Composting Workshop
2023-10-07 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Diamondback Terrapins: Conservation of an Imperiled Coastal Turtle
2023-10-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Herpetologist George Heinrich will discuss Diamondback Terrapins in Florida.
Learn about the natural history and conservation of an imperiled estuarine turtle, the diamondback terrapin. Although terrapins occur in 16 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the coastline of Florida represents approximately 20% of their entire range. Five of the seven recognized subspecies occur in the state’s extensive salt marsh and mangrove habitats, including three endemics.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
This program will feature George L. Heinrich, a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Vermicomposting Workshop
2023-10-07 13:00 - 14:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Vermicomposting: Where the worms do the work and we reap the benefits!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Attend a Vermicomposting workshop with us and learn how to compost with worms. If you don’t have the space for traditional composting, try vermicomposting. In this class you will learn how to make a worm bin out a plastic tote (which you will receive), about other types of worm bins and how composting worms breathe. You will receive Composting Red Wiggler worms and learn about what they can consume, what they need from you and what you can do with vermicomposting castings (by-product) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Climate Change and Cultural Sites in Florida
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how historical and archaeological sites threatened by climate change are protected in Florida.
How do we protect cemeteries, historic buildings, and archaeological sites that are threatened by climate change in Florida? How is it decided which sites get attention and which do not? Join the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education in collaboration with the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society for a special presentation of how archaeologists are currently answering these questions, what significant threats are observed in Florida, and how the public can help!
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This presentation will feature guest speaker Rachael Kangas. Rachael is the Director for the West Central and Central Regions of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, and she conducts public archaeology and outreach in the regions. She earned her M.A. from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2015 and is certified as a member of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). She has participated in fieldwork in the Americas and conducted lab work and teaching during her time at UCF. She is also an American Academy for Underwater Sciences (AAUS) diver, allowing her to assist with underwater research around the state.

Event photos courtesy of the Florida Public Archaeology Network.

Backyard Composting on Zoom
2023-10-17 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
BACKYARD COMPOSTING: Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
Since you are attending this workshop on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Irrigation With Water Conservation in Mind
2023-10-24 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water, how you can repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape (TM) tips.
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
This class satisfies the irrigation educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation today. Call Brian J Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 to sign up.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Brian Rigney BrianRigney@ufl.edu or (941) 722-4524 at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Ground Covers - Plants That Work
2023-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, as she presents how landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend in landscape practices because once they are established, these plants will need little or no water. Learn noteworthy plants, site considerations, and management of these plants.
This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
If you have a plant with a problem, you are welcome to show a branch sample with leaf or flower to class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524, extension 1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Notification will be sent to those registered.
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811, ext 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org

Microirrigation Workshop
2023-11-04 09:30 - 11:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water when watering your garden.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

Managing Our Underwater World in Tampa Bay
2023-11-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program and learn about the coastal resources they protect in Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP), managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, 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. Join the TBAP program at Weedon Island to learn how they are working to restore & protect the coastal resources in our own backyard.
This program will feature Dr. Randy Runnels of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves Program. Dr. Runnels earned his PhD in Oceanography from Texas A&M University. His 30+ year career has taken him from the temperate Northern Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Keys. In recent years he has been invited to China and Vietnam as a coastal management adviser on a number of issues. He has managed Tampa Bay’s aquatic preserves for over two decades, and continues to teach college courses in Biology, Marine Science and Environmental Science.
This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2023-11-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

Sea Turtle Nest Tracking
2023-11-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States

BACKYARD COMPOSTING
2023-11-15 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
Since you are attending this workshop on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist after November 17 (813-744-5519) to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

VOGs and Eggnog
2023-12-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Give back to our Tampa Bay estuary with vertical oyster gardens (VOGs) while getting in the holiday spirit!

Want to give back to our local Tampa Bay estuary while getting in the holiday spirit? Join us to learn more about oysters and how they help Tampa Bay while making your very own vertical oyster garden (VOG)!
Participants who would like to hang a VOG from their personal pier or seawall will also have the opportunity to contribute to current oyster restoration efforts by enrolling in our new citizen science program. Holiday refreshments and activities will be provided. All ages are welcome!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: Parking is limited at the Preserve, so carpooling is strongly encouraged.

Irrigation Design 101
2023-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system.
Live Event with remote viewing, Zoom, option available
Kendrick Auditorium at UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, as he discusses the basics of great irrigation design. Learn helpful information for installing your new or retrofitted in-ground irrigation system! This class satisfies the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or Brian Rigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.
This class will satisfy the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Rebate Program.
For further information on the Outdoor Water Rebate Program, contact: Manatee County Utility Department – Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation with the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL). Call (941) 722-4524 X 1828 to sign up today.

Patio Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Learn how to grow plants with the convenience of a patio microirrigation kit.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to grow plants with the convenience of a patio microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one patio microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: If you attend on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

Florida-Friendly: Landscape Maintenance 101
2024-01-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Online Event
Join us to learn how to maintain your landscape.
Good landscape design should be followed by appropriate maintenance practices. Join us to learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices and how they, when applied, can protect our precious water resources. Topics of discussion are proper plant selection, planting and plant establishment, sprinkler system efficiency and watering schedule. We will also touch on microirrigation and keeping your landscape healthy with proper pruning techniques.
Register Here

Build a Bird House
2024-01-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a family nature program, immerse yourself in the beauty of winter as we explore the fascinating world of Florida’s winter birds and get creative by building bird houses together!
Ages 10 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Nine Principles
2024-01-16 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for a presentation on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Nine Principles! Let’s create sustainable landscapes together!
This presentation is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
Join us for a presentation on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Nine Principles! Explore the essential benchmarks for recognition and acquire valuable insights into crafting an attractive, environmentally conscious landscape that aligns with the program’s guidelines. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning, this event is customized for you. Our presentation will walk you through the steps to meet the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ criteria for recognition, providing valuable knowledge about the Nine Principles that support environmentally mindful landscaping in Florida. Be part of a community of like-minded individuals committed to developing resilient and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.
This workshop will be offered online via ZOOM. No additional software is required and only basic computer skills are necessary.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
**Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Zoom link, please check your spam folder for an email from Angie Maki (makia@hillsboroughcounty.org). If no link is received, please contact Angie at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54127 for assistance.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
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 Lynn Barber, barberl@hillsboroughcounty.org or 813-744-5519 ext. 54105 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
For questions contact: Michael Masucci at: 813-744-5519 ext. 54146 or MasucciM@ufl.edu.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

The Gift of Trees
2024-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a crash course in trees. We will cover the value of trees in our communities, tree selection and planting, maintenance, pruning and long term care considerations.

Basic Irrigation Operations & Maintenance
2024-01-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217, United States
Learn about the basic operations and maintenance of your in-ground irrigation system.
This class will satisfy the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Rebate Program. For further information on the Outdoor Water Rebate Program, contact: Manatee County Utility Department – Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Microirrigation Workshop
2024-02-03 09:30 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTRATION <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop on ZOOM
2024-02-03 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: To pick-up workshop items/giveaways you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 after June 5th to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Community Tree Care for HOA's
2024-02-07 09:00 - 12:00 | FL
Beneath the Canopy:
Community Tree Care for HOA’s
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry experts, local professional arborists and county staff to learn the ins and outs of managing the trees in your community. Walk away from this workshop with workable templates, examples and a knowledge of tree care best management practices.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
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.
Schedule:
Wednesday, February 7 at Braden River Library
Tuesday, April 2 at Palma Sola Botanical Garden
Wednesday, August 21 at TBD (Lakewood Ranch)
Wednesday, October 9 at Palma Sola Botanical Garden

Branching Out: Your Voice, Our Trees
2024-02-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
A community conversation on urban trees in public spaces.
Talk About Trees
Join us for a world cafe where we will talk about trees and their role in our communities!
Pinellas County is embarking on the development of their first-ever Urban Forestry Master Plan for unincorporated and they are seeking YOUR input to help guide this plan. Urban trees play a critical role in our daily lives and the County wants to ensure they are managed in a resilient and sustainable manner. It’s very important to the County to get your input about trees in our public spaces so they can better understand the benefits and challenges about urban trees.
What is a world cafe?
We will create a comfortable environment where you will feel encouraged to talk to fellow participants at roundtables about trees! Different tables will have different questions. You will get a chance to hear from your community members on their thoughts while also expressing your own. You will rotate around to different tables with different questions where your thoughts will be documented. Following the forum, all of the input provided will be summarized and provided to the County to identify common themes that will help guide their Urban Forestry Master Plan.
Who can participate?
Anyone that lives in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. Unsure? Check out this map.
This is a unique opportunity for you to share your feedback!
Refreshments will be provided. We want to hear from you. Don’t delay and register today!

Silent Sentinels
2024-02-20 11:30 - 13:00 | Online Event
Learn about long-lived trees!
Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about long lived trees, their history, cultural significance and how we can manage for their care in urban environments.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
Special Accommodations:
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.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2024-03-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> REGISTRATION <<<

Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-03-02 08:30 - 10:00 | ZOOM, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: You will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items after May 16th. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

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.

Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind
2024-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to conserve water with your irrigation system!
Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground irrigation system for water conservation, how to repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips.
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information.
This class satisfies the irrigation education requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or water.conservation@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation today. Call Brian J Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 to sign up.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Brian J Rigney at (941) 722-4524 x 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
