Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-08-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-03 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-10 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-24 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-01 10:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | 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!

Plant This, Not That!
2025-08-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Plant This, Not That!
Alternatives to Common Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to the state (either intentionally or unintentionally) and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These plants often outcompete native species, disrupting natural ecosystems and causing various problems.
Many common landscape plants in central Florida are actually invasive species that are shared between unknowing home gardeners and sold commercially (because they may not be a problem elsewhere), adding to their spread.
Come and learn about these common invasive plant species to avoid, and which species should be used in your home landscape instead!

>> GET TICKETS <<<

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.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Dune Savers Work Day
2025-08-29 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-09-05 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-09-12 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-09-19 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-09-26 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!

Connect to Nature Guided Walk
2025-08-30 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Enjoy a family friendly nature hike!
An escape to rejuvenate and connect with Mother Nature ( a cradle for wilderness). Take an extra step with Anu ( our new volunteer) to learn about habitat restoration and our resident species at BCP.
Share some of your stories as a nature lover.
This is a family friendly hike. We cover a loop of 0.75 mile trail observing the unique habitats of Brooker Creek.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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.

Pollinators
2025-08-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th Street, Dade City, FL, 33523, United States
Who are the pollinators and why are they important to our world?
Pollinators are critical to our ecosystem, and they are in trouble. Who are the pollinators and why are they important to our world? Why we should care about them and how we can help them survive our ever-increasingly warm climate.
A healthy garden with the right plants will support natural beneficial insects and their needs. Learn what’s causing their decline and how planting a pollinator friendly habitat in our yards will benefit them and us!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

World Shorebirds Day
2025-09-06 | FL
Some 50% of the world’s shorebird species are in decline, and vital habitat is being lost at a higher rate than ever.
We urgently need to raise public awareness around the world of these imperilled birds’ plight and the need for shorebird conservation and research.

World Shorebirds Day

WILDFLOWER WALK: ASL EDITION
2025-09-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Immerse yourself in the beauty of native Florida flowers on this inclusive, ranger-led hike. We’ll explore how the flowers, trees, and green spaces at Boyd Hill contribute to the health and vitality of the preserve. Each month, participants have the opportunity to learn about up to 10 flowers currently in bloom.
In recognition of Deaf Awareness Month, this hike will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) to promote accessibility and inclusion. An additional ASL-interpreted hike will be offered at the end of the month.
Ages 12 and up
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pinellas FNPS Monthly Meeting
2025-09-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Everyone is welcome at all Pinellas Chapter monthly meetings – membership not required!
Come and bring a friend. Enjoy light refreshments, the fellowship of other native plant lovers, both newbies and experts, an informative program, door prizes, and more. Please join us!

Military Outing - HIKE Trout Creek
2025-09-13 07:30 - 11:00 | Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, 33592, United States
This is the first on many Sierra Club Military Outings.
Three hours of hiking in the Trout Creek site.
Prepare for heat and relatively flat terrain with some periods of thick roots that may make high stepping necessary in certain parts. Much of the trail is shaded but some parts are not- at least one liter of water and a set of closed toe shoes are necessary. Encountering bikers is likely.
Bring: + Water, at least one liter. 2 strongly recommended. + Wide-brimmed hat+ Sunscreen + Snack Optional: + Bug repellent + Rain coat
Signup Restrictions: Former and Current Military Members. Must have closed shoes and at least one liter of water.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Parks for Pollinators Bio Blitz!
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Largo Central Park Nature Preserve, 150 Highland Ave. N, Largo, FL, 33770, United States
Take part in Citizen Science and help conserve our mini-wildlife at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve!

Join the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz 2025 and Help Save Local Pollinators!
A Bio Blitz is a quick, targeted survey of species in a particular area.
At this event we will learn and practice making observations of pollinators and the flowers they are visiting. Observations made at this event with the iNaturalist phone app will be added to a national database that tracks the health of pollinators across the country. Meet local naturalists, learn how to use the iNaturalist app, and explore the trails to make your first observations with experts on hand!
Educators from the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and the City of Largo Parks Department will be on hand to get you started at this BioBlitz. Then, participants are invited to continue making observations for the month of September in any park in Pinellas County!
This event will be held at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve
Every Observation = Real Scientific Data
By participating, you’re not only helping to raise awareness — you’re contributing to real data that helps Pinellas County and conservation organizations across the Country make better decisions for wildlife and land management.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Learn More: www.nrpa.org/BioBlitz

Permaculture Design Course Florida
2025-09-13 09:00 - 17:00 | Lakewood United Church of Christ, 2601 54th Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL, 33712-4700, United States
🌎 Endorsed by the Permaculture Institute of North America (https://pina.in)
Don’t wait—take the first step toward a regenerative future today! 🌿✨
## Subjects covered in the course
• Permaculture design ethics, principles and tools
• Creating abundance with natural patterns
• Grow more food with less work by working with nature
• Edible landscaping, food in small spaces
• Building food forests
• Nutrient dense “beyond organic” gardening and farming
• Agroforestry and ecoagriculture, regenerative farming
• Aquaculture
• Building rich, live soils
• Composting and vermicomposting
• Alternative pest management
• Designing sustainable water use
• Greywater and rainwater catchment
• Natural building and regenerative building technology
• Reducing energy costs in your home
• Best forms of sustainable energy
• Appropriate technology
• Boosting your career with permaculture
• Sustainable economics
• Increasing quality of life through “placemaking” design
• Designing for climate change
• Community revitalization and rebuilding
• Successful intentional communities, ecovillages and cohousing, urban and rural
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Florida Wildlife Corridor - Master Gardener Speaker
2025-09-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
After decades of work from conservationists, scientists, politicians, and many others, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act was signed into law following unanimous bipartisan support by the Florida legislature on June 29, 2021.
The Florida Wildlife Corridor comprises nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness and working lands crucial to the survival of many of Florida’s 131 imperiled animals. In addition to protecting wildlife, conserving these wild spaces is critical to our overall well-being.
Join Master Gardener Liza Ryan to learn about the corridor and how you can participate in it’s protection and success!
Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat!
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-09-16 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!

FFL HC Webinar Series: Recycle Yard Waste
2025-09-18 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 an eye-opening webinar on transforming your yard waste into garden gold! Learn how to create a healthier, more sustainable landscape right in your own backyard.
What You’ll Learn:

Composting techniques for yard waste
How to use recycled materials to enrich your soil
Benefits of recycling yard waste for your garden and the environment

Transform your yard waste into garden gold! Our UF/IFAS experts will share practical tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Register now and start recycling your yard waste the Florida-Friendly way!
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!
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.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
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.

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop
2025-09-20 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

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop!
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 | 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.

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 <<<

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 <<<
