From UF/IFAS
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County provides education and information to residents and businesses through workshops, publications, and mass media in the areas of family life, youth development, natural resources, horticulture, and agriculture. Current April classes/events are listed below and on its events calendar.
Related: Gear up for grilling season.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – ENGLISH 4/17 & 4/24 (Online)
Learn the steps to home ownership and how to obtain an affordable mortgage in this 2-part class offered via Zoom in ENGLISH by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez. The homebuyer workshop meets the education requirements for down payment assistance programs.
Friday, May 2, 2025, 9:00am-1:00pm.
Friday, May 9, 2025, 9:00am-1:00pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms (In Person)
Join us to learn about the basics of fungi and how to make an oyster mushroom grow bag! Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner, this hands-on class will cover fungi anatomy, growth habits, and edible uses, plus participants will make a mushroom grow bag to take home.
Friday, May 2, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am.
$20 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Grilling for Beginners (In Person)
Get summer-ready with this sizzling intro to fire-based cooking! Join Orange County Extension Agents Hillary MacMichael and J.K. Yarborough for a hands-on class covering grill setup, meat selection, flavor tips, and safety—plus tasty samples! Perfect for new grillers and backyard BBQ dreamers.
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 2:00pm-4:00pm.
$30 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
CFLAG - Beginner Beekeeper Workshop (In Person)
The Central Florida Livestock Agents Group (CFLAG) is hosting a Beginner Beekeeper Workshop at the Sumter County Extension in Bushnell. Presented by Orange County Extension Agent J.K. Yarborough, this one-day class is designed for those interested in starting beekeeping, covering topics such as hive structure, startup costs, Florida beekeeping laws, and honey bee biology. The workshop will conclude with a live hive inspection, giving participants a hands-on experience with beekeeping. No prior experience is required.
Friday, May 2, 2025, 9:00am-3:00pm.
$45 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Garden Tour (In Person)
Grab your gardening hat, sunglasses, and some comfy shoes and join Orange County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent Dr. Heather Kalaman for a guided tour through our Exploration Gardens! See unique plants in our 12 themed gardens and learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles, smart irrigation, vegetable gardening, and flower species to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. The tour includes an FFL book and pollinator seed packets.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Take Control of Your Money for Renters (Online)
Money management, renters’ rights, eviction prevention, and more! Offered via Zoom by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez, this class is for residents looking for income-based assistance programs or anyone wanting to become a more savvy renter.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 2:00pm-5:00pm.
FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Adopt-A-Tree (In Person)
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers at Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836, for our Adopt-A-Tree event! Open to all Orange County residents with proof of residency such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or photo I.D. Each household can receive two trees, which must be planted on the resident’s private property only. Trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Varieties will vary based on availability, but all will be suitable to flourish in Zone 10A.
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 8:00am-12:00pm or until trees are gone, whichever comes first.
FREE! No pre-registration or fee to participate. 407-254-9200.
MED Instead of Meds 6-Week Series (Online)
Interested in starting the Mediterranean Diet, but not sure where to start? Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Hillary MacMichael, the MED Instead of Meds series of classes will help you go MED by exploring simple steps to eating the MED way. Learn tips, life hacks, and recipes that will help you eat the MED way every day.
Tuesdays, May 20, 27; June 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6:00pm-7:15pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Basics of Landscaping (In Person)
Learn how better landscaping practices can help conserve Florida's water resources! Join Orange County Extension Agent Hannah Eason to explore eco-friendly landscaping techniques that keep landscapes green and water clean for future generations.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 9:00am-11:00am.
$25 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Urban Backyard Chicken Class (Online)
Raising chickens for fresh eggs is a fun and practical hobby, even in urban or suburban spaces! Join Orange County Extension Agent J.K. Yarborough via TEAMS to learn how hens can benefit your home garden and how to start and maintain a successful chicken coop in your backyard.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 10:00am-12:00pm.
$5 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – SPANISH (Online)
Learn the steps to home ownership and how to obtain an affordable mortgage in this 2-part class offered via Zoom in SPANISH by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez. The homebuyer workshop meets the education requirements for down payment assistance programs.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 9:00am-5:00pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
May "Pop Up" Plant Clinics (In Person)
Our Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting "Pop Up" Plant Clinics at the Chickasaw, South Creek and West Oak Branches within the Orange County Library System this month! Visit our booth for all of your plant care questions.
Thursday, May 8, 2025, 11:30am-1:30pm at Chickasaw Branch Library
Friday, May 9, 2025, 10:15am -12:15pm at South Creek Branch Library
Saturday, May 10, 2025, 10:15am -12:15pm at West Oak Branch Library
Saturdays, May 10 & 24, 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm at Apenberry’s Nursery
FREE! No registration is needed.
