Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program - 2024
2024-09-19 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-03 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-17 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-31 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-11-14 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-11-16 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
An intensive program to learn all about Florida’s waters. Each class takes place at a new location with guest speakers, tours and more!

Working With Water, Working With People
To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our oceans and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across Pinellas County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts.
Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community, attend a relevant stakeholder meeting and explore online resources to learn more about water between class sessions.
Each class session will be three hours long and include Working with Water instructor-led presentations looking at water at the state-level as well as Working with People instructor-led presentations highlighting communication best-practices. Classes will also include time for discussions, guest speaker presentations highlighting local water resources, and a field tour.
This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. Youth (under 18) are eligible to register as long as an accompanying adult is also registered for the program.
Schedule
Session 1 – Thursday, Sept. 5 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Watershed Basics and Stewardship @ Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs with guest speaker Robert Burnes, Project Manager, Pinellas County Public Works, Environmental Management

Session 2 – Thursday, Sept. 19 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

W ater Flow, Then and Now @ Clam Bayou Marine Education Center with guest speaker from Southwest Florida Water Management District, Surface Water Improvement & Management Program

Session 3 – Thursday, Oct. 3 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Water Laws and Other Tools @ South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility with guest speaker Lauren Twele, Education Coordinator, Pinellas County Utilities

Session 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Future Water Supply and Emerging Issues @ Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Oldsmar with guest speaker Tirusew Asefa, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Manager, Planning & System Decision Support, Tampa Bay Water

Session 5 – Thursday, Oct. 31 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*: Panel

Panel Discussion with local environmental non-profit groups and Stewardship Project Updates @ Safety Harbor Public Library

Session 6 – Thursday, Nov. 14 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Speaking of and for Water @ Ozona Village Hall with guest speaker Sadie Hundemer, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida

Session 7- Saturday Nov. 16 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Graduation and Water Stewardship In Action @ Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg with guided hike by Pinellas County volunteer or staff.

*Locations and speakers are subject to change.
Before You Register
Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:

Attend at least five of the seven sessions, two of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #7)
Attend and briefly describe a stakeholder gathering
Complete online mini-sessions
Participate in the online discussions
Submit a summary of your individual or group stewardship project

Cost: $125
If the cost of the program will prevent you from participating, please complete a scholarship application. Application deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Questions?
For more information about this course, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan at lara317@ufl.edu or 727-453-6905.

Family Programming in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Here Comes the Sun: Prepare for Summer and learn all about the power of the sun.

$25 for non-members and $20 for members for 4 people (includes any combo of kids and adults) and each additional child/adult is $5 for non-members and $3 for members.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Weedon Island BioBlitz 2024!
2024-12-05 09:30 - 14:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a fun filled day of exploration, science, and nature!
Families with youth will become Weedon Island Explorers and Scientists as we learn about our environment and take to the trails to see what we can find! No experience necessary. All you need is a smartphone, your family, and the spirit of adventure (sunscreen and bug spray is also recommended)!
We will be tracking our observations under the project “Weedon Island BioBlitz 2024!” in the free iNaturalist app. Haven’t used iNat before? No problem! We will guide everyone through the process of using the app in the morning.
This biological survey allows us to see what plants, animals, and fungi exist within our environment at this moment of time. We can use this data to see how things change day to day, season to season, or throughout the years.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Agenda

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Introduction and INaturalist Demonstration

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Morning BioBlitz Session

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Lunch Break

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Hurricane Impact Discussion

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Afternoon BioBlitz Session

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Reflection & Wrap Up

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2025-03-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-01 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 <<<

Afternoon Adventures Weather or Not
2025-03-15 15:30 - 16:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our Rangers in exploring what weather is, how it is different from climate, and how does it form. We will look at everything from the tilt of the Earth, solar radiation, the Coriolis effect, air pressure/temperature, to how large bodies of water and different landforms (forest, desert, mountains, plains) affect our weather and climates.
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

What Should You Be Planting Right Now?
2025-03-30 13:00 - 14:00 | ZOOM, United States
Spring is here—are you planting the right things at the right time?
On March 30th, I’m hosting a free webinar where we’ll go over the best crops to plant this time of year, key timing strategies, and simple ways to get a stronger, healthier garden.
Whether you’re just starting or have been gardening for years, this will help you plant with confidence.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Family Fun Friday: Watershed Explorations at Brooker Creek
2025-05-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-06-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Stormwater Stewardship Month!

In celebration of Stormwater Stewardship Month, join Pinellas County Environmental Management staff and UF/IFAS Extension for a Walk in the Watershed at Brooker Creek Preserve!
This program will be a combined environmental educational program and guided hike. We will investigate our local watershed, explore the flow of water, collect water quality data from Brooker Creek, take a short hike along the boardwalk to spot wildlife, and learn about ways we can all contribute to the cleanliness of our waterways. Everyone has a part to play when it comes to stormwater pollution prevention!
Intended for families with children ages 7 and up. Registration is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
Part of the Stormwater Stewardship Month Programs collection

Trees and Storms: Preparation and Recovery
2025-06-30 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection

Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson to learn practical tips to prepare your trees, and help them recover during hurricane season.
We will conduct this Trees and Storms webinar online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!

>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day prior. *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 Alyssa Vinson at 813-744-5519 for assistance.
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.

Hurricanes and Trees
2025-07-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Land O’Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, FL, 34639, United States
Come learn from a certified commercial arborist how to assess tree damage and how to best prepare in advance for future storms.
Hurricanes and tropical storms hit Florida almost every year, often causing extensive damage to trees in your yard/property. But you can make your landscape more hurricane-resistant, so that it’s less likely to suffer damage during a major storm.
The very active hurricane season of 2024 was particularly challenging for Tampa Bays’s urban forest. Learn from a certified commercial arborist how to assess tree damage from last summer and how to best prepare in advance for future storms.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

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.

Nature-Based Solutions at MacDill Air Force Base
2025-07-22 15:30 - 17:00 | Online Event
MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) faces challenges of shoreline erosion and flooding, as experienced in both high tide flooding as well as during more major storms such as the hurricanes of 2024. The natural configuration of the AFB provides significant opportunities to employ nature-based solutions (NBS), actions inspired by nature that rely on incorporation of natural features and processes, to help improve base readiness.
The Water Institute is facilitating a Structured Decision Making (SDM) process that will engage decision makers and the public on NBS alternatives being considered for implementation at the base. This process will result in an engineering design of the chosen alternative.
The first workshop of the process will provide an overview of the project and discuss the NBS alternatives being considered. This virtual workshop is open to the public and will be held on July 22nd from 3:30 to 5:00 pm EDT via webinar. You may register at https://tinyurl.com/macdill-workshop1. We will be recording the webinar for those unable to attend, as well as using it as a distribution list for future updates, so please register if interested in future updates regardless of your availability to attend at that time.
For more information on the project or upcoming workshops, contact macdill_feedback@thewaterinstitute.org.

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 <<<

How to Build a Rain Garden
2025-08-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Master Gardener Speaker Series
When it rains it pours in Florida’s rainy season! Excess rainwater can cause flooding, and become stormwater runoff carrying pollutants and nutrients into our waterways. An easy way to conserve water and reduce runoff is to create a rain garden in your yard. Join Master Gardener Liza Ryan to learn about rain gardens and how to create yours!
Outdoor classroom in the Majeed Discovery Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens
Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop!
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Are you interested in watering your landscape while watering efficiently? This free hands-on microirrigation (a.k.a. drip irrigation) workshop is for you.
Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM educators will discuss and demonstrate different types of microirrigation and their versatile uses.
Participants have the opportunity to apply what they learn by practicing a simple drip system connection and assembling microirrigation parts. This workshop can help you save money and promote a waterwise landscape.
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803

Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind
2025-10-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217, United States
Join the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) to discuss how to conserve water within your homes landscapes.
This presentation will teach you about how to maintain a healthy and happy landscape while conserving Florida’s waters.
REGISTER HERE

An Equal Opportunity Institution. 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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop on Zoom
2025-10-14 10:30 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for the Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, designed to help residents understand current water use guidelines.

This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents.
During this workshop, we will cover best practices for outdoor water use, including guidance on using and reprogramming irrigation controllers to conserve water effectively. You will learn how to protect our precious water resources while maintaining a healthy landscape.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

NOTE: An email containing the Zoom link will be sent to you the day before the webinar. If you do not receive the link, please check your SPAM folder. If you still need assistance, please contact Angie Maki at 813-744-5519 x 54127 or at makia@HCFL.gov.
This workshop is FREE
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Crowley at (813) 744-5519 x54137.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Homeowners
2025-10-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Learn how to create a beautiful and successful home landscape by following the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program principles!
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™ (FFL) 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. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Preparing for Your Spring Vegetable Garden
2025-12-20 10:30 - 12:00 | FL
Mid-December is when central Florida gardeners should be actively planning their spring veggie gardens. Join us for UF/IFAS Extension info!

Even though it is still the winter season in central Florida, it is time to think about what vegetables you will plant, grow, and harvest this spring. Spring gardening in central Florida starts when the threat of frost and freeze are over (late February/early March) and extends through the months before the summer heat sets in.
Wondering what to grow and where to start?
Join this informative presentation for UF/IFAS Extension best recommendations for spring vegetable gardening in central Florida. Plan now, and plant soon!
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™ (FFL) 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. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Fight the Bite
2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn what Pinellas County Mosquito Control is doing to protect public health through Integrated Mosquito Management.
Our presentation will touch on the history of mosquito-borne illnesses and mosquito control in the state of Florida, important steps you can take to prevent mosquito breeding around your home, protecting yourself from mosquito bites, and information about the services Pinellas County Mosquito Control provides to the county.
Save your spot
