UF IFAS Brevard County Extension Service

What a delicious treat for the Florida heat!

🍉 Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Cool, crisp, and hydrating—this salad is ideal for hot Texas days. The combination of watermelon and cucumber creates a refreshing balance of sweetness and crunch.
✅ Best for: Staying hydrated during summer heat
💡 Tip: Chill before serving for maximum refreshment

Get the recipe: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/watermelon-cucumber-balsamic-salad/

🎣 Helping reef fish survive—one release at a time

If you fish for snapper, grouper, or other reef species, you’ve probably heard of barotrauma—the injury fish can experience when brought up too quickly from deep water.

The good news? There’s a simple way to help.

The Return ’Em Right program is expanding in 2026, making it easier for anglers to learn best practices and access the tools that increase fish survival after release.

✅ Take a quick (free!) 15-minute training
✅ Learn how to recognize barotrauma
✅ Practice safe release techniques
✅ Access a ~$100 release gear kit for only the cost of shipping and handling

These tools, like descending devices, help fish return safely to deeper water—giving them a better chance to survive and supporting healthier fisheries for the future.

Since launching just a few years ago, tens of thousands of anglers have already joined the effort to reduce release mortality and protect reef fish populations.

🌊 Small actions onboard can make a big difference for our ocean ecosystems.
👉 Learn more and get started: https://returnemright.org/

Did you know we have a Youth Fly-Fishing Camp coming up in July!?
Sign up today! 🪰🎣

Want to learn a new outdoor skill this summer? Brevard County 4-H will be holding a fly-fishing camp from July 14-16th (Tues-Thurs) for youth ages 12-16.

Youth will have the opportunity to learn the basics of fly fishing using provided equipment (so no need to buy or bring your own!) along with many other important factors of fishing in our local fresh and saltwater ecosystems.

More information about the camp is provided in our Eventbrite. https://BrevardFlyFishingCamp.eventbrite.com

Happy National Donut Day! Last night in our Cooking 101 class we made donut holes. It was incredibly easy! Donuts are a sometimes food, but since it’s Donut Day, celebrate by eating one today.

🧀 Give Your Teen Something Fun to Do This Summer! ☀️
Join us Tuesday, June 16th, from 2-4:30pm

Looking for a meaningful summer activity beyond screens for your teen? If they love cooking, enjoy being creative in the kitchen, or are curious about how food is made, they'll love our Teen Cheesemaking Class!

Participants will learn how to make their own cheese from scratch while exploring the science behind the process. It's a fun, hands-on experience that builds confidence, kitchen skills, and knowledge they can take home and use again.

Ages 12–18 only • Limited to 16 participants • Advance registration required. Parents do not need to stay during the class.

Don't wait—spots are filling quickly! 🧀✨

Register here:

Cheese Making for Teens Join us to learn how to make your own cheeses! For ages 12-18 only. Parent or guardian does not have to be present for the class.

🚴‍♀️ Happy World Bicycle Day! 🚴‍♂️

Today is a great reminder that biking is more than just exercise — it’s a fun way to explore our community, support wellness, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are riding for fitness, transportation, stress relief, or family fun, Brevard County offers beautiful trails and paths for all experience levels.

Looking for places to ride or hike locally? Check out our UF/IFAS Extension Brevard blog highlighting biking and hiking trails throughout Brevard County, from scenic boardwalks to multi-use trails perfect for active adventures. 🌞🌴

Read more here: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/brevardco/2021/10/13/biking-and-hiking-trails-in-brevard/

Remember to stay safe, wear a helmet, stay hydrated, and enjoy the ride! 🚲💙

National Egg Day

Eggs are a nutrient-dense food that can be part of a healthy eating pattern. They provide high-quality protein along with important nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

One of the benefits of eggs is their versatility. They can be enjoyed scrambled for breakfast, added to salads and grain bowls for lunch, incorporated into casseroles and stir-fries for dinner, or used in baking and meal preparation.

Tip: Pair eggs with vegetables, whole grains, and fruit to create balanced meals that help provide lasting energy throughout the day.

What's your favorite way to enjoy eggs?

National Rotisserie Chicken Day

Rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saving tool for busy families and an easy way to build nutritious meals throughout the week. A ready-to-eat chicken provides a source of protein and can be transformed into several different meals, helping stretch both your food budget and your time in the kitchen.

Try using rotisserie chicken in:
🥗 Salads for a quick lunch
🌮 Tacos or wraps for an easy weeknight meal
🍲 Soups and stews for added protein
🥪 Sandwiches and chicken salad
🍝 Pasta dishes and casseroles

Money Saving Tip: After removing the meat, save the bones and vegetable scraps to make homemade broth. This can help reduce food waste while adding flavor to future meals.

How many meals can your family make from one rotisserie chicken?

🌱 Thank You for Supporting the Eyes on Seagrass Blitz! 🌱

A big thank-you to everyone who participated in the Eyes on Seagrass Blitz in the Indian River Lagoon this May.

Because of your efforts, we received valuable observations from across the lagoon. Whether you submitted one photo or many, each report helps scientists better understand where seagrass is growing, where it may be declining, and how we can support restoration efforts.

Your time on the water made a difference:
📸 Documenting seagrass and bare areas
📍 Sharing location-based data
🌊 Contributing to the long-term health of the lagoon

We appreciate all the boaters, kayakers, anglers, snorkelers, and community members who took part and helped turn everyday outings into meaningful science.

Stay tuned for updates as we begin reviewing this year’s data. Thank you for being part of this collective effort to protect the Indian River Lagoon.