Rye Preserve Tour
2022-03-19 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

Archaeology Day at Weedon Island
2022-03-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate Florida Archaeology Month at the Weedon Island Preserve!

Examine ancient artifacts and discover the rich history of Tampa Bay at our celebration of Florida Archaeology Month at the Weedon Island Preserve!
The Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) and the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS) will be on-site with a diverse showcase of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and archaeological experts will be on-hand to illustrate the use of these tools and their importance to native populations.
There will also be a special guided hike to an active archaeological dig-site on the Preserve. Spots on this hike are limited so advance registration is required. Register for the Archaeology Day Hike & Site Visit today!
Local fossil collectors are encouraged to bring in artifacts such as arrow heads, lithics, and pottery sherds for identification during Archaeology Day. No dollar value will be assigned or discussed, but educational information will be generously shared.
Explore the artifacts and talk with the archaeologists at your leisure anytime between 10am to 2pm. Also, check out the 1,100 year old dugout canoe on display in the Center and visit our free museum exhibit “Connecting People and Place” that tells the story of Weedon Island and its earliest inhabitants.
This event is suitable for all ages. The Center and its museum exhibits are open from 9am to 4pm.
REGISTER HERE

CLAM BAYOU PRESERVE ESTUARY WALK
2022-04-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of Clam Bayou Preserve. Learn about this local estuary and the plants and wildlife found in this unique environment. We will meet at the Nature Center and drive over to Clam Bayou as a group.
We recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes and bring a carrier or stroller for young children.

Archaeology Hike
2022-04-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Take a walk through the early history of Weedon Island to learn about the indigenous cultures that lived here long ago.

Led by professional archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network, hike to an active archaeological dig-site on Weeden Island. Attendees will learn about the early peoples that inhabited Weedon Island thousands of years ago, and the ongoing work being done by researchers to better understand these ancient cultures and how they interacted with their environment.
This hike is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Participants should be prepared for a 2 mile hike on uneven terrain.
Proceeds will support the West Central chapter of the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), an organization that promotes and facilitates the stewardship, public appreciation, and value of Florida’s archaeological heritage through regional centers, partnerships, and community engagement. Learn about FPAN at https://flpublicarchaeology.org/regions/west-central/.
REGISTER HERE

Spring Migration: Birds and Butterflies Hike
2022-04-30 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Search for migratory birds and butterflies at the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided hike!

During the spring, many species of birds and butterflies begin their migrations from overwintering areas in South or Central America to their breeding grounds in more northerly latitudes. Florida is an ideal stopover point on these migration routes for species to rest and refuel before continuing their long journeys. In Pinellas County, this time of year affords us the opportunity to see many species that aren’t found here year-round or very often at all. Join us for a guided hike led by Ron Smith, an expert on Pinellas County’s bird and butterfly species, to observe some of these migrants at the Weedon Island Preserve.
This hike is recommended for adults.
Proceeds from this hike 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

Weedon Walkabout
2022-05-07 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-06-18 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.

This docent-led walk will visit the mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve, including 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 the Preserve. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 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

Wading Bird Walk
2022-05-14 08:30 - 10:30, 2022-09-10 08:30 - 10:30 | 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!

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a one to two mile guided walk of the trails. A brief classroom session before the walk will give visitors an overview of the birds found at Weedon Island, including tips on when and where different species are most likely to be seen.
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

Be Prepared: Trees & Tropical Weather
2022-06-01 09:00 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about how best to plan, maintain and prepare your trees for tropical weather!
As we start off this year’s hurricane season, join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about how best to plan, maintain and prepare your trees for the tropical weather. Hybrid virtual and in person (1303 17th St W, Palmetto – Kendrick Auditorium)
Register HERE.

Songbird Sunrise
2022-06-11 05:00 - 07:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Bring your coffee and favorite folding chair to join a quiet sunrise listening experience!

Bring your coffee and favorite folding chair to join a quiet sunrise listening experience!
The event begins in total darkness to allow participants to hear the nighttime calls of nocturnal birds. As the sky lightens with the sun’s ascent, daytime birds begin their vocal greeting. Birds will be identified by their songs and calls by knowledgeable Preserve volunteer staff. This event encourages silence for optimal enjoyment of the natural environment.
Please arrive no later than what is listed below:
5:30 am start (arrive by 5:15, gate closes at 5:30)
The entrance gate will be closed after this time until the normal opening time of 7:00 am. Free. Open to the public.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Photography Hike
2022-06-11 08:30 - 10:30 | 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 will begin with a brief classroom session 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. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome.
This hike is roughly 2 miles in total length on a combination of boardwalks and unimproved, natural paths. This program is is best suited for adults.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that works to promote education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve. Learn about our Friends!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Celebrate July 4th with us!
2022-07-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Weather permitting, our enthusiastic educators will be out on the pier, July 4th, with their teaching table at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. To celebrate the day, we are adding extra events throughout the day in addition to the teaching tabling times!
The Discovery Center will also be open for regular 10am – 5pm hours. Stop by the St. Pete Pier to enjoy learning about some of our favorite Tampa Bay estuary topics! From peering through our microscope to observe plankton pulled from under the Pier, touch artifacts collected from the ocean, or creating a craft; there’s a multitude of fun to celebrate the holiday, with fireworks to end the day sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg.

Turtle Bioartifacts
2022-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Turtle Bioartifacts and What They Can Teach Us

Examine turtle bioartifacts and learn about turtle biology and ecology.

This hands-on workshop will focus on turtle bioartifacts (natural history objects) commonly found during nature forays. Numerous specimens of shells and skulls will allow us to learn about turtle anatomy and explore their diversity. We will also examine a variety of eggs and dissect gopher tortoise scat. This workshop is recommended for ages 16+.
This workshop is part of “Turtle Science 101,” a 3-part series of monthly programs led by George L. Heinrich. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles.

June 9, 2022 at 2:00pm: Why Turtles Are Cool
July 8, 2022 at 10:00am: Turtle Bioartifacts and What They Can Teach Us
August 26, 2022 at 2:00pm: Turtle Eggs, Nesting, and Conservation Concerns

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Weedon Island. Our Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Learn more about our Friends at https://friendsofweedonisland.org/.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Summer Cleanup
2022-07-09 09:00 - 12:00 | FL
Join us for our mid-summer community cleanups on Saturday, July 9 from 9 am till Noon at Grandview Park, Bartlett Park, and Coquina Key Park in St. Petersburg.

This event is an effort to clean up after the Fourth of July celebrations. A big thank-you to SeaWorld Conservation Fund for supporting us in our marine debris efforts and our partners with the City of St. Petersburg!

Our cleanup efforts will focus along the shorelines, so please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and bring garden gloves.

Register for your preferred site:
Grandview Park | Bartlett Park | Coquina Key Park

Forest Bathing Guided Walk
2022-08-20 09:30 - 11:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Forest bathing is a guided walk designed to relax and rejuvenate. We’ll bathe our senses in the healing qualities of nature and share our experiences through conversation. We’ll leave refreshed by this contemplative practice that we can carry into our everyday routines. Please wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Youth Program: Mosquito Mania
2022-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Meeting
2022-09-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, FL, United States
The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at The Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd/US 41, Land O’ Lakes, 34639, between SR 52 and SR 54. The subject of the September 13, 2022 meeting is “Native Ferns of West Central Florida”, presented by James Stevenson, an Extension Specialist with the University of Florida IFAS Extension Services in Pinellas County.
Ferns, which reproduce by spores, are the second-most diverse group of vascular plants on Earth and one of the oldest groups of plants, with a fossil record dating to nearly 400 million years ago. Their size range from over 60 feet tall to tiny plants, millimeters in size. Ferns are found in a variety of large naturally occurring communities, from tropical to northern forests and semiarid deserts. In Florida, most fern species can be found in damp and shady areas; rock crevices, bogs, swamps, acid wetlands and as epiphytes on tropical or even temperate trees. During this presentation we will explore the fascinating world of these ancient plants, study the natural history of ferns and get identification tips plus interesting facts.
James works out of the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs. There he teaches classes on a variety of natural resource conservation topics, including: plant identification, botany, entomology, ecology and particular groups of native plants such as ferns, wetland wildflowers and epiphytes. Exploring the natural world has been James’ passion since growing up in Clearwater. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Ecology from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and then worked in botanical gardens around the world; from North Carolina to Europe & Israel. Before returning to Florida in 2006, James worked in the UK on his advanced degree at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and as the Assistant Curator at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. James doesn’t really understand gardening in Florida, so he now grows orchids and watches birds.
Meetings of the Chapter are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend and bring questions about their yard. There will not be any refreshments or drinks available, so everyone needs to bring their own. Telephone inquiries are taken by Molly at (813) 469-9597.
Nature Coast Chapter: naturecoastfnps@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PascoNativePlants
