 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
 |
Ongoing events
In My Backyard - Hall Gallery Exhibit through Aug. 26 at Weedon Island Preserve. Christina Evans is a graphic artist and designer with a dramatic talent in photography. A resident of Largo, Florida, Evans features photographs taken in her own backyard that is heavily planted with native plants. Her goal is to capture striking images that show how native plants attract a diversity of wildlife, even in a small suburban landscape. For additional information call 727-453-6500.
From Sea to Shining Sea: 200 Years of America’s Coastal Survey, through Sept. 30 at Weedon Island Preserve, sponsored by NOAA and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services. This exhibit of 20 posters celebrates 200 years of science, service and stewardship at America’s oldest scientific research organization, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, signed the Organic Act of 1807, which authorized surveying the coast of the United States. Once known as the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, NOAA is charged with understanding and predicting changes in the Earth’s environment and managing America’s ocean resources. This exhibit details the many historic events and scientific breakthroughs that shape their research today. There is no fee for this family-oriented educational exhibit. Visitors can enjoy the exhibit during normal center hours. All ages welcome.
Turtles In-Depth, a three-weekend series at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin. Florida is home to over 8% of the world’s known turtle species and is a significant area for both turtle diversity and habitat. Turtles are ancient creatures that walked the earth with the dinosaurs and today are important and visible elements in many ecosystems. Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin, Florida will be offering three workshops on the ecology and conservation of Florida’s rich turtle diversity. Join turtle researcher and conservationist George L. Heinrich while exploring Florida’s natural areas in search of imperiled species. Attend one or more workshops that include a Saturday morning classroom session at Camp Bayou and a Sunday field trip to a select off-site turtle habitat. These workshops are designed to be both educational and fun.
Sept. 1-2, Gopher Tortoise: Threatened Icon of the Uplands (includes field trip: hiking at Balm-Boyette Scrub Preserve, southeastern Hillsborough County)
Sept. 15-16, Diamondback Terrapins: Living on the Edge (includes field trip: canoeing at Cockroach Bay, southern Hillsborough County)
Sept. 29-30, Florida’s Riverine Turtles: Identification, Natural History and Conservation (includes field trip: canoeing and snorkeling in Rainbow Run, Dunnellon) .
Registration fee is $75 per workshop or $200 for all three workshops. Limited space is available, so register early (adults only). For more information, visit www.heinrichecologicalservices.com or call 727-865-6255,
AUGUST
Aug. 23, 7-8pm, Beach Nesting Birds: A Statewide Perspective. Join Nancy Douglass from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for an informative presentation at Weedon Island Preserve. Our beaches are a “happening place” for important species of coastal residents, beach-nesting birds. How can we coexist with Florida’s water birds and stop their population decline? Learn what you can do to protect the nesting areas while you enjoy the beach. For black skimmers, American oystercatchers, and various gulls, terns, and plovers, it’s a matter of survival. Pre-registration is requested, call 727-453-6500.
Aug. 25, 9-11am, Saturday Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve. Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the preserve are held every Saturday. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this two-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on Friday prior to your tour of choice. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 727-453-6500.
Aug. 25, 10-11am, Remarkable Reptiles, Lowry Park Zoo Educational Outreach at Weedon Island Preserve. Join educators from the Lowry Park Zoo to learn about the amazing special adaptations of some of their reptilian residents. Why are the bodies of snakes, turtles, alligators, and lizards usually covered with scales or bony plates? Learn about the remarkable survival of these dinosaur descendants. Pre-registration is required, call 727-453-6500.
Aug. 26, 8-9:30am, The Great Weedon Bird Quest. Come and join us on a quest to find Weedon Island Preserve birds! Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors, while helping us compile an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds. These hikes are designed to take advantage of all levels of birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides are available. Hikes are scheduled for the last Sunday of each month for a relaxing outing led by experienced birders. Pre-registration is requested, call 727-453-6500.
Aug. 28, 6-8:30pm, Landscape Makeover: Ground Covers, Grasses, and Vines at the Manatee County Extension. Landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend of landscape practices. Site considerations will be discussed. This class counts toward education requirements for the Manatee County Water Conservation Rebate Program. Pre-registration is required, call 941-722-4524 or 941-742-5986.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 1, 12-2pm, Manatee Mania, The Pier Aquarium. Call 727-821-6443 or visit www.stpete-pier.com for more information.
Sept. 1, 9-11am, Saturday Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve. Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the preserve are held every Saturday. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this two-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on Friday prior to your tour of choice. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 1, 9-11am, Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve. Take a walk through time on a guided hike along the Brooker Creek Education Trail. See how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. All ages welcome, but children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 1, 1-2pm, Insect Safari Program, Brooker Creek Preserve. Look at a few examples of live insects from the preserve and then go outside to search for more at this Insect Safari. Each group will learn to use an insect net and magnifiers to get up close views of these fascinating creatures. This fun, hands-on family program is free. Best for children ages 6 to 10. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 2, 8:30-11:30am, Kayak Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach with the American Littoral Society. Call John Sarkozy at 941-966-7308.
Sept. 2, 8-10am, Photography Hike, Weedon Island Preserve. This program is designed to provide great opportunities for photographers of all levels. The first Sunday of every month, visitors hike the preserve in search of that perfect shot. Center staff members highlight seasonal features of the Preserve as well as specific wildlife behaviors that help participants capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island Preserve. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 5, 7pm, Native Plant Yard Tour Overview. In preparation for this month's tour of Pinellas FNPS members' yards, owners will give us a preview of what tour participants will see when they visit. Each host will describe his or her yard, highlighting favorite specimen plants and telling what goals they had in mind as they developed their landscapes. Monthly membership meeting, Pinellas chapter of the Florida Native Landscape Association at Moccasin Lake Nature Park.
Sept. 5, 10-11:30am, Preschool Village Ramblers, Mama’s Got Trouble with Mice in the Barn, Heritage Village. Little ones and their parents or grandparents will love to explore hands-on history during this monthly Preschool Village Ramblers club. In September, preschoolers take a morning walk through the village and join living history interpreters in the everyday life activities of an early Florida homestead at a Mama’s Got Trouble with Mice in the Barn Program. Pinellas County Historical Society members pay $6 per program. Nonmembers pay $8 per program. For more information or to register, call 727-582-2426.
Sept. 5, 6:30-8pm, Wednesday Evening Walk at Brooker Creek Preserve. Take a pleasant evening stroll with the preserve’s experts while looking for creatures that are settling in for the evening and those just beginning to move around. Look for and discuss the ways that wildlife share spaces during different times of the day. Best for adults and children 10 years and older. Free. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 8, Field Trip: Tour of Pinellas FNPS Chapter Members' Landscapes. Tour the top native landscapes in Pinellas County as part of the Florida Native Plant Society’s annual event. Visit http://pinellas.fnpschapters.org/ for more information.
Sept. 8, 9-11am, Saturday Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve. Join in the fun to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. This free two-hour guided hike through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems is perfect for individuals and families with children 5 years and older. Registration required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 8, 9am-12pm, Guided Canoe Trip at Weedon Island Preserve. Explore the south canoe trail of Weedon Island Preserve with an expert to guide you. Get a rare look at some of the aquatic ecosystems that make west-central Florida so special. If you have never explored the preserve from the water, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. The cost is $10 (includes tax) per person or $20 (includes tax) per canoe with a maximum of three people. Spaces fill quickly so register today by calling 727-453-6500.
Sept. 8, 9-11am, Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve. Take a walk through time on a guided hike along the Brooker Creek Education Trail. See how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. All ages welcome, but children young than 6 may find this hike challenging. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 8, 10am-12pm, Back in Time with Jay Hardman at Brooker Creek Preserve. Take a journey with archeologist Jay Hardman back in time to the early days of prehistory and history along Florida’s Central Gulf Coast. Hardman relates the delicate balance between people and their environment through thousands of years and history as recorded in the archaeological record. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 8, 11:30am-12:30pm, Greening Your Home, Weedon Island Preserve. Bring your brown-bag lunch and hear the latest and easiest ways to “green” your home with Bert Henderson from Pinellas County Extension. Learn about easy ways to become earth-friendly around the home and help the planet too. A free goodie bag full of environmental products, including an organic snack, given to all participants. Registration required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 8, 1-3pm, The Doodlebugs, Sugar Daze-From Harvest to Market, Heritage Village.
Living history abounds for children ages 5 to 11 on the second Saturday of each month. This month, the Doodlebugs take a trip back in time and grab a handful of history about sweet treats at the Sugar Daze-From Harvest to Market Program. Children take a tour of the village, get a story time and make a craft. A take-home activity to share with the family is part of the fun too. Pinellas County Historical Society members pay $10 per program. Nonmembers pay $12 per program. For more information or to register, call 727-582-2426.
Sept. 9, 2-4pm, Florida’s Heritage, Lands and Inhabitants – Weedon Island Exhibit Opening Reception, The Florida Photographers Group. A group of local photography enthusiasts presents an exciting view of their surrounding environment. This exhibit consists of a diverse collection of nature-themed photographs that includes landscapes, still-life and wildlife. Meet your talented neighbors at this reception or see their work during normal center hours through October 27.
Sept. 9, 1-4pm, Meet the Artist – An Artist’s Vision: Florida Wildlife and Landscapes at Brooker Creek Preserve. Meet Artist Thomas Brooks and witness the mood and light of the natural world that dominates his paintings. For his inspiration, Brooks relies on personal experiences as he applies acrylics on canvas to create the atmosphere his work is most known for. For information, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 11, 2-4pm, Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Manatee Awareness Coalition, Weedon Island Preserve. Call 727-893-2765.
Sept. 12, 7-8pm, Cypress Swamp Café at Brooker Creek Preserve – Global Warming: Changing the CO2urse. Gain a better understanding of the history and science of global climate change and discuss ways that our personal choices can have an impact. Explore the ways that personal values and habits are related to climate change. Discussion groups will form during this 1 ½ hour introductory session with follow-up sessions to be scheduled. Material cost is $15. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 13, 9am-noon, Agency on Bay Management, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. Call 727-570-5151, ext. 32, or visit www.tbrpc.org.
Sept. 13, 8-9:30am, Morning Migratory Bird Walk at Brooker Creek Preserve. Join the Preserve’s staff for an early morning stroll to enjoy the sights and sounds of the preserve. Walk along the boardwalks and around the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center to see which birds are flying through. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 13, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker Creek – Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. Follow the life of a sugar maple from seed to beautiful tree in collage art style at this program for preschoolers. The book, “Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf,” by Lois Ehlert will be read and hands-on activities will follow. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 13, 10:30-11:30am, Wee-time at Weedon: Good-Night, Owl! Designed to introduce pre-school children to the wonders of the natural world, this program is held the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Children are treated to a variety of stories, puppet shows, and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. In this program, children will follow along with poor Owl's attempts at sleep, which are constantly thwarted by other animals' sounds. He pays his friends back in the end, and enjoys having the last screech. This program also includes a hands-on craft and other games and activities. Spaces are limited, pre-registration is required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 14, 10:30-11:15am, Spanish Language Book Time – Salta, Ranita, Salta (Jump, Frog, Jump)
Brooker Creek Preserve. This Brooker Book Time introduces preschoolers to the wonders of the natural world and Spanish words. Salta, Ranita, Salta (Jump, Frog, Jump) is a captivating and entertaining story that will be read in Spanish. The story follows a frog that chases a fly then is chased by a fish, a snake, a turtle, a net and a group of children. Hands-on activities to follow. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 14, 7-8pm, Friday Night Movie at Weedon Island Preserve, “The Ecological Footprint.” Humans are the most demanding species on the planet. Our growing numbers are rapidly depleting our ecological resources. This film introduces a resource accounting tool that measures human demands on the Earth. What is your ecological footprint? A lively discussion will follow the film and give participants an opportunity to examine their impact upon the planet and how that footprint can be more sustainable. Pre-registration is required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 15, 9-11am, Saturday Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve. Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve are held each Saturday of the month. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this two-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on Friday prior to your tour of choice. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 15, 10am-1pm, Saturday Morning Coffee Break/Book Nook by the Bay, guest author Cyndi Sue to read, sign and sell books at The Pier Aquarium. Call 727-821-6443 or visit www.stpete-pier.com for more information.
Sept. 15, 9-11am, Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve. Take a walk through time on a guided hike along the Brooker Creek Education Trail. See how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. All ages welcome, but children younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 15, 10-11am, Gardening for Wildlife Workshop at Brooker Creek Preserve. Create a garden area or entire landscape that is friendly to Florida’s wildlife and the environment with the experts from Pinellas County Extension at this free workshop. For reservations, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 15, 9-10:30am, Rain Barrel Workshop at the Pinellas County Extension. Learn how to set up a recycled plastic barrel to collect rain from your roof to water your garden and landscape plants. Workshop is free and barrels will be available for attendees to purchase. For reservations or information, please call 727-582-2673.
Sept. 15, 10-11am, Castnetting: Regulations and Techniques Workshop, War Veterans’ Memorial Park. Learn how to throw a cast net or bait net every time with success at this free castnetting workshop. Get up to speed on the rules. Bring your own cast or bait net, if you have one. Register by calling 727-549-6165.
Sept. 15, 10:30-11:30am, Nature’s Store – The Cabbage Palm, Weedon Island Preserve. Did you know that the palm’s practical uses for food, medicine and building materials can be traced back through thousands of years of human history? Get to the very heart of the palm and look at the organisms that depend on it. To register, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 15, 1-2pm, Upland Ecosystem Restoration, Brooker Creek. Join botanist Nancy Bissett as she discusses the introduction of non-native species and the loss of native species diversity. Bissett discusses various techniques, variabilities encountered and results of seeding on-site. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept 15, 8am-noon, Coastal Cleanup at various sites in Hillsborough County. Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful will coordinate the local event with more than 3,000 volunteers expected to participate. The International Coastal Cleanup, which is coordinated by The Ocean Conservancy, had nearly 500,000 international volunteers in 2005, lent a hand to clean up litter and marine debris from the shores, lakes and rivers of more than 70 nations, from Argentina to Vietnam.
More than 3,000 volunteers cleaned 90.5 miles of shorelines and coastlines in Hillsborough County last year and collected 63,766 pounds of trash. In addition to the typical cigarette butts, cans and bottles, volunteers found birds, fish and crabs entangled in fishing line. Our wildlife are often the unfortunate casualties of people’s carelessness.
In addition to picking up trash, volunteers will be asked to mark the trash they find on data cards, which will be distributed at the event. This information is reported to the Ocean Conservancy to help determine the causes of litter and to educate our legislators and the general public on marine debris.
“It’s a chance for residents to show their commitment to a cleaner environment and healthier ecosystem while having fun at the same time,” said Christine Commerce, executive director for Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful.
A list of these locations along with a registration form can be found at www.khcbonline.org closer to the event date. For more information on volunteering, becoming a site captain or sponsoring the event, contact KHCB at (813) 960-5121.
Sept. 16, 1-2:30pm, Teeth Tell the Tale, Brooker Creek Preserve. Did you know you can tell what an animal eats just by looking at its teeth? With the help of the preserve’s staff, examine skulls and scats to learn how teeth can tell the tale of an animal’s diet. This free program is great for the entire family. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 16, 12:30-3:30pm, Weedon Naturalist – Coastal Aquatic Segment. The Weedon Naturalist Program is created for adults who wish to become familiar with the ecosystems that surround us. This program explores the complex and intricate connections between living things and the physical environment in which they occur. Each session utilizes Weedon Island Preserve as a study site to explore the various major ecosystems that comprise the Tampa Bay watershed, featuring key native species and their role in the respective ecosystem. Interpretive techniques from the curriculum of the National Association for Interpretation will provide tools to participants for sharing their knowledge of the natural world with others. The Coastal Aquatic workshop includes a classroom discussion, collection of organisms in the shallow water areas of the Tampa Bay estuary and a lab session. Participants should come prepared to get their feet wet. Those who complete the workshop and prepare three species profiles for an on-going Weedon Naturalist field guide will receive a Weedon Naturalist certification and pin. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 19, 8:30-11:30am, Kayak or snorkel from Turtle Beach County Park to Point of Rocks with the American Littoral Society. Contact John Sarkozy at 941-966-7308.
Sept. 19, 11:30am-1pm, Tampa Bay Association of Environmental Professionals meeting on TECO’s renewable energy projects presented by Shelly Aubuchon. EpiCenter at ICOT, reservations requested, email THasbrouck@PinellasCounty.org.
Sept. 19, 6:30-8pm, Wednesday Evening Walk at Brooker Creek Preserve. Enjoy a pleasant evening stroll with the preserve’s experts to look for creatures settling in for the evening and those just beginning to move around, and discuss the ways that wildlife share spaces during different times of the day. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 20, 8-9:30am, Morning Migratory Bird Walk at Brooker Creek Preserve. Join the preserve’s staff for an early morning stroll to enjoy the sights and sounds along the boardwalks. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 20, 1-3pm, Home School History Adventures, Sugar Daze- From Harvest to Market at Heritage Village. A special program for home-schooled children ages 5 to 11 on living history lesson presented as part of a monthly series that provides hands-on experiences. This month learn about sweet treats at the Sugar Daze-From Harvest to Market Program. They will get a village tour, listen to a story and make a craft. Something to share and do at home is provided too. Pinellas County Historical Society members pay $10 per program. Nonmembers pay $12 per program. For more information or to register, call 727-582-2426.
Sept. 20, 7-8pm, Seabird Rescue – The Four R’s, presentation at Weedon Island Preserve. Join
Greg Slutzky from Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores for a special program about the not-for profit Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary and their efforts to help waterbirds in distress. Slutzky will speak on the four “R’s” - rescue, repair, rehabilitate and release. Learn about bird habitats and nesting seasons, and what to do if you encounter a seabird in trouble. One of the Sanctuary’s resident birds will attend the program. Pre-registration required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 21, 9am-12pm, Guided Canoe Trip at Weedon Island Preserve. Explore the south canoe trail of Weedon Island Preserve with an expert to guide you. Get a rare look at some of the aquatic ecosystems that make west-central Florida so special. If you have never explored the preserve from the water, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. The cost is $10 (includes tax) per person or $20 (includes tax) per canoe with a maximum of three people. Spaces fill quickly, and registration is required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 21, 10am-12pm, The Great Naturalists Reading Series, “A Naturalist in Florida: A Celebration of Eden,”at Brooker Creek Preserve. Join in an interactive presentation and discussion of the book, “A Naturalist in Florida: A Celebration of Eden,” by Archie Carr at The Great Naturalists Reading Series. Carr’s writings describe the relatively unexplored paradise of Florida before it was encroached upon. His essays not only show his brilliance as a distinguished naturalist but his wit and talents as a poet and journalist as well. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 21, 7-8pm, Orange Blossom Memories: Songs of Florida, Brooker Creek Preserve. Take a musical journey through Florida with singer/songwriter Chris Kahl, Florida Humanities Council Road Scholar, as he weaves original folks songs and stories about history, folklore and characters of the Sunshine State. His latest album is entitled Orange Blossom Memories: Songs of Florida. Registration requested, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 22, 9-11am, Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve. Take a walk through time on a guided hike along the Brooker Creek Education Trail. See how the land has changed and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. All ages welcome, but children young than 6 may find this hike challenging. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 22, 9-11am, Saturday Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve. Learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. This free two-hour guided hike through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems is perfect for individuals and families with children 5 years and older. Registration required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 22, 1-2pm, Florida Panther: Big Cat on the Brink, Brooker Creek Preserve. Learn about the threats Florida panthers face including habitat loss, collisions with vehicles and public misconceptions about panther behavior with Pat Kiesylis from the Defenders of Wildlife. Find out what is being done to save the Florida’s state animal and how it benefits plants and animals that share its habitat. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 22, 10-11am, Gardening for Wildlife at Weedon Island Preserve. Join Dale Armstrong, Pinellas County Cooperative Extension Services, and learn how to create a garden area or a wildlife habitat that is friendly to Florida’s wildlife and the environment. Attract beautiful songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other interesting wildlife to your yard. Watching wildlife can be fun for the whole family. Pre-registration required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 23, 1-3pm, Geo-Cache to Hidden Natural Wonders, Brooker Creek Preserve. Learn about geo-caching, which is the latest worldwide, high-tech scavenger hunt. Geocaching combines technology, adventure and the outdoors as participants search for hidden treasures. Be the first to look for the center’s new educational cache in Brooker Creek Preserve. Best for adults and children ages 10 and up.. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 23, 2-3:30 pm, Florida’s Fascinating Snakes at Weedon Island Preserve. Discover fascinating details about the diversity, ecology and conservation of Florida’s snakes in a presentation from George L. Heinrich of Heinrich Ecological Services. This is a free, live reptile presentation where participants will have the opportunity to learn about all the things they could ever wonder about Florida’s snakes. Recommended for all ages. Registration required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 26, 3-5pm, Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Community Advisory Committee, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. Call 727-893-2765.
Sept. 26, 7-9pm, Tree identification, Hillsborough County Extension. Learn how to identify native trees and shrubs found in the Tampa Bay metropolitan region with Urban Forester Rob Northrup. Reservations are requested, call 813-744-5519 x106.
Sept. 27, 8-9:30am, Morning Migratory Bird Walk at Brooker Creek Preserve. Join the preserve’s staff for an early morning stroll to enjoy the sights and sounds of the preserve. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 27, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker Creek. The popular tale, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, follows the life of a boy and his relationship to a tree as he grows. This Book Time program for preschoolers is free and includes hands-on activities and fun. Registration required, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 27, 10:30–11:30 am, Nuts To You!, Wee-time at Weedon Island Preserve. This program is designed to introduce pre-school children to the wonders of the natural world. The second and fourth Thursday of each month, children are treated to a variety of stories, puppet shows, and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This week’s presentation is Lois Ehlert’s Nuts To You! Young listeners romp in a world of color and rhyme through the antics of a city squirrel. This crafty creature digs in flower pots, sneaks seeds from some of his bird neighbors, and even begs for treats at an apartment. This program also includes a hands-on craft and other games and activities. Pre-registration required, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 28, 3:30-6pm, Discover Florida, Marshall Street Park in Safety Harbor. Discover Florida and all of its native species and habitats in a fun and educational after-school event with guest speakers from local organizations. Come out and enjoy the event and the Marshall Street Nature Experience. For more information, call 727-724-1545 or visit www.cityofsafetyharbor.com.
Sept. 29, Smithsonian magazine's Third Annual Museum Day, The Pier Aquarium. Call 727-821-6443 or visit www.stpete-pier.com and www.smithsonianmagazine.com/museumday.
Sept. 29, 10am-4pm, World Rivers Day FEST, Brooker Creek Preserve. Celebrate the third international World Rivers Day with a FEST to highlight the many values of Brooker Creek Preserve’s waterways. The FEST immerses visitors in area waterways and offers practical ideas and materials to make a difference at home and in the community. Live music, shows, demonstrations, interactive exhibits, art displays by local artists, children’s activities and refreshments offered. FEST is fun and informative for the entire family. For information, call 727-453-6800.
Sept. 29, 9-11am, Saturday Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve. Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the preserve are held every Saturday. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this two-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Reserve your space by 2 pm on Friday by calling 727-453-6500.
Sept. 30, 8-9:30am, The Great Weedon Bird Quest, Weedon Island Preserve. Go on a quest to find Weedon Island Preserve birds! Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of feathered year-round inhabitants and seasonal visitors, while helping compile an annual checklist of the preserve's birds. Binoculars and bird guides are available. To register, call 727-453-6500.
Sept. 30, 1-2pm, Rainforest Animals with Lowry Park Zoo Educators at Weedon Island Preserve.
Join educators from the Lowry Park Zoo and some of their rainforest animal friends. In this live-animal presentation, you will be introduced to a variety of special wildlife species. Learn about their amazing adaptations to a tropical climate. Registration required, call 727-453-6500.
OCTOBER
Oct. 3, 7pm, "Learning Gate's Green Curriculum,” monthly membership meeting of the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. Learning Gate Community School places its lessons in readin', writin', and 'rithmetic within the context of an environmental curriculum. The founders of this Hillsborough County Charter School believe that students need to learn how to think for themselves, to be valuable contributors to their community, to be curious about the world, and to respect its natural rhythms and processes. Hands-on projects and community involvement are the norm for students at this unusual school. Principal Patti Girard and school financial officer Betty Wargo will describe the school's philosophy, projects and curriculum, and report on its successes and challenges. For more information, please visit www.pinellasnativeplants.org or call 727-544-7341.
Oct. 6, 9am-4pm, Annual Fall Plant Sale: "Fall in Love with Natives” at Brooker Creek Preserve. Landscaping and gardening presentations, kids' activities and free information on Florida native plants will be provided. Sponsored by the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. For more information, visit www.pinellasnativeplants.org or call 727-544-7341.
Oct. 6, 12-2pm, Tampa Bay Surf, Roy G. Harrell, Jr. Education Station, The Pier Aquarium. Call 727-821-6443 or visit www.stpete-pier.com for more information.
Oct. 7, 9am-1pm, Enjoy a quiet-water kayak on Terra Ceia Bay with the American Littoral Society. Call 941-966-7308.
Oct. 11, 9am-noon, Agency on Bay Management, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. Call 727-570-5151, ext. 32, or visit www.tbrpc.org.
Oct. 13, Garden Tours of Florida-Friendly Landscapes sponsored by the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. This is your opportunity to meet and speak with the owners who created these beautiful gardens while keeping the environment in mind. Participants self-drive to addresses that will be provided at the registration sites. Fee is $5 per group riding together.
For more information and to sign-up please call 582-2673.
These events are sponsored by the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
For more information and our other activities, please visit our website www.pinellasnativeplants.org or call our info line: 727-544-7341. Contacts for this content are Lorraine Margeson or Jan Allyn.
Oct. 13, Florida Native Plant Society Field Trip to Balm Boyette Scrub, Riverview. Balm-Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve is a 4916-acre property purchased by Hillsborough County in 1992. It is unique in the county with an high percentage of undisturbed upland habitat, especially the rare scrub habitat. Natural habitats within the site include sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammock, wet prairie, freshwater marsh, cypress swamp and hardwood swamp. Many protected species of plants and animals have been documented on the site. Steve Dickman of the Suncoast FNPS Chapter will be our guide. To carpool, contact fieldtrip.pinellas.fnps@gmail.com.
Oct. 13, 8:30am-12pm, Give A Day For The Bay, sponsored by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program at
E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin. Call 727-893-2765 or visit www.tbep.org.
Oct. 13, 10am-4pm, The St. Pete Bike Fest at The Pier. Proceeds support The Pier Aquarium’s educational programs. Call 727-821-6443 or visit www.stpete-pier.com for more information.
Oct. 13, 9am-1pm, Explore Cockroach Bay Preserve in Tampa Bay with John Sarkozy of the American Littoral Society. Call 941-966-7308.
Oct. 20, PINELLAS COUNTYWIDE COASTAL CLEANUP sponsored by Keep Pinellas Beautiful. For more information, call (727) 533-0402.
Oct. 20, 12-2pm, Captivating Coral Reefs, The Pier Aquarium. Call 727-821-6443 or visit www.stpete-pier.com for more information.
Oct. 24, 7-9pm, Tree Planting and Establishment, Hillsborough County Extension. Learn how to select the right tree for a site; proper planting and establishment techniques with Urban Forester Rob Northrup. Reservations are requested, call 813-744-5519 x106.
Oct. 27, 9am-2:30pm, Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Fifth Annual Estuary Academy, Weedon Island Preserve. Estuary Academy is an exciting one-day workshop showcasing the science of Tampa Bay through the eyes of the researchers who are studying it. Adults and kids older than 12 are invited to attend. The Academy’s mission is to introduce citizens to the wealth of scientific research being conducted on (and in) Tampa Bay. Morning sessions will feature brief, engaging lectures by well-known experts, while afternoon workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities. Participation is limited to 100, and pre-registration is required. The registration fee includes lunch, a goodie bag loaded with great freebies, door prizes, and a handsome certificate identifying the participant as a graduate of Estuary Academy. Last year’s Academy was filled to capacity, so register early to reserve your space. For more information, contact Nanette O’Hara at 727-893-2765 or nanette@tbep.org.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 1 and 2, 34th Annual Conference on Ecosystems Restoration & Creation, Hillsborough Community College, Plant City campus. The annual conference provides a forum for the nationwide exchange of results of the latest scientific research on restoration, creation, and management of not only freshwater and coastal wetland systems but total ecosystems including upland and transitional areas.