Insects are buzzing, flying, crawling and generally enjoying themselves. Most are beneficial, some are nuisances. This talk will help you know the difference and how to best discourage those we prefer not to encourage in our gardens.
Most of the bugs we have in our gardens are beneficial to plants. It is only a small percentage that harm plants but they can be deadly. This is the place to learn which bugs are good and which are harmful and how to manage the harmful ones. Linda makes this a fun, entertaining and informative talk.
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardeners to learn about various gardening techniques and explore new topics for your landscaping ventures through lectures and discussion to help you excel in your yard.
Instructor: Linda Johnson, Debbi LukasiewiczMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA170 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 6/9/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:44
This course will discuss wildlife species that are frequently considered to cause nuisance issues and available management techniques. It will focus on invasive and naturalized species including coyotes, black bear, armadillos, and others.
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.
Instructor:Maxine HunterMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA109 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 6/11/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:21
Whether you're a proud DIY weekend warrior or prefer to call in the pros, this lively session will give you everything you need to keep your trees and shrubs strong, healthy, and ready to handle whatever wild weather comes your way.
We'll dig into smart, practical strategies for preparing your landscape before severe weather strikes, so you can prevent damage instead of cleaning it up later. Learn the most efficient and effective ways to trim your trees and shrubs this fall, helping them stay beautiful, balanced, and resilient all season long.
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardeners to learn about various gardening techniques and explore new topics for your landscaping ventures through lectures and discussion to help you excel in your yard.
Instructor: Linda Johnson, Debbi LukasiewiczMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA151 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 7/14/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:50
Horses are a common site in Ocala throughout the year. Learn about the types of horses, how they have served people throughout the generations, and common equine activities that happen locally.
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, pest management, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.
Instructor:Maxine HunterMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA215 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 7/16/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:43
Learn which plants provide the richest nectar, how to choose varieties that thrive in autumn conditions, and what these pollinator-friendly plants need to stay healthy and vibrant. Whether you're planting a few pots or redesigning a whole garden bed, walk away with practical tips and beautiful ideas to keep your garden alive with movement and color long after summer fades. Come ready to grow, glow, and let your garden take flight this fall.
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardeners to learn about various gardening techniques and explore new topics for your landscaping ventures through lectures and discussion to help you excel in your yard.
Join us to learn about local agriculture in Marion County. We will discuss the impact local farmers have on our food availability, as well as alternative enterprises such as beekeeping, sod production, and tree farming in the area.
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.
Instructor:Maxine HunterMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA160 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 8/13/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:42
No yard? No problem. Let's turn that patio into a winter veggie powerhouse! In this lively, idea-packed class, learn how to grow crisp greens and cool-season favorites in containers, which is perfect for small spaces and HOA-friendly homes. When garden beds aren't an option, containers make winter growing simple, stylish, and surprisingly productive.
We'll share the best winter varieties for our climate, the ideal soil mix and amendments, and easy tips for watering and sunlight success.
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardeners to learn about various gardening techniques and explore new topics for your landscaping ventures through lectures and discussion to help you excel in your yard.
Instructor: Debbi LukasiewiczMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA117 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 9/8/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:46
Join us for an enlightening lecture exploring the fascinating digestive anatomy of the horse, designed to give participants a clear understanding of how horses process their food. Learn how different types of horses require different feeding strategies, and discover how body condition scoring helps guide feeding decisions. This engaging session brings the Horse Capital of the World® experience to life, offering insights into equine health, nutrition, and care through discussion and expert explanation.
Instructor: Caitlin JustesenMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:EQU143 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 9/10/2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:44
Do you have holes in your landscape? Join us to learn about common burrowing animals and rodents in Central Florida. We will talk about their habits, lifecycle, potential pest issues, and control or removal options. We will also discuss resources available to help with proper identification.
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.
Instructor:Maxine HunterMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA216 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 9/10/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:25
Have you ever wondered what animals may exist around you? During this class, we will introduce you to common mammals of Central Florida and discuss their management and the environmental conditions that may attract or support them.
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.
Instructor:Maxine HunterMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA217 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 10/8/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:45
Roses- their beauty, their fragrance, their timeless charm. Think you can’t grow gorgeous roses in Central Florida? Join Deb for a fun and inspiring journey into the world of roses, right here in Central Florida. Discover: The best rose varieties that thrive in our unique climate. Soil secrets to set your roses up for success. Fertilizing tips to keep blooms coming strong. Common rose challenges (and how to handle them with confidence). When and how to prune for healthier plants and more spectacular flowers.
Whether you’re a beginner who has never planted a rose or a seasoned gardener looking to up your game, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to grow stunning roses that turn heads and perfume your garden all season long.
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardeners to learn about various gardening techniques and explore new topics for your landscaping ventures through lectures and discussion to help you excel in your yard.
Instructor: Debbi LukasiewiczMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:GAR159 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: W | 10/14/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:48
Explore the natural behaviors of horses in this senior-friendly lecture designed to deepen your understanding of these remarkable animals. Learn how horses communicate, think, and respond to their environment, and gain insights into training, handling, and interacting safely and effectively. This class brings experience to life, offering practical knowledge to appreciate and support the welfare of horses in everyday care and interaction.
Instructor: Caitlin JustesenMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:EQU144 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 10/15/2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:44
This three-part series will take a journey through Florida's water resources and our personal connections to them. Learn how water moves through our watersheds and the aquifer, what affects water quality and quantity, and how laws impact our use of water resources. We will explore ways you can become a local steward of our precious waterways.
Instructor:Ondine WellsMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #:IFA181 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time : Tu | 10/20/2026 - 11/3/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM This class meets 3 times Seats Available:30
This is a must-attend class for anyone new to the Sunshine State! Learn about our region's unique water resources, with a special focus on Marion County's renowned springs. Discover what plants thrive here, when to plant them, and how to design beautiful Florida-Friendly Landscaping for your home. Discover the many resources and programs available through your local extension office.
As the days grow shorter and there’s a crisp chill in the air, it’s tempting to tuck the garden in and call it a season. But before you put your plants to bed, let’s make sure they’re truly ready for their winter nap!
Join Claudia for a lively, myth-busting session on what your garden really needs this fall. Is it time to prunevor should those shears stay in the shed? To fertilize or not to fertilize? And what about mulch… how much is too much?
You’ll learn simple, practical tips to protect your plants, strengthen their roots, and set the stage for a vibrant spring comeback. Think of it as a cozy send-off party for your garden so it can rest well and wake up thriving!
Instructor: Claudia Tull, Debbi LukasiewiczMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:GAR128 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 11/10/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:24
This course will discuss preventative pest management techniques with an emphasis on travel. It will focus on native and invasive species that commonly cause a ruckus during travel.
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.
Instructor:Maxine HunterMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA218 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 11/12/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:45
The holidays wouldn't be the same without a splash of living color. From the classic red Poinsettia to the festive blooms of a Christmas Cactus, the bold beauty of Amaryllis, and the sweet fragrance of Paperwhite, holiday plants bring warmth and cheer to any space.
Did one of these beauties arrive as a gift? Or are you looking to deck your halls with something more vibrant than tinsel? Join Debbi for a lively, practical discussion packed with easy-care tips to keep your holiday plants thriving not just through the season, but long after the decorations are packed away. Learn how to keep them healthy, encourage reblooming, and enjoy their beauty year-round.
Give your holiday plants the happy ending they deserve, and maybe even an encore performance next year.
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Master Gardeners to learn about various gardening techniques and explore new topics for your landscaping ventures through lectures and discussion to help you excel in your yard.
Instructor: Debbi LukasiewiczMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA165 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 12/8/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:50
Water is everywhere in Florida. Join us to learn about the largest aquatic species found in both freshwater and coastal ecosystems. We will discuss ways to participate in wildlife watching activities and ways to get involved with conservation.
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.
Instructor:Maxine HunterMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA219 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 12/10/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:40
This is a must-attend class for anyone new to the Sunshine State! Learn about our region's unique water resources, with a special focus on Marion County's renowned springs. Discover what plants thrive here, when to plant them, and how to design beautiful Florida-Friendly Landscaping for your home. Discover the many resources and programs available through your local extension office.
