">Worm castings help build soil, feed microbes, and release small amounts of nutrients slowly. Photo: Revival Gardening</figcaption></figure>
 Non-fertilizer Soil Amendments While products that are technically classified as “fertilizers” must be tested and confirmed for their guaranteed analysis, there are many other “non-fertilizer” products that can help with soil fertility. These typically include composts, worm castings or other soil amendments that do not list the N-P-K, secondary or micronutrients. While composts and other products do still contain small amounts of nutrients, it’s generally assumed to be &lt;1% and OK to apply during the restricted season in reasonable amounts. Recommendations from UF/IFAS researchers are still being developed on products such as silica, humic acids, and biochar. Although University of Florida currently has three EDIS publications on biochar, the recommendations for application still depend on the soil pH, soil structure, and feedstock material of the biochar. <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/entity/topic/biochar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biochar</a> generally works best or poor quality, acidic soils. The take home message here is to choose products that can keep your plants green and our waters clean. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.ocfl.net/Environment/FertilizeResponsibly.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orange County fertilizer ordinance</a>.
Want to learn more?  Check out horticulture classes offered by UF/IFAS Extension Orange County at <a href="http://www.ocextension.eventbrite.com/">www.ocextension.eventbrite.com</a>.  Read about Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122;  <a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/">https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/</a>. Follow us on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GardenFlorida/">https://www.facebook.com/GardenFlorida/</a>, Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oc_extension/">https://www.instagram.com/oc_extension/</a> and visit our website <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/home-lawns-landscapes-and-gardens/florida-friendly-landscaping/">https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/home-lawns-landscapes-and-gardens/florida-friendly-landscaping/</a>.

Florida has precious water resources that can be protected with appropriate fertilizer use. Photo: UF/IFAS
The Orange County fertilizer ordinance (and most other counties in Florida) prohibits application of nitrogen and phosphorus because they contribute to degradation of our precious water bodies in Central Florida. In Orange County, 104 of our 600 water bodies are impaired. To learn more about our water bodies, visit the Water Atlas. The restricted season runs from June 1st until Sept. 30th, which corresponds with our summer rainy season. During that time period you have the choice not to fertilize at all or choose fertilizers or other soil amendments with an analysis of zero nitrogen and zero phosphorus. When you look at a fertilizer bag the three numbers represent the N-P-K, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. To find analysis of the other nutrients you will have to look closely at the label. Remember to always follow label instructions when applying any kind of fertilizer.

Plant Nutrients
Plants need 17 essential elements to perform their life cycles. Carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) are provided by air and water, and they are readily available therefore do not need to be supplied to the plants. Macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) are needed in large quantities. The micronutrients are needed, but in very small quantities. They include manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), chlorine (Cl), and nickel (Ni). The law requires fertilizer labels to list the guaranteed analysis on all fertilizer bags, this is the minimum percentage of each nutrient. To learn more, see our EDIS publication on Plant Essential Nutrients and their Role.

 

This date palm has a magnesium deficiency which can be corrected by small and steady micronutrient fertilizer applications. Photo: UF/IFAS
Blackout Compliant Fertilizers
Commercially available summer blend fertilizers are now entering the market. To choose a Florida-Friendly blackout compliant fertilizer the analysis would look something like 0-0-8. Before adding fertilizers, its best to get a soil test to see if your soil is lacking any nutrients. Potassium does not harm water bodies and is often deficient in our soils that is needed in large quantities. Kelp meal is good organic source of potassium and trace minerals. Iron is another product that can be applied to lawns and landscape to help nourish plants and green up the lawn. In palms, micronutrient deficiencies are common, and applications of magnesium or manganese may benefit the plants health. The photo on the first page shows Magnesium deficiency in a date palm, to correct this apply palm fertilizer every 3 months and during the restricted season find a fertilizer with no nitrogen or phosphorus. Micronutrients can be applied as a single nutrient, for example magnesium sulfate, or as part of a micronutrient blend. Rock dust is an example of an organic source of trace minerals. 

Fertilizers that can be applied in the summer contain zero nitrogen or phosphorus. Photo: UF/IFAS
Probiotics for Plants
Another component that helps with plant health is the beneficial microbes, the bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms or “microbes” that live in the soil and feed on organic matter. These microbes are a good indicator of soil health and can help protect your plants from disease and enhance nutrient uptake by converting nutrients in the soil to plant available forms. Soil life is not measured as part of a standard soil test; however they can be seen with a microscope. Think of them as probiotics for plants, as they help the plants thrive. There are some products that can be purchased or made on your own to add microbes including compost, worm castings, and microbial sprays. Adding organic matter such as compost will also increase the nutrient holding ability of your soil. Learn more in our new EDIS publication Soil Health and Fertility of Florida-Friendly Edible Landscapes.

Worm castings help build soil, feed microbes, and release small amounts of nutrients slowly. Photo: Revival Gardening

Non-fertilizer Soil Amendments
While products that are technically classified as “fertilizers” must be tested and confirmed for their guaranteed analysis, there are many other “non-fertilizer” products that can help with soil fertility. These typically include composts, worm castings or other soil amendments that do not list the N-P-K, secondary or micronutrients. While composts and other products do still contain small amounts of nutrients, it’s generally assumed to be <1% and OK to apply during the restricted season in reasonable amounts. Recommendations from UF/IFAS researchers are still being developed on products such as silica, humic acids, and biochar. Although University of Florida currently has three EDIS publications on biochar, the recommendations for application still depend on the soil pH, soil structure, and feedstock material of the biochar. Biochar generally works best or poor quality, acidic soils.
The take home message here is to choose products that can keep your plants green and our waters clean. Learn more about the Orange County fertilizer ordinance.

Want to learn more?  Check out horticulture classes offered by UF/IFAS Extension Orange County at www.ocextension.eventbrite.com.  Read about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™  https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GardenFlorida/, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/oc_extension/ and visit our website https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/home-lawns-landscapes-and-gardens/florida-friendly-landscaping/.

The Orange County fertilizer ordinance (and most other counties in Florida) prohibits application of nitrogen and phosphorus because they contribute to degradation of our precious water bodies in Central Florida. In Orange County, 104 of our 600 water bodies are impaired. To learn more about our water bodies, visit the Water Atlas. The restricted season […]

Blackout Compliant Fertilizers and Amendments

Human-made Structures

Estructuras

Currently, our clientele come from a continuum of communities ranging from rural to metropolitan areas. Rapid growth in population centers has resulted in loss of land available for agriculture and natural resources. In order to create a balance between population centers, agricultural land and natural areas, Extension must help to plan and maintain sustainable urban and suburban communities.
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Communities

Comunidades

Desarrollo Sostenible de Comunidades

UF/IFAS Extension Initiative 4: Sustainable Communities

Healthy Communities

Buildings

Construcciones

Greenhouses

Invernaderos

Windows

Ventanas

Pest species that are found in households, such as roaches, fleas, bed bugs, rats, mice, etc.

Buildings

Narrower Topics

Greenhouses

Household and Structural Pest Management

Household and Structural Pests

Windows

Publications

Florida Agritourism Building and Fire Codes

Jackson County 4-H Lego Club

University of Florida Begins New Natural Resources Building Effort

Blackout Compliant Fertilizers and Amendments