Oyster Reef Ball Construction
2023-01-11 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

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.

Perico Preserve Tour
2023-01-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Tour Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener!

Explore one of Manatee County’s newest preserves and learn about Florida’s native plants, how they benefit wildlife, and how they can be used in the home landscape.
Learn about the wide variety of ecosystems on display and how the preserve was transformed into what it is today.
Suitable for all ages.
Please meet at the pavilion right next to the parking lot at 9AM.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Saturday Guided Hike
2023-01-28 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 trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Explore the mangrove and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided hike of the Preserve. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length may be up to two miles. This hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Weedon Walkabout
2023-01-07 09:00 - 23:00 | 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 trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Explore the mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the Tower Boardwalk. This tour will include a visit to the Preserve’s 45 ft. tall Observation Tower for a 360 degree view of the area. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island. Total walk length will be just under 1 mile.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 7 and up.
Proceeds from this program go to the Friends of Weedon Island. The Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Become a Friend today!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Photography Hike
2023-02-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Walk the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way.

Grab your camera of choice and enjoy a guided tour of the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve! This hike has been timed to coincide with a low tide at the Preserve so participants will have the best chance for viewing wading birds and other wildlife that come to forage on the tidal flats at this time.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a brief introduction to highlight the seasonal features of the Preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors, that will help participants capture the natural beauty of the area. This hike is roughly 1.5 miles in total length on a combination of boardwalks and unimproved, natural paths. This program is is best suited for adults.
>>> REGISTER HERE

State of the Bay
2023-02-02 18:00 - 21:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Tampa Audubon is presenting the program State of the Bay, Thursday, Feb 2. The speaker is Joe Whalen, Science Communication Designer and Creator with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP). The meeting is at the UF/IFAS County Extension Office, 5339 County Line Road 579, Seffner, 33584.
The evening starts with a bird/wildlife photo presentation at 6 pm, followed by a potluck at 7 pm. The presentation starts at 7:30 pm. Everyone is invited to attend, and reservations are not required. You can also participate on Zoom. To join the meeting, click https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5090969712.
If you would like to show photos in the photo presentation, learn how to participate here: https://www.tampaaudubon.org/program. If you’d like to join the potluck, please bring a dish to share.
Whalen’s talk will provide the audience with a comprehensive overview of restoration and community engagement in Tampa Bay. He will also answer questions regarding the successes of the estuary program and the challenges it faces.
TBEP works to measure and communicate the result of its work to the Tampa Bay community. The recently released 2022 “State of the Bay Progress Report” showcases the program’s progression towards its goals across three priorities: clean waters & sediments, thriving habitats & abundant wildlife, and informed, engaged, & responsible community.
Whalen is a science communication designer and creator with the TBEP. With a background in visual arts, communications planning, marketing, and environmental education, Joe uses his skills to amplify the science being done by TBEP and its partners, primarily through digital media platforms like social media and the tbep.org website. Outside of work, he enjoys underwater photography, birdwatching, and playing music in a local rock band.
Tampa Audubon sponsors monthly meetings and field trips, and participates in multiple conservation efforts in the Tampa Bay area. For more information, visit our website at www.tampaaudubon.org or contact Ann Paul, president, at Ann.paul@tampaaudubon.org.

Friends Trail Extended Hike
2023-02-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This 2 mile loop hike will take place on the Friends Trail, at the end of Lora Lane. This hike cannot be accessed at the main campus.

Enjoy the Preserve on a trail less travelled–The Friends Trail, located at the end of Lora Lane off Keystone. This Extended Hike is for the more serious hiker: a 2 mile hike, on an unimproved footpath, exploring a variety of habitats. The guides and hikers will drive themselves to the location; do not come to the main Preserve campus. Join us for this opportunity to hike with Jo on one of our lesser known trails in the beautiful weather!
Read this important Hike Information:
Hikers should arrive at the trailhead at the dead end of Lora Lane, 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Lora Lane is 1/2 mile west of Brooker Entrance on Keystone. You travel one mile on Lora Lane until the road ends, and park.
You may use a mapping app: Lora Lane, Tarpon Springs

Friends Trail Loop is approximately 2 miles in length, on unimproved, uneven sandy trails, with exposed roots.
There are no restroom facilities on site.
Hike takes about two (2) hours to complete.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.
Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.
Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a walking stick are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
Trained volunteers will guide the hike.
An Equal Opportunity Institution

.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

Clearwater Audubon Society Bird Walk
2022-10-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Take a guided hike on Moccasin Lake’s nature trail while seeking birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Meet in Moccasin Lake Parking Lot.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Native Plant Walk LLP
2023-02-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.
Come and learn about the real natural Florida and why it is so important to protect it during a plant walk at Lettuce Lake. The walks take place the first Saturday of the month, with no walks in July, August or December.
Meet in the visitor center for a short orientation slide show, then the walk is on the park’s boardwalk and nature trails.
Advance registration is required.
Things to know

Program is free, but the $2 per vehicle (up to eight people) park entry fee applies
Walk will last approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Expect to walk 1 mile
Maximum of 25 participants
For larger parties, please email Suncoast Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson
Meet at the Visitor’s Center

Things to bring

Water
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Hat, if needed

Edward Medard Conservation Park
2023-02-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
Edward Medard Park consists of a 700-acre reservoir and multiple trails. We will meet at the boardwalk parking lot at 8 a.m. where a bathroom is available. After the boardwalk, we will walk the levee trail. The boardwalk is flat; we will be walking along the shore of the levee so the ground is uneven. The entrance fee is $2 per car. Following is a map of the park and a checklist when I birded it on January 3rd. medard-standalone-map.jpg (1123×1303) (hillsboroughcounty.org)
eBird Checklist – 3 Jan 2023 – Edward Medard Regional Park – 49 species
Pre-registration is required. Contact trip leader Lilian Saul at: lily.saul@tampaaudubon.org to join.
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to by family groups traveling together to the count sites. If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to Covid 19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Bahia Beach Nature Preserve
2023-02-08 08:00 - 11:00 | Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, 2513 Shell Point Road, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Bahia Beach Nature Preserve is a wetland restoration area that enhances the wildlife and marine habitat and improves the water quality discharging into the bay. It is a primitive preserve with no amenities — no water, restrooms, etc. The trail is wide but can be uneven in spots. Wear proper shoes and sun protection and have bug spray.
Nearly 70 species were reported during the first week of January, and 163 species have been recorded there since it became a birding hotspot. Species include: American Wigeon, American White Pelican, American Robin, Swamp Sparrow, Blue-Winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Harrier, Canvas Back, Redhead, Sora, Northern Shoveler and numerous herons and egrets.
The trip will be led by Sandy Townsend and Lynn Mitchell. For more information or to register, please email sandy.townsend@tampaaudubon.org and fill out this online form: https://forms.gle/56PJ6tSdQ9szjbr19.
Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up.
If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to Covid 19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2022-11-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Riverview Pointe Preserve, Bradenton, FL, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Casually stroll through the beautiful Riverview Pointe Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment.
Suitable for all ages.
Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Beginning Bird Walk
2023-02-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 9 am. We’ll walk the boardwalk or trails, depending on where the best birds are. We have binoculars to loan, and someone will have a spotting scope so you can get up really close and personal! Bring water and a snack.
RSVP to trip leader Megan Campbell at megan.campbell@tampaaudubon.org.

If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self-Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2023-01-21 10:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of “Our Wildest Place.” We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Shorter days and cooler weather reveal new natural wonders to enjoy, join us! Registration is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Rye Preserve Tour
2022-03-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Branch and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.
Register HERE!

Rye Preserve Tour
2022-12-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Tour Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener!
Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Youth Program: Trees
2023-02-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Trees!
Explore the inside and outside of trees with hands-on activities and more as we celebrate the importance of trees!
This youth program is geared toward ages 6 to 12. Registration is required. Space is limited and this program will cap at 30 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program.
>>> REGISTER HERE

WILD WETLANDS HIKE
2023-02-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Come explore Florida’s natural wetland ecosystem and learn about the unique plants and animals that call this habitat home.
REGISTER HERE

Wading Bird Walk
2023-03-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the trails.

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a guided walk of the trails. This walk will take place during a low tide so participants will have the best chance for viewing wildlife that forage on the exposed tidal flats!
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length may be up to two miles. This hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum exhibits.
>>> REGISTER HERE

History of the Florida Keys
2023-03-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Hammock Hall, 3010 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
The Florida History Speaker Series is presented by the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement Committee. This program offers fascinating presentations on the cultural history of Florida by individuals who are authorities in their fields. It is cosponsored by the City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department.
History of the Florida Keys presentation by Brian Lane, Business Co-Owner, Sensing Nature
Although one of the most visited places, many people don’t know much about this region that tails from the southern tip of Florida. Join us as we travel back in time to learn about the human and environmental history of the Keys. What could the Keys mean in the future for residents, tourists, and wildlife?
Speaker Bio: As an ecologist, environmental educator, and business co-owner, Brian Lane shares his appreciation and understanding of the natural world through Sensing Nature’s interactive workshops, ethical ecotours, and educational nature products. He earned his B.S. from the University of Central Florida.
All ages welcome. Free admission.
