Category: Natural Resources

dark stormy sky with a blue evacuation route sign

Hurricane Season Begins June 1: Time to Prepare

by Kevin Camm
May 7, 2026

June 1 marks the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November 30. Recent seasons have reminded us how active and unpredictable hurricane activity can be, especially here in Florida. Now is the time to review your ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Disaster Preparation, HOME LANDSCAPES, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Disaster Preparation, Disaster Resources, Food Safety, Hurricane, Hurricane Kit, Hurricane Prep, Hurricane Preparations, Hurricane Preparedness, Hurricanes, Ocextension, Orange County, Tree Risk
big blue sign that says Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension Education Center with an UF/IFAS logo and an Orange County logo. there are green trees and blue sky in the background.

Fresh Picks: The Month’s Classes

by Chris Weber
April 27, 2026

As we head into summer, it’s a great time to build new skills and plan ahead. Our May classes include opportunities to learn about gardening, sustainability, financial well-being, and healthy living through practical, research-based ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, AGRICULTURE, Blog Community, Events, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Food Safety, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, HOME LANDSCAPES, Home Management, Horticulture, Lawn, Money Matters, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Classes, Events, Extension Education, Learning, Ocextension, Orangecountyfl, Ufifasextension
cityscape with trees

Everything Gets Hotter In The City

by Calvin Gardner
April 24, 2026

It’s a cool, calm, collected drive through the rural backroads of Orange County. A place where fresh air and greenery is in abundance, and you can't help but roll the windows down, turn up the radio, and take a deep breath. But as the country ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Natural Resources
Tags: Fresh Air, Greenspace, Ocextension, Ornamental Grasses, Shrubs, Trees, Urban Heat Island Effect

Florida’s Hidden Invaders: Invasive Houseplants

by Clarissa Chairez
April 16, 2026

Welcome back to our Florida’s Hidden Invaders Blog Series where we focus on spreading awareness of invasive species and their impacts. In this section we will focus on houseplants that become invasive if planted in the landscape. For much ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Home Management, Horticulture, Invasive Species
Tags: Florida Friendly, Florida Gardening, Florida Wildlife, Florida's Hidden Invaders, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Invasives, Landscape, Landscape Management, Native Plants, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County

Florida’s Hidden Invaders: Invasive Plants in Our Yards Part 1

by Clarissa Chairez
April 16, 2026

Walk through almost any Florida neighborhood and you’ll probably spot a few invasive plants without even realizing it. Many were originally planted for their beauty, drought tolerance, or easy care—but those same qualities make them quick ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Invasive Species
Tags: Florida Friendly, Florida Gardening, Florida Wildlife, Florida's Hidden Invaders, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Invasives, Landscape, Landscape Management, Native Plants, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County

Florida’s Hidden Invaders: Teaching Youth About Invasive Species

by Clarissa Chairez
April 16, 2026

Welcome back to our Florida’s Hidden Invaders Blog Series where we focus on spreading awareness of invasive species and their impacts. In this section we will focus on teaching youth about invasive species. Studies show that learning through ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Invasive Species
Tags: 4-H, Florida's Hidden Invaders, Invasive Species, Ocextension, Summer Camp, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, Youth Educational Game

Florida’s Hidden Invaders: Tackling Invasive Species

by Clarissa Chairez
April 16, 2026

Welcome to our Florida's Hidden Invaders Blog Series where we focus on spreading awareness of invasive species and their impacts. In this introduction section we will focus on what invasive species are, common traits, how they get here, and ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Invasive Species
Tags: Florida Friendly, Florida Gardening, Florida Wildlife, Florida's Hidden Invaders, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Garden, Gardening, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Invasives, Landscape, Landscape Management, Native Plants, Ocextension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County
close up photo of green turf grass, showing individuals blades of grass

2/18/26 GI-BMP in Orange County + Sun Spot Safety Lunch with Swag!

by Hannah Eason
February 5, 2026

That is right! Fertilizer is regulated in Florida, including in Orange County and beyond. You are required to learn about it and follow the rules. We want to keep things interesting and beneficial for you, the landscape professionals. This year, ... READ MORE

Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Management, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Certified Instructor, CEU, CEUs, Cflandscapes, Class, Classes, Clean Water, Continuing Education, Fertilizer, Fertilizer Class, Fertilizer Training, Gibmp, Grass, Grass Class, Green Industries Best Management Practices, Green Industry, Hwooten, Orange County, Regulated Fertilizer, Train, Trainer, Training, Turf, Turfgrass, Water, Water Glass

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