UF IFAS Extension Citrus County

10/23/2026

CAN YOU ID THIS ANIMAL? Drop your answer in the comments below.

As cooler weather arrives in Citrus County, you may still find this unwelcome visitor hiding around your home, garden, or porch!

HINTS:
It is not native to Florida.
It can grow much larger than our native treefrogs.
It has large toe pads, prominent eyes, and often bumpy skin.
It may eat native frogs and compete with them for food and habitat.

Photo Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS Photography

10/09/2026

Hay season has been tough this year.

Persistent dry conditions have slowed forage growth and reduced hay yields across our county. With recent rainfall, many producers are taking advantage of every opportunity to get equipment in the field and put up hay.

For livestock producers, every bale matters. Hay harvested now helps build feed reserves for the winter months and can reduce the need for purchased feed later in the season. This can be a significant cost to producers and livestock owners.

How many steps in the hay making process can you name?

Photo Credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

10/08/2026

Join Us at Build Your Bones!
This is a 4 week series that helps you take steps to improving or maintaining your bone health.

This program will provide a new topic each week to improve or maintain your bone health. This is a 4 week program. Each session will include a lecture, recipe demonstration and/or sampling to all participants.

The session topics include:
Basics of osteoporosis
Tests to diagnose osteoporosis
Medications
Healthy eating and nutrients for bone health
Fall prevention and balance
Physical activity for your bone health
Moving safely with osteoporosis
Pre-registration is required.

Dates of the program series are Thursdays, October 29th, November 5th, November 12th and November 19th.

Program cost is $20.00 a person.

To register for Build Your Bones: www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-citrus-county-9852726659

10/06/2026

09/21/2026

Learn simple, research-based tips for choosing the right grass, fertilizing correctly, and keeping your lawn healthy year-round. Discover ways to save money, conserve water, and protect Florida’s environment without sacrificing a great-looking yard. Join us September 29 from 2–4 PM at UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension in Lecanto and take the guesswork out of lawn care! Register by scanning the QR code in the flier or clicking here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1866054672759?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/10/2026

🍽️ Dining with Diabetes – 4-Week Program! 💙🧡
Are you looking for ways to manage your health through nutrition while still enjoying the foods you love? Join UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County for Dining with Diabetes, a 4-week program designed to help you build healthy meal patterns and make informed food choices.

📅 Dates: October 6, 14, 20 & 27
⏰ Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Citrus County Canning Center
💲 Cost: $20

Participants will learn practical nutrition strategies and ways to create delicious, balanced meals that support diabetes management.
⚠️ Advanced registration is required!
👉 Register through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/o/9852726659
📞 Questions? Contact Stephanie Clamer McMinds at 352-527-5710 or [email protected]

Come learn, cook, and discover that eating for better health doesn't mean giving up the foods you enjoy! 🥗🍓🥘

08/31/2026

Thinking about turning your homemade goods into a business?

Join UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County for our Florida Cottage Food Workshop. Making sample take-home herb blends and flavored vinegars!

📅 September 23, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Citrus County Extension Office Classroom
3650 Sovereign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto

Register at: www.eventbrite.com/o/9852726659

Learn the essentials of Florida’s Cottage Food Law, including:
✨ Approved products
✨ Packaging requirements
✨ Sales channels
✨ Tips for turning your tasty creations into a successful business
✨ Hands-on samples to make and take home!

🐔 Special Guest!
We’ll also have a special guest joining us to talk about how to sell your backyard chicken eggs (not considered Cottage Food). Including helpful information for those who raise chickens at home and have fresh eggs to share.

🏡🥚 Bring your questions and your ideas! Whether you’re thinking about starting a cottage food business or just want to learn more, this workshop is for you!

08/27/2026

Are you a high school age student? Interested in attending? Contact the Extension Office (352-527-5700) to register. Registration is required and space is limited.