The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension in Lake County is hosting the following events and programs in April:

Lake County Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale

April 14 from 8 a.m. – noon

Lake County Extension Center, Discovery Gardens, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares

  • With over 3,000 plants for sale, visitors will have a large selection to choose from including Florida native, butterfly and hummingbird attractors, flowering perennials and landscape plants, tropicals, herbs, shade plants, small trees and many more. The Mobile Plant Clinic will also be on site and staffed with Master Gardeners. Please bring a cart or wagon for easier shopping. Only cash and checks will be accepted.

Budgeting Basics

April 17 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont

  • Participants will learn the importance of managing money to reach goals, build wealth and relieve stress. Learn how to create a spending plan, track your expenses and find spending gaps and leaks. Registration is required online for this free class at https://fcslake.eventbrite.comor by calling 352-343-4101 ext. 2719.

 UF Roots Up Series: Local Fruit in Season

April 21 from 10 a.m. – noon

Lake County Extension Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares

  • Extension Agents Dr. Juanita Popenoe and Mia Wilchcombe will present on growing techniques for berries and peaches, harvesting, and healthy nutritional practices. The class cost $10 to attend. Register online at http://UFRootsUp.eventbrite.comor call 352-343-4101 ext. 2719.

Understanding the DASH Diet

April 30 from 10 a.m. – noon

Lake County Extension Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares

  • Learn why the DASH diet is ranked best diet overall for the eighth year in a row by U.S. News and World Report. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure by emphasizing portion size and eating a variety of nutrient rich foods. The cost of the class is $5 and includes materials and food samples. Registration is required by April 25 online at https://fcslake.eventbrite.comor by calling 352-343-4101 ext. 2719.

Forest Bathing

Monday – Friday and the third Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Discovery Gardens, Lake County Extension Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares

  • “Forest Bathing,” also known as forest therapy, is known to relax the mind and potentially improve blood pressure. Residents can receive these benefits locally in the lush courtyards of the Discovery Gardens. The 3.5 acre property is home to 23 themed gardens and is open and free to visit. In this video, Extension Agent Dr. Juanita Popenoe talks a little about how getting back in touch with nature can recharge your spirit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_tVMAgzkdY.

Those with food allergies should be aware that food items prepared or distributed as part of UF/IFAS Extension events may contain milk, egg, gluten, wheat, soybean, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish; and could be prepared in a facility that may be exposed to any of these ingredients.

For additional details about any of these events, contact the UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County at 352-343-4101 or visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lake/. The mission of the UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County is to develop knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. The Extension service provides free consultations, as well as educational programs on a variety of subjects.

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