From UF/IFAS
In Summary:
UF/IFAS Extension and Orange County Extension agents are offering multiple online and in-person classes throughout January focused on housing stability, personal finance, health, and environmental stewardship. Highlights include a renters’ money management course, English and Spanish first-time homebuyer workshops, and a year-long diabetes prevention program. Gardening and landscaping offerings range from backyard chickens and plant clinics to Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshops across the county.
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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 seeking income-based assistance programs or anyone looking to become a more savvy renter.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 2:00pm-5:00pm.
FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop
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, January 9, 2026, 9:00am-1:00pm.
Friday, January 16, 2026, 9:00am-1:00pm.
$10 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 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, January 14, 2026, 9:00am-5:00pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Diabetes Prevention Program (In Person)
Take charge of your life and register for this year-long, research-based lifestyle change program for preventing diabetes. Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Hillary Ayers.
Thursdays, January 15, 2026-December 3, 2026, 12:00pm-1:00pm.
FREE! 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 Extension 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 educational materials and pollinator seed packets. Open to ages 13 and up!
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 10:00am-11:30am.
$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, January 21, 2026, 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, January 21, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm.
$5 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Green Your Scene: Principles of Sustainable Landscaping
Ready to transform your yard into a vibrant, eco-friendly space? Join Orange County Extension Agent Dr. Heather Kalaman for this in-person workshop at Maitland Community Park. Learn the fundamentals of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, including practical ways to conserve water, reduce chemical use, and select plants that naturally thrive while supporting birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Discover how sustainable design can elevate your landscape’s appearance, simplify maintenance, and help protect Florida’s natural resources.
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm.
$5 fee, includes the class, two take-home Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ books, and a pollinator-friendly flower seed packet. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
January “Pop Up” Plant Clinic (In Person)
Our Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting “Pop Up” Plant Clinics at the Chickasaw, South Creek, and West Oaks Branches within the Orange County Library System this month! Visit our booth for all of your plant care questions.
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 11:30am-1:30pm at Chickasaw Branch Library
Friday, January 9, 2026, 10:15am-12:15pm at South Creek Branch Library
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:15am-12:15pm at West Oaks Branch Library
FREE! No registration is needed
Key Points:
A free online renters’ course on January 7 covers money management, renters’ rights, and eviction prevention.
First-time homebuyer workshops are offered online in English (two-part) and Spanish, meeting down payment assistance education requirements.
A free, year-long in-person Diabetes Prevention Program begins January 15 and runs through December 2026.
Gardening and landscaping classes include garden tours, sustainable landscaping, backyard chickens, and eco-friendly water conservation practices.
Free “Pop Up” Plant Clinics will be hosted by Master Gardener Volunteers at select branches of the Orange County Library System.
Keywords
University of Florida,
UF/IFAS,
Classes,
December,
Money Management,
First Time Homeowners,
Canning,
Chicken,
Garden,
Cooking,
Renters,
Hydroponics,
Yoga,
How do I sign up for the UF/IFAS classes?
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