UF/IFAS Extension Announces Upcoming Programs

Posted On: September 26, 2026

Looking to boost your credit, buy your first home, or start your own beehive? The UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County has you covered with hands-on programs for all ages.

How to Boost Your Credit: noon to 1 p.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. Learn how to build your credit and increase your score during these virtual classes, which are offered without charge. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdh22949 or contact Ella Dinkins at 904-284-6355 or [email protected].

Small Farm and Homesteading Grass Farming 101: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. Learn about the basics of pasture management during this virtual class. This is part of series of five classes designed for new small farmers and homesteaders looking to build a strong foundation in animal care, sustainable practices, and selling farm products. The cost is $7.18 per person. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/starting-strong-a-small-farm-homesteading-3-intro-to-ruminants-tickets-1986867590448 or contact Ashley Stonecipher at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

The Wildside of Florida Living: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St. Join UF/IFAS staff for this one-hour workshop designed to help residents coexist safely and confidently with local wildlife, keep their pets safe, and understand the essential dos and don'ts of living alongside Florida's native species. There is no charge for attendance, and registration is not required. For more information, contact Kalan Taylor at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

Beginner Beekeeping Workshop: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the UF/IFAS Volusia County, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Seasoned pros and beginners are invited to join Extension Agent Ashley Stonecipher and local beekeepers for this informational workshop with hands-on activities. They will learn the basics of getting started in beekeeping, equipment, hive maintenance, honeybee resources. Get up close and personal with experienced beekeepers and gain the knowledge you need to start your own hive. The $20 fee includes a light lunch. Register athttps://fall-beginner-beekeeping.eventbrite.com or contact Ashley Stonecipher at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

Mastering the Art of Strawberry Growing: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, at the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Discover the secrets of growing your own strawberries. Beginners and experienced gardeners can learn how to select the right variety, prepare soil for planting, and care for and harvest strawberries. The $30 per person fee includes a growing kit and strawberry plants. Register by Oct. 2 at https://tinyurl.com/bdvzk5en or contact Brittany Council Morton at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

Let's Walk Florida: Estuaries and Estuarine Plants: Improve your physical and mental health while learning about local ecosystems during a community walk. Each week will feature a different Volusia or Flagler County park and include an educational presentation focused on the local ecosystem followed by a one- to two-mile walk. There is no charge. Register at https://LetsWalkFlaglerVolusia.eventbrite.com or contact Carolyn Kovacs at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

• Estuaries and Estuarine Plants: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Betty Steflik Preserve, 815 Moody Lane, Flagler Beach
• Estuaries and Dunes: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, 1800 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond-by-the-Sea
• Inland Forests: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, 2317 Creek Shore Trail, New Smyrna Beach
  

Home Maintenance Course: 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19. This virtual meeting will share advice on maintaining a healthy home environment, interior and exterior home maintenance, utility cost saving practices, homeowners insurance, budgeting for home maintenance, and disaster preparedness. There is no charge. Register at https://homemaintenance.eventbrite.com or contact Lisa Hamilton at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

Living with Bats in Florida: 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. Learn about bat biology and ecology, common myths and misconceptions, legal protections, dealing with unwanted bats, bat house building, habitat management, and how you can help support bats. This webinar will be presented without charge by the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism. Register at https://www.floridasee.org/education or by contacting Carolyn Kovacs at 286-822-5778 or [email protected].

Green Industry Best Management Practices Certification Training: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, 3100 E. New York Ave. DeLand. Whether you manage landscapes, design them, or regulate them, this training will equip you with the science-based practices needed to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and support sustainable growth in Florida's built environment. The $30 fee includes lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr23yhwh or contact

Brittany Council Morton at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

First-time Homebuyer Classes: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 20, and Oct. 27. Extension Agent Lisa Hamilton will instruct this two-part online class, which consists of eight hours of education. Participants will receive a certificate of completion that will enable them to apply for a federal down payment and closing cost assistance program available through Volusia County and the City of Deltona. A Spanish-language class will be offered from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 22 and 29. The cost is $10 per household. Register at https://homebuyered.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Lisa Hamilton at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

Night Flyers - Unveiling the Secrets of Bats: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Join Extension staff for an engaging virtual workshop on Florida's fascinating bats and learn how you can help them thrive. Discover the critical role these nighttime creatures play in our ecosystem and learn how to properly build bat boxes to provide a safe home. There is no charge. Register at https://nightflyers.eventbrite.com or contact Kalan Taylor at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

The UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County is a partnership with state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. Learn more at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/volusia/.