Bats, Bees, and Backyard Chickens: UF/IFAS announces its September schedule of classes for Apopka and Orange County

UF/IFAS Extension continues its summer classes and programs for Apopka and Orange County residents in September.

Beekeeping 101 – Is Beekeeping for Me? (Online)

Learn if beekeeping is for you! In this very beginner class presented via Zoom by Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough, you'll learn about the important agricultural role honey bees play, how much it costs to get started, and the legality of keeping bees in your area. After this class, check out our Beekeeping 201 class! 

Thursday, September 8, 2022, 6:00pm-7:30pm. FREE! Registration is required at: https://bit.ly/OCBEE101. 407-254-9200

Beekeeping 201 – Beekeeping Basics (In Person)

Learn about the awesome hobby of beekeeping! Presented at the UF/IFAS Extension Orange County by Extension Agent JK Yarborough, you will learn about a Langstroth hive, the colonies caste system, how to acquire bees, and more! True first-time beekeepers are encouraged, but not required, to attend Beekeeping 101 before this class. 

Friday, September 9, 2022, 6:00pm-8:00pm. $10 fee. Registration is required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200 

Beekeeping 201L – Hitting the Hives (In Person) 

Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough is presenting a hands-on follow-up to Beekeeping 201* at the UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County in Sanford. You will learn how to light a smoker, choose the proper PPE for you, go through a routine hive inspection, do a varroa shake, and more! *Completion of Beekeeping 201 is required prior to taking this class. 

Saturday, September 10, 2022, 9:00am-10:30am. $15 fee. Registration is required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200

Adopt-A-Tree (In Person) 

Join our UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers at Magnolia Park for our Adopt-A-Tree event! Open to all Orange County residents with proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or photo I.D. Each household is eligible to receive two trees, and the trees may be planted on the resident’s private property only. Trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and varieties will vary based on availability, but all will be suitable to flourish in Zone 9B.  

Saturday, September 16, 2022, 8:00 am-12:00 pm or until trees are gone, whichever comes first.  No pre-registration or fee to participate. 407-254-9200    

Bat House Building Workshop (Online)

This class will go over a brief review of the bats of Florida and how to build a bat house that will hopefully attract bats in your area. Presented by Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough.

Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 6:30pm-7:00pm. FREE! Registration is required at https://forms.office.com/r/z5bahNzWxN 407-254-9200

Backyard Chicken Class (Online)

Keeping chickens and producing your own eggs in suburban and urban settings has become a popular hobby! Hens in a coop can be a fun and practical addition to your home garden. Learn how to get started and be successful in this program presented via Zoom by Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough. 

Wednesday, September 21, 2022, 10:00am-12:00pm. FREE! Registration is required at https://bit.ly/OCchickenclass. 407-254-9200

First Time Homebuyer Workshop - SPANISH (Online)

Learn the steps to home ownership and how to obtain an affordable mortgage in this online class offered in SPANISH via Zoom by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez. This homebuyer workshop meets the education requirements for down payment assistance programs.

Thursday, September 22, 2022, 8:30a-5:00pm.

$10 fee. Registration is required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200 

Youth Nature Walk – Mead Botanical Garden (In Person)

Join us for a free Youth Nature Walk at Mead Botanical Garden! Presented by Calvin Gardner, Orange County Extension Agent, the focus of this event will be on observing natural environments to educate and inspire curiosity in our local plants and animals. Walks will be led by one to two Extension Agents, several Master Gardener volunteers, and at least one parent or legal guardian per party.

Monday, September 26, 2022, 8:30am-10:00am. FREE! Registration is required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200 

UF/IFAS is an Equal Opportunity Institution.