Hello! My name is Calvin Gardner and I am the new Urban Horticulture Extension Agent at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. I joined this amazing workplace on March 7th and I am quickly learning more about many of the fun and exciting parts of being an Extension Agent. 

If you see me around the facility, please feel free to come and say hello! But for now, I will tell you a bit about myself. 

I am a seventh generation Floridian, born and raised in Orlando. The only time I have not lived in Orlando was when I was attending the University of Florida. I grew up in the heart of Orlando and spent most of my childhood exploring parts of the city. I went to Edgewater High School, and I received my AA from Valencia College.  

After attending Valencia, I was accepted into the University of Florida to study Sustainability in the Built Environment. This degree was based on sustainable community development and focused on such topics as construction, waste management, energy efficiency, and agricultural food systems. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in August 2021.  

After graduation, I began working for an international grey water recycling company as an intern and for my family’s property appraisal company. It was a dream come true to see the opening for the Urban Horticulture Extension Agent position, and I jumped at the opportunity. This position means a lot to me. I love to serve Orange County’s communities and being able to do that as a horticultural educator combines my passion and my values. My vision is to serve and empower citizens to find ways horticulture can improve their community and those around them.

I cannot wait to learn what the future holds with UF/IFAS Extension!

Contact Information

If you would like to contact me, please feel free to reach out via email at cgardner1@ufl.edu or call (407) 254-9200.

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