Book Time at Brooker
2023-11-30 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-12-07 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-12-14 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-12-21 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-12-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-01-04 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-01-11 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-01-18 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Bring your pre-schooler to Book Time at Brooker.

Bring your Preschooler to this program designed to connect them to the wonders of the natural world. In addition to hearing a great story, your child will participate in a craft related to the story that is read. This activity is recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Registration is not required for Book Time, just show up with your kiddo! This program is led by Brooker Creek Volunteers.
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 building. We will start promptly at 10:30am. Follow signs to the Exhibit Hall.
REGISTER HERE

Tot Time
2023-12-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2023-12-01 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-01-12 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-12 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-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.
Families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Families will be treated to rhymes, stories, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment.
Activities are intended for youth aged 3-5.
Parents or guardians only need to register the youth(s) attending, but must accompany them for the duration of the program. This program will take place inside the Cultural and Natural History Center unless otherwise specified.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Snowfest
2023-12-02 09:00 - 14:00 | North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE., St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, United States
The holiday fun continues with Snowfest on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in North Straub Park. Enjoy toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more.
The $5 wristband includes all activities and can be purchased online or at any City recreation center through Friday, Dec. 1, at noon. Admission is free.
Click here to purchase wristbands online.

Tillandsia Wreath - Make & Take
2023-12-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Create a living wreath using Tillandsia plants!
Tillandsia Wreath “Make and Take” – Learn about these lovely epiphytes that only require air and water to live. This is a “make and take” workshop where you will create a living wreath using Tillandsia plants. Bring wire cutters and pliers if you have them. $40 per person.
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 Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Holiday Nature Crafts & Music & Treats!
2023-12-02 12:00 - 15:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States

Science Rocks!
2023-12-07 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-01-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
This free event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park is hosted by the Clearwater Community Women’s Club, and it covers a range of science topics through hands-on activities, discussion and crafts. Registration is required by emailing ScienceRocksMoccasin@gmail.com.
Sept. 7: 5 Senses
Oct.5: Water
Nov. 2. Bees
Jan. 4: Push/Pull
Feb. 1: Flight
Mar. 7: Frogs and Toads
April 4: The Sun
May 2: 3 States of Matter

GINGERBREAD FAMILY FUN
2023-12-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
We’ll provide all the materials needed for you and your family to design and decorate your own gingerbread masterpieces and add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your time together.
Reserve your spot!

Photography Hike
2023-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 provides opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. After a brief classroom session to discuss nature photography techniques, specific wildlife behaviors, and seasonal variations of the land, a Center volunteer will lead a hike where participants can capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This guided tour may be up to 2 miles in total length and will traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. This tour is recommended for adults. Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center.
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!

Cookies with Santa
2023-12-15 17:30 - 20:00, 2023-12-16 17:30 - 20:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Decorate holiday cookies, meet Santa and his elves, and browse small gifts for sale for friends and family!
Free gift wrapping provided.
$5 per child. Free admission for parents/guardians. All ages welcome!
Must register online. Please contact 727-893-7326 with any questions.

Reserve your spot! Space is limited for this event.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE.

Lakeland Christmas Bird Count
2023-12-16 | FL
What is a Christmas Bird Count?
The longest running Citizen Science survey in the world, Christmas Bird Counts provide critical data on bird population trends. Tens of thousands of participants know that it also a lot of fun. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission, often before dawn, to count every bird they can find in their territory of the count circle – owls, rails, sparrows, herons, shorebirds, warblers, hawks, eagle, blackbirds… every type of bird. Audubon and other organizations use data collected to help guide conservation action.
How can I get involved?
We need feeder-watchers and field observers. Birders of all ability levels are welcome. Field observers can join a team covering a portion of the count circle by car, foot and/or boat. Just email Cole Fredericks cfredricks@tampabay.rr.com and we will be in touch to find the best fit for you. Explore the interactive count circle map here.
Christmas Bird Count | Audubon https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count
Sponsored by the Lake Region Audubon

Nest Box Building Workshop
2023-12-16 10:30 - 12:00 | 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 a Great Crested Flycatcher! Not familiar with this cavity nester? Learn more here!
In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting habits of Great Crested Flycatchers, and other fun facts about this species!
We will be building a nest box for a Great Crested Flycatcher. This nest box should be mounted at your home or that of a friend or family member.
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Learn more about cavity nesters from Lara’s “Naturally Florida” podcast episode, Birds and Their Houses: Cavity Nesters in Florida: HERE

Come "Sea" Santa
2023-12-16 12:00 - 18:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Join us at the Sanctuary on December 16th from 12pm-6pm for pictures with Santa! We will also have our Avian Ambassadors for presentations, local vendors, food and drinks, and Gingerbread Houses for decoration.

Hukyu Bonsai Society Meeting
2023-12-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Learn the art and techniques of bonsai. Meets 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month from 10am to 2pm.
No meetings in May.
Learn more at facebook.com/hukyubonsaisociety

Sunday Bird Hike
2024-01-07 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods.
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. Beginners and all levels of birders welcome. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the parking lot 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom (located in the Classroom Building) before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.

Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.

Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.

Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.

Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.

Pets are not permitted.

No smoking is allowed.

Trained volunteers will guide the hike.

Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot.

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 <<<

Natural Suncatchers
2024-01-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Create a beautiful and delicate suncatcher that captures the essence of nature with an easy to make craft project. This suncatcher will feature intricate designs and colors inspired by the natural world.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida Arbor Day: Youth Papermaking
2024-01-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Florida Arbor Day!
In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES!
Explore the inside and outside of trees with a hands-on activity! Many products we use everyday are derived from trees, and we’re going to learn how to make our own paper! Targeted for elementary and middle school aged youth.
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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. We will start promptly at 11am. Follow signs to the auditorium.
In case you missed it, we have a whole line-up of activities for Florida Arbor Day:
9am – Youth Florida Forest Hike
11am – This Papermaking Class!
All Day – Hands-on Exploration Stations in the Education Center

Astronomy Night
2024-01-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Explore the night sky with volunteers from the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club!
Join the astronomy club members to search for Jupiter and Orion Nebula, Saturn and winter constellations with high powered telescopes.

Cost: FREE with admission
All ages welcome.
