UF/IFAS Extension Announces Upcoming Programs

Posted On: January 23, 2026

Looking to raise backyard chickens, buy a new home, or grow mushrooms? The UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County has you covered with hands-on programs for all ages.

How to Manage Debt: Noon to 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3. Learn about debt management strategies and options for collections during this free virtual class, which is part of the Financial Well-being Series. Register at https://tinyurl.com/BDH22949.

First-time Homebuyer Classes: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 10 and 17. 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. A Spanish-language class will be offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. The cost is $10 per household. Register at https://homebuyered.eventbrite.com.

Backyard Urban Chicken Programs:6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. 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 BackyardChickenEventbrite.

Growing Mushrooms at Home:6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Learn how to grow your own edible mushrooms and enjoy them during this class The $50 fee includes a mushroom growing kit and resources. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ypnkjbxc by Feb. 9. For more information, contact Brittany Council-Morton at [email protected] or 386-822-5778.

Annie's Project: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 17 and 24, at the Volusia County Agricultural Center, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Extension Agent Ashley Stonecipher will instruct these classes, which will empower women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks, and resources. Additional classes, which will be offered through a combination of in-person and virtual options, will be held March 3 and 10, April 30, and May 7 and 16. The cost is $12 per class. Register at https://annies-project.eventbrite.com.

Pesticide CEU Day:8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Volusia County Agricultural Center, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Licensed pesticide professionals can pick up science-based information applicable to aquatic, natural areas, and right-of-way management. The $70 fee includes, lunch, snacks, drinks, and materials. Register at https://aqnarow_CEU_Day.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Karen Stauderman at [email protected].

Spring Edible Plant Sale: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Volusia County Agricultural Center, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Bring a wagon. Payment may be made with cash or check only. For more information, contact Brittany Council-Morton at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

Master Gardener Plant Clinics and Talks: Volusia County's master gardeners will share gardening tips and answer questions during free plant clinics in January. Residents can bring their plants for a free check-up and care plan.

• 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at DeLand Regional Library, 130 E. Howry Ave.
• 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway
• 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Sugar Mill Gardens, 950 Old Sugar Mill Road, Port Orange
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at DeBary Hall Historic Site, 198 Sunrise Blvd.
• 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave.
• 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Port Orange Regional Library, 1005 City Center Circle

Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Brittany Council-Morton of the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

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