29th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup
2022-10-15 07:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Join Tampa Bay Watch and Audubon Florida for the 29th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup.
The goal is to remove hazardous monofilament line from mangrove shorelines. Monofilament or “mono,” is a fancy word for the commonly used plastic fishing line. It has great fishing utility, but can take over 600 years to break down and poses serious threats to birds and other wildlife. Improperly discarded mono and fishing gear leads to wildlife entanglement, accidental hooks, and ingestion.
This will be a self-led event, where participants will travel out to their designated location by personal boat/other watercraft any day between October 15-23 to target shorelines where cast line has been caught in the tree line. Volunteers will compile the recovered monofilament, to be collected, cleaned, and recycled.
There are a variety of sites in which to participate—all critical bird nesting habitat—throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee.

Click here to register to volunteer for this event.

Reef ball installation at MacDill AFB
2022-10-28 09:00 - 14:00 | MacDill Air Force Base, 6801 S Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL, United States
This is a heavy project as we’ll be loading reef balls (200 pounds each) onto carts to be placed on the shoreline.
Reef balls stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion while creating habitat similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay. Read more about the significance of the project: https://tampabaywatch.org/restoration/oyster-communities/oyster-reef-balls/
Click here to register to volunteer for this project.

Oyster Reef Ball Construction
2022-12-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us at the Tampa Bay Watch Marine Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde to help build oyster reef balls!
This task involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster reef balls, then taking apart the molds when dry. The reef balls will be installed at a future date to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion while creating habitat similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay.
Click here to visit our webpage to learn more about reef balls.
Click here to register for this project date.

Botany Walk
2023-01-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants. Registration is required.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Diving Deep to explore the Gulf of Mexico Blue Holes
2023-01-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL, 34236, United States
Dr. Emily Hall joined Mote in the Chemical Ecology Program in 2005 and is involved in research and monitoring of nutrient patterns in relation to harmful algae blooms along the west coast of Florida, and investigating sources of nutrients in aquatic systems. She also leads the Ocean Acidification Program, investigating the effects of acidifying waters on the marine environment. Jim Culter joined Mote in 1979 to develop the Benthic Ecology Program, specializing in marine and estuarine ecology and environmental assessment with an emphasis on benthic habitats and invertebrate ecology.
In their lecture on Jan. 16, Hall and Culter will answer the question; What are blue holes?
Blue holes are underwater sinkholes, similar to sinkholes on land. They vary in size, shape and depth, but most are ecological hot spots. A blue hole can be an oasis in an otherwise barren seafloor. Join these Mote scientists as they take you with them on a journey and explore these beautiful and mystery-filled holes in our own Gulf of Mexico! One dive took them over 400 feet below the surface of the water!
Mote Members also receive discounted admission to the event.
Tickets are on sale now at mote.org/lecture.

Red Tide Demise: Mitigation Initiative Update
2023-01-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL, 34236, United States
Mote Associate Vice President for Research, Dr. Richard Pierce, also serving as the Program Manager for Ecotoxicology Research, joined Mote in 1981 as a Senior Scientist, developing a research program focusing on the source, fate and effects of toxic chemicals in the marine environment. With more than 75 published manuscripts and lectures nationally and internationally on his research, Pierce and Dr. Cynthia Heil, a Senior Scientist and Director of Mote’s Red Tide Institute will lead a lecture on Jan. 23. Heil, who has more than 25 years of experience with the science and management of marine and freshwater harmful algae bloom species, focuses on monitoring and mitigating Florida red tide along with the ecology and management of marine and freshwater HABs, nutrients and water quality.
Their lecture on Florida red tide will explain its severe negative impacts on the environment, economies and human health along Florida’s west coast, along with the Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative put in place to combat it. The Initiative, a result of the severe 2017-2019 red tide, provides funding for Mote scientists to partner with other institutions and companies to conduct extensive laboratory and field research on the efficacy of a variety of potential products and technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of red tide.
Mote Members also receive discounted admission to the event.
Tickets are on sale now at mote.org/lecture.

Aquaculture's Role in the Global Food Security Agenda
2023-01-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL, 34236, United States
Farming the Future:
Aquaculture’s Role in the Global Food Security Agenda
Dr. Nicole Rhody will lead the last lecture of the series on Jan. 30. With over 20 years of experience in the field of aquaculture and based at the 200-acre Mote Aquaculture Research Park, she aids in leading a team of scientists focused on conservation and cultivation of marine finfish, bivalves, crustaceans and aquatic plants.
On Monday, Jan. 30, attendees can discover the new and innovative ways Mote’s aquaculture research scientists are working to ensure global access to healthy and sustainable protein options. The lecture focuses on aquaculture, currently the fastest-growing food production sector globally and a sustainable option for attaining food security. Guests will learn how sustainable aquaculture methods can protect our oceans and help meet the increasing demand for seafood. By expanding our ability to cultivate aquatic animals and plants we can ensure sustainable human food production in the future.
Mote Members also receive discounted admission to the event.
Tickets are on sale now at mote.org/lecture.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2023-02-04 11:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
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. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.).
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Spring Vegetable Gardening
2023-02-16 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about what to plant when to get your spring vegetable garden started.
Learn about what to plant when to get your spring vegetable garden started.
If you would like to grow your own vegetables, this class is for you! Learn to grow “warm season” vegetables including soil preparation, garden bed types, and seed starting techniques. Gardens may be grown year-round in Florida, but spring is the preferred season by most homeowners. Participants will receive some seeds, vegetable transplants and a copy of the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION WEBINAR REGISTRATION

FAM Archaeology Kayak Experience
2023-03-11 07:30 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for an archaeology-focused paddle trip to an excavation site at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Join archaeologists and environmental specialists for a unique archaeology-focused paddling event. This is a one-of-a-kind event, featuring local experts who will guide your experience of the natural and cultural history of Weedon Island.
The trip begins with a paddle from Weedon Island’s fishing pier to Ross Island, a nearby island within the Preserve’s boundary. On Ross Island, participants will explore an archaeological site with Kendal Jackson, a PhD candidate with the University of South Florida who works on Ross Island as part of his doctorate research.
This trip will be led by Rachael Kangas, Director of the West Central division of The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), and Dr. Bob Austin with the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, Inc. (AWIARE). They will make stops along the way to discuss archaeological and historical aspects of the area. In addition, environmental specialists from ECOmersion will be on the water to interpret the Preserve’s natural areas and enhance participants’ understanding of estuaries.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Kayaks will be provided by ECOmersion. Those who prefer to use their own kayaks are welcome to do so, however, neither Sun Dolphin nor Pelican brand kayaks will be allowed.
Attendees will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the fishing pier/kayak launch located inside the Weedon Island Preserve. This kayak trip will be moderately strenuous and is not recommended for first-time paddlers.

Proceeds from this program go to support ECOmersion, AWIARE and FPAN
>>> REGISTER HERE

Dragonflies of West Central Florida
2023-04-01 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
The Natural History of
Dragonflies of West Central Florida

Learn about our local dragonfly population, biology, and why they are an important part of our ecosystem. Presented by Paul Trunk. Geared towards an adult audience.
Stick around after the program for an optional dragonfly walk, and bring your binoculars if you have them!
>>> REGISTER HERE

ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT
2023-04-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Being an adult doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the annual easter egg hunt tradition. In fact, it can be even more fun as a grownup! Join Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in an evening of easter egg hunting in the dark. A number of cool prizes will be offered such as passes to the preserve’s walking trails, gift baskets, and vouchers to local St. Petersburg shops and restaurants!
Register online and guarantee your spot.
Ages 18 and up
CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket.

Adult Night Hike
2023-04-15 19:30 - 21:00 | 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! Join our park rangers for astronomy night adventures.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Beer for the Bay
2023-04-16 12:00 - 16:00 | Green Bench Brewing, 1133 Baum Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States

Earth Night
2023-04-20 17:30 - 20:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s annual party, Earth Night, will be held Thursday, April 20, 5:30 – 8:00 PM at Tampa Bay Watch Headquarters in Tierra Verde.
This year’s event, Grown in the Gulf, is a celebration of local food, beverages, and creativity, and an occasion to taste and learn about sustainable seafood.
Click here to read more about the event and get your tickets!

History Hike: The Grand Central Airport at Weedon Island
2023-05-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the Weedon Island Preserve to learn about its aviation history.
St. Petersburg has a long and rich history of aviation, including the well-known first commercial flight in 1914. But in addition to this accomplishment, the Grand Central Airport that functioned on Weedon Island during the early 20th century also led to momentous firsts for flight in St. Pete. Join archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network for a guided tour of the Preserve to learn about the Island’s history with flight and visit historic sites.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 12+. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Landscaping for Hurricane Season
2023-06-01 10:30 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to prepare your lawn & garden for hurricane season!
As we approach hurricane season, we can take steps to prepare our landscapes for challenges related to flooding, high winds, sudden temperature changes and the slow appearance of stress damage over time. We will discuss lawn and landscape considerations as well as tree and palm pruning.
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 Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Teacher Ecology Camp
2023-06-05 08:30 - 15:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
15th Annual Dr. Harold Albers Teacher Ecology Camp

Dr. Harold Albers, Teacher Ecology Camp is a science camp for educators that combines presentations from the local scientific community with practical in-the-field experience. Teacher Ecology Camp is presented at no charge to educators in collaboration with Sensing Nature biologists & environmental educators, Jeanne Murphy and Brian Lane.
>>> REGISTER HERE
