I want to take an opportunity to look back and celebrate all the amazing things we accomplished together at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County last year. 2023 was full of challenges, growth, and lots of successes. We have continued to change the way we program – trying to expand our reach and be more innovative in cases. Here are some highlights from our ANNUAL REPORT that showcase the incredible impact we’ve made in our community.

Agriculture & Natural Resources
Our agriculture and natural resources programs have been a hit! From backyard chicken courses to hands-on beekeeping classes, we’ve helped residents connect with sustainable agricultural practices. These initiatives not only educate but also bring our community closer to its agricultural roots.

• Highlights:
  • 521 people joined our Urban Backyard Chicken Class.
  • 89 participants learned all about beekeeping.
  • We distributed 536 trees through the Adopt-A-Tree program.

Horticulture
This year, our horticulture programs have made great strides in promoting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and supporting community gardens. Our Master Gardener Volunteers have been busy teaching sustainable gardening practices and offering expert advice.

• Highlights:
  • 315 attendees learned about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™.
  • We welcomed 5,758 visitors to our horticultural events.
  • Our 143 Master Gardener Volunteers contributed an impressive 8,299 volunteer hours.

4-H Youth Development
Our 4-H Youth Development program continues to inspire and educate the youth of Orange County. Through hands-on experiences in agriculture, science, and citizenship, we’ve helped kids develop essential leadership and life skills.

• Highlights:
  • 7,713 students participated in classroom learning.
  • 94% of gardening club members learned more about healthy food choices.
  • Our 4-H volunteers’ work is valued at $293,718.

Family & Consumer Sciences
Our Family & Consumer Sciences programs have been all about enhancing community well-being. From financial management to nutrition, we’ve offered guidance and support to help residents lead healthier, more sustainable lives. Our Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) even received top recognition from the CDC!

• Highlights:
  • 100% of participants in the money management program improved their financial knowledge.
  • 87%-100% of people in our Med Instead of Meds program adopted healthier eating habits.
  • Eligible class participants qualified for $7,000 in rental assistance.

Community Resource Development
We’ve focused a lot on building leadership and professional development skills in our community. Our Growing Organizational Employee Skills (GOES) program has been especially successful in boosting essential soft skills for Orange County Head Start employees.

• Highlights:
  • 61 county employees participated in our leadership workshops.
  • Participants increased their skills by 42%.
  • We celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™.

Looking Forward
As we move into the second half of 2024, we’re excited to keep growing and making a positive impact. Your support and involvement are what make our mission possible. Let’s continue to work together to create a better, more sustainable community.

Together, we grow stronger.

Thank you for being part of our journey! Stay connected with us on Eventbrite, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Connect with Us:

• Eventbrite: https://ocextension.eventbrite.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyExt/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oc_extension
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyQvIQ_wTljIWP0DOOqKlBg
  
  

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