Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-03-15 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-22 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-29 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-05 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-12 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-26 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-03 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) and 13 more dates | 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.

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.

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.

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.

FFL HC Webinar Series: Mulch
2025-06-18 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States

2025 ECO Educator Workshop
2025-06-23 09:00 - 2025-06-27 15:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us as we celebrate our 13th annual offering of Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Educator Workshop!
Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Teacher Training Workshop
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Pinellas County’s Natural Resources Agent has teamed up with St. Petersburg College, College of Education Professor to offer this nationally award-winning, week-long environmental education workshop for pre-service elementary & ESE education students, current elementary & ESE teachers, and non-formal educators. Note: Middle school educators are welcome to participate as well!
The aim of this workshop is to provide participants with tools and information to interpret the natural world and impart the need for resource conservation to their audience. Using local, state, and national curricula correlated to Florida Standards, participants will be given activities and resources to help foster environmental knowledge and good environmental stewardship in their students.
Each day will feature different environmental subjects and professional speakers will be brought in to provide background knowledge to participants. Workshop sessions will conclude with a reflection and an evaluation of the day’s activities. Certificates will be awarded for the completion of specific portions of the training as well as a final certificate of completion.
Curriculum taught each year is different, so if you have participated in the past, you can participate again for a whole new educational experience!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

June 23-27, 2025
All classes will run from 9:00am – 3:30pm, doors open at 8:30am.
This year’s workshop will feature an amazing line-up of environmental education curriculum:
• Monday – Project WILD: Florida Black Bear
• Tuesday – Exploring Ferns and Brooker Creek Preserve!
• Wednesday at Weedon – Going Coastal with marine and red tide curriculum
• Thursday – Flying into Cornell Birds
• Friday – Project Learning Tree (somethings new!)

Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) Certification
2025-06-24 08:00 - 16:30 | Plant City Recreation & Parks, 1904 South Park Road, Plant City, FL, 33563, United States
GIBMP Certification is required to obtain the FDACS Limited Urban Fertilizer license. The class provides CEUs to renew landscape licenses.

Anyone who applies fertilizer commercially/for hire in Florida is required to have the FDACS Limited Fertilizer license/certification. There are 2 steps to obtain the FDACS Fertilizer license/certification:

Attend a GIBMP class and pass the exam with a minimum score of 75%. You will receive a certificate of training from UF/IFAS and DEP.
Complete the FDACS license/certification application on the FDACS website link HERE , chose “New Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer”, upload your GIBMP certificate of training, and pay the $25 fee for a 4 year license/certification. This renews every 4 years with 2 Core and 2 LUF CEUs.

This class provides the training and exam required to obtain a Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer (LCULCF) also known as Fertilizer License, as required by FL Senate Bill 494.
This program teaches the Best Management Practices for anyone working, supervising or advising in the lawn, landscape, pest control, or municipal grounds areas. The training is focused on reducing non-point source pollution resulting from fertilization or pesticide application and includes:

Lunch
Training Materials
Overview of Water Quality and Laws
Lawn and Landscape Best Management Practices
Irrigation Best Management Practices
Fertilization Best Management Practices
Pesticide Best Management Practices
Overview of Local County/Municipality Ordinances
Applications for LCULCF and Vehicle Decals
Exam

For a sneak peek at the training manual go : GI-BMP Manual
The Hillsborough County Landscape Management and Fertilizer Use Rule and the City of Tampa Fertilizer Ordinance require all commercial, governmental and institutional fertilizer applicators to be GI-BMP certified and that work vehicles be identified with a vehicle decal.
This training may be taken to satisfy some FDACS and FNGLA CEU requirements.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
For more information contact: Susan Haddock at (813)-553-3560 or szcrmchz@ufl.edu
Sign up for newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/ProHort-Newsletter
An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.

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.

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.

Boat America Classes
2025-07-26 09:00 - 2025-07-27 14:00 | U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters, 510 North Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33755, United States
Boat America Classes
Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card.

For the convenience of our students, some classes are held online via Zoom. These virtual classes utilize the same instructors and materials you would enjoy during the in-person classes. The schedule below notes whether the class is in person or via Zoom.
To register click on the Registration Form link at the bottom of this page or send an email to the Flotilla 11-1 Public Education Officer at clwtr.auxboating@gmail.com

2025 Boat America Classes

June 28 and 29 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
July 26 and 27 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
August 23 and 24 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
September 27 and 28 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
October 25 and 26 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
November 22 and 23 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person

Class cost includes book.

Register for Boat America class
