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ONGOING

Second Tuesday of every month, 7pm, The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society meets at the Land O' Lakes Community Center, 5402 Land O' Lakes Blvd/US 41, Land O' Lakes, 34639, between SR 52 and SR 54. The Community Center is on the west side of the highway. Meetings of the Chapter are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend, to bring questions about their yard, and participate in light refreshments and the native plant drawing. Telephone inquiries are taken by Mary at 727-849-2335. The Chapter website is: http://www.pasconativeplants.org.

First Thursday of each month, Tampa Audubon's Monthly General Meetings are open to members and non-members alike, and are held at the Hillsborough County Extension Office located at 5339 CR 579, Seffner, (1/2 mile south of exit 10 on I-4). The 2012-2013 season runs from September through May. The General Meeting schedule is as follows: 6pm - Photo Club meets, 7pm - Potluck, Birdsightings, Announcements, 7:30pm – Speaker. http://www.tampaaudubon.org/

Jan. 5, 19, Feb.2, 16, Mar. 2, 16, Apr. 6, 20, 9am, Free Bay Wise Kayak Tours with Educational Trips to Neal Preserve. SBEP's free Bay Wise Kayak Tour program begins Saturday, December 1st with an excursion to Neal Preserve. Ten trips are planned throughout Sarasota Bay: Leffis and Jewfish Key (1/5 and 1/19), Lido Mangrove Tunnels (2/2 and 2/16), Blind Pass (3/2 and 3/16), and Lyons and Blackburn Bay (4/6 and 4/20). Experienced kayaker and naturalist Brad Tanner will lead the fun educational trips. Brad is an American Canoe Association Instructor and the School Programs Coordinator for Mote Marine Laboratory. He's is also a member of SBEP's Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The Bay Wise Kayak Tour program is a unique opportunity to discover the plants, animals, habitats, and other natural features that distinguish Sarasota Bay. All of the kayak trips will be 2-3 hours in duration and will depart promptly at 9am. Pre-registration is required and space is limited to 15 people per excursion. Participants must provide their own kayak and gear; click here for a list of providers. Many local companies rent kayaks and offer lessons for beginners. Please register for one trip to give more people an opportunity to participate. You can also add your name to a waiting list for trips that are already booked or if you want to register for more than one. 941-955-8085 or http://sarasotabay.org/eco-tourism/bay-wise-kayak-tour-program/

Jan. 5, Feb. 2, Mar. 2, Apr. 6, 8am, Bird Walk: Take a guided hike on Moccasin Lake’s newly renovated Nature Trail while seeking birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars and field guides, if you have them. Free with paid admission to park. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater, 727-793-2976; http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp.

Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4, Apr. 1, 7-9:30pm, Clearwater Audubon Society, The local chapter of the National Audubon Society conducts field trips to Florida’s natural areas, supports local environmental education efforts, and sponsors environmental educators to Audubon training centers. Everyone is welcome. A suggested donation of $1 per person, per meeting is appreciated. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater, 727-793-2976; http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp.

Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr 13, 10am-noon, Sundamizu Bonsai Kai, Learn the art and techniques of bonsai. Group meets every second Saturday. Contact Clif Pottberg at (352) 424-6000 or Lois Powel formore information. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater, 727-793-2976; http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp.

Jan. 12 & 26, 9:30am-12:30pm, NATURE’S ELEMENTS † Join “Miss Jan” for fun-filled learning, hands-on projects & park exploration. Bring water, hat and a snack. Cost: $10 Ages 4-7. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, Apr. 17, 7-9:30pm, Suncoast Herpetological Society. The Suncoast Herpetological Society is a non-profit, educational, and recreational club for people interested in reptiles and amphibians with an emphasis on responsible husbandry & captive breeding. The Suncoast Herpetological Society provides educational talks to Pinellas County residents as well as the surrounding counties and communities. Each month a speaker discusses a herpetological topic at the meeting and they go into the community giving talks at libraries, schools and environmental education centers. $1 suggested donation per person. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater, 727-793-2976; http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp or www.kingsnake.com/suncoastherpsociety.

Jan. 17, Feb. 21, Mar. 21, Apr. 18, 7-9:30pm, Suncoast Sierra Club, A non-profit, grassroots, conservation organization whose members participate in both the enjoyment and preservation of the natural environment. $1 suggested donation per person. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater, 727-793-2976; http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp.

Jan. 19, Feb. 16, Mar. 16, Apr. 20, 10:30am-12:30pm, Outdoor Photography For the Fun of It. This course is for the person who wants to have fun taking pictures outdoors and learn how to photograph wildlife. Cameras can be cell phone, point and shoot or DSLR. Take the kinds of pictures that make you happy. Learn the basics of taking a good picture. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater, 727-793-2976 http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp.

Jan. 19 & Feb. 9, Sparrow Drive at Weeki Wachee Preserve, Spring Hill, FL (Hernando County), St. Petersburg Audubon. Working field trip, walking through grass, over uneven terrain, driving sparrows to mist nets for banding. Target species Henslow’s, Le Conte’s, Grasshopper & other winter sparrows. Limited participation, reservations required. Contact Marianne Korosy at mkorosy@gmail.com.

Jan. 25-30, 6am-6pm, Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival, Titusville. The office is staffed from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Contact the Festival Office by phone: 800-460-2664 or 321-268-5224, or by e-mail: festival@brevardnaturealliance.org; http://spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org.

Jan. 26, Feb. 23, Mar. 23, Apr. 27, 9-11am, Manatee County’s Master Naturalist Wetlands Hike – Flatford Swamp. Be adventurous and slog through a wetland habitat slough with Lisa Hickey, Master Naturalist Instructor. Wetlands and freshwater habitats are vital natural systems that filter pollutants before they reach our surface and groundwater supply, support many wildlife species, and are diminishing every year. Learn intriguing facts while walking through Flatford Swamp in eastern Manatee County. Meet at 39450 Taylor Road, Myakka City, approximately 25 miles east of I-75. The group meets in the preserve’s parking area, then as a group, we leave the parking area and drive south on Wauchula Road, 2 miles. We will be entering the south end of the preserve and hike into the wetland habitat area. To register for this nature hike, please call the Master Gardeners at the Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service at 941-722-4524.

Jan. 29-Feb. 26, 7–8:30pm, Want to become a Master Wildlifer? Landowners, land managers and wildlife enthusiasts can learn how to manage wildlife on their land by participating in the 2013 Master Wildlifer Program. The award-winning program brings together a panel of renowned wildlife biologists, conservation experts and habitat managers for educational sessions on wildlife ecology and management and will include sessions on white-tailed deer, coyote, wild hog, non-game wildlife conservation and wild turkey. This series of interactive seminars is delivered live to your computer every Tuesday evening. Landowners without computer access or broadband internet may be able to view and participate in the 2013 Master Wildlifer Program at live sites available through select county extension offices. Master Wildlifer is a continuing education program designed to provide the latest research-based information to landowners and managers to help in designing sound approaches to managing wildlife. The cost for the course is $100 and includes access to all five live sessions, recordings of each session, and program materials. To learn more or to register, visit: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/natural_resources/master_wildlifer/. For more information about live site locations contact your local county extension office at: 727-453-6905 or lmiller@pinellascounty.org.

Feb. 15-18, 16th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. Count birds over this four-day event to create a real-time snapshot of birds across the U.S. and Canada. For more information visit GBBC official website at www.birdcount.org. Visit stpeteaudubon.org for more information.

Feb. 16-17, 6:30am, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips-Overnight trip to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Meet Mary Keith at the McDonalds on Hwy 60 near Sweet Tomatoes and Home Depot. Check back for details of hotels so that everyone is staying in the same general area. We will meet at the visitors center at 9:30 – 10:00am and then Sunday, we will go to the Viera Wetlands (located off I-95 in Brevard County. Merritt Island: http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/, Viera Wetlands: http://www.wildlifesouth.com/Locations/Florida/VieraWetlands.html.

February 20, 27, March 6, 20, 27, April 3, 8am-5:00pm with Graduation on April 9 at 9am, Florida Master Naturalist Program – Coastal Module. The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service is pleased to offer the Florida Master Naturalist Program Coastal Systems module in February 2013. The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult-education program for persons interested in learning more about Florida's ecosystems or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, ecotourism guides, and others. Through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, this 6-day module will provide instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Coastal Systems in Florida. Further, the class will address naturalist interpretation skills, environmental ethics, and the role of humankind in shaping our past and determining our future. Classroom learning includes instructional videos and presentations as well as field learning that will include field trips to area preserves. Field trip details will be provided the first class. On April 9 at 9 am in the Manatee County Commission Chambers the class will be presented with a UF-IFAS certificate of achievement, embroidered FMNP patch, and FMNP Coastal lapel pin. The cost for the course is $225, which includes all field trips, 40 contact hours of instruction, a comprehensive student reference workbook, and, upon completion, registration in the UF FMNP database as a Coastal Naturalist. The only requirements of students are enthusiasm, attendance, and completion of group final projects. If interested in registering for the Florida Master Naturalist Program – Coastal Module, please e-mail Lisa Hickey at lisa.hickey@ufl.edu.

Mar. 7-10, LEEF (League of Environmental Educators in Florida), Ocala, FL. A great weekend for getting together with like-minded folks who want to share the wonders of the Florida outdoors. Originally this organization was primarily for k-12 educators but has something for anyone who cares to share their love and concern for our environment. Participants must become members to register but the annual fee is just $20. Find updates at http://wc-leef.blogspot.com.

Mar. 10 & 11, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Wildlife Weekend, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg. Contact Sandy Harris to volunteer at our booth at 813-839-2972 or email specialevents@stpeteaudubon.org.

Apr. 19-21, Florida Ornithological Society’s Spring Meeting. Hosted by St. Petersburg and Clearwater Audubon Societies. Hilton, St. Petersburg – Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Dr., St. Petersburg, FL 33716; Call 727-540-0050 for more information. Field Trips will include Ft. De Soto County Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, the Roosevelt Wetlands, Carillon Area, and John Chestnut Park, and possible trips to Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge/State Park, the Sarasota Celery Fields, and Three Rooker Island Preserve plus an Atlas Warm-up. More information and trip descriptions to come! These are excellent MIGRATION DESTINATIONS! Our Speakers will be Mark Obmascik, the bestselling author of Halfway to Heaven: My White-knuckled — and Knuckleheaded — Quest for the Rocky Mountain High, winner of the 2009 National Outdoor Book Award for Outdoor Literature, and The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession, which received five Best of 2004 citations by major media. Also, we will have speaker Greg Miller who has birded for over 50 years in all 50 states and much of Canada. Speaker George Fenwick is the President of American Bird Conservancy (ABC), which focuses on conserving the rarest bird species through reserve creation (ca. 45 reserves in Latin America); reducing the greatest threats to birds (such as pesticides, cat predation, and collisions with glass); and more recently protecting migratory species through landscape-scale habitat improvement. He is a lousy photographer, but brings excellent bird photos to his presentations. Dr. Fenwick co-authored The American Bird Conservancy Guide to Bird Conservation and The 500 Most Important Bird Areas in the United States and will weave personal bird experiences into his message about the importance of conserving birds. Mail your Registration Form & check made out to “FOS” or the “Florida Ornithological Society” to Judi Hopkins, 5850 21st St. N. #H19, St. Petersburg, Florida 33714, email judi740@gmail.com or call 727-526-3725.

JANUARY

Jan. 1, 6am-noon, 22nd Annual Rich Paul New Year’s Day Birding Open, Ft. De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. Donations (suggested $20/person) benefit Audubon of Florida’s Coastal Island Sanctuary. Create a team or bird on your own. Prizes awarded in various categories. Bring a bag lunch, drink, and dessert to share. Meet 12 noon at shelter #14 for countdown.

Jan. 3, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 3, 6pm, Tampa Audubon's Monthly General Meeting: "Florida Raptors" (presented by the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey); http://www.tampaaudubon.org/.

Jan. 3, 6:30pm, FRSEH START: Clean and Green! Make your own eco-friendly cleaning supplies to take home. Must register by December 30. Cost: $10 Materials included. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 5, 8am, BIRD WALK. Bird guides lead a search for winged winter residents. Binoculars available. FREE. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 5, 4pm, NATIVE CRAFT! Natural Dyes. Dye cloth with pigment made from native plant materials. White tea towels included. You may bring other light colored cloth goods to dye. Cost: $5.00 per person Ages 8 – adult. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326, www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 5, Sunrise, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips: Christmas Bird Count-Tampa - Contact Dave Bowman if you plan to participate. This is an all day count.

Jan. 5, 10am, Dog Training: Learn the basics of dog training in a seminar for all who have adopted dogs from Pinellas County Animal Services or other shelters in the county. Learn about housetraining, loose-leash walking and dealing with challenging dog behaviors. No dogs at the class please. Free. Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2600; www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices.

Jan. 5, 9-10:30am, Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 5, 10:30am-noon, Orchids and Epiphytes of Brooker Creek Preserve: Join Brooker Creek Preserve naturalist James Stevenson to explore the fascinating world of orchids and “air plants” found on the Preserve. This class will introduce participants to identification skills and will include a walk to discover these plants in their natural habitat. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 5, 9-11am, Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 5, 9:30-10:30am, Brooker Creek Book Club: Hosted by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve, the Brooker Book Club meets the first Saturday each month. Geared toward adults, the book list includes novels by Florida authors, past and present, with archeology, biography, politics and history storylines. January’s book selected for discussion is Vanishing Florida: A Personal Guide to Sights Rarely Seen by David T. Warner. Free; advance registration is required as seating is limited. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 5, 2-3pm, The History of Egmont Key: Egmont Key has been a sentinel for ships entering Tampa Bay from the Gulf of Mexico for hundreds of years. Early European explorers recognized the island’s strategic location and its story reflects major events in the history of the United States and Florida. Authors Don and Carol Thompson’s new book aims to foster an appreciation of the uniqueness and beauty of this island, as well as an understanding of its place in history. Light refreshments, sponsored by Friends of Weedon Island, available at this book signing and talk. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 8, 7:30pm, Natural History Speaker Series - FISH OF THE GULF OF MEXICO with Christopher A. Nichol Sr., What role do our gulf fish play? Are they safe to eat? Come and learn how they have changed over time, their anatomy and physiology and just what lives in our beautiful Gulf. FREE. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 8, 8am-5pm, Roundup License Training - LCLM Training & LLO Review: This class provides training and testing necessary to obtain a limited commercial landscape maintenance license (LCLM) or as a review and testing for the limited lawn and ornamental (LLO) license. This class is NOT for renewal CEUs. $60. Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2562; register at http://pce-commercialhort.eventbrite.com.

Jan. 8, 7pm, "Magnify It!” presented by Katie MacMillen, an environmental educator who works for Pasco County's Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). Magnify It! is an activity developed at University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants to help practice magnification skills. First-come, first-served will receive a free magnifying glass. Everyone will receive cards with blank spots to fill in with information about a plant's leaves, stems, flowers and roots. We'll have a sample grass, a sample flower, and a sample shrub or tree to practice on, to improve or learn the tiny differences that are often critical to identification. Join us to learn new skills to identify plants and broaden your vocabulary! Telephone inquiries are taken by Mary at 727-849-2335. The Chapter website is: http://www.pasconativeplants.org.

Jan. 8, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office, High Color, Low Maintenance, Jimmie B. Keel Library, North Tampa, 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Jan. 9, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office, Dooryard Fruits, South Shore Library, 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Jan. 10, 10:30am, Hillsborough County Extension office, To Prune or Not to Prune, Jan Platt Library, south Tampa. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Jan 10, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 10, 9am-4pm, 3rd Annual Roots to Shoots Tree Program: University of Florida Extension agents, staff and O’Neil’s Tree Service will demonstrate canopy cleaning, lifting, structural pruning, tree climbing techniques and safety. Classroom topics will include safety, tree roots and creating a wind-resistant urban forest. Cost is $30; free to employees of Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School Board and Pinellas County Master Gardener Volunteers (must have ID on day of class). Advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. 727-582-2562; register at http://pce-commercialhort.eventbrite.com.

Jan. 10, 10:30-11:15am, Wee Time at Weedon: Children ages 3 to 5 are treated to a variety of stories, crafts, games and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This week’s story, Turtle Saver by Laurie Parker illustrates how one good deed can multiply and how we are connected with everything around us. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 10, 6:30-7:30pm, NATURALIST READING GROUP. Dive into and discuss writings of this month’s featured naturalist: Henry David Thoreau. Download excerpts from Walden on Facebook “Naturalist Reading Group at BHNP”. FREE. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326, www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 11, 6-7:30pm, FAMILY CAMPFIRE NIGHT. Enjoy a short hike and campfire with family, new friends & s’mores! Cost: $5.00 per person. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326, www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 12, 9-11:30am, CANOE THE LAKE, A guided paddle at beautiful CLAM BAYOU. Canoes and gear provided. Call for dates and more details. Cost: $15.00 per person. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326, www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 12, 9:30-10:30am, BIKE SAFARI-Take a guided ride through the depths of the preserve on your bike. Cost: $5.00. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326, www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 12, 6-10pm,PARENT’S NIGHT OUT - KID’S NIGHT PIONEER STYLE! An evening of pioneer fun ending with a campfire and s’mores. Cost: $15 Registration limited. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326, www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 12, 8-10:30am, Birds of Brooker Hike: Join this special hike identifying common birds of Brooker Creek Preserve. Meander along the one-mile trail to gather information on the birds seen and heard. Binoculars will be helpful. Bring water. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, 727-453-6800. FREE. www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 12, 9-11am, Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 12, 11am-noon, Benefits of Trees: Learn about the benefits of trees especially in urban settings. Meet your local Pinellas County Natural Resource Extension Agent as she explains the many ecosystem services that trees provide and learn about the Traveling Tree Walk! Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 12. 9am, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips- Lettuce Lake Park for Beginning Birders 6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa - Meet Roger Sheets in front of the Visitor Center. Just as an fyi, the Park also has a 1 hr hike at 8:30am. Look for the Tampa Audubon sign. We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for water birds, ducks and wintering residents. Click here for location information. Entrance fee to park is $2.00.

Jan. 13, 11:30am, ALLIGATOR WALK Search the wetlands for our state reptile: Alligator mississippiensis. Cost: $3.00/$1.50. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 13, 1-4pm, ORGANIC GARDENING FOR KIDS, Kids ages 7-10 dig into the world of organic gardening to create an herb garden. Held @ Pioneer Settlement. Cost: $15. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 14, 6:30pm, Plant Propagation, Lutz Library, 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu

Jan. 15, 6:30pm, Veggies in the Landscape, Temple Terrace Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Jan. 15, 5:30pm, NIGHT HIKE, Stargaze and prowl for owls, bats, and gators in the park after dark. Cost: $3.00/$1.50. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 17, 6:30pm, ARTISTS REPRESENTING FLORIDA, A presentation on the history of art in the sunshine state. Cost: $3.00/$1.50. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg , 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 17, 7pm, The Clearwater Audubon Society, St. Petersburg Audubon Society, and Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society are pleased to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition with a lecture and presentation by Carlton Ward Jr., featuring images created during the project. The public is invited to attend the event in the Magnolia Room at Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

Jan. 17, 8-10am, Photography Hike: This hike is a perfect opportunity for adult photographers to hone their skills. After a classroom session highlighting specific wildlife behaviors and focus tips, guides will assist participants in capturing the natural beauty outdoors. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 17, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 17, 7pm, The Clearwater Audubon Society, St. Petersburg Audubon Society, and Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society are pleased to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition with a lecture and presentation by Carlton Ward Jr., featuring images created during the project. The public is invited to attend the event in the Magnolia Room at Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

Jan. 17, 6:30pm, Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition, Carlton Ward, Jr., environmental photojournalist, speaker. Joint meeting with Clearwater Audubon, St. Petersburg Audubon & Pinellas Fla. Native Plant Society at Pinellas Extension Center, 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo, Fl. Visit stpeteaudubon.org for more information.

Jan. 17, 6:30pm, Artists Representing Florida, A presentation on the history of art in the sunshine state. Cost: $3.00/$1.50. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 18, 10am- 3pm, Pioneer Homeschool. Take a step back in time and explore the world of Florida’s first settlers. Hands on learning, hikes and crafts. Cost: $15 per child. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326, www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 18, 8:30am-4pm, Fertilizer/Pesticide BMPs: Training to obtain limited certification for urban landscape commercial fertilizer (LCULCF). BMP certification awarded upon passing the exam. Four FDACS pesticide CEUs provided. Cost is $15; free to employees of Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School Board and Pinellas County Master Gardener Volunteers (must present ID on day of class). Advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2562; register at
http://pce-commercialhort.eventbrite.com.

Jan. 19, 8 am- noon, Give A Day for the Bay, invasive plant removal at Sawgrass Lake in Pinellas County. Contact 727-893-2765 or Colleen@tbep.org.

Jan. 19, 9-10:30am, Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 19, 9-11am, Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 19, 10-11am, Florida Sandhill Crane Conservation: Learn about Florida Sandhill Crane populations, their life cycles, their habitats and special organizations that help the cranes with all aspects of their health including prosthetics. The many threats to sandhill cranes and important things people can do to protect them in their habitat are covered in detail. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 19, 8am, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips-Twin Lakes and Brandon duck ponds - Meet Sandy Reed at the parking lot on the northeast corner of Bloomingdale & Lithia Pinecrest Rd (behind the Hess Station). After traveling to the ponds, the final stop will be Steve Backus's Backyard. Email roger.sheet@tampaaudubon.org.

Jan. 19, 5pm, Tampa Bay Watch is planning “2K for the Bay” as a new element of the St. Pete Beach Classic. 2K for the Bay is a casual beach walk event behind the Sirata Beach Resort. The public can participate as a team or individual at $10 per person. This fun beach walk offers the perfect setting for athletes of all ages and abilities to help raise funds to support the Tampa Bay Watch mission to restore and protect Tampa Bay. Details and registration information is posted on tampabaywatch.org.

Jan. 19, 10:30am, Nature Walk, Let a guide reveal some of our natural treasures along the trail. Cost: $3.00/$1.50. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 23, 3- 5 pm, TBEP Community Advisory Committee, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Jan. 24, 6:30pm, Environmental Film Series: Turtle: an Incredible Journey. Join us for a showing of this months’ film followed by a brief discussion. Co-sponsored by Clearwater Audubon. Cost: $3.00/$1.50. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 24, 6:00-8:30pm, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, Avoiding Bad Plants, Gardening for Wildlife. Pinellas County Extension and St. Petersburg Florida-Friendly Landscaping specialists. Workshops are free, Pre-Registration is Strongly Suggested as Seating is Limited! To Pre-Register, visit www.floridastyle.eventbrite.com or for more information call 727-551-3177. St. Petersburg Water Resources Department’s “green” administration building-1650 Third Avenue North.

Jan. 24, 9-10:30am, Rain Harvesting: Learn how to save rainwater in a recycled plastic barrel. The collected water may be used for plant beds, potted plants and vegetable and herb gardens. With payment of $25 advance registration fee, each attendee will receive the booklet Building and Installing the Rain Barrel, one 60-gallon plastic barrel and a 3/4” spigot. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 24, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 24, 10:30-11:15am, Wee Time at Weedon: Children ages 3 to 5 are treated to a variety of stories, crafts, games and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment and the cultural world. This week’s story, Ten Little Rabbits by Virginia Grossman, celebrates native American traditions with weaving, fishing and storytelling. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 26, 10:30am, Wildflower Walk. Fall means wildflowers! Let us show you our favorites on a guided hike. Cost: $3.00/$1.50. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

Jan. 26, 9-10:30am, Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 26, 9-11am, Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 26, 9-11:30am, Brooker Creek Extended Guided Hike: A trained volunteer guide will conduct a 2.8- to 4-mile walk to look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Insect repellent may be helpful. Water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen along with sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended. All ages are welcome; children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult; those younger than 10 may find this hike challenging. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 26, 10:30am-noon, Family Herpetology Series I – Snakes: Join an expert herpetologist and learn about these ecologically important, but often misunderstood vertebrates. Brooker Creek Preserve is home to many of these incredible creatures. Find out the facts about their diversity, ecology and conservation. This live reptile presentation is one in which participants have the opportunity to learn about the natural history of these fascinating creatures. Recommended for all ages. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 26, 10am-4pm, Pinellas Folk Festival: Dozens of the Tampa Bay area's premier folk musicians will be playing traditional folk, gospel, country and bluegrass music on stages throughout Heritage Village at this festival. Sponsored by the Pinellas County Historical Society. There will be historical demonstrations and activities. Free to children younger than 12; suggested minimum donation of $5 per adult. Heritage Village, 11909 125th Street N., Largo. Shuttle to event entrance located from free parking on 119th St. between Ulmerton and Walsingham roads; handicapped parking and drop-off located at 12211 Walsingham Road. 727-582-2123; www.pinellascounty.org/heritage.

Jan 26, 8:30-11:30am, Shorebird Class, $15, North Shore Park Beach (downtown St. Petersburg). Learn to identify the major wintering shorebirds found on our Pinellas beaches with help from St. Petersburg Audubon members. Visit stpeteaudubon.org for more information.

Jan. 26, 8am, Wall Springs Park & Wm Dunn Water Reclamation Facility, meet @ Wall Springs Park, 3725 De Soto Blvd, Palm Harbor. After park entrance turn right and follow driveway around to parking lot next to the the restroom. Spend approx. 1.5 hours at each location, targeting wading birds, ducks, and grebes. Visit stpeteaudubon.org for more information.

Jan. 26, 9-10:30am, Rain Harvesting: Learn how to save rainwater in a recycled plastic barrel. The collected water may be used for plant beds, potted plants and vegetable and herb gardens. With payment of $25 advance registration fee, each attendee will receive the booklet Building and Installing the Rain Barrel, one 60-gallon plastic barrel and a 3/4” spigot. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Jan. 31, 6:00-8:30pm, Protect our Water Ways with Proper Fertilizer Use, Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels. Pinellas County Extension and St. Petersburg Florida-Friendly Landscaping specialists. After attending Workshop (this day only). Rain Barrels are available for purchase! ($25.00, incl. tax). Workshops are free, Pre-Registration is Strongly Suggested as Seating is Limited! To Pre-Register, visit www.floridastyle.eventbrite.com or for more information call 727-551-3177. St. Petersburg Water Resources Department’s “green” administration building-1650 Third Avenue North.

Jan. 31, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Jan. 31, 6:30pm, Wild Florida 101: Learn to identify Florida lizards. Cost: $3.00. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg, 727-893-7326; www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html or email BHPreserve@stpete.org.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 2, 8 am- noon, Give A Day for the Bay, invasive plant removal at Joe's Creek in Pinellas County. Contact 727-893-2765 or Colleen@tbep.org

Feb. 2, 7-9pm, Fireside Concert with Suzanne and Jim, Maintaining Americana Roots Music Tradition. Join in for music, storytelling, dance, comedy, campfire and s’mores. Entertainment will be held indoors if weather is inhospitable. Admission is $3.00, free with paid admission to the park. Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL 33759. Call 793-2976 for details or visit http://www.suzanneandjim.com/

Feb. 2, 10-11am, Birds of Prey: They soar, they swoop and they rule the skies. Dr. Gabriel Vargo, retired-emeritus professor and avian education volunteer at Boyd Hill Nature Park, will look at the life history of these majestic birds with his live cast of local owls and a hawk. Dr. Vargo discusses the characteristics that make raptors successful predators, their ecology and natural history, their importance and role in the ecosystem and the problems they encounter in our human-modified environments. All ages welcome. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Feb. 2, 10am, Dog Training: Learn the basics of dog training in a seminar for all who have adopted dogs from Pinellas County Animal Services or other shelters in the county. Learn about housetraining, loose-leash walking and dealing with challenging dog behaviors. No dogs at the class please. Free. Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2600; www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices.

Feb. 2, 9-10:30am, Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 2, 9-11am, Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Feb. 2, 10:30am-noon, Birding 101: Clearwater Audubon’s Lynn Sumerson will explore the basics of how to identify the many birds surrounding us every day. Participants will learn what to look and listen for as well as gaining insight into some basic equipment you will need to take your birding skills to the next level. Free; Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 2, Brooker Creek Book Club: Hosted by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve, the Brooker Book Club meets the first Saturday of each month. Geared toward adults, the book list includes novels by Florida authors, past and present, with archeology, biography, politics and history storylines. February’s book selected for discussion is Digging Miami by Robert S. Carr. Advance registration is required as seating is limited. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb 2, 8 am, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Guided Walk through a rare piece of preserved St. Petersburg, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Pete., with St. Petersburg Audubon. Leader: Ron Smith, Park entrance fee waived.

Feb. 2, Compost Happens Workshop. Hillsborough County Extension office, Hillsborough County Residents. Registration required. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 2, Water-Wise Workshop. Hillsborough County Extension office, Hillsborough County Residents. Registration required. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 2, Rainwater Harvesting Workshop. Hillsborough County Extension office, Hillsborough County Residents. Registration required. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 2, Compost, Water-Wise Rain Barrel Workshop. Hillsborough County Extension office, Non-Hillsborough County Residents. Registration required. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 5, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Rain Barrels. Riverview Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 7, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org .

Feb. 7, 6pm, Tampa Audubon's Monthly General Meeting: "Seashells" (presented by Joel Cleveland). http://www.tampaaudubon.org/

Feb. 7, 6:00-8:30pm, Pinellas County Extension and St. Petersburg Florida-Friendly Landscaping specialists. Landscape Design 1- Basics (the first of two classes). Bring your landscaping ideas! Includes Tour of a Florida-friendly Demonstration Garden prior to Workshop!    Workshops are free, Pre-Registration is Strongly Suggested as Seating is Limited! To Pre-Register, visit www.floridastyle.eventbrite.com or for more information call 727-551-3177. St. Petersburg Water Resources Department’s “green” administration building-1650 Third Avenue North.

Feb. 9, 8-10:30am, Birds of Brooker Hike: Join this special hike identifying common birds of Brooker Creek Preserve. Meander along the one-mile trail to gather information on the birds seen and heard. Binoculars will be helpful. Bring water. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. FREE.   727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org .

Feb. 9, 9- 10:30am, Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 9, 9-11am, Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 9, 10-11am, Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project 2.0: Learn how much energy is wasted in the home every day, around the clock in this advanced energy-saving class. Participants receive free equipment and materials to help cut energy costs and save money each month. When registering please select only one ticket per household but feel free to bring the whole family. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Feb. 9, 10:30am- noon, Florida Scrub Jays: Learn about this threatened species and where scrub jay exist in Florida. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 9, 9am, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips-Lettuce Lake Park for Beginning Birders. 6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Meet Roger Sheets in the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Just as an FYI, the Park also has a 1 hr hike at 8:30am. Look for the Tampa Audubon sign. We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for water birds, ducks and wintering residents. Click here for location information. Entrance fee to park is $2.00. roger.sheets@tampaaudubon.org.

Feb. 9, 8:30-11:30am, Shorebird Class, $15, Ft. De Soto Park. Learn to identify the major wintering shorebirds found on our Pinellas beaches with help from St. Petersburg Audubon member. Visit stpeteaudubon.org for more information.

Feb. 11, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Spring Vegetable Garden. Bruton Library, Plant City.813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 11, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Pruning. Lutz Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb 12, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office, Care for Citrus. Jimmie B. Keel Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 12, 7pm, "Natural Florida Landscaping",presented by Laurel Schiller and Fran Palmeri, co-owners of Florida Native Plants Nursery in Sarasota, FL, and co-authors of the book "Natural Florida Landscaping". Laurel has been growing Florida native plants and using them for landscaping for many years, and will show you how to create a beautiful and environmentally friendly landscape which will thrive with minimal care - less water, fertilizer and pesticides - and attract wildlife. The folks at Florida Native Plants Nursery believe we can bring back natural Florida by using native plants in our landscapes! Telephone inquiries are taken by Mary at 727-849-2335. The Chapter website is: http://www.pasconativeplants.org.

Feb 13, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office, Herbs. South Shore Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb 13, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Florida Lawns. New Tampa Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 14, 1:30 - 4:30 pm TBEP Management Board, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Feb. 14, 10:30am, Hillsborough County Extension office: A Garden of Bright Ideas. Jan Platt Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 14, 10:30- 11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 14, 10:30-11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 14, 10:30-11:15am, Wee Time at Weedon: Children ages 3 to 5 are treated to a variety of stories, crafts, games and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This week’s popular classic story, The Very Hungary Caterpillar by Eric Carle, tells the journey of a caterpillar as it transforms into a butterfly. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Feb 15, 10 am TBEP Policy Board, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Feb. 16, 8-10am, Photography Hike: This hike is a perfect opportunity for adult photographers to hone their skills. After a classroom session highlighting specific wildlife behaviors and focus tips, guides will assist participants in capturing the natural beauty outdoors. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Feb. 16, 9-10:30am, Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 16, 9-11am, Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Feb. 16, 8am, Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road (SR 540), Lakeland, FL (Polk County), St. Petersburg Audubon, Meet at Reserve outside of Nature Center located at end of Discovery Drive. There are tremendous bird population on former cattle ranch/wetlands so bring lunch and spend the day hiking or bicycling through oak hammock, freshwater marsh, hardwood swamp and shores of Lake Hancock. Field trip is approx. 4 hours. Visit www.stpeteaudubon.org for more information.

Feb. 16, 9am-noon, Snakes of the Tampa Bay Region. Interpreting Nature Series (adults, age 16 and up). Improve and broaden your interpretive naturalist skills during this new series of engaging, hands-on workshops for naturalists, educators, land managers, park volunteers/docents, and other interested individuals. Join wildlife biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services) during one or more of these fun and educational half-day programs scheduled to be held at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, St. Petersburg. Registration fee is $40/workshop or $120/full series (four workshops); space is limited and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact George at 727-865-6255 or george@heinrichecologicalservices.com if you need additional information.

Feb. 21, 10:30- 11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 21, 6:00-8:30pm, Pinellas County Extension and St. Petersburg Florida-Friendly Landscaping specialists. Landscape Design 2- Clinic (continuation from Feb. 7th class). Experts work with you on your landscape plan! Also, Proper Plant Installation & Establishment (latest research). Includes Tour of a Florida-friendly Demonstration Garden prior to Workshop! Workshops are free, Pre-Registration is Strongly Suggested as Seating is Limited! To Pre-Register, visit www.floridastyle.eventbrite.com or for more information call 727-551-3177. St. Petersburg Water Resources Department’s “green” administration building-1650 Third Avenue North.

Feb. 23, 9 am- 3 pm Sustainable Living in an Urban Environment, Gamble Creek Farm, Parrish FL, sponsored by Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Contact colleen@tbep.org

Feb. 23, 9-10:30am, Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 23, 9- 11am, Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Feb. 23, 9- 11:30am, Extended Brooker Creek Guided Hike: Trained volunteer guides will conduct a 2.8- to 4-mile walk to look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Insect repellent may be helpful. Water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen along with sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended. All ages are welcome; children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult; those younger than 10 may find this hike challenging. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800;www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 23, 10:30am-noon, Family Herpetology Series II: Frogs!: Join Avalon, an 11-year-old herpetologist who founded Conserve it Forward, as she discusses frogs, their challenges and what you can do to help! Get up close and personal with live amphibians! Great for the whole family. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org.

Feb. 23, 2 -3pm, Birds of Pinellas: Then and Now: Ron Smith, long-time Pinellas birder, author and field trip leader, will talk about the history of the birdlife of Pinellas dating from the late 1800s to today. His overview, complete with slides, is both eye-opening and educational. Did you know that Pinellas Point once hosted a wading bird colony as far as the eye could see; that Robert Hoyt, a prominent Pinellas bird collector in his day, planted the original kapok tree; or that birders from all over the country flock to Fort De Soto Park in April to see migrating songbirds pass through in great numbers? Learn things about the birdlife of Pinellas that you never knew before. Free, registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

Feb. 24, 7am, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips-Circle B Bar Preserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland / Forest Loop - Meet Mary Keith at the McDonalds on Rt. 60 just west of I-75 in Brandon to car pool. We will park in the Sweet Tomato parking lot. Or, meet at the Discovery Center Parking Lot in Circle B Bar Preserve at 8am.

Feb. 26, 8:30-11:30am, Shorebird Class, $15, Ft. De Soto Park. Learn to identify the major wintering shorebirds found on our Pinellas beaches with help from St. Petersburg Audubon members.

Feb. 26, 6:30pm, Critters, Cows & Cowboys: A Photographic Exploration into the Wildlife and work of a Florida Cattle Ranch, Bob Montanaro, speaker, St. Petersburg Audubon Society program at Sunshine Center, 330 - 5th Street N., St. Petersburg.

Feb. 26, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Florida Lawns. North Tampa Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Feb. 28, 6:00-8:30pm, Pinellas County Extension and St. Petersburg Florida-Friendly Landscaping specialists. Sensible Sprinkler Systems & Micro-Irrigation Clinic. Hands-on look at devices and tools to apply water efficiently. Workshops are free, Pre-Registration is Strongly Suggested as Seating is Limited! To Pre-Register, visit www.floridastyle.eventbrite.com or for more information call 727-551-3177. St. Petersburg Water Resources Department’s “green” administration building-1650 Third Avenue North.

Feb. 28, 10:30- 11:15am, Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. 727-453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.orgg.

Feb. 28, 10:30-11:15am, Wee Time at Weedon: Children ages 3 to 5 are treated to a variety of stories, crafts, games and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This week’s story, The Snail’s Spell by Joanne Ryder uses imagination to understand the life of a small snail in a garden. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

MARCH

March 2, 8 am- noon, Give A Day for the Bay, invasive plant removal at Rye Preserve in Manatee County. Contact 727-893-2765 or Colleen@tbep.org

Mar. 2, 7pm, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips-Owl Prowl Little Manatee State Park 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma, Florida - Meet Nancy Murrah in the parking lot by the playground. Approximately 2 hours. The park entry fee is $5.00. Email nancy.murrah@tampaaudubon.org.

Mar. 2, 8am, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Guided Walk through a rare piece of preserved St. Petersburg, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg Audubon. Leader: Ron Smith, Park entrance fee waived.

Mar. 2, Compost Happens Workshop Hillsborough County Extension office. Hillsborough County Residents. Registration Coming. 813-273-3652; illsborough.extension.ufl.edu .

Mar. 2, Water-Wise Workshop. Hillsborough County Extension office. Hillsborough County Residents. Registration Coming. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 2, Rainwater Harvesting Workshop. Hillsborough County Extension office. Hillsborough County Residents Registration Coming. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 2, Compost, Water-Wise Rain Barrel Workshop. Hillsborough County Extension office. Non-Hillsborough County Residents. Registration Coming. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 5, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Florida Wildflowers. Austin Davis Library. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 5, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Compost & Organic Vegetable Gardening. Riverview Library. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 7, 6:00-8:30pm, Pinellas County Extension and St. Petersburg Florida-Friendly Landscaping specialists. Landscape Maintenance - Proper Fertilizer and Pesticide Use to Pruning, Composting, and Mulching. Workshops are free, Pre-Registration is Strongly Suggested as Seating is Limited! To Pre-Register, visit www.floridastyle.eventbrite.com or for more information call 727-551-3177. St. Petersburg Water Resources Department’s “green” administration building-1650 Third Avenue North.

Mar. 7, 6pm, Tampa Audubon's Monthly General Meeting: "Florida's Red and Pink Waders" (Ann Paul on Colony Watch) Ann Paul will discuss and show slides depicting the morphology and behavior of Reddish Egrets (the rarest heron in North America), Roseate Spoonbills (our continent's only spoonbill and one of Florida's rarest species), and White Ibis (the brilliant red legs and bills of their courtship qualifies them to be included in this elite list). Courtship, nesting, foraging behaviors will be detailed and conservation of these special species will be featured. Ann Paul is the Tampa Bay Regional Coordinator for Audubon Florida. From 1991 through 2002 she was Assistant Manager of the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Cornell University and her master's degree in biology from Trinity University in San Antonio. She worked for the Texas Nature Conservancy as Assistant Land Steward, and the Hillsborough County Resource Management Office, managing conservation lands. She is past president of the Tampa Audubon Society and currently is vice president of the Florida Ornithological Society and on the board of the Tampa Bay Conservancy, a local land trust. Since 2001 she has served as a Governor's Appointee on the Board of the Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute and is a Governor's Appointee for the Non-Mandatory Phosphate Lands Reclamation Board. Ann is an expert on the colonial waterbirds of Florida and management of nesting colony sites. http://www.tampaaudubon.org/.

Mar. 9, 9am, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips -Lettuce Lake Park for Beginning Birders 6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa - Meet Roger Sheets in front of the Visitor Center. Just as an fyi, the Park also has a 1 hr hike at 8:30am. Look for the Tampa Audubon sign. We will walk the boardwalk and trails looking for water birds, ducks and wintering residents. Entrance fee to park is $2.00. Email roger.sheets@tampaaudubon.org.

Mar. 9, 8:30 am, Emerson Point Park & Felts Audubon Preserve, Palmetto, FL (Manatee County) St. Petersburg Audubon. Meet at Emerson Point Park, 5801 17th St. W, Palmetto, FL in the parking area at Welcome/Ranger Station located at the Temple Mound. Spend approx. 1.5 hours at each location targeting wintering warblers at Emerson Point and Indigo and Painted Buntings at Felts Preserve. Leaders: Billie & Jerry Knight.

Mar. 11, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Compost. Lutz Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 12, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Microirrigation. Jimmie B. Keel Library. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 12, 7pm, "Ants and Plants" presented by Dr. Josh King, Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida, Biology Department. These abundant social insects are major players in most terrestrial environments and impact ecosystem functions. Josh will be discussing the general biology and ecology of ants. He'll describe the natural history of several commonly encountered ants at home and in the garden, especially as they pertain to plants and plant communities. Dr. King's area of expertise is the biology and ecology of native and invasive ants in Florida and the southeastern US. Telephone inquiries are taken by Mary at 727-849-2335. The Chapter website is: http://www.pasconativeplants.org.

Mar. 13, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Annual Bedding Plant: The Basics. Upper Tampa Bay Library. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 13, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Water Gardens. South Shore Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 13, 7pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Ground Covers. New Tampa Library. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 14, 8:30am-4pm, Fertilizer/Pesticide BMPs: Training to obtain limited certification for urban landscape commercial fertilizer (LCULCF). BMP certification awarded upon passing the exam. Four FDACS pesticide CEUs provided. Cost is $15; free to employees of Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School Board and Pinellas County Master Gardener Volunteers (must present ID on day of class). Advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2562; register at
http://pce-commercialhort.eventbrite.com.

Mar. 14, 10:30am, Hillsborough County Extension office: Wildflowers. Jan Platt Library. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 14, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Florida Wildflowers. Town 'N Country Library. 813-273-3652; www.hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

Mar. 16, 9am-1pm, Camp Bayou Spring Open House. It will include scheduled activities for kids on the hour starting at 9:30am (eg. trail walk, river netting and probably cockroach races, speakers on various 'green' subjects- composting, backyard chickens, etc. http://campbayou.blogspot.com.

Mar. 16, 9am-noon, Scatology: Discovering the Secrets of Scat. Interpreting Nature Series (adults, age 16 and up). Improve and broaden your interpretive naturalist skills during this new series of engaging, hands-on workshops for naturalists, educators, land managers, park volunteers/docents, and other interested individuals. Join wildlife biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services) during one or more of these fun and educational half-day programs scheduled to be held at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, St. Petersburg. Registration fee is $40/workshop or $120/full series (four workshops); space is limited and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact George at 727-865-6255 or george@heinrichecologicalservices.com if you need additional information.

Mar. 19, 8am-5pm, Roundup License Training - LCLM Training & LLO Review: This class provides training and testing necessary to obtain a limited commercial landscape maintenance license (LCLM) or as a review and testing for the limited lawn and ornamental (LLO) license. This class is NOT for renewal CEUs. $60. Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 727-582-2562; register at
http://pce-commercialhort.eventbrite.com.

Mar. 23, 8am, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips-Felts Audubon Preserve and Emerson Point - Meet Sandy Reed at the Target Parking lot on Bloomingdale Ave or meet at Emerson Point Park at the boardwalk entrance at 9:00am. We will stop by Cockroach Bay on our way back to town. Click either link for more information: Felts Audubon Preserve - Emerson Point Park.

Mar. 23, 8:30am, Field Trip to Lettuce Lake Regional Park with St. Petersburg Audubon, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL (Hillsborough County) Meet at Park Visitor Center. Walk along boardwalk through hardwood swamp forest adjacent to Hillsborough River. Target birds: Limpkin, Swallow-tailed Kite, Wood Ducks and warblers. Park entrance fee $2. www.stpeteaudubon.org.

Mar. 26, Tanzania: Beautiful Birds, Babies, & More! Tom and Lindsay Bell, members of St. Petersburg Audubon Society, share their pictures and experiences, at Sunshine Center, 330 - 5th Street N., St. Petersburg.

Mar. 26, 6:30pm, Hillsborough County Extension office: Wildflowers. North Tampa Library. 813-273-3652; hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu.

March 27, 3-6 pm TBEP Community Advisory Committee, Mini Grants Show and Tell, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. Contact misty@tbep.org

Mar. 31, 8am, Tampa Audubon Society Field Trips-Ft. Desoto, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S Tierra Verde - Meet Mary Keith at the Flag Pole at the rangers station. (Entry Fee for County Park is $5.00). Email mary.keith@tampaaudubon.org.

Enjoy the newly renovated boardwalk at Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater, open daily, or join Clearwater Audubon Society for its monthly bird walks, held on the first Saturday of every month from 8 to 11am.

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