UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education

05/27/2026

Registration Deadline Extended: YESS at UNF!

We are excited to share that registration for the Youth Environmental Summer Summit (YESS) has been extended!

This free, half-day experience provides high school students the opportunity to engage in interactive learning, explore environmental topics, and connect with UNF faculty and programs.

Deadline to register: Thursday, May 28 @ 5pm

We encourage interested students to register soon as space is limited.
🔗 https://www.unf.edu/environment/youth-summit.html

05/21/2026

Students in IERE’s Environmental Sustainability Living-Learning Community recently came together for a tree planting on campus, making a lasting impact while building community along the way. Check out the new persimmon tree by the UNF Cafe! Thank you, , for all your help!

05/18/2026

🌿 Help us spread the word!
The Youth Environmental Summer Summit (YESS) at UNF is a free, half-day experience where high school students can explore real-world environmental topics, connect with peers, and get a preview of college-level learning.

June 1, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 University of North Florida

Please share and invite a high school student who may be interested! Spots are limited, and registration is open now.

Learn more & register: https://www.unf.edu/environment/youth-summit.html

05/14/2026

We had an amazing time at our IERE Summer Staff Retreat!
From reflecting on a successful school year to planning for what’s ahead, it was a day full of connection and momentum. We shared a great lunch, homemade goodies, and celebrated our team with superlatives!

05/11/2026

Summer is in full swing at IERE! ☀️ As we plan for the upcoming academic year, we’re also taking time to reconnect with nature, just like our students did during the final adventure of the school year, on our Nature Prescription trip, “Float Away from Finals” at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. 💧

Whether floating in the springs or relaxing by the water, students were encouraged to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the outdoors in their favorite way during finals week. Thank you to everyone who joined us! 💚

05/07/2026

YELP applications close at 11:59 PM tomorrow (May 8th)!

Calling all high school students ready to make an impact! Apply to UNF’s Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP), a yearlong experience in environmental science, leadership, and real-world change.

💡 Build leadership skills
🌱 Create your own environmental project
🎓 Gain a pre-college experience at UNF

Apply now: https://www.unf.edu/environment/yelp.html

Please share with students, families, and educators who may be interested!

05/06/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the first graduates of our Environmental Science program! 💚💚💚

05/05/2026

Once again, Congratulations to our graduating seniors and to ALL students for wrapping up the spring semester! We closed out an amazing academic year nothing but good vibes at our End‑of‑Semester Student Picnic. 🎉

Students from across IERE programs including Environmental Science Majors, the Environmental Leadership Program, the Environmental Sustainability Living‑Learning Community, and KAO joined us for a relaxing afternoon by Candy Cane Lake. With games, snacks, and some much‑needed nature contact, it was the perfect way to refuel during finals week. ✨Wishing you all a wonderful summer ahead!

05/01/2026

A historic day at UNF!

Today, we proudly celebrated the first-ever Environmental Science graduates at the University of North Florida. Huge congratulations to Carly and Camden!

We also want to congratulate all graduates; your passion, persistence, and hard work inspire us.

And a special congratulations to Katie, graduate research assistant in the Nature and Health Center at IERE. We are so proud of the work you’ve done and the impact you’re making and will continue to make!

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from the Institute of Environmental Research and Education. You did it! 🌍💚

04/30/2026

So happy President Falconetti joined us for the Environmental Student Symposium and provided us with amazing remarks! Thank you for all you do!

Today students shared projects and research during the Student Symposium of the Institute of Environmental Research & Education (IERE) Environmental.

It was inspiring to experience the culmination of the stellar work of our student, faculty, business partners, donors, and the IERE Community Council. UNF continues to thrive.