Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program - 2024
2024-10-03 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-17 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-31 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-11-14 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-11-16 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
An intensive program to learn all about Florida’s waters. Each class takes place at a new location with guest speakers, tours and more!

Working With Water, Working With People
To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our oceans and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across Pinellas County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts.
Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community, attend a relevant stakeholder meeting and explore online resources to learn more about water between class sessions.
Each class session will be three hours long and include Working with Water instructor-led presentations looking at water at the state-level as well as Working with People instructor-led presentations highlighting communication best-practices. Classes will also include time for discussions, guest speaker presentations highlighting local water resources, and a field tour.
This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. Youth (under 18) are eligible to register as long as an accompanying adult is also registered for the program.
Schedule
Session 1 – Thursday, Sept. 5 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Watershed Basics and Stewardship @ Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs with guest speaker Robert Burnes, Project Manager, Pinellas County Public Works, Environmental Management

Session 2 – Thursday, Sept. 19 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

W ater Flow, Then and Now @ Clam Bayou Marine Education Center with guest speaker from Southwest Florida Water Management District, Surface Water Improvement & Management Program

Session 3 – Thursday, Oct. 3 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Water Laws and Other Tools @ South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility with guest speaker Lauren Twele, Education Coordinator, Pinellas County Utilities

Session 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Future Water Supply and Emerging Issues @ Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Oldsmar with guest speaker Tirusew Asefa, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Manager, Planning & System Decision Support, Tampa Bay Water

Session 5 – Thursday, Oct. 31 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*: Panel

Panel Discussion with local environmental non-profit groups and Stewardship Project Updates @ Safety Harbor Public Library

Session 6 – Thursday, Nov. 14 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Speaking of and for Water @ Ozona Village Hall with guest speaker Sadie Hundemer, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida

Session 7- Saturday Nov. 16 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Graduation and Water Stewardship In Action @ Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg with guided hike by Pinellas County volunteer or staff.

*Locations and speakers are subject to change.
Before You Register
Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:

Attend at least five of the seven sessions, two of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #7)
Attend and briefly describe a stakeholder gathering
Complete online mini-sessions
Participate in the online discussions
Submit a summary of your individual or group stewardship project

Cost: $125
If the cost of the program will prevent you from participating, please complete a scholarship application. Application deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Questions?
For more information about this course, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan at lara317@ufl.edu or 727-453-6905.

Community Tree Care for HOA's
2024-10-09 09:00 - 12:00 | FL
Beneath the Canopy:
Community Tree Care for HOA’s
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry experts, local professional arborists and county staff to learn the ins and outs of managing the trees in your community. Walk away from this workshop with workable templates, examples and a knowledge of tree care best management practices.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Schedule:
Wednesday, February 7 at Braden River Library
Tuesday, April 2 at Palma Sola Botanical Garden
Wednesday, August 21 at TBD (Lakewood Ranch)
Wednesday, October 9 at Palma Sola Botanical Garden

Birding by Bike
2024-10-12 | J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center, 10500 Wilderness Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34655, United States
Birding by Bike Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park
Meet 8:00 AM
Meet at Starkey Education Center
Contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com
Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips.
Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details.
Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours.

Pumpkin Perfection: From Garden to Table
2024-10-29 11:00 - 13:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about growing pumpkins suited for Florida gardening and how to incorporate them into recipes.
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a home cook eager to explore new flavors, this class offers the skills and inspiration you need to make the most of your pumpkin harvest.
This class will include gardening tips from a Master Gardener Volunteer from UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County as well as a food demo and pumpkin themed lunch.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $10.00 registration fee per individual for this workshop.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Backyard Composting on Zoom
2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
BACKYARD COMPOSTING: Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
Since you are attending this workshop on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Ales and Wild Tails - Audubon Florida
2024-11-13 18:00 - 19:00 | FL
Ales and Wild Tails is back! Join the Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges and the Center for Biological Diversity in welcoming Kara Cook of Audubon Florida to learn about roof top nesting of bird species in Florida. The Audubon Florida rooftop-nesting program is vital to preserving bird populations that have suffered habitat loss due to human development, and need to find alternative habitat to successfully raise their young. Kara will discuss how Audubon monitors rooftop-nesting seabirds and shorebirds and how volunteers can get involved in community science efforts to help these imperiled birds. Hope to see you there!
When: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6-7 p.m.
Where: The Ale and the Witch Tavern, 111 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Cost: Free admission (craft beer and refreshments available)
Ales and Wild Tails is co-hosted by the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges. It takes place on the second Wednesday evening of every month during the fall, winter, and spring.
Thank you all for supporting the Tampa Bay Refuges!

Water Bath Canning 101: Tomatoes
2024-11-22 11:00 - 14:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to can tomatoes.
This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind canning, and a food tasting.
Feel free to bring your own lunch; full 3 hours of the class is dependent on amount of participant questions and canning recipe.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $10.00 registration fee per individual for this workshop.
This class will take place at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County office at: 5339 County Road 579, in Seffner.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at:
(813) 744-5519
**The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations, such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Joshua Payne at: joshuapayne@ufl.edu or 813 744-5519 x 54136, at least 1 week in advance.

Night Hike in the Preserve
2024-11-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime.
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. Hikes are led by Preserve volunteers who are knowledgeable about nocturnal wildlife. The hike is about one-mile in length and will take about 1.5 hours.
Space is limited, registration is required. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
These hikes are for adults and families only. Children must be accompanied by parents. Please leave your pets at home. Pets are not permitted in County Preserves.
Meet at the main parking lot at Brooker Creek Preserve. You must pre-register for the night hikes!
Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Adult Night Hike
2024-11-23 19:30 - 21:00, 2024-12-14 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-01-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Adults enjoy a night hike out into the preserve after hours and in the dark!
Experience the tranquil sounds of nature on our monthly adult-only night hike, where the rustling of leaves and calls of nocturnal animals set the perfect backdrop. As you walk, you might even catch a glimpse of a wild creature in its natural habitat, see the St. Pete skyline, and make a few memories!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Irrigation Design 101
2024-12-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system.
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, as he discusses the basics of great irrigation design. Learn helpful information for installing your new or retrofitted in-ground irrigation system!
This class satisfies the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or Brian Rigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.

Ground Covers - Plants That Work
2024-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about ground covers you can use in place of turfgrass.
Join Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, as she presents how landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend in landscape practices because once they are established, these plants will need little or no water. Learn noteworthy plants, site considerations, and management of these plants.
This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Health Benefits of Therapy Gardens and Indoor Plants
2024-12-06 12:00 - 13:30 | ZOOM, United States
Florida-Friendly Friday:
Health Benefits of Therapy Gardens and Indoor Plants
Learn about the health benefits plants can have in your everyday life.
The fast pace of everyday life can be stressful. Why don’t you take a moment for yourself and learn how you can find tranquility through indoor plants and therapy gardens? Join an FFL Educator, where she will teach you about the benefits of houseplants, indoor gardens, and therapy gardens to help you find serenity and peace of mind.
Register Here

Bird Walk at Boyd Hill
2024-12-07 08:00 - 09:30, 2025-01-04 08:00 - 09:30, 2025-02-01 08:00 - 09:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join the St. Petersburg Audubon Society for a birdwatching hike at Boyd Hill, where you’ll spot a variety of native species while learning about their habits and habitats.
Perfect for bird enthusiasts of all levels! Binoculars are available for loan.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Backyard Landscaping for Wildlife
2024-12-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™:
Backyard Landscaping for Wildlife
Learn how to make your yard suitable for wildlife!
Manatee County is urbanizing rapidly and as natural areas vanish, it becomes more and more important to provide suitable habitat for native wildlife in our own backyards and established communities. This workshop will help guide you in landscaping your property in a Florida-friendly manner that will benefit many different species of wildlife while providing you with additional viewing opportunities.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Alligator Walk
2025-01-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Alligators have lived in Florida’s marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes for centuries. Anyone who lives in Florida knows where there is water, there most likely is an alligator! Learn all about this giant reptile while on a guided hike through the swamp!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Nature Riders Adult Bike
2025-01-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our brand new bike hike!
Ages 12 yrs +
This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails, enjoy fresh air, and learn about nature along the way.
Please note: only 5 adult bikes and 5 child bikes available.
MUST bring own helmet.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Night Hike in the Preserve
2025-01-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime.
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike.
A $3 per person donation is requested. Hikes are led by Preserve volunteers who are knowledgeable about nocturnal wildlife. The hike is about one-mile in length and will take about 1.5 hours.
Space is limited, registration is required. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
These hikes are for adults and families only. Children must be accompanied by parents. Please leave your pets at home. Pets are not permitted in County Preserves.
You MUST ARRIVE BY 8PM, the Preserve gates will be closed after that.
Meet at the main parking lot at Brooker Creek Preserve. You must pre-register for the night hikes!
Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
2025-01-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Back by popular demand…
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
A nature-based fundraising hike series
This series of four hikes will take place in beautiful areas tucked away within Brooker Creek Preserve in sites that are closed to the public. Our guide, Dr. Craig Huegel, can identify everything, from the tiniest moss to the tallest tree including animal prints, bird calls, lichens, and more. He is full of stories and very patient in answering questions. The hikes will be not only educational, but a lot of fun as well!
The hikes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and be about 3-4 hours long. Bring water and lunch.
Cost: $80 donation for the series or $25 donation per hike with a 10% discount for members of Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve
Sites Off the Beaten Path:
Sep. 22, 2024 – Catesby’s Lilies…and More! – Located in the eastern part of the preserve, we will search for the threatened Catesby’s Lily. In so doing, we will see a profusion of beautiful fall wildflowers in full bloom.
Jan. 19, 2025 – Cypress Swamp – Located in the central part of the preserve, this site
features orchids, ferns, and epiphytes. Plan to get wet, or maybe not, as we plunge into the depths of the swamp!
March 16, 2025 – Sandhills – The only true sandhills of Brooker Creek Preserve. This site is in the northern end of the preserve and will feature an abundance of spring wildflowers.
June 22, 2025 – Interior Wildlands – We will be in parts of the Preserve so remote that
cell phones won’t work, areas so pretty you won’t believe you are in Pinellas County!
Reservations Required: info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org
Sign up early! Only 20 spots are open for these fabulous hikes off the beaten path!
Questions? Email info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org or call 727-934-2680.

Taking The Mystery Out Of Micro-irrigation
2025-01-23 13:00 - 15:00 | South Manatee Library, 6081 26th St W, Bradenton, FL, 34207, United States
Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system.
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, to discuss an introduction to micro-irrigation. This includes learning to select, install, and operate your own water-saving irrigation system. The discussion will include information regarding the components, and how to assemble and maintain. Come hear the benefits and why it is important to water plants, shrubs and other landscape plants separate from your turfgrass.
This class satisfies the irrigation educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Additional Information:
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.
For further information on the Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program, contact: Manatee County Utility Department (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or water.conservation@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation with the Mobile Irrigation Lab [MIL]. Call (941) 722-4524 X 1827 and sign up today.
Special Accommodations:
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Brian Rigney at BrianRigney@ufl.edu or (941) 722-4524 x 1828 at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Healthy Landscapes
2025-01-30 13:00 - 15:00 | South Manatee Library, 6081 26th St W, Bradenton, FL, 34207, United States
Learn how to have a healthy landscape while saving water.
Will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape™ tips such as Right Plant vs. Right Place, Watering efficiently, and Mulch benefits.
Presented by Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Mobile Irrigation Lab working with Manatee County Ag Extension, University of Florida, Manatee County Utilities department and Water Conservation.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Communi-Trees: Grant Workshop
2025-01-31 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an introduction to the Hillsborough County community tree grants program.
We will cover the details of the CommuniTrees: Community Tree Grant program offered by Hillsborough County. We will discuss the application process and recommended best practices for trees in communities. Tree planting grants are for established neighborhood groups or associations, not individual property owners.
There is no cost to attend.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
***The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact: VinsonA@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54106, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

FFL HC Webinar Series: Intro to Nine Principles
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for the “FFL HC Webinar Series: Intro to Nine Principles,” a comprehensive introduction to the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. This webinar is designed to provide homeowners, community association managers, and landscape professionals with essential knowledge to create sustainable and eco-friendly landscapes.
Why Attend?

Gain science-based insights from UF/IFAS experts.
Learn practical tips for a sustainable and beautiful landscape.
Network with other professionals and enthusiasts in the field.

We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
***The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact: Lynn Barber, barberl@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
