EPC Clean Air Fair 2024
2024-05-02 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission is holding its Clean Air Fair at Poe Plaza in Downtown Tampa. The fair includes community exhibits, prize drawings and complimentary refreshments. Tampa Audubon will have a booth at the fair.
For details, go to https://www.epchc.org/divisions/air/clean-air-fair

Microirrigation Workshop
2024-05-04 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 <<<

Frogs!
2024-05-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Do you know why frogs are so important to our world, and how by saving them, we save the environment?
Explore challenges frogs are facing, as well as some ways that ordinary people of all ages can help. Learn about our very own Florida frogs, and maybe even croak in a human frog chorus! Program suitable for all ages.
Join Avalon Theisen, the young founder of Conserve It Forward, Inc. for Florida Frogs!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2024-05-04 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 <<<

Compost Happens Workshop
2024-05-09 | FL
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!

Due to COVID-19 , we will conduct a special COMPOST HAPPENS workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join! A link for joining the workshop will be provided to registrants via email the day prior, with product pick-up to occur on Saturday, February 6, 2021 between the hours of 12 – 2 p.m. or by special arrangement, if needed.
Be sure to look for the other workshops in our Triple Workshop Series:
MICROIRRIGATION 2-5-21
Online registration and more information:
RAINWATER HARVESTING 2-6-21
Online registration and more information:
For your convenience, these workshops are offered monthly and may be taken individually, with no requirement to take consecutively or all together.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents only.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $5.00 registration fee per workshop/household. If, upon registration, our records indicate you or someone in your household or at your address has previously attended, you will be ineligible to attend and the registration fee will not be refunded, nor can the fee be credited toward a future workshop or transferred to another party.
THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 – 11:00 A.M. TO 12 P.M. – COMPOSTING: Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents 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.)
***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 Starling Morris (MorrisSA@hillsboroughcounty.org). If no link is received, please contact Starling at 813-744-5519 Ext 54127 for assistance.
Sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Public Utilities, University of Florida/IFAS, Tampa Bay Water and the Tampa Water Department.
***Reminder: If our records indicate you attended a workshop in the past, you will not be permitted to re-attend and your registration fee will not be refunded, is non-transferable, and may not be credited toward a future workshop.***
Attending a workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted. No photographs or recording of presentations is allowed without prior permission from the presenter(s).
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.

Bay Friendly Landscaping Workshop
2024-05-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
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 in person and attendees will receive a hard copy of the “Plant This, Not That” book.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
***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: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

FFL 101: Putting Florida Back Into Your Garden
2024-05-11 10:00 - 14:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm. Doors will open at 9am so that you can tour the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden.
Open to CITY OF TAMPA AND HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENTS/ EMPLOYEES ONLY.
We will conduct this Florida Friendly Landscaping™ workshop in person only at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, Florida 33584.
This year’s FFL 101 theme is ‘Putting Florida Back Into Your Garden’. Our speakers will help you face the changes and challenges in your Florida landscape. Presentations include expert guidance on:
1. native plants
2. how to prune native plants
3. healthy soils in urban landscapes
4. Tampa Bay Water Community Water Wise Awards program
There is a $10.00 fee per person attending for lunch. Workshop giveaways will be provided to attendees on the date of the event: one goodie bag per household containing educational materials and water efficiency items.
P LEASE NOTE: The $10.00 fee is non-refundable. Registration per attendee is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Attending the workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted.
Closed captioning for the hearing impaired is available if requested.
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 (see contact information below) at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Questions? Contact: Julia Palaschak, City of Tampa Water Department, 813-274-5912, julia.palaschak@tampagov.net or
Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, barberl@hillsboroughcounty.org.

Youth Action Through Roots & Shoots
2024-05-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Youth have the power to build a better world!
“Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” These are the wise words of Dr. Jane Goodall, an icon in the world of chimpanzee research and species conservation. In 1991, Dr. Jane launched her youth program, Roots & Shoots, to empower young people to make a difference in their own way. Roots & Shoots supports youth projects in over 60 countries worldwide, and in September, Roots & Shoots opened an office in Tampa Bay! What does this mean for you? If you have an idea for a service project benefiting animals, people, or the environment we all share, Roots & Shoots offers resources to help make it happen. Roots & Shoots supports youth projects in any setting: individuals, families, schools, after school programs, clubs, home schools, or nonprofit organizations serving youth. Come join Bonnie Eaton, coordinator for Roots & Shoots – Tampa Bay, to learn more about Roots & Shoots and how to get started on a project!
For more information, check out https://rootsandshoots.org.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Our Gift to Trees
2024-05-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us for a crash course in trees. We will cover selection and planting, maintenance, pruning and long term care considerations. Take home a free tree at the end of the class!
>>> 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.

Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-05-15 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-06-01 09:30 - 11:00 | 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 <<<

Backyard Composting on Zoom
2024-05-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-12 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 Design 101
2024-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
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.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
Additional Information:
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.
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.
Special Accommodations:
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 at BrianRigney@ufl.edu or (941) 722-4524 at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Drought Tolerant Plants
2024-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Online Event
Keep your landscape looking beautiful with the right plants.
Learn how to choose beautiful drought tolerant plants for your landscape and know what to put back on the shelf! Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, will show samples of Florida friendly plants suitable for Manatee County residents and discuss the difference between the good and the bad plant!
Minimum class size is required or class will be postponed. All those that register will be notified if postponed.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
More Information:
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524 Ext 1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information.
This class satisfies the landscape educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program. For further information on the program, please contact: Tina 941-792-8811, Ext 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
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.

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2024-05-28 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-06-25 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.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop on ZOOM
2024-06-04 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 <<<

Patio Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-06-07 10:30 - 11:30 | 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.

World Oceans Day Celebration
2024-06-08 10:00 - 14:00 | RumFish Beach Resort, 6000 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL, 33706, United States
Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful and Tradewinds Island Resort as we celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8th! Come meet and greet with local organizations working hard to protect our oceans, and learn how YOU can help!
Vendors will include:

Blacktop Surf Shop
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Covanta
Department of Environmental Protection
Eckerd – Remora
Florida Native Plant Society – Pinellas Chapter
Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists
KPBYAC
Marine Exploration Center
Minorities in Shark Science
Ocean Conservancy
Oceana
Pinellas County Public Works / Environmental Management
Pinellas County Solid Waste Facility
Roots and Shoots
Sans Market
Sea Turtle Trackers
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
Sharks4Kids
St. Pete Urban Forestry
St. Petersburg College, STEM Center
Suncoast compost
Sustainable Urban Agriculture Coalition (SUAC)
Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges
Tampa Bay Watch
Tampa Bay Waterkeeper
Tradewinds
Trash Caulin
Trash Turtles
USF College of Marine Science
USF programs about sustainability/Eco-Hospitality Program
USFSP Environmental Club

Why Snakes are Cool
2024-06-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn why snakes are cool and the important ecological roles they play!
There are 46 native species of snakes in Florida and most occur in the central peninsula. Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present little danger when left alone. Local herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services) will present on why snakes are cool, emphasizing Florida snake diversity, natural history, conservation, and snake safety.
A selection of LIVE snakes will be available for viewing and handling if participants choose to do so (we hope that you will). *This program is recommended for adults and children 7+
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: 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 buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium or “Butterfly Room”.
*Please note this will be an hour long educational PowerPoint presentation with an opportunity to handle snakes at the very end. If your child cannot sit through the entire presentation, please bring them out of the room to avoid disruption of the program, and as a courtesy to those that are here to learn. We appreciate your cooperation, and thank you in advance.
———————————————————————————-
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

Speaker Bio: George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services (www.heinrichecologicalservices.com), 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 (www.ftct.org).

Silent Sentinels
2024-06-20 10:30 - 12:00 | 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.

Sustainable Living: Compost & Summer Garden Strategies
2024-06-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join local gardening experts for some summer tips on gardening in our region.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Herpetology Camp
2024-06-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles. Through up-close encounters with a variety of animals, such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards, and snakes, campers learn about ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Wildlife Ecology Camp
2024-07-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers will explore the ecology and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and wildlands. A blend of classroom and field sessions will include hands-on activities, guest presentations, and exploration of the preserve’s diverse habitats where campers will practice their nature detective skills.
Please note that the campers will go on a field trip to local state and county parks during each week of camp.
Preregistration required.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
