Native Plant Walks LLP
2024-01-06 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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.
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

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2024-01-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
First Saturday of the month (December – April), at 9:00am
Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Suitable for all ages.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida
2024-07-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Clearwater Historical Society, 610 S Fort Harrison, Clearwater, FL, 33756, United States
Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida
Photography Exhibit by Clyde Butcher
The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP) highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks and rivers, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These habitats are vital to Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, fishes, oysters, and an abundance of wading, nesting and migratory birds. Although not widely known, TBAP even has a variety of corals in its hard-bottom areas. The preserves include four separate preserves: Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve, and Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.*
*Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves | Florida Department of Environmental Protection
“Florida’s natural beauty is often most evident in its aquatic preserves. They are Florida’s natural watery Eden’s—home to freshwater springs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests that provide food and habitat. Florida’s aquatic preserves truly are living waters. Within these pages, Clyde Butcher celebrates Florida’s aquatic preserves, capturing magical moments through his breathtaking photographs. His interest and respect for Florida’s natural environment is genuine. Mr. Butcher’s photographs will inspire you and touch your curiosity and concern for the wonders of Florida’s aquatic preserves—our living waters. Water runs through, around, and under Florida, creating its varied landscapes and biological diversity. Mr. Butcher’s photographs remind us that this natural heritage is entrusted to us to maintain for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.”**
**https://www.clearwaterhistoricalsociety.org/current-exhibits/
Tampa Audubon will meet at the museum at 10:00 a.m. There is parking behind the museum. There is a donation requested of $5 for each person. After the exhibit, those interested can go to lunch at a local area restaurant.
Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.
Advance registration is required. Please contact the Trip Leader for further coordination. Be sure to plan accordingly:
RSVP field trip leader Mic McCarty mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org

Bay Babies
2024-06-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
Ages 3 yrs – 6 yrs
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session includes story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited. Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
Children must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

2024 ECO Educator Workshop
2024-07-08 09:00 - 15:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
See what the training is all about in our two promo videos: Video 1 or Video 2
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!
ECO Teacher Training Workshop at Brooker Creek Preserve
July 8-12, 2024
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 – Extreme Heat
• Tuesday – Keep Pinellas Beautiful and 4-H
• Wednesday – WEDU PBS Showcase
• Thursday – Discover Shorebirds
• Friday – Project Learning Tree Activity Collections
>>> REGISTER HERE

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2024-01-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
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!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Bay Friendly Landscaping Workshop - on ZOOM
2024-07-11 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Learn how to redesign your yard for resiliency with low maintenance native landscape plants.

Learn to create a landscape that is beautiful and provides valuable ecosystem services in our Bay Friendly Landscaping class. This class will focus on selecting plants that are low maintenance and are adapted to the extreme conditions that we have here in Florida, including sandy soil, high winds, drought, and flooding. These will help protect Tampa Bay by reducing fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Proper plant selection can also help the environment by providing habitat for wildlife and reduce your costs associated with landscape maintenance. This class will be held on Zoom and the first 50 registrants who attend the class will be mailed a hard copy of the “Plant This, Not That” flip book to the address provided during registration. The Zoom link will be sent the day before the class.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Beginning Bird Walk @ Lettuce Lake Park
2024-04-13 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. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.
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 Jim Hengelbrok at jim.hengelbrok@tampaaudubon.org

Why Snakes are Cool!
2024-07-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about Florida’s native snakes and get the chance to see some live animals up-close!

Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Florida is home to 46 native species of snakes, with most occuring in the central peninsula. And of those 46 species, only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present little danger when left alone. Herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich will teach participants about why snakes are cool, emphasizing Florida snake diversity, natural history, conservation, and snake safety.
At the end of the program a selection of live snakes will be available for viewing and handling if participants choose to do so — and we hope that you will!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Work Day at Bell Creek Preserve
2024-07-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Bell Creek Preserve, 10940 McMullen Rd, Riverview, FL, 33569, United States
Suncoast Chapter provided a grant to buy native plants for the Bell Creek Preserve entrance and the Hillsborough County CELM (Conservation and Environmental Land Management) office, whose headquarters are located there. Master Gardener and Trail Cat volunteers have been cleaning up and removing invasive plants from the area. Suncoast members are invited to help with planting and maintenance.
A county waiver form will be signed at the event. Bring water bottle, gloves and personal tools.

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2024-07-20 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/

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2024-03-16 09:00 - 10:30 | 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. Everyday reveals new natural wonders to enjoy, join us!
Registration is required.
Additional Notes: Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Please note that it takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom before you begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2024-03-26 08:00 - 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.

Garden work includes planting, weeding and trimming, as needed.
There is a $2 admission to the park which Suncoast can cover if you request ahead of time. Park in the lot by the Visitor Center and the garden is behind the building.
Bring water, gloves and personal tools.
Garden Wish List: donations accepted:
swamp milkweed, tropical sage, goldenrod, wild petunia, silkgrass or other small(er) flowering plants.
Contact Tina Patterson for more information and to let her know that you will be coming. mablepatterson@hotmail.com or call or text 305-298-6381 and leave a name and message.

Singing Insects: The Overlooked Chorus
2024-07-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about the buzzes, chirps, and clicks heard in the west-central Florida landscape, who makes them and why.

After the program, participants can go on a Singing Insect Listening Walk and may even get a chance to “stridulate” like a singing cricket!
This program will begin inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, but will also go outside to observe wild insects.
This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 and up. Please register every individual planning to attend!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Nature Photography with any Camera
2024-07-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for an introduction to nature photography!
Any camera can take great nature photographs! Knowing the basics of composing a photograph, and what your particular camera can do, makes your photos even better. Join nature photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for a program on these topics, plus nature photography tips and ideas for nature walks with photography in mind.
Although we won’t be taking any photographs during this session, if you have any camera questions bring your camera along and we will do our best to answer them.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Science Rocks!
2023-09-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
This free event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park is hosted by the Clearwater Community Women’s Club, and it covers a range of science topics through hands-on activities, discussion and crafts. Registration is required by emailing ScienceRocksMoccasin@gmail.com.
Sept. 7: 5 Senses
Oct.5: Water
Nov. 2. Bees
Jan. 4: Push/Pull
Feb. 1: Flight
Mar. 7: Frogs and Toads
April 4: The Sun
May 2: 3 States of Matter

Build Vertical Oyster Gardens to Help Tampa Bay!
2024-08-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Help our estuary and contribute to citizen science!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Youth Program: Mosquito Mania
2024-08-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Have a future entomologist on your hands? Kids ages 6-11 are invited to learn about the wonderful world of insects!
We will discuss what makes insects different from other animals, what they need to live, their life cycle, and then apply what we learn to mosquitoes. After the presentation attendees can explore live aquatic insect stations and use microscopes to view them up close!
This youth program is geared toward ages 6 to 12. Registration is required and space is limited. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program.
Presented by Caroline Scott, Environmental Specialist III with Pinellas County
>>> REGISTER HERE

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2024-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Learn how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed for study in this volunteer lab that is led by professional archaeologists with the West Central chapter of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Participants will help sort through, clean, and identify artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites so they can be used by researchers to learn about the past.
This event is best suited for adults; children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is limited so registration is required!
If you have a homeschool group that would like to participate, please email westcentral@fpan.us to set up a separate lab time to accomodate your students.
>>> REGISTER HERE
