Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop!
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Are you interested in watering your landscape while watering efficiently? This free hands-on microirrigation (a.k.a. drip irrigation) workshop is for you.
Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM educators will discuss and demonstrate different types of microirrigation and their versatile uses.
Participants have the opportunity to apply what they learn by practicing a simple drip system connection and assembling microirrigation parts. This workshop can help you save money and promote a waterwise landscape.
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803

Gopher Tortoises + Prescribed Fire = Increased Biodiversity
2025-09-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about our gopher tortoises and the important ecological role they play!

Brooker Creek Preserve is home to one of Pinellas County’s largest populations of gopher tortoises, a threatened, burrowing species which occurs in upland habitats. Learn about the significant ecological role played by this keystone species. Find out how habitat restoration, including the use of prescribed fire, can greatly benefit plant and animal communities.
This PowerPoint program is recommended for adults and children 7+
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”.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
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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).

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2025-09-23 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-10-28 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.

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-09-24 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-01 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-08 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-15 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-22 10:00 - 15:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Explore reptiles with a friendly expert, get your questions answered, and level up your knowledge in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session.

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!

Salt Tolerant Plants - Master Gardener Speaker Series
2025-09-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
When it rains it pours in Florida’s rainy season! Excess rainwater can cause flooding, and become stormwater runoff carrying pollutants and nutrients into our waterways.
An easy way to conserve water and reduce runoff is to create a rain garden in your yard.
Join Master Gardener Liza Ryan to learn about rain gardens and how to create yours!
Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Dune Savers Work Day
2025-09-26 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-10-03 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-10-10 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-10-17 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-10-24 07:30 - 08:30 | To Be Determined, FL, United States
Contact Deb Rothenberger for location: d2bv4@aol.com
Thank you all and can’t wait to see you Friday morning!

Lake Seminole Park Field Trip
2025-09-27 08:00 - 10:00 | Lake Seminole Park, 10015 Park Boulevard North, Seminole, FL, 33777, United States
led by Matt Yubas
10015 Park Blvd. North Seminole, Florida 33777
https://pinellas.gov/parks/lake-seminole-park/
Park at the entrance of Shelter 5 across from the flagpole.
What to Bring:
Hat
Binoculars
Water
Insect repellent
Sunscreen

HIKE Cockroach Creek Greenway
2025-09-30 08:00 - 11:30 | Cockroach Creek Greenway, 4110 Valroy Road, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Join us for a 4 to 6 miles hike across open prairies, flatwoods and some riverine hammock. We will learn about the ecology, habitats and pause for quotes to help us connect with the natural world.
Usual hiking gear/apparel e.g. water, hat, sun protection, and closed toe shoes. Long pants recommended. If wet conditions continue we may need to cross knee deep creeks so wear wetable shoes
Very limited parking will keep our group small. There are no facilities. Please sign the waiver on the electronic sign up. You can check with the leader about number reserved and other questions.
Level: Moderate
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Online Permaculture Design Course
2025-10-12 11:00 - 14:00 | Online Event
Presenting the internationally recognized Grow Permaculture Full Online Permaculture Design Course with hands-on learning and mentoring.
Now more than ever, people have attention on creating more choices and resilience in their lives. We want healthy food, a clean environment, and security for us, our children and future generations. This course offers practical steps to achieving these things in your own life, regardless of your circumstances.
In this course you will learn:

How to apply permaculture techniques to design your life.
How to grow your own food abundantly and sustainably.
How to increase your own abundance and quality of life while helping to heal the planet.
How to create and deepen beneficial connections with nature and with other people.
How to create a career using permaculture.

We have gotten many requests to offer an online version from people whose schedules don’t match up with our in-person courses or who prefer to study online. This course can be studied at your own pace, with a focus on your own site design. Creating the opportunity for a participatory and hands-on experience is important to us, so we include practical exercises that you perform on your own site.
In addition we have live bi-weekly Q and A sessions and personal mentoring with instructors and you will be able to share your experience with instructors and other students via photos, essays or videos.
We have added some exciting learning modules to the online version and other extras, including units with experts covering various topics.
The course will address strategies for drylands, temperate, tropical and other climates based on the significant knowledge and experience of our instructors working in those climates and will also have bonus sections focused specifically on Florida/subtropical climate because of how unique the ecosystem is in Florida. Many of these techniques are very useful in multiple climates and we explain how and why.
Students will have an opportunity to self-test their knowledge, to join discussion groups with other students, to participate in question and answer sessions on Zoom (online video conference software) with instructors, and to get feedback from a personal mentor.
There are additional in-depth materials offered for each section of the course as well as a resource list where you can find more information on that topic and explore areas of interest more deeply.
Each student will complete a permaculture design of the site of their choice, working through it step-by-step to ensure you have an understanding of each step of the process. Upon successful completion of the course requirements, you will be awarded an internationally recognized certificate for the course.
For more information visit https://courses.growpermaculture.com/
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind
2025-10-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217, United States
Join the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) to discuss how to conserve water within your homes landscapes.
This presentation will teach you about how to maintain a healthy and happy landscape while conserving Florida’s waters.
REGISTER HERE

An Equal Opportunity Institution. 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.

Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop on Zoom
2025-10-14 10:30 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for the Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, designed to help residents understand current water use guidelines.

This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents.
During this workshop, we will cover best practices for outdoor water use, including guidance on using and reprogramming irrigation controllers to conserve water effectively. You will learn how to protect our precious water resources while maintaining a healthy landscape.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

NOTE: An email containing the Zoom link will be sent to you the day before the webinar. If you do not receive the link, please check your SPAM folder. If you still need assistance, please contact Angie Maki at 813-744-5519 x 54127 or at makia@HCFL.gov.
This workshop is FREE
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Crowley at (813) 744-5519 x54137.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

Bats
2025-10-14 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
Humans need our beneficial flying friends, the Bats! Come learn more about bats at this educational seminar.
Worldwide there are more than 1,400 species of bats. That is about 20% of all mammal species.
Bats live everywhere on Earth, except in the most extreme deserts and polar regions. Bats consume insects, pollinate plants and disperse seeds. A single bat can eat up to its body weight in insects each night and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Homeowners
2025-10-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Learn how to create a beautiful and successful home landscape by following the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program principles!
What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle Yard Waste
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

FFL HC Webinar Series: Reduce Stormwater Runoff
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection

This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
Join us for our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar on “Reduce Stormwater Runoff.” Discover effective strategies to manage stormwater and protect Florida’s waterways.
What You’ll Learn:

Techniques to minimize stormwater runoff in your yard
How to implement rain gardens and permeable surfaces
Benefits of reducing runoff for the environment and your landscape

Take action to protect our waterways and enhance your landscape’s sustainability. Our UF/IFAS experts will share practical tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Register now and learn how to effectively manage stormwater runoff in your yard!
The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be 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@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Birding at Fort De Soto
2025-10-18 07:30 - 11:30 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
We will meet at 7:30 am at the East Beach parking area in front of the restrooms. We will drive and walk to various locations in the park where incoming migrants seem to be congregating. Walking is easy and will mostly be fairly short. Bring water, snacks, insect repellent and lunch if you want to picnic in the park. A hat is recommended since we will probably be in unshaded areas at least part of the time. We may walk across shallow tidal water to reach the end of North Beach and so for part of the walk you may wish to have either sandals or rubber boots. Some members wade the shallow water.

Fees include toll roads to Fort de Soto, plus a $5 entrance fee at Fort de Soto.

Contact trip leader Contact trip leader Jim Smith at jim.smith@tampaaudubon.org to join to register and receive updates.

Important! Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited.
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.

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop
2025-10-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803

Using Native Plants in your Landscape
2025-10-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Daniel A Cannon Memorial Library, 33701 County Road 52, Saint Leo, FL, 33525, United States
Come learn more with our speaker, who is a member of the Nature Coast Native Plant Society and is a supporter of using native plants.
Native plants are well adapted to local environmental conditions and offer numerous benefits. They support local wildlife, reduce maintenance, provide erosion control, air quality improvement and improve soil health. Native plants are often drought-tolerant and require less water than non-native species, reducing costs. Native plants support a wider range of species compared to non-native plants, promoting biodiversity and contributing to the overall health of natural communities.
Our speaker is a member of Nature Coast Native Plant Society and an enthusiastic supporter of using native plants in home landscape.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The purpose of this group is to offer a space for those who want to create all the things about city living that we would most love to live with. That would include access to fresh, healthy food, clean water, clean air, educational opportunities, lots of art, music, dance and theatre, parks and nature, community gathering places, community gardens, decent mass transit, and healthy neighborhoods. What is your vision of what Clearwater could be?
We currently have “Green Mixers” every third Tuesday at Moccasin Lake Nature Park at 6 PM. Every month, we meet more great people at these.
A few of us are working on some projects to revitalize the downtown area. We have some great ideas in the works, and are looking for more people to play with. What would you like to see happen downtown?
We are interested in getting community gardens going and there is some great news on that front too. We’ll keep you updated here.
We want to know what is important to you and what you would like to see happen in this city, so please, let us know!

Right Plant, Right Place
2025-10-23 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
How to Select Florida-Friendly Plants
Landscape plants grow better using less water, less fertilizer and less pesticide if they are selected to match landscape conditions.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principle #1 is “Right Plant, Right Place” and this presentation helps you know how to make those landscape matches!
Achieving a healthy, low-maintenance home landscape starts with putting the right plant in the right place. Select Florida-Friendly plants and turfgrass that match a site’s soil, light, water, and climatic conditions. Buy quality plants that welcome wildlife, consider mature plant size when you make your purchase, and aim for a diversity of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. Once these plants are established, they’ll require minimal amounts of supplemental water, fertilizer, or pesticides, saving you time and money. Help stop the spread of invasive plants by removing them from your yard.
What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle Yard Waste
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-Friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida Orinithological Society Meeting
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-26 | Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd N, Fort Myers, FL, 33965, United States
Field Trips
Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot an impressive variety of species, including herons, ospreys, and the iconic roseate spoonbills, while exploring the mangroves and marshes. These field trips offer not just an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature up close but also serve as a valuable educational experience, highlighting the importance of conservation and preserving these fragile ecosystems for generations to come.
Flocking Social Hours & Banquets
Our flocking social hours provide a delightful setting for bird enthusiasts to unwind, share their experiences from the day’s field trips, and indulge in delicious catered food. These gatherings offer a chance for like-minded individuals to relax, exchange stories, and build connections.
Presentations & Keynote Speakers
Get inspired by passionate ornithological students and professionals who will present their unique findings and contribute a fresh perspective to the field. Our meeting isn’t just about disseminating knowledge; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of avian wonders, get motivated by the passion of fellow enthusiasts, and contribute to the future of bird research and conservation efforts. Join us and be part of an enriching experience that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of our feathered friends and their impact on our world!
To register, go to https://fosbirds.org/meetings-and-events/

Watershed Walk
2025-10-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out along our tails with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan!
Water is an important feature at Brooker Creek Preserve and on this hike you will learn the different ways we interact with water, the importance of wetlands and how you can make a difference in issues surrounding our water quality and quantity.
Come and enjoy this family friendly walk through the woods with Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
