Plein Air 2020
2020-03-28 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
We are following CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines regarding all matters pertaining to Coronavirus (COVID19). Currently Brooker Creek Preserve and the Environmental Education Center will remain open per usual. However, in the interest of public health we are cancelling all programs, hikes, and events until further notice. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to rescheduling as much as possible in the future. We will continue to provide educational content on our Facebook page. We appreciate your understanding and support.

Registration: http://www.friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org/

Clubs & Societies of Moccasin Lake
2020-09-16 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States

Beekeeping Basics
2020-10-22 18:00 - 19:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Beekeeping Basics
In-Person Presentation
Do you want to start beekeeping to keep the honey bee population healthier? This workshop will discuss the basic tools and provide information needed to start up beekeeping. There will be a Q&A session at the end to clarify individual situations and/or questions. A nominal registration fee of $20 helps cover expenses of the in-person training.
Registration is required. Register here.

Sensing Nature's Summer Camp
2021-06-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
REGISTER HERE

Talking Telescopes
2021-07-17 10:00 - 15:30 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Talking Telescopes is an opportunity for you to learn about setting up and using telescopes and talk with our telescope expert, Ed McDonough, about the ‘scope you already have or one you’d like to own. Ed is a Museum volunteer who has been an astronomy hobbyist since he was 10 and has spent more than 25 years as a sales representative for the telescope maker Celestron. The program includes solar viewing (weather permitting).

Dates: July 17, August 21
Times: Solar viewing in the Riverside Plaza 10-11:30am (weather permitting) | Telescope demonstrations in the Planetarium lobby noon-4pm
Cost: Included in the price of admission

For an additional fee, we are also offering one-on-one or group sessions to help you learn to use the telescope you already have. If you’re interested in a session, please let us know here.
REGISTER HERE

Practical Guide to Nature Photography
2021-07-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for a practical guide to nature photography!

While the Internet offers plenty of photography videos and advice, asking questions isn’t easy. Join photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for a practical guide to nature photography, gleaned from over 15 years of experience in the field. Plus, they are right there to answer your questions! Although we won’t be taking any photographs during this session, if you have any camera questions bring your camera along and we will do our best to answer them.
Registration is required. Space is limited for this workshop and will be capped at 25 participants.
REGISTER HERE

Rain Barrels
2021-07-18 19:00 - 22:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about bugs with insect crafts and activities.

Suitable for kids of all ages. Families have an opportunity to see all the fun elements of the Children’s area and other demonstration gardens. Pick up a free plan in the greenhouse too!
REGISTER HERE

Talking Telescopes
2021-08-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Talking Telescopes is an opportunity for you to learn about setting up and using telescopes and talk with our telescope expert, Ed McDonough, about the ‘scope you already have or one you’d like to own. Ed is a Museum volunteer who has been an astronomy hobbyist since he was 10 and has spent more than 25 years as a sales representative for the telescope maker Celestron. The program includes solar viewing (weather permitting).

Date: August 21
Times: Solar viewing in the Riverside Plaza 10:15-11:15am (weather permitting) | Telescope demonstrations in the Planetarium lobby noon-4pm
Cost: Included in the price of admission

Speaking of telescopes, if you’d like to learn how to use a telescope you already have or one you’re thinking of purchasing, we can help. Email us here if you’re interested in scheduling a session. (Please be sure to include “telescope session” in the subject line.)

Seeing Stars
2021-10-09 19:30 - 21:30 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve
Join us for Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view at the Preserve, thanks to our partners at Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources.
We provide the telescopes and the expertise; you enjoy the wonders of our universe featuring Saturn, Jupiter and the moon (weather permitting, of course)!
The program is free, but advance registration is required. We are limiting audience size to allow for social distancing. Masks are requested.

When: 7:30-9:30pm Saturday, October 9
Where: Robinson Preserve, in the Expansion, 10299 9th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. Parking available.
Cost: Free, but registration is required

Register now

Happy Houseplants!
2021-10-23 11:00 - 13:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a fun, in-person, hands-on Houseplant class where you will learn all about the art and science of successful houseplant care. After the workshop you can walk away with your very own beautiful, easy-to grow plant in a sub-irrigated container. $35 per person/ plant. Strict limit of 20 participants due to limited supplies and the need to practice social distancing. Masks are encouraged for your own safety.
REGISTER HERE

Tot Time
2022-02-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-oriented stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Every first and third Friday of each month, families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Led by volunteer docents, families will be treated to rhymes, songs, stories, and other activities that connect them to our environment.
This program will take place outdoors so please prepare accordingly. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
REGISTER HERE

Jurassic Park at Moccasin Lake!
2022-02-05 15:00 - 20:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The Friends of Moccasin Lake, the Clearwater Library and the City of Clearwater are delighted to host a free community event, Jurassic Park at Moccasin Lake! Day of Raptors! This one-day event will host a variety of fun Jurassic Park themed education & craft stations, snacks, and a movie on the lawn at 6 p.m.
Please bring your own lawn chairs.
To learn more, call 727-562- 4315, ext. 1 for details.

How to Use Your Telescope
2022-02-05 18:00 - 19:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
How to Use Your Telescope — Limited Capacity
In conjunction with our Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve, we’re also hosting a free program for individuals or small groups. How to Use Your Telescope will take place from 6-7pm before the night-sky viewing begins.
You bring your telescope with you and our experts will show you how to get the most out of it — just be sure to bring it with you! The program is free group size is limited and registration is required.
Register now

Intro to Beekeeping
2022-03-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards ~ Part 2

This is part two of a three part series!

This program will cover what it takes to get started in this amazing hobby with a focus on the equipment and tools necessary for beekeeping. We will review the components of the “modern” bee hive, the tools used by beekeepers, and demystify the seemingly countless number of paraphernalia available for the hobbyist beekeeping.
In addition we will discuss the proper locations for beehives and explain Florida’s rules and guidelines.
Agenda:

History and Components of the Modern Bee Hive
Review of Equipment needed to Get Started
Acquiring Honey Bees
Typical hive throughout the year’s changing seasons
Considerations about equipment, hive set-up, and location
Where to get your first bees & how to put them in the hive

Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
Additional Notes: This program will be held in our auditorium. 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 auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.
REGISTER HERE
Register for Part 3 on Saturday April 9th here!

Library Learning: Metamorphosis
2022-03-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL, 34203, United States
A tadpole becomes a frog, and a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Join us and explore the magic of metamorphosis! Through games, movements, songs, and a craft, your little one will be captivated by animals who experience extreme lifecycle changes.
Program suitable for preschool-age children
For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6034.
Braden River Library

Tot Time
2022-03-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-oriented stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Every first and third Friday of each month, families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Led by volunteer docents, families will be treated to rhymes, stories, and crafts that connect them to our environment.
This program will take place outdoors so please prepare accordingly. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
REGISTER HERE

HUKYU BONSAI SOCIETY MEETING
2022-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Learn the art and techniques of Bonsai.

www.facebook.com/hukyubonsaisociety.
Call Kay Waldron at 727-376-0178 for details.

Orchid Repotting
2022-04-16 10:00 - 23:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn the proper way to care for and propagate several varieties of orchids!

Do you have an orchid bursting from its pot and wonder what to do now? Learn the proper way to care for and propagate several varieties of orchids. Bring your overgrown orchid and pruners for a hands-on exercise of dividing the orchid. We will provide you with an orchid pot, potting media, and other materials. Registration and advance payment of $15 for materials is due by April 8 and guarantees your spot in class.
Please contact Katie Granberg at katiebg@ufl.edu with special accommodation requests at least 10 days prior to event.
BUY TICKETS

Nest Box Building Workshop
2022-05-21 10:30 - 12:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for an in-person workshop to “make and take” a nest box for your yard!

Want to help our local cavity nesters?
Learn how to build your very own nest box for an Eastern Bluebird!
In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting habits of Eastern Bluebirds, and other fun facts about this species!
We will be building a nest box for an Eastern Bluebird, which is a year-round resident in Pinellas County.
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
The workshop costs $25
>>> REGISTER HERE

Science Sprouts
2022-06-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Budding scientists ages 2-5 can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. The program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using imaginative play, crafts, stories, songs and more! Please note: This program does not include Museum admission.

On Saturday, June 4, explore “In the Deep Ocean”
On Saturday, June 11, explore “Swirly Whirly Snails”
On Saturday, June 18, explore “Manatee Mischief”
On Saturday, June 25, explore “Busy Buzzin’ Bees”
When/Where: 9-10am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe
Cost: $12 per child for members of the Discovery Society; $15 per child for all others. (Includes one adult per child.)
Advance reservations required. Attendance limited to 12 children.

Register now
The Bishop follows the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels guidelines. Please visit www.CDC.gov to see the current Manatee County Community Level before visiting. Masks must be worn indoors when Community Levels are high.

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

Amazing Air Plants: Tillandsia Workshop
2022-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about these amazing epiphytes that only require air and water to live. This is a “make and take” workshop where you will create a palm boot planter using Tillandsia airplants. Bring wire cutters and pliers. $35 advance payment for materials due by Thursday, June 9. (limited to 20 participants)

Register here
