Lionfish dissection in our classroom!
2025-07-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated to us.
For all ages! • 1 Hour
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom. All dissection guests must purchase a ticket to enter the classroom.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-07-30 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-08-06 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-08-13 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-08-20 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-08-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-03 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-10 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 15:30 and 15 more dates | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Explore reptiles with a friendly expert, get your questions answered, and level up your knowledge in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session.

Dennis is the president of the Suncoast Herpetological Society, Inc. and spends his Wednesdays at Moccasin Lake Nature Park educating guests about reptiles.

Come with your questions!

Feathers: Birds' Most Distinguishing Feature
2025-10-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Join ornithologist Alexa DeJoannis for a talk ALL about feathers!
Feathers are synonymous with birds: all birds have feathers, and only birds have feathers! To us hairy mammals, feathers seem exotic and beautiful. How do feathers accomplish multiple functions at one time?
Ornithologist Alexa DeJoannis gives a good grounding in the form and function of feathers, birds’ most distinguishing feature.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Marine Biology Homeschool Classes
2025-11-07 14:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-05 14:30 - 15:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Dive into Marine Biology with Tampa Bay Watch!
Tampa Bay Watch is thrilled to introduce a brand-new marine biology unit designed specifically for local homeschoolers. Join us at the beginning of each month for an exciting, hands-on learning experience!
These student-only sessions are perfect for curious minds ages 6 and up, offering opportunities to explore marine ecosystems and engage with real-world science. Whether you drop in for a single class or register for the full series, each session promises discovery, adventure, and fun.
Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!
$20 per participant
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

October 3rd 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Invertebrate Investigation

Get up-close and personal with some fascinating residents of our estuary as we dive into the world of invertebrates. What makes an invertebrate an invertebrate? Students will explore this question through interactive encounters with animals like sea stars and horseshoe crabs. We’ll sharpen our observation skills and practice scientific classification in a fun, engaging environment.

November 7th 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Squid Dissection

What do snails, clams, and octopuses have in common? In this hands-on program, students will discover what makes a mollusc a mollusc! A guided squid dissection will help us uncover the special traits that unite this diverse group of animals and learn about the many molluscs that call our region home. From shells to squishy bodies, the lesson will be full of surprises and science.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
December 5th 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Iguana Intel

How did iguanas even end up in Florida, and why are they thriving? Students will scope out the story behind these scaly invaders, explore what makes them so successful in our environment, and learn how their presence impacts native wildlife and habitats. A combination of wildlife observation and conservation science, this program empowers students to take action and become stewards of Florida’s natural ecosystems.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
December 5th 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Iguana Dissection

Ages 12+
In this hands-on dissection experience, students will explore the anatomy and adaptations of these reptiles in more detail to better understand their impact on local ecosystems. We’ll also discuss practical ways to protect Florida’s native species and habitats from this persistent invasive species.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Suncoast Conservation Center
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Suncoast Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
We will be having a guided tour of the Suncoast Conservation Center and related facilities that will include learning about sea turtles that have been injured. We will see how they treat them so that they can be released back to their natural habitat. We will also see sea urchins, new fish hatchery and learn about coral restoration. We will learn about their fish hatchery. After a short walk (about 30 minutes) we can view manatees.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with TECO and The Florida Aquarium, presents Suncoast Youth Conservation Center (SYCC), located in sunny Apollo Beach. The 6,000 square foot building offers indoor and outdoor classroom space and is the educational hub for the Florida Conservation and Technology Center. We provide exciting learning opportunities for youth and families while they participate in recreational outdoor activities along the eastern shore of Tampa Bay.
Cost: Free
Bring: Hat, sunglasses, water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, binoculars (optional), snack, camera
Signup Restrictions: Minors under 18 must be accompanied by their parent who must sign a Waiver as the child’s Guardian
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Event Organizers:
Rocky Milburn
rockymilburn@tampabaysierraclub.org
813-966-9785
Jane Gibbons
gibbjane54@gmail.com
813-785-5560

Be a Biologist: Tortoises
2025-11-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our scrub habitat where you become the biologist.
Take a hike with our rangers and learn all about our unique population of gopher tortoises.
During the hike, participants will help with a citizen science activity.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
