Organic Vegetable Gardening
2023-10-11 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to discuss organic vegetable gardening do’s and don’ts for southwest Florida.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Gardening with Mushrooms
2023-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to use mushrooms in the garden!
Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens. Not always nefarious, fungi in the garden can be used to help build soil, process compost and support plant health.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Fire Building and S'mores
2023-11-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
For light, heat, and food, fire has always been an essential aspect of survival. Today, our need for fire is no less important. Join us in learning how to safely start a fire, cook with fire, and identify natural materials that are reliable for ignition.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Uncommon Edibles
2023-11-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join experts from UF/IFAS Extension and the Manatee Rare Fruit Council to discover some of the lesser known edible plants that can be a successful addition to your garden or landscape. Attendees will tour the fruit tree orchard and participate in a planting activity.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Dutch Oven Cooking
2023-11-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
During virtually any camping situation, you will need a cooking tool to bake, boil, or fry your meals. Join us in developing the skills necessary to cook hearty meals using a Dutch oven for your next outdoor adventure.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Edible Wilds Native Plant Hike
2023-11-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Learn all about edible plants! In this guided walk, you will be introduced to native plant identification, the medicinal uses of the plants (as applicable), and safety practices while foraging.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop on ZOOM
2024-03-08 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Get some help for a successful vegetable garden.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to grow vegetables with the convenience of a microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a vegetable microirrigation kit after attending this workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Participants can schedule a time/date to pick up the kit.
This workshop will be offered remotely through Zoom. You do not need additional software or more than basic computer skills to attend.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Outdoor Survival; Amazonian Indigenous Tribes
2024-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | ZOOM, United States
Peter Magnin will be joining us for our March program to present on Outdoor Survival and Amazonian Indigenous Tribes. Peter is a survival instructor, primitive skills practitioner and expedition guide.
Peter Magnin has been studying survival and primitive skills since 2013. His first experience with survival training was with the Air Force’s SERE instructors before he retired from the military and started attending schools as a civilian. Early training started with Terry Barney’s beginner to advance survival classes. This inspired Peter to train under Mors Kochanski at Karamat Wilderness Ways, Winter Survival. His experiences range from living outdoors in various shelters for nine weeks under Master Maine Guide Tim Smith at the Jack Mountain Bushcraft School to spending 30 days in the desert with primitive and traditional technologies at the Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS). Peter has taught at the first Global Bushcraft Symposium in Canada in 2019, and again in 2022 in Wales, UK. He has been a special instructor at multiple survival and primitive schools across the country and continually teachers at gatherings. As a wilderness EMT, he is an expedition guide and medic for Joe Flowers with Bushcraft Global since 2019, going to the jungles of Brazil and Peru and learning from indigenous tribes. He spoke as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) at the 7th Special Forces Group, Jungle Warfare Symposium on jungle survival in 2022. For the future he is continuing his education in primitive skills and testing his knowledge in the field.
Learn more about Peter on his website.
Event location: Zoom (virtual)
Register here for the event.

Earth Night 2024
2024-04-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s annual party, Earth Night, will be held Thursday, April 18th, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Tampa Bay Watch Headquarters in Tierra Verde, FL.
Guests at this year’s event – Eat, Art, Earth! – are invited to sample unique, planet-friendly ingredients prepared by talented faces from our area’s culinary scene.
Our bar will feature delicious house beverages, and food-inspired creations by some of Tampa Bay’s most talented artists will be up for auction.
The evening is a celebration of sustainability, and an occasion to learn how you can eat well for your health and the planet.
Dress Code: Festive Coastal

Purchase Tickets

Proceeds from this event help students from underserved local communities participate in meaningful marine science education programs hosted by the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center.

Campfire Cooking
2024-04-20 10:00 - 11:30 | BHPS Osprey’s Roost, 2900 31ST ST S Gate 2, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Join a ranger in prepping and preparing delicious meals in the great outdoors. Learn techniques and recipes that can be easily replicated on your next outdoor adventure.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Sidewalk Astronomy
2024-05-10 19:30 - 22:00 | FL
Join us under the stars for a night of good eating and great observing!
We have partnered with the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers (LGDSO) to bring Sidewalk Astronomy to The Bishop. At this free event, you’ll get to see astronomical objects through powerful telescopes! You’ll even have a chance to win four FREE tickets to the Bradenton Marauders May 11th Space Night at LECOM Field!
We’ve also partnered with the FEWD Taco Tent and the Edible Cookie Dough Café for you to enjoy a bite to eat while observing the universe. Drinks, including beer, wine, soda, and water, will be available for purchase.
In addition to telescopes and tacos, you’ll have a chance to see the Planetarium show To Space and Back at 8, 8:45, and 9:30pm for just $3.00 per person.
Click the link below to register for this event and stay up to date on all Sidewalk Astronomy events at The Bishop.
This event is weather-dependent. Updates regarding cancellation will be sent to the email addresses attached to the registration.
Click Here to Register for Sidewalk Astronomy

When: Friday, May 10, from 7:30 to 10pm
Where: The Bishop’s Riverside Plaza, located on the corner of 10th Street W and 1st Avenue W.
Cost: Observing is free. The Planetarium show is $3 per person. Food and drink, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase.
Please note: This event is weather-dependent. Updates regarding cancellation will be sent to the email addresses attached to the registration. The main museum and manatee habitat will be closed during this event. The only animals allowed onsite are service animals.

Water Bath Canning 101: Jams and Jellies
2024-06-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to make homemade jams and jellies.
This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind making jams and jellies, and a food tasting.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Water Bath Canning 101: Pickling
2024-07-22 13:00 - 15:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind pickling, and a food tasting.

Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to pickle vegetables.
This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind pickling, and a food tasting.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $10.00 registration fee per individual for this workshop.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

The Science of Cheesemaking
2024-08-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
In this hands-on cooking class, you will discover the basics of cheesemaking. Participants will prepare and sample homemade Fromage Facile.
Join us for a fun and interactive cheesemaking event from UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County! Discover the secrets of creating your own safe and delicious cheese from scratch. This in-person event is perfect for everyone interested in the art of cheesemaking. Learn quick and easy techniques and get hands-on experience in crafting your very own cheese.
Joshua Payne, Family & Consumer Sciences agent, will guide you through the process, providing tips and tricks along the way.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Tomatomania
2024-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Get answers to all of your tomato questions and more!
Join us for Tomatomania! In this workshop we will cover all things tomato. Topics include variety selection, growing requirements, cultivation techniques, and more.
For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 or mlessig@ufl.edu. For special accommodations, please let us know at least 10 days before the class.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Citrus in Florida
2024-09-18 14:00 - 15:00 | FL
Join the Master Gardner as we cover both the history and current status of the Sunshine States citrus crop.

2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
2024-09-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Stalk and Vine on 39, 14923 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL, 33547, United States
The Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network is a peer-to-peer network focused on exploring diversified and sustainable farming systems.

This group is open to established and beginning farmers in Southwest Florida and hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Agents in the region.
Connect with farmers and food entrepreneurs in the region.
We’ll take a farmer-led tour of Stalk & Vine on 39 in Lithia and learn about the production methods, small farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms.
There will be a presentation on the Cottage Food Law, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small scale farmers.
UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area!
Tentative Agenda
8:30am – Registration/Check-In
9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
9:15am – Tour of the farm and overview of farm equipment
10:45am – Cottage Food Law Overview
11:00am – Round-Robin introductions and networking
11:45am – Lunch and Networking
12:30pm – Adjourn
This is a free event, but registration is required. Please register by September 23rd at noon.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Backyard Citrus Workshop
2024-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension for a workshop on selection, planting and care of your backyard citrus.
Citrus trees will be available for purchase.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Seed Saving Strategies
2024-10-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to save seeds from your favorite vegetables!
Have you ever thought about saving seeds from your favorite vegetables? Join us for this two-hour workshop about seed saving strategies. Topics will include plant mating systems, isolation techniques, seed processing, and more! For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at 941-722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Pumpkin Perfection: From Garden to Table
2024-10-29 11:00 - 13:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about growing pumpkins suited for Florida gardening and how to incorporate them into recipes.
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a home cook eager to explore new flavors, this class offers the skills and inspiration you need to make the most of your pumpkin harvest.
This class will include gardening tips from a Master Gardener Volunteer from UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County as well as a food demo and pumpkin themed lunch.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $10.00 registration fee per individual for this workshop.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Kitchen Botany Webinar
2024-11-21 13:00 - 14:00 | ZOOM, United States
You may know more than you think about botany from everyday interactions with plants in the kitchen. We will explore where our fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices really come from and how many of them were domesticated from wild plants.
This webinar is recommended for adults and youth over 12.
Please note: This webinar will be recorded for quality assurance but will not be available for on-demand viewing after the program has ended.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Water Bath Canning 101: Tomatoes
2024-11-22 11:00 - 14:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to can tomatoes.
This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind canning, and a food tasting.
Feel free to bring your own lunch; full 3 hours of the class is dependent on amount of participant questions and canning recipe.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Backyard Chickens 101 Seminar
2025-03-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn the basics of raising backyard chickens!
Join us for an introductory backyard chicken seminar! We will cover the basics of raising backyard chickens, including health, nutrition, chicken coops, predator protection, and egg production tips. This workshop is for beginning or aspiring backyard chicken owners.
The program will be held at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County conference center on March 6, 2025 at 6pm.
There is a $10 fee for this workshop. Participants will receive educational materials to support the topics presented.
Registration Deadline: March 5th @ 11:59pm
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Introduction to Beekeeping
2025-03-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards
~ 3 Sessions ~
This program will introduce you to the basics of honey bees, their behavior, biology and the guiding principles of beekeeping.
Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
Why honey bees? In addition to the personal satisfaction of harvesting your own pure natural honey, many of our food staples would disappear without honey bees for pollination. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these under-appreciated workers pollinate 80 percent of our flowering crops, which constitute one-third of everything we eat. Hobbyist beekeepers play a vital role in keeping our honey bee population healthy.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-03-18 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!

Military Agriculture Tour (MAT X)
2025-03-28 08:00 - 16:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
To introduce active duty and transitioning personnel, veterans, and their spouses to the diversity of agriculture within Hillsborough County and the diversity of career opportunities in a modern agricultural operation.
The tour will start and end at UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584
The bus will leave HC Extension at 0830, prior to that coffee and donuts will be available. Lunch will be provided and we will return to HC Extension by 1600.
Highlights of the tour will include a visit to a tropical aquaculture farm, Astin Farms, a tour of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, and other Hillsborough County farms.
Cost is $5 which includes lunch. Seating is limited.
Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.
Please be advised NO REFUNDS
>>> RESERVE A SPOT
