Florida Birding & Nature Festival
2023-10-15 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
Come celebrate the wonders of nature at this festival devoted to wildlife, birds especially! Find seminars, a silent auction, and a nature expo.
https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/

Turtle Science
2023-11-11 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-12-09 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-01-13 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-10 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-09 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-13 09:00 - 15:00, 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).

Wonders of Wildlife Festival
2023-11-11 10:00 - 16:30 | Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay invites you to their third-annual Wonders of Wildlife Festival in Plant City! Get your face painted, take a picture with a mermaid, and meet a whole host of local conservation organizations.

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

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.

RAPTOR FEST
2024-02-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for the Tenth Annual Raptor Fest at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve! Watch trained raptors in free flight, learn about Florida’s native raptor species, take a photo with live birds of prey, learn from local environmental exhibitors, enjoy activities for children and families, take a bird walk and much more!
Flight shows will begin at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Free parking and shuttle services will be provided at Lakewood High School and Lake Vista Recreation Center.

Friends Members' Photography Exhibit: Closing Reception
2024-02-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for their members’ photography exhibit and closing reception!
The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve are pleased to present their member’s photography exhibit and closing reception!
Sunday, February 18th, 1pm to 3:00pm in the auditroium gallery, all are welcome.

The event is free and open to the public

Meet the artists

Light refreshments

Final day to purchase art

https://www.friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org/

Seaside Visits Clearwater Marine Aquarium
2024-02-24 11:00 - 16:00 | Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL, 33767, United States
Meet some of our wonderful Avian Ambassadors and learn their stories while enjoying a visit at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!

Botanical Bash
2024-03-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us on March 10th at Tampa Bay Watch for the inaugural Botanical Bash. This unique event is designed to immerse you in the beauty and versatility of native gardens, offering a series of engaging activities and educational experiences.

What To Expect:

Native Plant Swap and Sale: Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your botanical journey, our native plant swap is the perfect opportunity to exchange propagated plants, clippings, and seeds. Enhance your garden with unique finds from local nursery vendors, and dive deep into the world of Florida natives.
Educational Resources and Exhibits: Discover the latest in sustainable gardening practices and learn how to incorporate native plants into your own garden landscape. Our exhibits are packed with information to help you grow your green thumb.
Plant Scavenger Hunt: Embark on an adventure across the Tampa Bay Watch property with our plant scavenger hunt. Identify native species, capture their beauty with your camera, and win unique prizes.
DIY Native Wildflower Seed Bombs: Get your hands dirty at our activity table by crafting your own Florida native wildflower seed bombs. A fun, eco-friendly way to spread beauty in your garden with minimal effort.
Refreshments and Mingling: Enjoy delicious refreshments while connecting with local garden experts and fellow plant enthusiasts. It’s the perfect setting to share tips, stories, and celebrate our community’s love for gardening.

*Tampa Bay Watch members enjoy FREE admission. Cost is $10 for non-members

Registration

Annual Kite Day at ROC Park
2024-03-11 10:00 - 16:00 | R.O.C. Park, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach, FL, 33708, United States
Meet some of Seaside Seabird Sanctuary’s wonderful Avian Ambassadors at Annual Kite Day!

Ethnobotany and Archaeology Open House
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants!

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants as a part of the Weedon Island Preserve’s celebration of Florida Archaeology Month! All ages welcome.

Learn how indigenous Floridians used native plants as an everyday resource in the “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit and demonstration. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will be on-hand to answer questions and demonstrate how the plants were used. See a hands-on demonstration on fiber-thread making from the native yucca plant. In addition, find out which native plants were popular in the 19th century though the present time. The exhibit also features native plants, books and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
Meet Weedon Island’s archaeologists and see their displays of artifacts, tools and other items.
Bring your own fossils and artifacts to be identified and their uses determined by on-site archaeology experts.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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Stay until 2:00 p.m. for the free lecture The Origins of Tampa Bay. Learn about Tampa Bay’s origins from the recent studies of an archaeological panel in the fields of paleoenvironment, Indigenous ecology, and history. Register here!

Sea Turtle Awareness Day Lake Cleanup
2024-04-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Lake Belleview, 1426 S M.L.K. Jr Ave., Clearwater, FL, 33756, United States
Come join the city of Clearwater and Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Nesting Team for a lake cleanup! Get the chance to learn about sea turtle conservation and how you can help our local sea turtle population.
This event will include raffle prizes, the opportunity to personalize a sea turtle nesting stake, a photo opp and much more!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Meatball's Birthday Party
2024-04-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Meatball is a Roseate Spoonbill and one of our newest residents at the Sanctuary after arriving as a patient in April of 2023. Meatball had an already healing fracture of the left wing, rendering him unable to fly. He is currently an Avian Ambassador in training!
Join us as we celebrate our beloved resident, Meatball the Roseate Spoonbill’s, birthday! Meet Meatball and some of his Avian Ambassador friends while they celebrate.

Let's Go Birding!
2024-04-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Spend some time on the trails and learn about birds and bird watching! This special event is hosted in partnership with the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Guests will encounter various stations along the trail and get to participate in fun, interactive, and educational activities.

Free with the price of admission to the park.
Sign up now to volunteer with us.

Earth Day Birthday!
2024-04-20 09:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
A Springtime Conservation Celebration!
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Present: Earth Day Birthday: A Springtime Conservation Celebration!
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve are pleased to announce a special celebration of the Environmental Education Center’s 20th birthday and the Friends’ 30th year providing support for the Preserve.
Join staff, volunteers, and your fellow community members to explore the Education Center, hands-on activities, and the wonders of Our Wildest Place!
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Ongoing Activities:

Touch-a-Truck: Meet staff from the Florida Forest Service and some of the equipment they use when fighting (or starting!) fires in natural areas.
*Build a Pollinator House: Some of our smallest wildlife needs your help! Learn about native bees, how important they are and how you can help provide habitat. *while supplies last
Green Careers in Pinellas: Meet staff from several Pinellas County Government departments and non-profit organizations who will share their work and experiences with you.
Free Trees: Pinellas County’s Urban Forestry will have a variety of trees available to take home for planting and preservation of our urban forest.
Injured Wildlife: Meet ambassador animals from Owl’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary and learn the dos and don’ts of wildlife rescue from local experts.
Crafts and Quests: Visit the Exhibit Hall for crafts and pick up a plant quest to enhance your hiking experience.

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Scheduled Activities: *Registration required, space is limited. Click on an activity to register.

Bio-Blitz at 9am: Learn how to be a citizen scientist, gathering data on the flora and fauna of the Preserve!
Guided Hikes at 9am, 10am, and 11:30am: Explore “Our Wildest Place” on a nature hike. There are four separate hike options to choose from!
Native Bee Hunt at 10am: Join UF field researcher Clint Gibson on a search for rare and elusive native bees!
Bird Nest Box Workshop at 10:30am: Learn how to build your very own nest box for a Great Crested Flycatcher!
Dish Gardens at 1pm: Put together a pollinator buffet using small native plants to create a pollinator garden perfect for a small space! Sponsored by the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Architecture Tour at 1pm: Learn about our buildings with the architect of the project!

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Happy Birthday to us at 2pm! Stay for cupcakes and celebrate with the County officials who work to keep the Preserve Wild!
Parking is first-come-first-served all day in the main parking lot. No pets are allowed on Pinellas County Preserves. Pedestrians only on boardwalks and trails.

2024 Florida's Birding & Photo Fest
2024-04-24 - 2024-04-28 | Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia, 5205 A1A S, St. Augustine Beach, FL, United States
Nearly 100 exciting photography & birding events including field workshops and classroom seminars.

The 2024 Birding & Photo Fest will feature the return of festival favorites, world-class photographers along with new professionals and instructors who will offer technical training opportunities and more birding in-field programs than ever before.
As always, festival participants will benefit from insights and instruction from a collection of upper echelon international nature and wildlife photographers — a group that continues to solidify Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest as one of the premier events in North America. And of course the community of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and all of Florida’s Historic Coast is welcoming bird lovers and photography aficionados with the friendly hospitality you’ve come to expect.
The 2024 event will be held April 24-28, 2024 at Celebration Hall, St. Anastasia Located at 5205 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach, FL
For more information go to https://www.floridasbirdingandphotofest.com
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

EARTH DAY AT MOCCASIN LAKE
2024-04-27 10:00 - 15:00 | 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

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
