UF IFAS Extension Orange County

06/09/2026

Start spreading the news… 🎶📰🗞️ After years of keeping us in the loop and telling our story, our Public Relations Info Officer (AKA our Social Media Guru), Chris, is starting a new chapter! 🥳

Chris, we are so grateful for your dedication and the expertise you brought to our outreach efforts. While we’ll miss you and your expertise, we are thrilled for you to enjoy this well-deserved retirement. Wishing you all the best in your next big adventure! 🗺️📸🎉

06/08/2026

Join us for a two-part, in-person workshop all about roselle (sorrel)—a vibrant, edible hibiscus and Florida-friendly crop! Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, you’ll learn roselle’s history and significance, along with best practices for growing, caring for, harvesting, and processing this versatile plant in your home garden.

Participants will take home their very own roselle plant and gain practical experience harvesting and preparing it for refreshing teas, flavorful jams, and other homemade treats. Whether you’re looking to expand your edible landscape, support pollinators, or try something new in the garden, this workshop will equip you with the skills to grow and enjoy this remarkable crop.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remarkable-roselle-exploring-edible-hibiscus-in-central-florida-tickets-1991387759395?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

06/01/2026

Did you know that June is National Pollinator Month? It's true!

Come celebrate with us on June 18th at Maitland Community Park! Learn about Florida’s native pollinators, the critical roles they play in our ecosystems, and simple ways to support them in your landscape. All participants will receive two Florida-Friendly Landscaping books and a packet of wildflower seeds. See you then!

Happy National Pollinator Month! Join Dr. Heather Kalaman, UF/IFAS Extension Faculty, to learn more about Florida’s pollinators.

05/29/2026

Work in lawn care, landscaping, pest control, or irrigation?

Join UF/IFAS for GI‑BMP training built specifically for green industry professionals including but not limited to installation crews, supervisors, applicators, and anyone responsible for maintaining Florida landscapes. Register at gibmp.ifas.ufl.edu/.

✅ Earn CEUs for multiple FDACS licenses
✅ Get or renew your Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certification
✅ Build skills you’ll actually use on the job
✅ Stay compliant and competitive in your field
It’s a simple way to level up your expertise and add value to your work.

👇 Check out upcoming class offerings!
Day, Date, Location - Presentation language
Thursday, Jun 4, 2026, Fort Pierce, FL – English
Friday, Jun 12, 2026, Jacksonville, FL – English
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026, Ocala, FL – English
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2026, Port Charlotte, FL – English
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2026, Orlando, FL – English
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026, Port Charlotte, FL – English
Wednesday, Jul 22, 2026, Bushnell, FL – English
Friday, Jul 24, 2026, Sanford, FL – English

GI-BMP courses are administered by the UF/IFAS Extension Program.

05/27/2026

Weighing the same as a penny, ruby-throated hummingbirds are pure backyard magic ✨🥹💚

05/27/2026

Have you had a chance to visit our Downtown Orlando UF Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Gardens? Located at the Orange County Administration Building on the corner of S. Rosalind Ave and E. South St, this garden is comprised almost entirely of Florida native species, showcasing the beauty and resilience of our local ecosystems right in the heart of downtown.

Maintained by a dedicated group of faculty, staff, and Master Gardener Volunteers, we meet once a month to care for the garden and to explore the ecological importance and unique value of the species onsite.

If you’re downtown, stop by and take a look—you might be surprised how much life and learning is packed into this small green space!

05/26/2026

🌀 Hurricane season begins June 1. Now is the time to review your emergency plan, check your supplies, and make sure your home and landscape are ready.

Start preparing today with tips from UF/IFAS Extension Orange County:
🔗 https://bit.ly/4dtt134



Orange County, Florida Government
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

June 1 marks the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30. How can we prepare for the next hurricane? Below are a few suggestions and tips to consider.

05/26/2026

Celebrate National Pollinator Month with us and learn how to support Florida’s native pollinators in your own landscape! Join Dr. Heather Kalaman, Extension Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, on June 18th from 6:30–7:30 PM at Maitland Community Park for practical Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ tips and pollinator-friendly gardening ideas.

All participants will receive two Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ books and a packet of pollinator flower seed to help get started at home. We hope to see you there!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pollinator-gardens-june-18-2026-630-pm-tickets-1989859879465?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring those who gave their all for our freedom. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26th.