EARTH DAY AT MOCCASIN LAKE
2024-04-27 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with Moccasin Lake Nature Park!
There will be music, presentations, children’s crafts, reptiles and birds of prey, and food trucks!
Free event.

RAPTORS AND REPTILES
2024-04-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Learn about the incredible world of reptiles and raptors that call Boyd Hill Nature Preserve home. Meet our resident reptiles and raptors up close, learn about their natural habitat, behaviors, and conservation efforts.

EPC Clean Air Fair 2024
2024-05-02 11:30 - 13:30 | 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

Turtle Science
2024-05-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This engaging hands-on class will introduce the study of tortoises and freshwater turtles. Join turtle biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich for this rare educational opportunity.
Students will learn about the ecology and conservation of tortoises and freshwater turtles through a blend of classroom and field sessions. Classroom sessions include PowerPoint presentations and hands-on activities; field sessions will include lessons on identification techniques and data collection.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Schedule:
November 11, 2023

Why Turtles Are Cool (classroom session).
Search for turtles along the preserve’s trails (field session).

December 9, 2023

Gopher Tortoises + Prescribed Fire = Increased Biodiversity (classroom session).
Search for tortoises and their burrows in the preserve’s uplands, and learn how to conduct a burrow survey and estimate population size (field session).

January 13, 2024

Turtle Anatomy: The Clues Are in the Bones (classroom session).
Examine skeletal material in the field (field session).

February 10, 2024

In One End and Out the Other: Determining Turtle Diets by Studying Scat (classroom session).
Collect and dissect gopher tortoise scat (field session)

March 9, 2024

Turtle Nesting Ecology (classroom session).
Search for turtles in the preserve’s diverse habitats (field session).

April 13, 2024

Global Turtle Conservation Issues (classroom session).
Search for gopher tortoises in the preserve’s uplands (field session).

May 11, 2024

Field trip to Rainbow Run in Dunnellon, Florida (canoe and snorkel).

World Migratory Bird Day
2024-05-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Visit the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!
We will have Avian Ambassador presentations and other educational activities.

Native Garden Tour
2024-05-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Are you interested in learning more about Florida native plants, and how you can incorporate more native plants into your existing landscape? Join us for an informative 1 hour walking tour of our mostly native plant landscape at UF IFAS Extension Manatee County where you can see a wide variety of native plants and learn about caring for them from the folks who maintain them. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as we go. We’ll be walking about the grounds, so please bring sun protection.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Sensory Sundays with the Discovery Center!
2024-05-19 08:30 - 10:30 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome!
For all ages! • 2 Hours
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida First Detector Workshop
2024-05-30 09:30 - 16:00 | FL
Learn how to detect exotic, invasive pests!
Florida First Detector is a multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of exotic, invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas.
Snacks and beverages will be available during the class. Please bring your own lunch.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Agenda:
9:30 AM Welcome and Introduction
9:35 AM Pre-workshop Survey
9:45 AM Introduction to Invasive Pests and Pathways
10:05 AM What is a Bug?
10:20 AM Activity: Build-A-Bug
10:35 AM Beetle Trapping/Woodboring Beetles
10:55 AM Asian Long Horned Beetle
11:15 AM Emerald Ash Borer
11:35 AM Palm Weevil
11:55 AM Bromeliad Weevil & Management
12:15 PM Lunch Break (Please bring your own lunch)
12:35 PM Giant African Land Snail
1:30 PM Channeled Apple Snail
1:50 PM Biological Controls
2:10 PM Activity: Plant Diseases
2:30 PM Lethal Bronzing
2:50 PM Sample Submission and DDIS
3:10 PM Activity: Pest Walk
3:30 PM Activity: Microscope Display
3:50 PM Post-workshop Survey
4:00 PM Conclusion
>>> 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.

Seaside Family Fun Night
2024-05-31 16:00 - 20:30 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States

Beautiful Bugs
2024-06-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Meet us in the lobby and learn all about the common insects found at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve! This interactive program will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the hidden beauty of these small creatures!
Free bug tattoos will be given out!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

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.
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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).

Birds of Prey
2024-06-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Meet the animal ambassadors of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve!
Several LIVE birds of prey will be used to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships, adaptations that ensure success as predators, and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. The basic natural history of each species is also discussed along with the impact of humans on their habitats and populations. Great for all ages!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida
2024-07-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Clearwater Historical Society, 610 S Fort Harrison, Clearwater, FL, 33756, United States
Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida
Photography Exhibit by Clyde Butcher
The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP) highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks and rivers, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These habitats are vital to Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, fishes, oysters, and an abundance of wading, nesting and migratory birds. Although not widely known, TBAP even has a variety of corals in its hard-bottom areas. The preserves include four separate preserves: Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve, and Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.*
*Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves | Florida Department of Environmental Protection
“Florida’s natural beauty is often most evident in its aquatic preserves. They are Florida’s natural watery Eden’s—home to freshwater springs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests that provide food and habitat. Florida’s aquatic preserves truly are living waters. Within these pages, Clyde Butcher celebrates Florida’s aquatic preserves, capturing magical moments through his breathtaking photographs. His interest and respect for Florida’s natural environment is genuine. Mr. Butcher’s photographs will inspire you and touch your curiosity and concern for the wonders of Florida’s aquatic preserves—our living waters. Water runs through, around, and under Florida, creating its varied landscapes and biological diversity. Mr. Butcher’s photographs remind us that this natural heritage is entrusted to us to maintain for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.”**
**https://www.clearwaterhistoricalsociety.org/current-exhibits/
Tampa Audubon will meet at the museum at 10:00 a.m. There is parking behind the museum. There is a donation requested of $5 for each person. After the exhibit, those interested can go to lunch at a local area restaurant.
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.
Advance registration is required. Please contact the Trip Leader for further coordination. Be sure to plan accordingly:
RSVP field trip leader Mic McCarty mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org

Why Snakes are Cool!
2024-07-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about Florida’s native snakes and get the chance to see some live animals up-close!

Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Florida is home to 46 native species of snakes, with most occuring in the central peninsula. And of those 46 species, only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present little danger when left alone. Herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich will teach participants about why snakes are cool, emphasizing Florida snake diversity, natural history, conservation, and snake safety.
At the end of the program a selection of live snakes will be available for viewing and handling if participants choose to do so — and we hope that you will!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services, 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.

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2024-07-20 07:00 - 17:00, 2024-08-17 07:00 - 17:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Three for one fun at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village!
Celebrate at Pinewood (Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas, Heritage Village) every Third Saturday of the month.
At the Florida Botanical Gardens (Open 7 AM-5 PM):
Visit the new Majeed Discovery Garden, a 2+ acre addition, connecting children to nature. Our Children’s Garden Educator is hosting a variety of preschool and family programs in the Majeed Discovery Garden on topics like sustainability, sensory exploration, and more. Visit the Event Calendar on our website at www.flbgfoundation.org/events to view all of the programs offered in our Majeed Discovery Garden. For more information, visit www.flbgfoundation.org/childrensgarden.
At Creative Pinellas (Open 10 AM-5 PM):
Visit the Gallery at Creative Pinellas for two must-see exhibitions! Catch the 2024 Emerging Artist Exhibition before it ends on July 21st. Also on display is Threads of Nature: Art Inspired by the Florida Botanical Gardens, featuring works by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild that capture nature’s beauty. Feeling inspired? Stop by our drawing room to unleash your inner artist. Free admission and fun for the whole family! For more information: www.creativepinellas.org.
At Heritage Village (Open 10 AM – 4 PM):
Explore the past at Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum! Step back in time and take a docent tour of select historic buildings, visit Pinellas County’s oldest structure, and peruse locally-made artisan gifts and souvenirs at the gift shop. Interested in learning more? The Heritage Village app features self-guided walking tours and archival photographs and information about your favorite Heritage Village buildings, historic figures, and artifacts! Download the app for free in your preferred mobile app store by searching “Heritage Village”. Heritage Village is free to visit, pet-friendly, and perfect for all ages! For more information: www.heritagevillagefl.org/

Summer Celebration in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-07-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Free admission, free parking!
Join us for a Summer Celebration in the Majeed Discovery Garden on Saturday, July 20th from 10 AM-1 PM. This event will consist of a tea party while learning about the environment. There will be special activities led by our educator and community partners: Florida Farm Bureau, FNGLA, and the Pinellas County UF/IFAS Extension.
This event is a part of Third Saturdays at Pinewood, in partnership with Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village. For more information on their events, click here.

Sensory Sundays
2024-07-21 08:30 - 22:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Sensory Sundays with the Discovery Center!
For all ages! • 2 Hours
Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome!
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Kids Program -Ages 6-8
2024-07-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-08-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 6-8.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Imagination Time in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-07-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-08-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Channel your imagination using puppets, dress-up clothes, and games. Imagination Time is recommended for kids aged 3-5.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

SOLSTICE: A Guide to Summer Skies
2024-07-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature as we explore the night sky. What fascinating constellations, distant galaxies, and wonders does the summer night sky hold?
Doors open at 6:30pm. Presentation begins at 7pm inside The Planetarium.
Preregistration required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Kids Program -Ages 9-11
2024-07-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 9-11.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Avian Ambassador Meet and Greet
2024-09-04 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-09-06 13:30 - 14:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Come and meet one of our Avian Ambassadors up close and personal! Learn about their species, individual injury, natural history, and impact on our local ecosystems!

University of South Florida Herbarium
2024-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | University of South Florida, 140 7th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, United States
Meeting Location: Meet at 9:45 on the first floor at the USF Library, 4101 Apple Drive, Tampa, FL 33620
Additional parking information will be sent prior to the field trip.
Carpooling is encouraged. Contact Barbara Kawczynski at bkaw12@gmail.com if you need a ride or are will to drive.
Tour Guide: Associate Curator the Florida Environment and Natural History collections – Christopher A. Kiahtipes, Ph.D.
We will start the tour at new herbarium space at USF Library and conclude with a tour of Herbarium library and collections associated with USF Herbarium. During the tour Chris will talk about the following topics:
– Organization of the more than 300,000 specimens in the library space
– Range of specimens currently held by the USF Herbarium.
– Core functions of herbarium, associated teaching/research collections, and plans for how to preserve these in perpetuity.
– Brief history of the USF Herbarium.
– Important specimens and species from our collection.
– How the USF Herbarium can help us better understand a changing world.
If you have questions or need to contact me, please call or text 813-416-5672 or email raclayton01@yahoo.com
