Adult Bike
2025-02-22 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | 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! 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.
Ages 12 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinator Pots
2025-02-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Support local pollinators such as butterflies and birds by making a pollinator pot to put on your porch or balcony!
Bring a 12″ – 18″ pot and we will provide the native plants and soil!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Adult Night Hike
2025-02-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-19 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-17 07:00 - 20:30 | 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 <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2025-03-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
This workshop will be held in the Conference Center at our office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584.
RAINWATER HARVESTING: Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Backyard Composting on Zoom
2025-03-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-09 11:00 - 12:00 | 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 <<<

Kayak Tour: Archaeology of Ross Island
2025-03-08 08:30 - 12:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join archaeologists for a unique and engaging paddling experience in the waters of the Weedon Island Preserve!
Ages 18+

This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will tour one of Tampa Bay’s best preserved archaeological sites. During the paddle, the group will make short stops to learn about the history of Weedon Island’s exceptional estuary habitats. The trip will be led by professional archaeologists from the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) and the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS).
This guided tour is not for beginner paddlers; experience and endurance are required. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to participate and must sign a liability waiver prior to getting on the water. Kayaks will be provided by ECOmersion.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Communi-Trees: Grant Workshop
2025-03-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Carrollwood Village Park, 4680 West Village Drive, Tampa, 33624, United States
Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection

Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an introduction to the Hillsborough County community tree grants program.
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a community focused conversation all about trees. 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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
2025-03-16 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.

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-03-18 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The purpose of this group is to offer a space for those who want to create all the things about city living that we would most love to live with. That would include access to fresh, healthy food, clean water, clean air, educational opportunities, lots of art, music, dance and theatre, parks and nature, community gathering places, community gardens, decent mass transit, and healthy neighborhoods. What is your vision of what Clearwater could be?
We currently have “Green Mixers” every third Tuesday at Moccasin Lake Nature Park at 6 PM. Every month, we meet more great people at these.
A few of us are working on some projects to revitalize the downtown area. We have some great ideas in the works, and are looking for more people to play with. What would you like to see happen downtown?
We are interested in getting community gardens going and there is some great news on that front too. We’ll keep you updated here.
We want to know what is important to you and what you would like to see happen in this city, so please, let us know!

FFL HC Webinar Series: Right Plant, Right Place
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Discover the secret to a thriving, low-maintenance landscape that’s perfect for our Florida climate. Learn how to choose plants that not only survive but thrive in your specific yard conditions.
What You’ll Learn:

How to match plants to your yard’s unique environment
Tips for reducing water use and pest problems
Tricks to create a stunning, sustainable landscape

The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
Register now and take the first step towards a smarter, greener landscape. Your plants (and water bill) will thank you!
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.

Kayak Tampa Bay
2025-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Ages 12+ • 3 Hours • 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Back by popular demand, Tampa Bay Watch is launching guided kayak tours of the Bay. Embark with us on an unforgettable journey through the serene waters of our stunning estuary! This tour offers an immersive experience in nature, combining the joy of paddling with a unique opportunity to observe and learn about local species.
As you glide through calm waters, your expert naturalist will share fascinating insights into the diverse ecosystems and residents of the estuary. You’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife while exploring the mangrove forests and seagrass beds of Tampa Bay. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, the experience is designed to be both relaxing and informative, offering a rare chance to connect with nature while honing your kayaking skills!
Kayak, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks, water, and skin protection.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Military Agriculture Tour (MAT X)
2025-03-28 08:00 - 16:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
To introduce active duty and transitioning personnel, veterans, and their spouses to the diversity of agriculture within Hillsborough County and the diversity of career opportunities in a modern agricultural operation.
The tour will start and end at UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584
The bus will leave HC Extension at 0830, prior to that coffee and donuts will be available. Lunch will be provided and we will return to HC Extension by 1600.
Highlights of the tour will include a visit to a tropical aquaculture farm, Astin Farms, a tour of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, and other Hillsborough County farms.
Cost is $5 which includes lunch. Seating is limited.
Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.
Please be advised NO REFUNDS
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
For more information contact: Simon Bollin, Hillsborough County Agribusiness Development Manager, 813-853-1086 or bollins@HCFLGov.net.

Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: 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.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

FFL HC Webinar Series: Water Efficiently
2025-04-17 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Dive into the world of smart water use with our upcoming Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar!
The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
Don’t let your garden become a water hog! Learn how to create a water-wise oasis that’s both beautiful and environmentally friendly. Bring your questions for our live Q&A session with UF/IFAS experts
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.

Night Hike in the Preserve
2025-04-19 20:00 - 22:00 | 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.

Arbor Day Tree Workshop & Giveaway
2025-04-23 13:00 - 16:00 | 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 interactive educational presentation all about selecting, planting and maintaining the Right Tree for the Right Place. All attendees of the workshop will take home a tree to plant in their landscape. Workshop will take approximately 1.5 hours and the tree giveaway will follow.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Tree Giveaway
2025-04-26 08:00 - 13:00 | Cearwater Public Works Complex, 1650 No. Arcturas Avenue, Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Proof of Clearwater residency is required.
Take home two free trees and plant them this Earth Month and National Arbor Day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trees are important in the fight against climate change. As they grow, trees absorb and store carbon emissions that otherwise cause global warming. In an urban setting such as Clearwater, the shade from trees cools city streets, reduces air pollution, and boosts personal wellbeing and health.
The city is handing out over 20 different species of trees, including Red Maple, Pecan, and Persimmon trees.

Green Thumb Festival
2025-04-26 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL, 33710, United States
St. Petersburg’s annual Arbor Day Celebration, the Green Thumb Festival, brings together plant and flower lovers, as well as, individuals and families looking for a fun weekend activity. With more than 120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors, the annual event brings the community together for a weekend of fun.
Parking is available at Azalea Middle School and behind Walter Fuller Recreation Center. Handicap parking is located at the Walter Fuller Recreation Center’s main parking lot and the Walter Fuller Pool parking lot.

Youth Activities & Adult Workshops

All workshops are free and open to the public. Spots are limited. Preregistration is encouraged.
REGISTER HERE

Saturday, April 26 Program Schedule
9:30 AM | Herb Planters (Adult Workshop)
UF/IFAS Master Gardeners will discuss container herb gardening and assist with planter creation. Sponsored by Pinellas County Farm Bureau.
11:00 AM | Attracting Animals to Your Yards (All Ages Interactive Presentation)
Learn which native plants attract wildlife and pollinators. Participants will plant a native species in a takeaway container to grow at home.
12:00 PM | From Seed to Slice: Creating a Pizza Garden with Kids (Family Interactive Presentation)
Create a pizza garden in a self-watering container or bucket! Youth will learn about plant growth, self-watering systems, and the benefits of homegrown food.
1:00 PM | Botanical Printmaking with Gelli Prints (All Ages Workshop)
Create and take home beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork with amazing colors and textures using natural materials.
2:00 PM | All About Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (Adult Presentation)
Learn how to apply the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) for a beautiful, low-maintenance, and water-saving yard. Discover easy, eco-friendly techniques that conserve resources and reduce costs.

Sunday, April 27 Program Schedule
9:30 AM | Mixed Flower Garden: Fillers, Spillers, and Thrillers (Adult Workshop)
UF/IFAS Master Gardeners will guide attendees in designing flower planters. Plant and container selection will vary. Sponsored by Pinellas County Farm Bureau.
11:00 AM | Nature’s Team Work (All Ages Presentation)
Discover how plants and animals interact in ecosystems through food, shelter, and camouflage.
1:00 PM | Skulls and Tracks (All Ages Interactive Presentation)
Learn to identify animal tracks and skulls in your yard or nature areas. Discover how skulls reveal an animal’s diet and create your own track ID guide.
2:00 PM | Orchids 101 (Adult Presentation)
Mike Pollen will demonstrate how to repot an orchid and provide care tips.

Flower Show

The Garden Club of St. Petersburg displays their creativity through juried floral designs and crafts representing gardens from around the world. Exhibits are designed with a new theme each year.
The public is invited to vote for the best of show in both the horticulture and floral design category.
Judging occurs the Friday before the festival and awards are given to the winners at the festival on Sunday at 3 p.m. inside Walter Fuller Recreation Center. All judges are from clubs within the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs District VIII and use standards set by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and use standards set by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. For more information on the Garden Club, visit www.gardenclubstpetersburg.org.

Meet an Arborist
2025-04-28 09:00 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Finding and Hiring a Certified Arborist for Tree Care
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson and local certified arborist, Carson Smith for an in depth conversation all about the importance of and the steps to, finding and hiring a certified arborist. We will discuss the in and outs of establishing your tree care goals, how to build a plan for long term care and where to find resources.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.

Senior Artisans
2025-04-29 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-05-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 50 yrs +
It’s never too late to try out a new art form! Led by local artist Francine Michel. Explore the preserve by tram and create a piece of art based on nature.
All materials are provided.
Feel free to bring your own sketchbook and camera.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

FFL HC Webinar Series: Fertilize Appropriately
2025-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Learn how to nourish your plants effectively while protecting Florida’s environment.
The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
What You’ll Learn:

Best practices for selecting and applying fertilizers
How to avoid over-fertilization and its harmful effects
Tips for promoting healthy plant growth

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your fertilization knowledge with expert advice from UF/IFAS. Bring your questions for our live Q&A session!
Register now and ensure your landscape thrives responsibly!
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.
