Wading Bird Walk
2024-01-30 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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 key behaviors of our most common wading birds at the Weedon Island Preserve during a guided hike of the trails.
A brief classroom session before the hike will give visitors an overview of the birds found on the Preserve, including tips on when and where these species are most likely to be seen. This guided tour may be up to 2 miles in total length and will traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. This tour is recommended for adults.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Naturalist Guided Tour
2024-01-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of the Preserve.

Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island on this guided hike.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult. 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 tour may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

The History of Bald Eagles in Florida
2024-02-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for a journey through time highlighting the storied history of our local eagles!
This is a program rich in history, field accounts, photography, biology and behavior of bald eagles primarily in West Central Florida with state wide comparisons. Rare photos and data cover more than a half of a century of eagle field work. Program participants can expect to learn about eagles from a historical perspective covering eagle populations prior to DDT, through the listing and delisting periods, with a focus on our local Bald Eagles.
The program may feature a Bald Eagle. Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater serves as a sanctuary to these educational ambassadors.
Join Barbara Walker of the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for this enlightening program!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Seaside Visits Clearwater Marine Aquarium
2024-02-24 11:00 - 16:00 | Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL, 33767, United States
Meet some of our wonderful Avian Ambassadors and learn their stories while enjoying a visit at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!

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

Florida Forests Hike
2024-03-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing…TREES!
Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees. Lara tends to throw in some surprises on her hikes, so be ready when she asks for volunteers!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Native Planting
2024-03-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Tom Bennett Park, 280 Kay Road, Bradenton, FL, 34208, United States
Tampa Bay Watch in partnership with Manatee County is recruiting volunteers for a community planting at Tom Bennett Park (280 Kay Rd, Bradenton, FL 34208). Volunteers are needed to transplant various native plants along the shoreline areas of a brackish pond to provide beneficial habitat, improve water quality, and stabilize the shoreline.
Click here to register to volunteer.

Native Plant Walks LLP
2024-01-06 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.
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

Sunday Bird Hike
2024-01-07 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods.
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. Beginners and all levels of birders welcome. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Photography Hike
2024-03-07 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 program provides opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. After a brief classroom session to discuss nature photography techniques, specific wildlife behaviors, and seasonal variations of the land, a Center volunteer will lead a hike where participants can capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island.
This guided tour may be up to 2 miles in total length and will traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. This tour is recommended for adults. Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center.
>>> REGISTER HERE

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

Botany Walk
2024-01-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join James Stevenson to explore the fascinating plants found at Brooker Creek Preserve!
We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants. Registration is required.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Wild Florida 101- Guess That Bird
2024-03-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This series explores the wonderful and wild animals that call Florida home.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2024-03-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, 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).
Class dates and syllabus:
Week 1, March 9
Plant Classification

Parts of a Flower
Inflorescence Types
Non-Flowering Plant Identification
Read Harrington Chapter I – V

Week 2, March 16

Roots-n-Shoots
Leaves
Surfaces
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae
Read Harrington Chapters VI – XI

Week 3, March 23

General Terms
Fruits and Seeds
Using a Dichotomous Key

Week 4, March 30

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.
Graduates will have access to several hands-on workshops and additional information throughout the year to help stay engaged with the practice of plant identification.
Class fee includes all materials and textbook. Registration will CLOSE on March 6.
>>> REGISTER HERE

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2023-11-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer.
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

Turtle Science
2023-11-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This engaging hands-on class will introduce the study of tortoises and freshwater turtles. Join turtle biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich for this rare educational opportunity.
Students will learn about the ecology and conservation of tortoises and freshwater turtles through a blend of classroom and field sessions. Classroom sessions include PowerPoint presentations and hands-on activities; field sessions will include lessons on identification techniques and data collection.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Aquacamp
2024-03-11 08:00 - 2024-03-15 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers explore the many roles of water in ecosystems, learn about local watersheds and how people affect water resources such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Each day will include outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Campers will learn how they can help to keep local waterways clean.
Ages 5 yrs – 6 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Scales & Trails Youth Hike
2024-03-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us on an educational adventure geared toward ages 7-11, as we explore the world of reptiles! From slithering snakes to sunbathing turtles, we will learn about the unique adaptations and behaviors that make reptiles so cool. This guided hike will leave participants with a newfound appreciation for our native reptile species.
This youth program is geared toward ages 7 to 11. Registration is required. Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Great American Cleanup
2024-03-16 08:00 - 11:00 | FL
Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers for three sites in honor of Keep America Beautiful®’s Great American Cleanup®. This event is the nation’s largest community improvement program taking place annually in an estimated 20,000 communities nationwide.
Register to volunteer by clicking on the site that interests you:
Fort De Soto Park
Tierra Verde
Shell Key Preserve

Archaeological Kayak Tour
2024-03-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

Join archaeologists and environmental specialists for an archaeology-focused paddling experience.

This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will then be led around an archaeological site with Dr. Kendal Jackson, a post-doctoral fellow with the University of South Florida, and member of the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, who worked on Ross Island as part of his doctorate research. The Florida Public Archaeology Network and ECOmersion will co-lead this trip. During the paddle to Ross Island, stops will be made to interpret the significance of archaeological, historical, and coastal natural areas that will enhance participants’ understanding of the Tampa Bay estuary.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Clean Up the Tampa Audubon Sanctuary
2024-03-16 09:00 - 10:00 | FL
The Tampa Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and Port Tampa Bay are jointly responsible for a small natural area bordering Old Tampa Bay. Mangroves, mudflats, oyster bars, and open bay provide bird and wildlife habitat here, one of the few natural shorelines remaining. Once or twice a year, we meet to remove the trash that washes in on high tide and other debris from the Sanctuary.

Wear long sleeves and pants, closed toe/walk in the water and mud shoes. Sierra Club’s Todd Randolph is organizing the event 815/347-2421. Questions? Call Ann Paul 813/624-3149.

Directions to Site: From 1-275, take Westshore Blvd. exit and head south on Westshore. Turn right at W. San Jose Street. Follow San Jose until you reach an S-shaped curve. The Sanctuary is located on the right. Park on the street being considerate not to block mailboxes or drive ways.

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.

Rye Preserve Tour
2023-11-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
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
