Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-07-12 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-19 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-26 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This four-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants.
Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This four–part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist.
The class follows the contents of Harrington’s “How to Identify Plants” (1957); a copy of which is provided to each registrant. This concise text contains a comprehensive vocabulary of terms and illustrations to help clarify concepts.
A packet of supplemental educational materials will also be provided to each registrant.
About this Event
During each 4-hour classroom event, participants will engage in a participatory lecture, and have plenty of time for Q & A. The final session will be a hands-on workshop that will include graduates from previous courses. Each session will build on the previous; attending the entire series is recommended.
Classes are four consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bio-breaks are factored into the schedule for each day! Bring a bag-lunch (refrigeration and a microwave are available).
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Class dates and syllabus:
Week 1, March 8
Plant Classification

Parts of a Flower
Inflorescence Types
Non-Flowering Plant Identification
Read Harrington Chapter I – V

Week 2, March 15

Roots-n-Shoots
Leaves
Surfaces
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae
Read Harrington Chapters VI – XI

Week 3, March 22

General Terms
Fruits and Seeds
Using a Dichotomous Key

Week 4, March 29

Review, general questions
Hands-on Workshop with former graduates
Graduation!

Upon completion of the entire course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida.

Bee Kind and Save the Bees Workshop
2025-07-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Eloise Cole from USF StudentPIRG (Public Interest Research Group) will demonstrate how bees play an essential role in our environment. Kids can learn about pollinators, honey, bee threats, and how to be more bee friendly!
Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinator Gardening & Insect Conservation
2025-07-15 14:00 - 15:30 | ZOOM, United States
Learn how to grow plants to attract pollinators to your yard and identify beneficial insects.
Pollinators need our help! Join our Southwest District UF/IFAS Extension team to learn strategies to conserve pollinators while suppressing plant pests. In this zoom webinar, you will learn about beneficial insects that prey on garden pests, conservation of butterflies, and strategies you can implement in your home for a more pollinator-friendly landscape. Participants who complete the survey and provide their mailing address will receive an Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management brochure, pollinator sticker, and a printout of the data sheet to participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on Aug. 22-23, 2025.
>>> 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: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54145, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-07-15 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!

Meet your Forest: Tree & Fungi Walk and Talk
2025-07-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, 33592, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a walk and talk about our local trees and fungi.
She will cover tree identification techniques, including using iNaturalist to document your findings. Be prepared to walk with closed toed shoes, water, hat etc. A map will be emailed to you the day prior with the exact meeting location. Be aware that the park has a $2 entry fee.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> 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: VinsonA@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54106, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Herbs in the Garden
2025-07-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Starkey Ranch Library, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa, FL, 33556, United States
With a little planning and preparation, you can grow beautiful herbs that are carefree with few pests and diseases.
The herbs you can grow in Florida are marvelously diverse, so are the many ways in which you can use them. These fascinating plants link us to our ancient past. With a little planning and preparation, you can grow beautiful, sweet-smelling herbs that are carefree with few pests and diseases. Find out how easy it is to grow and use herbs in Florida. From novice to advanced gardeners’ herbs will delight your senses.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Meet your Forest: Tree and Fungi Walk and Talk
2025-07-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, 33592, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a walk and talk about our local trees and fungi. She will cover tree identification techniques, including using iNaturalist to document your findings.
Be prepared to walk with closed toed shoes, water, hat etc.
A map will be emailed to you the day prior with the exact meeting location. Be aware that the park has a $2 entry fee.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
***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.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

FFL HC Webinar Series: Attract Wildlife
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for an exciting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar on “Attract Wildlife.” Discover how to transform your landscape into a thriving habitat for Florida’s diverse fauna.
What You’ll Learn:

How to create wildlife-friendly spaces in your yard
Plant selections that attract butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects
Simple ways to provide food, water, and shelter for local wildlife

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.
Turn your yard into a bustling ecosystem that supports local wildlife while maintaining a beautiful, Florida-Friendly landscape. Our UF/IFAS experts will share tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Register now and take a step towards creating a vibrant, wildlife-friendly oasis in your own backyard!
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.

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-07-17 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-07-24 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-07-31 15:30 - 17:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2025-07-19 07:00 - 17:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Three for one fun at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village!
Celebrate at Pinewood (Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas, Heritage Village) every Third Saturday of the month.
At the Florida Botanical Gardens (Open 7 AM-5 PM):
Visit the new Majeed Discovery Garden, a 2+ acre addition, connecting children to nature. Our Children’s Garden Educator is hosting a variety of preschool and family programs in the Majeed Discovery Garden on topics like sustainability, sensory exploration, and more. Visit the Event Calendar on our website at www.flbgfoundation.org/events to view all of the programs offered in our Majeed Discovery Garden. For more information, visit www.flbgfoundation.org/childrensgarden.
At Creative Pinellas (Open 10 AM-5 PM):
Visit the Gallery at Creative Pinellas for two must-see exhibitions! Catch the 2024 Emerging Artist Exhibition before it ends on July 21st. Also on display is Threads of Nature: Art Inspired by the Florida Botanical Gardens, featuring works by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild that capture nature’s beauty. Feeling inspired? Stop by our drawing room to unleash your inner artist. Free admission and fun for the whole family! For more information: www.creativepinellas.org.
At Heritage Village (Open 10 AM – 4 PM):
Explore the past at Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum! Step back in time and take a docent tour of select historic buildings, visit Pinellas County’s oldest structure, and peruse locally-made artisan gifts and souvenirs at the gift shop. Interested in learning more? The Heritage Village app features self-guided walking tours and archival photographs and information about your favorite Heritage Village buildings, historic figures, and artifacts! Download the app for free in your preferred mobile app store by searching “Heritage Village”. Heritage Village is free to visit, pet-friendly, and perfect for all ages! For more information: www.heritagevillagefl.org/

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop
2025-07-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803

Rain Barrel Workshop
2025-07-19 10:00 - 12:30 | Pasco County Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City, FL, 33525, United States
Rain Barrel Workshop
Includes a U-Build-It RainBarrel
This workshop will explain the benefits and functions of rain barrels for water harvesting, and guide U-Build-It for your own barrel.

This Rain Barrel Workshop at UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County office is a PAID EVENT where you get to keep the rain barrel you build. Participants will learn how to build, install and use their rain barrel. Each rain barrel holds approximately 55 gallons (there may be slight style/size/gallonage variation). Limit one rain barrel per household.
Attendance to the workshop is required by at least one household member. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Open to Pasco County residents only. Registration ends on July 13, 2025 at 11:00PM EST.
The $65.00 fee covers the cost of the rain barrel and workshop instruction.
No payments will be taken the day of the event.
Sorry no refunds.
Join in this informative in-person presentation to learn about rain water harvesting and build your own rain barrel from Kate Kaste, Program Manager for the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program at UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County.
What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place

Water Efficiently

Fertilize Appropriately

Mulch

Attract Wildlife

Manage Yard Pests Responsibly

Recycle Yard Waste

Reduce Stormwater Runoff

Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
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 Kate Kaste at kkaste@pascocountyfl.net or 352-518-0156 at least 1 week in advance to this presentation date. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

African Violets Clinic
2025-07-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
African violets are a fun addition to any home.
With their fancy leaves and beautiful flower, they tend to make great specimen plants for your collection. In this lecture we will be talking about African violets and some of their more common cousins and how to use the right amount of light, water, and nutrients to get them to flourish in your home.
Please feel free to bring your plants if you need some help and tips to grow or if you would like to show yours off.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Green Industries Best Management Practices
2025-07-22 08:30 - 16:30 | Pasco County Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City, FL, 33525, United States
Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs) is an educational program for people working in lawn-care and landscape maintenance.
Florida law states that all commercial fertilizer applicators must have a Limited Certification from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) (s. 482.1562, F.S.). To get this certification, each commercial applicator must be trained in the GI-BMPs and receive a certificate of completion from UF/IFAS Extension and FDEP. Local ordinances may require that non-commercial fertilizer applicators also be trained.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Who benefits from GI-BMP training?
•Supervisors and employees in the lawn care, pest control, or landscape industries
•Municipal parks and recreation facility supervisors and employees
•Irrigation industry workers
•Commercial property managers
•City and county planning department staff
•City and county environmental department or water quality staff
•City and county commission staff
•Builders and developers
•Landscape designers and architects
•Golf course employees
•Anyone working in the areas of water quality, urban development, or environmental issues.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
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 Kate Kaste at kkaste@pascocountyfl.net or 352-518-0156 at least 1 week in advance to this presentation date. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Communi-Trees: Community Tree Care for You
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection

Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an interactive educational presentation where we discuss the best practices for tree care in your community. We will cover selection, planting, establishment, pruning and planning for tree longevity in the landscape.
>>> 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.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Growing Bananas & Edible Trees
2025-07-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th Street, Dade City, FL, 33523, United States
Come learn how to grow bananas and other tropical fruits in your backyard.
Bananas are some of the most popular fruits in the world. Learn about growing bananas and other tropical fruits in your backyard.
The presentation will cover climate zones and growing zones, tropical fruit horticulture, origins and morphology of the banana plant and how to create the best conditions for tropical fruits in Pasco County.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Wildflower Walk
2025-07-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of native Florida flowers on this ranger-led hike.
Join us monthly to discover which flowers are in bloom and learn about their unique beauty and ecological importance in our area.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

'Natives in Focus' Plant Walk
2025-07-27 07:00 - 10:00 | Sawgrass Lake Park, 7400 25th St, N., St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join Dave Perkey and Jan Allyn on Sunday, July 27th to explore the plants and animals at Sawgrass Lake Park, a 400-acre park in the Lealman area that is cooperatively managed by Pinellas County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The park has a mile-long boardwalk and one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast which allows people to view a variety of wildlife. There is also a half-mile uplands trail. Parking and restrooms are available at the park. More information
Meet at 7 a.m. in front of the education building. Bring a reusable water bottle and sun/insect protection. The park is located at 7400 25th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. To get there, take 62nd Avenue North to 25th Street and then head north.
Please RSVP by emailing Jan Allyn (jallyn727@gmail.com) and provide the names of the people in your party and a cell phone number so that you can be contacted in case of event cancellation.

Mangrove, Coastal Plants, and Coastlines Guided Walking Tour
2025-07-30 09:00 - 10:30 | Key Vista Nature Park, 2700 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL, 34691, United States
Join us for a guided nature walk through Key Vista Nature Park, led by Dr. Megan Moore the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County.
You will learn about mangrove identification, coastal plants, oysters, and the ecosystem benefits these systems provide.
This walk will include dirt paths and an observation tower, with around 1 mile of total walking. Its summer so please bring hats, water, and walking shoes.
Meet us near the parking lot.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Salt Tolerant Plants for Landscapes
2025-07-31 11:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn how to create a beautiful and low-maintenance coastal landscape using salt-tolerant plants at our upcoming event!
Welcome to Salt Tolerant Plants for Landscapes!
Join us at Palma Sola Botanical Park for a fun and informative event all about plants that can thrive in salty conditions. Learn how to create a beautiful and resilient landscape that can withstand coastal environments. Our experts will share tips and tricks for selecting, planting, and caring for salt-tolerant plants. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your gardening skills and create a stunning coastal garden!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Community Tree Care Workshop
2025-08-01 09:00 - 16:00 | Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Rd Off Fivay Rd, Hudson, FL, 34667, United States
Urban tree selection, planting, care and maintenance topics will be covered in this free day-long workshop.

Are you interested in learning about proper tree care?
Whether you are an individual homeowner, hold a position of community leadership (HOA Board and Committee members and CAM’s), maintain trees for a municipality or other public entity, or work in urban planning, the Community Tree Care Workshop is for you!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Learning Objectives
Attendees will be able to:

Describe the importance of hiring a certified professional to conduct structural tree pruning
Identify how to locate a certified professional and develop reasonable and achievable contract specifications
Develop a maintenance plan for any exisiting trees for which you are responsible
Identify proper planting, establishment and pruning methods for optimal tree longevity
Select an appropriate tree species for a given location
Identify the benefits associated with a healthy community tree canopy

>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Agenda (order of topics subject to change)
9:00AM Welcome and Introductions
9:15AM What is a Tree? Biology and Benefits of Trees in Urban Landscapes
10:00AM Right Tree, Right Place: Selection, Planting and Establishment of Trees
10:45AM Break
11:00AM Pruning Trees for Health and Structure
12:00NOON Lunch on Your Own (1 hour)
1:00PM Hiring a Certified Professional: Where to Look, How to Hire, etc.
1:45PM Developing a Tree Maintenance Plan
2:30PM Working with Your Community: Knowing Relevant Codes, Permits, etc.
3:00PM Trees and Storms: Reality and Response
4:00PM Adjourn
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
This workshop is a collaborative event between UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County and UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County staff.

Composting Workshop
2025-08-02 08:30 - 09:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
This workshop will be offered IN PERSON in the Extension Service Conference Center. Our address is: 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584.
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Walk LLP
2025-08-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Meet behind the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center in the Native Plant Garden for a walk on the paved trail and boardwalk with a representative of the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Learn what grows naturally in the hardwood swamp and how native plants benefit wildlife.
Walks are free but there is a $2 charge to enter the park. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2025-08-02 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 <<<

Cacti & Succulents
2025-08-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Canterbury Farms Nursery & Garden Center, 14220 Thornwood Trail, Hudson, FL, 34669, United States
Are you interested in growing Cacti & Succulents?
The presenter will show you how to grow a variety of these beauties. During the presentation, the speaker will discuss growing conditions, repotting, propagation and potential problems during the growing period.
Bring along you favorite cacti or succulent, if you wouldn’t mind sharing.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
