From UF/IFAS
Whether you want to eat healthier, grow your own food, strengthen your body, manage your money, or turn your backyard into a wildlife haven, March offers a full calendar of hands-on and online learning opportunities through UF/IFAS Extension in Orange County. From free workshops to in-depth, multi-week programs, residents can explore topics ranging from colorectal cancer prevention to hydroponic strawberries, all designed to build practical skills and strengthen the community.
Registration for most classes is available at ocextension.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 407-254-9200.
Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way (Online)
Curious about the Mediterranean way of eating? This six-week virtual series introduces participants to simple, practical steps for healthier meals, with everyday tips, kitchen life hacks, and easy recipes.
Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Hillary MacMichael, the program includes a recipe book and may include a $20 gift card at the conclusion of the series.
Mondays, March 2–April 6, 2026
6:00 pm–7:00 pm.
$10 fee. Registration required.
Cooking for a Lifetime of Cancer Prevention: Colorectal Cancer (Online)
This free educational workshop focuses on healthy living and colorectal cancer prevention. Participants will learn how to build a healthy plate, explore cooking methods that may help reduce cancer risk, and receive information on colorectal cancer screenings, including free or low-cost community options.
Presented by Hillary MacMichael.
Monday, March 2, 2026
Noon–1 pm.
Free. Registration required.
Backyard Habitats: Supporting Birds, Beneficials & Beyond (In Person)
Learn how to transform your yard into a thriving habitat for birds, beneficial insects and other wildlife. Orange County Extension Agent Clarissa Chairez will discuss plant layering, water features, and reducing chemical use to create a healthier landscape.
Monday, March 2, 2026
1:00 pm–1:30 pm or 3:00 pm–3:30 m
Free. Registration required.
Take Control of Your Money for Renters (Online)
This Zoom workshop covers money management, renters’ rights, eviction prevention and income-based assistance programs. The class is led by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Free. Registration required.
CFLAG – Beginner Beekeeper Workshop (In Person)
Hosted by the Central Florida Livestock Agents Group, this one-day workshop explores honey bee biology, hive structure, start-up costs, hive products and Florida’s legal requirements for beekeeping. The day concludes with a live hive visit and inspection.
Presented by Orange County Extension Agent J.K. Yarborough.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
9:00 am–4:00 pm.
$45 fee. Registration required.
Hydroponic Organic Tabletop Strawberry Research Update + Field Day (In Person)
This on-farm educational event highlights a USDA-funded hydroponic organic strawberry project at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra. Participants will learn about tabletop hydroponic systems, alternative growing substrates, and organic nutrient delivery.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
9:00 am–1:00 pm.
Free. Registration required.
Garden & Plant Festival (In Person)
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County
6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando
Saturday, March 7, 2026
8:30 am–3:00 pm.
Free. No registration required. Service animals only.
StrongBodies Strength Training Program – Beginner (In Person)
Build muscle, improve balance, and reduce chronic disease risk in this 12-week beginner program for adults 18+. Led by Orange County Extension Agent and ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist Patrick Zayas.
Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 10–May 28, 2026
10:00 am–11:30 am.
$30 fee. Physician authorization required.
StrongBodies Strength Training Program – Intermediate (In Person)
This intermediate-level 12-week strength training program alternates between seated, standing, and floor exercises to improve strength and mobility.
Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 10–May 28, 2026
1:00 pm–2:30 pm.
$30 fee. Physician authorization required.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – English (Online)
This two-part Zoom workshop covers the steps to homeownership and obtaining an affordable mortgage. The course meets education requirements for down payment assistance programs.
Led by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Jenny Rodriguez.
Fridays, March 13 & March 20, 2026
9:00 am–1:00 pm.
$10 fee. Registration required.
Palms Workshop (In Person)
Presented by Orange County Extension Agents Hannah Eason and Dr. Heather Kalaman.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
9:00 am–1:00 pm.
$50 fee. Registration required.
Urban Backyard Chicken Class (Online)
Learn how to raise hens for fresh eggs in urban or suburban spaces. Topics include coop setup, maintenance, and the benefits of chickens in the home garden.
Presented by J.K. Yarborough via TEAMS.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
10:00 am–12:00 pm.
$5 fee. Registration required.
Vegetable Gardening in the Garden (In Person)
This hands-on class at the Exploration Gardens covers seeding, transplanting and plant care techniques for a successful harvest. Taught by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner.
Friday, March 20, 2026
10:00 am–11:30 am.
$10 fee. Registration required.
gARTening Series: Decorating a gARTen Post (In Person)
Participants will design and decorate a 4” x 4” x 4’ garden art post using provided materials. No prior art experience required. Installation tips included.
Led by Clarissa Chairez.
Friday, March 20, 2026
12:00 pm–2:30 pm.
$30 fee. Pre-registration required.
Adopt-A-Tree (In Person)
2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka
Saturday, March 21, 2026
8:00 am–12:00 pm or until trees are gone
Free. No registration required.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – Spanish (Online)
This Zoom workshop, offered in Spanish, meets education requirements for down payment assistance programs and covers the homebuying process.
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 24 & 25, 2026
9:00 am–1:00 pm.
$10 fee. Registration required.
How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms (In Person)
Learn fungi basics and create your own oyster mushroom grow bag to take home. Topics include anatomy, growth habits, and edible uses.
Presented by Calvin Gardner.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
10:00 am–11:30 am.
Registration required.
Let’s Build: Eastern Screech Owl Box (In Person)
Participants will learn about Florida’s Eastern Screech Owl and build a nesting box using pre-cut materials to take home and install.
Presented by J.K. Yarborough.
Friday, March 27, 2026
6:00 pm–7:15 pm.
$80 fee. Pre-registration required.
Garden Tour (In Person)
Join Dr. Heather Kalaman for a guided tour through the Exploration Gardens. Topics include Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, smart irrigation, and pollinator-friendly plants. Open to ages 13 and up.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
10:00 am–11:30 am.
$10 fee. Registration required.
March “Pop Up” Plant Clinic (In Person)
Master Gardener Volunteers will host free plant clinics at Chickasaw, South Creek, and West Oaks branch libraries within the Orange County Library System, as well as at Leu Gardens.
March 12–14 and March 28, 2026
Free. No registration required.
Key Points:
- Six-week Mediterranean cooking series begins March 2.
- Free colorectal cancer prevention workshop offered March 2.
- Garden & Plant Festival returns March 7 with vendors and speakers.
- Adopt-A-Tree event set for March 21 in Apopka.
- Homebuyer workshops are available in both English and Spanish.
To register for any of these classes, go to: http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. Or call 407-254-9200.
