UF/IFAS Extension Announces Upcoming Programs

Posted On: April 29, 2025

The UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County offers a variety of community programs to educate residents about economic and community development, leadership, family issues, agriculture, and the environment.

Unless otherwise indicated, in-person classes will be held at the Volusia County Agriculture Center, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand.

First-time Homebuyer Class: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, May 2 and 9. 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, Seminole County, and the City of Deltona. The cost is $5 per household. Scholarships are available upon request. Register at https://homebuyered.eventbrite.com.

Eyes on Seagrass: 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd., New Smyrna Beach. Sea Grant Extension Agent Carolyn Kovacs will discuss the species and ecology of seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon, as well as the lagoon’s Eyes on Seagrass Blitz and how you can get involved. Reservations are not required.

Decluttering Your Life: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 7, at New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway. Extension Agent Lisa Hamilton will share strategies for organizing spaces, clearing out unwanted items, and creating a more streamlined environment. Reservations are not required.

Invasive Species for the Homeowner: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8. This virtual workshop will equip participants with knowledge and skills to identify and manage invasive species in their yards. Register at https://tinyurl.com/invasive-5-8/.

Creatures on the Beach: 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave. Sea Grant Extension Agent Carolyn Kovacs will share information about the organisms that live in Volusia County’s marine and coastal ecosystems and display artifacts found along the coast. Reservations are not required.

Backyard Urban Chicken Programs: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 22. Extension Agent Ashley Stonecipher will discuss chicken breeds, proper housing, general health care, nutrition, manure management, and food safety. She will also explain how to find out if your property is approved for raising backyard poultry. The registration fee is $15 per household. Each registration is good for all family members living at the same address. Registration and payment can be made at www.eventbrite.com/cc/backyard-chickens-2933959.

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