The calendar is compiled far in advance so we strongly suggest that you contact the sponsoring organization prior to the event. Some events may have fees for participation.



Ongoing events

Everyday, explore Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. With more than 30 acres of cultivated gardens to explore, plan about two hours for this fun adventure. Before heading to the Gardens, visit www.flbg.org to see what’s in bloom. This site helps identify what is happening in the Gardens and provides links to the University of Florida fact sheets to provide more information on how to use and care for these plants. The Gardens are open every day of the year from 7am. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 727-582-2581 or visit www.flbg.org.

Monday through Friday, 11:30am or 1 pm, Half-Day, Self-guided Kayak Tours at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Sweetwater Kayaks offers half-day (4-hour long) self-guided tours Monday through Friday. Reservations for the 11:30 am or 1:00 pm launch times are recommended. Please arrive at Sweetwater Kayaks 30 minutes before your reservation. Once payment and paperwork is complete, follow our staff to the Preserve and park your car in the main parking lot. Call Sweetwater Kayaks at 727-570-4844 to reserve your kayak. Single Half-day Fee: $40 or Double Half-day Fee: $56.

Saturday and Sunday, 9am or 12:30pm, Half-Day, Self-guided Kayak Tours at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. On weekends, Sweetwater Kayaks' self-guided, half-day tours are 3.5-hours long and launch at 11:30 am or 1:00 pm. Reservations are recommended. Meet us at Weedon Island Preserve at least 15 minutes before your reservation. Please park in the main parking lot. Call Sweetwater Kayaks at 727-570-4844 to reserve your kayak. Single Half-day Fee: $40 or Double Half-day Fee: $56.

Daily, 9am or 3pm, Hourly, Self-guided Kayak Tours at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Are you dealing with a busy schedule and only have time for a short paddle around Riviera Bay? Perhaps our hourly rentals are the best fit. Every weekend, kayaks and canoes are onsite at the Preserve for rental by the hour. To arrange a drop off during the week, call Sweetwater Kayaks at 727-570-4844. Single Hourly Fee: $17 or Double Hourly Fee: $25.

Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-4pm, and Sunday 1pm-4pm, discover Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N., Largo. Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum, and enjoy more than 25 historic structures, museum galleries, and a native plant trail. Currently on exhibit, Pinellas Passport:  Your Ticket through Time, Christopher Still’s Prints: Clues to Florida’s History & Natural Beauty and Quick & Easy: Gadgets for the Home. The Quick & Easy: Gadgets for the Home exhibit presents a fun look at the labor saving devices used by “modern housewives” to tackle pesky domestic chores. It also features a hands-on area for kids in the Ralph Reed gallery. For information, visit www.pinellascounty.org/heritage or call 727-582-2123.

Wednesday through Sunday, 10am-4pm, “Connecting People and Place” Exhibit Gallery at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Explore the exciting, and sometimes unbelievable history of Weedon Island Preserve and the Tampa Bay estuary at the recently opened “Connecting People and Place” Exhibit Gallery. Staged among six galleries, the Exhibit Gallery is an art-inspired, hands-on educational showcase of the area’s history, ecology, and people. For the past 2,000 years, there has never been a dull moment in this corner of Pinellas County. This Exhibit Gallery is a great experience for the entire family. For information, call 727-453-6500 or visit its redesigned website at www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Continuing Through Nov. 1, “Facets of Florida 2007-2009 Exhibition – Misty Beauchamp, Oils & Mixed Media”, Florida Wildbirds and Habitats Exhibition – Maxis Gamez, Wildlife Photography at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Enjoy two extraordinary exhibits by Florida artists, Misty Beauchamp and Maxis Gamez. Beauchamp’s paintings focus on conservation and depict scenes of Florida that are rapidly vanishing. Gamez’s style of wildlife photography expresses creativity and interesting techniques as it captures nature and wildlife. Both exhibits will be on display through Sunday, Nov. 1, during normal center hours. A reception is planned for Sunday, Sept. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. Exhibit and reception are free. To learn more, call 727-453-6500.

Nov. 28 through Jan. 3, 6pm-10pm, Celebrate the Season with Holiday Lights at Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Stroll the beautiful Florida Botanical Gardens every evening to celebrate the holidays. See the gardens transform into a holiday wonderland with more than 425,000 twinkling lights. Free to children under 12 and suggested donation of $2 per adult. The celebration is sponsored by the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation. Visit www.flbg.org.

October

Oct. 3,10, 17, 24, and 31, 9am-11am, Saturday Guided Hike at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Take a two-hour hike with the experts through Weedon Island Preserve’s coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems. Learn about the coastal environment and the Preserve’s early residents. Be sure to bring water and a snack for this two-hour hike. A hat and closed-toe shoes are also recommended. Please reserve your space by 2 p.m. on Friday. Free. To register, call 727-453-6500.

Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24,and 31, Guided Hike at Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Take a walk through time on a guided hike along the Brooker Creek Preserve Education Trail. Join in this walk, 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 the hike challenging. Free. Pre-registration is required by noon on Friday by calling 727-453-6800.

Oct. 3, 1pm-3pm, Open Classroom, “Discovering Nature and Culture with Your Child” at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Discover nature and culture with your child during an open classroom session with archaeological activities. Explore materials from a real archaeology dig in a “sifting through the past” activity. Hands-on activities using aboriginal tools help teach the techniques of the ancient people of this region. Stop by our classroom anytime between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to participate in a variety of self-guided activities that will intrigue your child about past cultures. No registration is required for this free event. This open classroom is great for families with children of all ages. Free. To learn more, call 727-453-6500.

Oct. 3, 8:30am–3:30pm, Teacher Training Workshop Education Services Staff, Environmental Lands Division, Brooker Creek Preserve is the perfect place to connect classroom concepts to the natural world. This workshop provides teachers with the training and materials necessary to design and lead learning experiences that are tailored to their classroom curriculum goals. Workshops are intended for teachers willing to lead their own field trips and are required of all teachers before using Center equipment and facilities other than public trails and the exhibit hall. Pre-registration is required. Call and ask for the educator in charge of this workshop 727-453-6500, for more information or to register. Admission: Free. Recommended for teachers.

Oct. 3, 8am, Field Trip with Clearwater Audubon Society at Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater.
Contact: Madeleine Bohrer, 727-518-6241
http://clearwateraudubon.org/index.php
http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp

Oct. 3, 8:30am-11am, Family Fun Fishing Day at Taylor Park, 1100 8th Ave. SW, Largo
Explore the fun and benefits of fishing at a Family Fun Fishing Day. Poles and bait provided. Fun prizes add to the excitement. Free. To learn more, call 727-464-3347.

Oct. 3, 10am-11am, Learn the Basics of Dog Training Seminar, Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Calling citizens who adopted dogs from Pinellas County Animal Services: Get off to the right start with the pet you adopted from Animal Services by attending a Learn the Basics of Dog Training Seminar. Learn about housetraining, loose-leash walking and dealing with other behaviors such as chewing and jumping. Seminar is conducted by a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. This new, fun and informative seminar is for anyone who has adopted a dog from Pinellas County Animal Services. Free. To learn more or to register, visit www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices or call 727-582-2600.

Oct. 7, 7pm, "The Beauty of Florida’s Sandhill Community" Speaker: Craig Huegel, PhD, at Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. The trees, plants, wildflowers and wildlife of a Sandhill ecosystem; what makes a sandhill different from a scrub. For information call 727-544-7341.

Oct. 8, 10:30am-11:15am, Wee-time at Weedon, “Dream Weaver”, Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Introduce your preschooler to the wonders of the natural world through story time fun. This week’s program presents Dream Weaver by Jonathan London. Children learn about the world of a small yellow spider and its web through the eyes of a small boy. The program also includes a craft, game or other hands-on activity related to the story. Best for children ages 3 – 5. Free. Pre-registration required call 727-453-6500.

Oct. 8, 10:30am-11:15am, Free, Book Time at Brooker Creek, “Stellaluna”. Introduce your preschooler to the wonders of the natural world. This week features Stellaluna by Janell Cannon. Stellaluna is the story of a young bat that finds herself in a bird’s nest and is forced to behave like a bird. She eventually shows her bird siblings about life as a bat, which prompts them to investigate the differences between birds and bats. The program also includes a craft, game or other hands-on activity related to the story. Best for children ages 3 to 5. Registration required call 727-453-6800.

Oct. 10, 1:00pm–2:30pm, Prince of Frogs Musical Performance, STAGE Productions at Brooker Creek, Sarasota. Enjoy this fun musical theater production based on the classic fairy tale transformed to introduce the concepts of water use, conservation and the environment to kindergarten through 5th grade children. Explore the story of Kingdom Waste-A-Lot as the lack of rain and the wasteful habits of its citizens results in serious water shortages in the land. Watch as the Prince of Frogs transforms the land into the Conservation Kingdom. Pre-registration required call 727-453-6800. Admission: Free. Recommended for families with children 5 – 10 years old.

Oct. 10, 8am, Field Trip with Clearwater Audubon Society at John Chesnut County Park, Palm Harbor, meet at Shelter #6. Contact: Ellen Pfau, 727-786-3718.
http://clearwateraudubon.org/index.php
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/04_Chesnut.htm

Oct. 10, Field Trip/hike at Ocala National forest to a Sandhill ecosystem. The Riverside Island tract is one of the few remaining longleaf pine forests that has been managed for decades with prescribed fire so that the open park-like nature of this type of system is very evident. This location is a beautiful and classic sandhill, which was one of the most predominant ecosystems of central & north Florida in the “pre-developed Florida” era. The fall season shows this ecosystem at it’s most beautiful. We will see several species of Liatris (Blazing Stars) Carphephorus (Florida Paintbrush, Deertongue, Vanilla Plant), Golden Asters,  and wide variety of other fall blooming wildflowers. This is an easy hike; we will drive to an area, get out, explore a while, then get back in our cars and drive to another area, but please wear hiking appropriate clothing, and closed toe shoes. This area has also been managed as a Red-cockaded woodpecker habitat so hopefully we will see some of these elusive birds as well. Dr. Craig Huegel will be our leader and plant/wildlife expert for this trip. For more information, and details of  carpooling  times and meeting places, please contact Alexa Wilcox-Huegel, e-mail alexa776@tampabay.rr.com or call 727-422-4792. Campsites are available at beautiful Juniper Springs State Recreation Area, which is a short distance from the hiking spot.  If you are interested in camping, book early through Reserve America, accessible from the Florida State Parks website. http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?subTabInex=0&&contractCode=nrso&parkCode=jusp

Oct. 10, 8:30am-11:30am, Give A Day For The Bay at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Pitch in to help pick up trash along the shores of Weedon Island Preserve as part of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Your help is needed to clean up the mess. Volunteers receive a free lunch and a Tampa Bay Estuary Program reusable water bottle. Clean-up is limited to volunteers 13 years and older. To learn more or sign up, contact colleen@tbep.org or call 727-893-2765.

Oct. 14, 2pm-6:15pm, Understanding Drought Tolerant Plants with Pinellas County Master Gardeners at the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. Learn about the benefits of using drought tolerant plants and varieties that will help your landscape flourish. You may attend either session. Free. To register, log onto www.pinellascountyextension.org, click the “Online Class Registration” button and then click on the “Lawn & Garden” tab. Citizens may also call 727-582-2100.

Oct. 15, 7pm–8pm, Free lecture at Weedon Island Preserve, “Recent Exploration on the 27 m Ledge at Little Salt Spring”, Steve Koski, MA, Site Manager, Little Salt Spring Research Facility, North Port, FL. In July of 2008 and 2009, two teams of archaeologists and science divers from the University of Miami and Florida Aquarium conducted a five-week project funded by the National Geographic Society on the 27 m ledge at Little Salt Spring.  The project was conducted to evaluate late Pleistocene deposits in two areas of the ledge where the bones of extinct animals were found previously, and where an associated 12,000-year- old wood artifact was recovered wedged between the plastron and carapace of an extinct giant tortoise. Pre-registration required for this free lecture, call 727-453-6500. Best suited for adults.

Oct. 16 and 17, William R. Mote Memorial Invitational Snook Shindig Event, Snook Research Fishing Tournament, from Sarasota Bay to Cortez, South of Venice. Mandatory captain’s meeting 6pm October 16 at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Fla. Lines in the water 7:30pm October 16 through noon October 17, and Awards Dinner, 5pm October 17. Cost $40 per person in Anglers division, Kids ages 15 and younger fish free only if they participate in the Kids All Fish Division. Registration required www.mote.org/snookregistration and full event details, rules and regulations at www.mote.org/shindig.

Oct. 17, 2pm–3pm, Florida’s Fabulous Bats at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, Presented by Cynthia and George Marks, Florida Bat Conservancy, Bay Pines, FL. Many myths and misconceptions exist about one of the most unique mammals in Florida – the Florida bat. Did you know bats literally fly with their hands? Did you know bats have highly developed sonar capabilities called echolocation? Florida is home to 13 species of bats that are year-round or seasonal residents. All these bats devour insects and are beneficial to our environment.  Come meet some of these live animals at this fascinating program presented by Cynthia and George Marks, authors of Bats of Florida. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration required call 727-453-6500. All ages welcome.

Oct. 17, 11am-3pm, Free, Open Classroom, Discovering Nature with Your Child at Brooker Creek Preserve, Tarpon Springs. Stop by our classroom anytime between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm to participate in a variety of self-guided nature games and activities that will answer these questions.  Pre-registration is not required for this open activity. Recommended for families with children of all ages. For information, call 727-453-6800. 

Oct. 17, 8am, Field Trip with Clearwater Audubon Society at North Anclote Nature Park, Tarpon Springs, meet in parking lot. Contact: Merle Hubbard, 727-939-1549
http://clearwateraudubon.org/index.php
http://international.visitflorida.com/uk/destinations/moreinfo.php/ID=92331/detail=park

Oct. 17, 9am-12:30pm, Ocean Conservancy will be conducting several clean ups at St. Petersburg Downtown Pier, Bunces Pass near Fort Desoto, North Skyway Blackthorn Park and Terre Verde. Please RSVP to sgodfrey@oceanconservancy.org for directions and further information.

Oct. 17, 9am-10:30am, Guided Nature Walk at Chesnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor
Explore the outdoors and discover plants naturally found in wetlands and pine flatwoods. Learn how these plants have been used over the years. Visit points along Brooker Creek and enjoy the view of Lake Tarpon. Free. Registration required 727-669-1951.

Oct. 18, Gopher Tortoise Interpretive Hike at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, St. Petersburg, Florida. A family oriented interpretive hike, call 727-893-7326 for more info.

Oct. 22, 10:30am–11:15am, Wee-time at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg, “Boo, the Little Brown Bat”. Introduce your preschooler to the wonders of the natural world through story time fun.  Boo, the Little Brown Bat by Paula Pifer is an endearing story of a little brown bat and how the other animals in the forest grow to appreciate him. The program also includes a craft, game or other hands-on activity related to the story. Free. Pre-registration required call 727-453-6500. Best for children ages 3 - 5.

Oct. 22, 10:30am-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker Creek, “The Very Busy Spider”, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Introduce your preschooler to the wonders of the natural world. This Book Time features The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle. Enjoy this delightful tale of a busy little spider as she weaves her web. This program also includes a craft, game or other hands-on activity related to the story. Best for children ages 3 to 5. Free. Registration required call 727-453-6800.

Oct. 23, 6pm-8pm, Waxing Moon Night Hike at Camp Bayou, Ruskin. Take a walk trough the woods and end with campfire s’mores and stargazing. Limit 20, $5, Contact Dolly at campbayou@yahoo.com or call 813-363-5438 or visit www.campbayou.org.

Oct. 23 and 24, 2009, Audubon Assembly and Dialogue on Coastal Conservation and Climate Change, Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg. Celebrated oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Ph. D., is the Assembly’s keynote speaker. The two-day program brings together conservation leaders and scientists as well as policy makers, and business people from across Florida to discuss strategies to protect our coasts, birds, and wildlife, and secure our quality of life. Connect with hundreds of people who are passionate about preserving Florida’s environment and wildlife. Last minute all-inclusive ticket is $140. For more info call 305-371-6399, ext 120 or visit http://audubonoffloridanews.org/?page_id=2904.

Oct. 24, 10am–11am, Selecting Florida-Friendly Plants for Your Landscape, Dale Armstrong - Pinellas County IFAS Extension at Brooker Creek Preserve. Selecting the right plants for your yard will be much easier after attending this class that introduces Florida-Friendly plants. Dale Armstrong, an educator from the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Pinellas County, uses photographs as he discusses how to research and choose Florida-Friendly ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Join us to get started on the path to selecting plants that are appropriate for your landscape and your needs. Pre-registration is required call 727-453-6800. Admission: Free. Best for adults.

Oct. 24, 8am-noon, Chalk one up to Childhood, at the Ruskin Community Market, downtown, Ruskin. Kids create chalk drawings based on nature. Free.

Oct. 24, 7am, Field Trip with Clearwater Audubon Society at Circle B Bar Ranch, Lakeland, meet at Tri-City Mall (East Bay Drive by Route 19) in front of Party City. Contact: Lynn Sumerson, 727-596-8822.
http://clearwateraudubon.org/index.php
http://www.polk-county.net/subpage.aspx?menu_id=52&nav=res&id=6040

Oct. 24, 9am-3pm, Tampa Bay: Beneath The Surface at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Sign up for the popular annual Science for the People program that features lectures and workshops on the habitats and inhabitants of Tampa Bay. This year’s theme is “Tampa Bay: Beneath The Surface” and will highlight plants and animals that live in the bay itself. Cost is $10 and includes lunch. To register, call 727-893-2765 or starting in September register at www.tbep.org.

Oct. 24, 9am-10:30am, Guided Nature Walk at Philippe Park, 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor. Learn park history while exploring nature at one of Pinellas County’s oldest historic parks, Philippe Park. Closed toed shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat and insect repellant are recommended. Free. Registration required by calling 727-669-1947. 

Oct. 24, 10am-4pm, Fall Flea Market & Book Sale at Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N. Largo. Love looking for bargains? Be sure to stop by the Fall Flea Market & Book Sale in the Pinellas Room at Heritage Village. Books, dishes, silverware, sports equipment, tools, craft items, toys, jewelry, furniture, seasonal decorations and all types of housewares will be offered for sale. Enjoy the bargain hunting at this event that serves as a fundraiser for Heritage Village and is sponsored by the Pinellas County Historical Society. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.pinellascounty.org/heritage or call 727-582-2123.

Oct. 25, 4pm-9pm, “Guppyween” at The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. The Florida Aquarium is holding Guppyween 2009, a safe, fun, and supervised children’s Halloween party on Sunday, October 25 from 4 to 9 p.m. Bring your ghosts and goblins in costume for a deliciously fun time! Candy stations will be set up throughout the facility with plenty of kids’ activities in between. Kids under 12 years old are $2, while adults (12 and over) pay $12. It’s a safe, fun party with spooky creatures and loads of tasty treats. Limit 4 kids per adult. Florida Aquarium Members get in free to this event. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, call 813-273-4000 or go online at www.flaquarium.org.

Oct. 27, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve’s Naturalist’s Night Out, Scat Workshop in St. Petersburg, Florida. Learn about the value of scat and what it can reveal, call 727-893-7326 or visit www.heinrichecologicalservices.com.

Oct. 28, 2pm-3pm, Compost Happens with Pinellas County Master Gardeners, West St. Petersburg Community Library, 6605 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Learn how easy it is to compost and enjoy the benefits to your landscape. Free. To register, visit www.pinellascountyextension.org, click on the “Online Class Registration” button and then click on the “Lawn & Garden” tab or call 727-582-2100.

Oct. 31, 2pm–3pm, Halloween’s Creepy Creatures, at Brooker Creek Preserve. Vampire bats, giant spiders, ghostly owls, and slithering snakes are some of Halloween’s most frightening characters. Join us for this fun and interactive program to learn the truth about these and many other creepy creatures. Pre-registration required call 727-453-6800. Admission: Free. Recommended for families with children 6 years old or older.

Oct. 31, 2pm–3pm, Weedon-Ween Creepy Creatures, at Weedon Island Preserve, St. Petersburg. Vampire bats, giant spiders, ghostly owls, and slithering snakes are some of Halloween’s most frightening characters. Join us for this fun and interactive program to learn the truth about these and many other creepy creatures. Pre-registration required, call 727-453-6500. Admission is free. Recommended for families with children 6 years old or older.

Oct. 31, 8am, Field Trip with Clearwater Audubon Society at Fort DeSoto County Park, Tierra Verde, meet at FDCP Ranger Station under the big flag. Contact: Lynn Sumerson, 727-596-8822.
http://clearwateraudubon.org/index.php
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_Desoto.htm

Oct. 31, 6:30pm,Oceanic Evening, Mote’s annual black tie gala, costumes optional, Mote Aquarium’s Haunted Courtyard, Sarasota. Help us make a splash for oceans and the science of the sea as you have a ghoulish good time on Halloween during Oceanic Evening. Oceanic Evening is Mote’s annual black tie gala and only major fundraising event of the year. This year, Oceanic Evening is taking on a Halloween air with theme “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”. Cavort among watery goblins and monsters of the deep while you keep a sharp eye out for “the Monster of the Mote Lagoon” and the “Headless Seahorse man”. Just about anything is possible on this night in the Haunted Aquarium. There will be plenty of treats to go around! Cocktails will be at 6:30pm and the dinner will start at 8:00pm. Tickets are $250. For more information to make reservations or to become a sponsor of Oceanic Evening, please contact Vicki Wiese at 941-388-4441, ext. 305 or Vicki@mote.org.

November

Nov. 7, 9am-1pm, Pinellas County Market in the Park, Heritage Village, 11909 125th St. N., Largo. Visit Pinellas County Market in the Park at its new location inside Heritage Village, which is located off 125th Street between Walsingham and Ulmerton roads. It will open every Saturday starting Nov. 7, through April 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission, on-site restrooms and plenty of room to roam make this Market convenient and accessible. Parking is available in the Pinellas County Extension parking lot next to Heritage Village. This is the third year for the popular Market that features farm-fresh produce, natural products, gardening items and more. The Pinellas County Historical Society sponsors. Visit www.pinellascounty.org/heritage or call 727-582-2123.

Nov. 7, 9:30am-2pm, “Get Outside” on District lands event, Starkey Wilderness Park Serenova, US Hwy 52 and Haynes Rd, Pasco County. Invite your friends and family to have a fun and easy day outside. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a guided nature hike and scavenger hunt, make their own birdhouses or simply enjoy a low-cost way to relax with family and friends. Contact Robin Grantham 352-796-7211, ext. 4779 or E-mail Grantham@WaterMatters.org.

Nov. 7 and 8, 10am-4pm, Ruskin Seafood Festival, visit the Camp Bayou table and say Hi! Located in E.G. Simmons County Park.

Nov.14, 9am-1am, Give A Day For The Bay, Hillsborough County. Pitch in to help pick up trash. Your help is needed to clean up the mess. The site to be cleaned will be announced. To learn more or sign up, contact colleen@tbep.org or call 727-893-2765.

Nov. 14 and 15, 9am-4:30pm, 12th Discover Egmont Key. The Egmont Key Alliance will hold its 12th Discover Egmont Key. Saturday Nov. 14th and Sunday Nov. 15th. Come out and visit one of the areas hidden treasures, stroll along roads and sidewalks that are over 100 years old. Along the way visit interpretive sites on island history, wildlife, military history and nature. Enjoy Civil War reenactors and the 151 year old lighthouse. Shuttle boats will leave Fort DeSoto Park from 9:00am until 2:00pm; with the last boat returning from Egmont at 4:30pm. Hot dogs, water and souvenirs will be available for purchase on the island. Tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased online or at the gate. Children 11 and under are free accompanied by an adult. Group discount tickets of 10 or more are also available. For more information go to www.egmontkey.info.

Nov. 17, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Manatee Awareness Coalition meeting at Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, St. Petersburg. To learn more, contact colleen@tbep.org or call 727-893-2765.

Nov. 20, 9am-5pm, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Management and Policy Board Meeting, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Pinellas Park. To learn more, contact colleen@tbep.org or call 727-893-2765.

Nov. 21, 8am-1pm, Mayor’s 22nd Annual Hillsborough River and Waterways Cleanup, Lowry Park Boat Ramp, 7525 North Boulevard, Tampa. Over 1200 volunteers will cleanup and restore the shoreline along the Hillsborough River and connected waterways in what has become one of Tampa's largest volunteer events. After the cleanup, volunteers will be treated to a variety of educational displays and activities, as well as a picnic and musical entertainment. For more information, contact Debra Evenson at 813-221-8733.

Nov. 21, 9am-12:30pm, Ocean Conservancy will be conducting a cleanup in an effort to remove marine debris from Tampa Bay! These events will be held at Fort Desoto and the South Skyway relief area. Please RSVP to jkoelsch@oceanconservancy.org for directions and further information.

December

Dec. 5, 9am-2pm, Camp Bayou Open House, Ruskin. The scheduled activities are 9am Guided Walking Tour 1; Wetland Walk begins at Nature Center. Second activity, 9:30am-1:30pm, Highlight Cart Tours, 20 minute tours on a 7 passenger cart on half hour tours. Third activity, 10am Aquatic Explorations, join our naturalist to net critters in the river. The 11am activity is a Guided Walking Tour 2, Tortoise Trail, begins at Nature Center. A Holiday BBQ is a member’s only appreciation event. Camp Bayou will provide the main dish and the members will bring the sides. Please RSVP to Dolly at campbayou@yahoo.com and include if you will be bringing a side dish. The 1pm Guided walking Tour, River Ramble, begins at the Nature Center. There will be activities throughout the day; the museum will be open, nature videos, native plant sale, Holiday crafts for kids and more. For more info call 813-363-5438 or email campbayou@yahoo.com or visit www.campbayou.org.

Dec. 12, 9am-1pm, Give A Day For The Bay, West side of Pinellas County Extension Service, Scrub Restoration, more details to come. Contact colleen@tbep.org or call 727-893-2765.

Dec. 19, 9am-12:30pm, Ocean Conservancy will be conducting a cleanup in an effort to remove marine debris from Tampa Bay! These events will be held at the North Skyway Blackthorn Park and the Green Bridge in Palmetto. Please RSVP to jkoelsch@oceanconservancy.org for directions and further information.

Dec. 31, 9pm-1am, Aqua Eve at The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Splash in the New Year at The Florida Aquarium by celebrating at Aqua-Eve! Enjoy fantastic live music, complementary food, beer and wine along with a champagne toast and the best view in town for an amazing fireworks display over the channel at midnight! Delicious food will tantalize your palate as the rest of your senses are astounded by the most unique event venue in Tampa! The Florida Aquarium’s Aqua-Eve is the premiere spot for your New Year’s plans. Looking for something a little more exclusive? Be one of the few guests aboard the Bay Spirit II for our Fireworks Cruise. This two-hour cruise on a double-decker, powered catamaran includes beer, wine, dessert, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight and private seating for breathtaking views of the fireworks over the Channel. The Fireworks Cruise departs promptly at 10:30 p.m. and returns after the fireworks display. Last year’s event sold out so don’t delay when purchasing your tickets to Aqua-Eve 2009. Adults 21 and older. Attire is downtown chic or black tie. To order tickets, please call 813-273-4030. Ticket prices $75 for Aquarium Members through Dec. 23, $80: Through Dec. 7, $90: December 8 – 21, 2009, $100: After Dec. 21, Fireworks Cruise To Be Determined. www.flaquarium.org.

January

Jan. 9, 9am-1pm, Give A Day For The Bay, Emerson Point in Manatee County. Your help is needed to clean up the mess. To learn more, contact colleen@tbep.org or call 727-893-2765.

Jan. 15, 16 and 17, Fri. and Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. Noon-6pm, 34th Annual Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show and Sale at the Largo Cultural Center Parkside Room, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. The members of the Pinellas Geological Society and other Gem and Mineral Clubs will be showing their cut gems, silver and gold jewelry, wire wrap, beading, cabochons, ornamental mineral eggs and collections of rocks and mineral for your viewing pleasure and purchase. This show is for the public of all ages who are fascinated by and enjoy seeing and learning more about nature’s beauty in gems, rocks, and minerals. For more information about the Show or joining the Club, call Hugh at 727-894-2440.

Jan. 16 and 17, Noon-6pm, Tampa Bay Black Heritage Celebration, 10th Annual Street Festival, Al Lopez Park, Tampa. This festival celebrates the culture and heritage of the African American community in Tampa. Exhibits, food vendors and the best in R&B and jazz music make up the weekend's festivities. The District's Water Conservation Restroom Trailer will be at the event again this year, educating participants on the importance of water conservation and Florida-friendly landscaping. For more information, contact Tampa Bay Black Heritage at 813-223-1111, ext. 143.

Jan. 20, 2pm–4pm, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Manatee Awareness Coalition meeting, Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, St. Petersburg. Contact colleen@tbep.org or call 727-893-2765.

Jan. 28, 3pm–5pm, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Community Advisory Comm. meeting, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Pinellas Park. Contact colleen@tbep.org or call 727-893-2765.