Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2024-08-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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 <<<

Beginning Bird Walk @ Lettuce Lake Park
2024-08-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-14 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

Awesome Alligators
2024-08-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Discover the fascinating adaptations of alligators. Go on a guided walk and count how many alligators you see!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2024-08-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-08-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-08-28 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-11 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 <<<

Inter-Tidally United Summit — Watch Party!
2024-08-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for our local in-person watch party of the Inter-Tidally United Summit hosted by the Florida Public Archaeology Network!

We’ll stream the Zoom presentations in the auditorium and have on-site activities for those joining us in person!
FPAN hosts a biennial summit called Tidally United, designed to be an informational think-tank dedicated to raising awareness and exploring future-ready solutions to protect historical sites and other significant cultural resources from climate-related threats. Inter-Tidally is designed to help participants stay connected between in-person summits and grow our community. This event will be held virtually with in-person watch parties around the state to help connect local communities to the topic and work!
Individuals must register for the virtual conference if they plan to attend our in-person watch party. Registration for the state-wide conference is $25 per person. An attendees’ conference registration will be confirmed before entry into our local watch-party.
REGISTER FOR THE STATE-WIDE CONFERENCE HERE.
>>> REGISTER HERE FOR FREE WATCH PARTY <<<

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2024-08-17 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
2024-08-17 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.

Fantastic Frogs
2024-08-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Have you ever heard the chorus of frogs after a rainstorm and wondered what frogs you were hearing? Or found a frog on your porch and weren’t sure how to identify it? If so, this program is for you. Learn to identify the top 10 common frogs in our area!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Black Terns at Gandy Beach
2024-08-24 07:00 - 09:00 | Gandy Beach, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33716, United States
August is the best time to see Black Terns on the south side of Gandy Blvd. at Gandy Beach. There are also Least Terns and Black Skimmers. It’s a great place to practice shorebird identification. We hope to avoid the heat and people and their unleashed dogs by starting at 7:00 am. If you’re driving from Tampa, the beach is on your left after you cross Gandy Bridge. If you’re coming from Pinellas County, the beach is on your right just before the bridge. There are no bathroom facilities.
Advance registration is required. Please contact the Trip Leader for further coordination. Be sure to plan accordingly: bring water, snacks (lunch is appropriate), hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and dress for the weather (see the current forecast for Tampa below on this page). Keep emergency contact information on your person (for example, in your chest pocket or on your phone). Contact trip leader Lilian Saul at: lily.saul@tampaaudubon.org to join.

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2024-08-27 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.

2024 Water School: Flowing Forward
2024-09-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Wednesday, September 4 at 9AM-4PM
Location: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL)
Description:
Join UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension for an in depth look at emerging water issues in our region. We will provide expert presentations and deep dives into the topics during facilitated discussions. This program is intended for local policymakers but all interested are welcome to register. $20 per person (+ Eventbrite fee). Lunch included in ticket.
Topics covered:

Conservation lands/easements
Water quality value of urban forests
Water quality estuary and marine systems
Sustainable development
Green Stormwater Initiative
Monitoring in Manatee: Keeping our water resources safe

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Special Accomodations:
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.

Science Rocks!
2024-09-05 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

Sunset Beach Cleanup
2024-09-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Join us as we clean up our beaches, have some fun, learn something new, and release some birds!

Bird Walk by Clearwater Audubon Society
2024-09-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Join members of the Clearwater Audubon Society for a bird walk through the park. Bring your binoculars, field guide, and questions!
Meet in the parking lot by 8am. The walk starts promptly at 8am.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Walks LLP
2024-09-07 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
2024-09-07 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 <<<
Meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the classroom).
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.

TREES, HABITAT, AND URBAN HEALTH
2024-09-07 10:00 - 18:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Please join an interactive discussion with our City’s Urban Foresters about trees, habitat, and urban health impacts in our beautiful city. Our environment is changing rapidly and urban life for humans and animals is severely impacted by this climatic change. While there are many solutions to help us cope with these changes, trees are the most attractive, natural, and cost-effective solution with the highest benefit to address finding a balance between nature and our urban spaces.
All ages welcome

Bay Babies
2024-09-07 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 <<<

The Weedon Island Preserve
2024-09-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Water Street, Clearwater,, FL, 33602, United States
Join the Tampa Bay History Center at the Aging Well Center as they explore the rich history of this Old Tampa Bay jewel.

Field Trip to John Chestnut Park
2024-09-14 08:00 - 10:00 | John Chestnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road South, Palm Harbor, FL, 34685, United States
Field Trip Leader: Ron Smith
Meet at the first parking lot on the left after passing the initial 3-way stop sign.

What to Bring:
Hat
Binoculars
Water
Insect repellent
Sunscreen

Clean Up the Tampa Audubon Sanctuary
2024-09-14 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.

Falcon Fascination
2024-09-14 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 representing man’s long term relationship with peregrine falcons!
This program is a journey through time representing man’s long term relationship with peregrine falcons. The importance of coastal areas, climate, water, bird friendly communities and migratory stop overs is discussed. Peregrine falcons are extreme predators that ended up on the endangered species list. Several organizations, as well as falconers, were instrumental in bringing the peregrine falcons back to their nesting grounds and into the 21st century. Peregrines have adapted well in urban environments and counts at Hawk Watches have been very high. The program features live falcons! 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 and meet a live falcon!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Alligator Walk
2024-09-14 11:00 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Alligators have lived in Florida’s marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes for centuries. Anyone who lives in Florida knows where there is water, there most likely is an alligator! Learn all about this giant reptile while on a guided hike through the swamp!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Annual International Observe the Moon night paddle
2024-09-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Explore the Little Manatee River after dark- without flashlights! The tour is $25 if you need to use one of our canoes or kayaks and $5 if you bring your own.
Registration required- call 813-641-8545.
