Reducing Plastic Pollution
2023-09-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Single-use plastic is a key component of marine pollution. We can take simple steps to change our habits.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Taking The Mystery Out of Micro-irrigation
2023-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system.
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, to discuss an introduction to micro-irrigation. This includes learning to select, install, and operate your own water-saving irrigation system. The discussion will include information regarding the components, and how to assemble and maintain. Come hear the benefits and why it is important to water plants, shrubs and other landscape plants separate from your turfgrass.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This class satisfies the irrigation educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
Contact: Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2023-10-07 08:30 - 21:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation.
Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Microirrigation Workshop
2023-10-07 09:30 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water when watering your garden.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Irrigation With Water Conservation in Mind
2023-10-24 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water, how you can repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape (TM) tips.
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
This class satisfies the irrigation educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation today. Call Brian J Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 to sign up.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Brian Rigney BrianRigney@ufl.edu or (941) 722-4524 at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2023-11-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

Irrigation Design 101
2023-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system.
Live Event with remote viewing, Zoom, option available
Kendrick Auditorium at UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, as he discusses the basics of great irrigation design. Learn helpful information for installing your new or retrofitted in-ground irrigation system! This class satisfies the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or Brian Rigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.
This class will satisfy the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Rebate Program.
For further information on the Outdoor Water Rebate Program, contact: Manatee County Utility Department – Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation with the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL). Call (941) 722-4524 X 1828 to sign up today.

Cultivating Biodiversity with a Rain Garden
2024-01-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join the rangers for a tour of the Boyd Hill Rain Garden and learn about how to implement one to enjoy the benefits of water filtration, flood control, and enhanced biodiversity in your own yard!
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-03-02 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-05-15 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-06-01 09:30 - 11:00, 2024-07-17 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-24 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: You will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items after May 16th. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Aquacamp
2024-03-11 08:00 - 2024-03-15 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers explore the many roles of water in ecosystems, learn about local watersheds and how people affect water resources such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Each day will include outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Campers will learn how they can help to keep local waterways clean.
Ages 5 yrs – 6 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind
2024-03-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-29 09:00 - 11:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to conserve water with your irrigation system!
Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground irrigation system for water conservation, how to repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips.
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information.
This class satisfies the irrigation education requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or water.conservation@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation today. Call Brian J Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 to sign up.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Brian J Rigney at (941) 722-4524 x 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

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 <<<

Bay Friendly Landscaping Workshop
2024-05-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn to create a landscape that is beautiful and provides valuable ecosystem services in our Bay Friendly Landscaping class. This class will focus on selecting plants that are low maintenance and are adapted to the extreme conditions that we have here in Florida, including sandy soil, high winds, drought, and flooding. These will help protect Tampa Bay by reducing fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Proper plant selection can also help the environment by providing habitat for wildlife and reduce your costs associated with landscape maintenance. This class will be held in person and attendees will receive a hard copy of the “Plant This, Not That” book.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
***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: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Irrigation Design 101
2024-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, as he discusses the basics of great irrigation design. Learn helpful information for installing your new or retrofitted in-ground irrigation system! This class satisfies the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
Additional Information:
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.
For further information on the Outdoor Water Rebate Program, contact: Manatee County Utility Department – Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation with the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL). Call (941) 722-4524 X 1828 to sign up today.
Special Accommodations:
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Brian Rigney at BrianRigney@ufl.edu or (941) 722-4524 at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Hurricane Preparedness Expo
2024-06-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, 2450 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

FREE prefilled sandbags will be available and provided on-site (Limit 10 per vehicle)
FREE Hurricane Kits
FREE lunch provided by Salvation Army
Get flood barrier tips
Evacuation zone lookup
Flood zone lookup
Alert Pinellas Registration

Gear up and get prepared to conquer the storm and Touch-a-Truck!
Exhibitors include:

Civil Air Patrol
Salvation Army
Red Cross
Humane Society of Pinellas
Suncoast Animal League

Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop- ZOOM
2024-07-12 09:00 - 10:00, 2024-09-12 09:30 - 10:30 | 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.

REGISTER HERE
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Microirrigation Workshop
2024-08-03 09:30 - 11:00, 2024-09-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water when watering your garden.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

2024 Water School: Flowing Forward
2024-09-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Wednesday, September 4 at 9AM-4PM
Location: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL)
Description:
Join UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension for an in depth look at emerging water issues in our region. We will provide expert presentations and deep dives into the topics during facilitated discussions. This program is intended for local policymakers but all interested are welcome to register. $20 per person (+ Eventbrite fee). Lunch included in ticket.
Topics covered:

Conservation lands/easements
Water quality value of urban forests
Water quality estuary and marine systems
Sustainable development
Green Stormwater Initiative
Monitoring in Manatee: Keeping our water resources safe

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Special Accomodations:
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.

Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program - 2024
2024-09-05 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-09-19 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-03 09:30 - 12:30, 2024-10-17 09:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
An intensive program to learn all about Florida’s waters. Each class takes place at a new location with guest speakers, tours and more!

Working With Water, Working With People
To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our oceans and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across Pinellas County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts.
Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community, attend a relevant stakeholder meeting and explore online resources to learn more about water between class sessions.
Each class session will be three hours long and include Working with Water instructor-led presentations looking at water at the state-level as well as Working with People instructor-led presentations highlighting communication best-practices. Classes will also include time for discussions, guest speaker presentations highlighting local water resources, and a field tour.
This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. Youth (under 18) are eligible to register as long as an accompanying adult is also registered for the program.
Schedule
Session 1 – Thursday, Sept. 5 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Watershed Basics and Stewardship @ Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs with guest speaker Robert Burnes, Project Manager, Pinellas County Public Works, Environmental Management

Session 2 – Thursday, Sept. 19 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

W ater Flow, Then and Now @ Clam Bayou Marine Education Center with guest speaker from Southwest Florida Water Management District, Surface Water Improvement & Management Program

Session 3 – Thursday, Oct. 3 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Water Laws and Other Tools @ South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility with guest speaker Lauren Twele, Education Coordinator, Pinellas County Utilities

Session 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Future Water Supply and Emerging Issues @ Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Oldsmar with guest speaker Tirusew Asefa, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Manager, Planning & System Decision Support, Tampa Bay Water

Session 5 – Thursday, Oct. 31 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*: Panel

Panel Discussion with local environmental non-profit groups and Stewardship Project Updates @ Safety Harbor Public Library

Session 6 – Thursday, Nov. 14 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Speaking of and for Water @ Ozona Village Hall with guest speaker Sadie Hundemer, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida

Session 7- Saturday Nov. 16 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Graduation and Water Stewardship In Action @ Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg with guided hike by Pinellas County volunteer or staff.

*Locations and speakers are subject to change.
Before You Register
Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:

Attend at least five of the seven sessions, two of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #7)
Attend and briefly describe a stakeholder gathering
Complete online mini-sessions
Participate in the online discussions
Submit a summary of your individual or group stewardship project

Cost: $125
If the cost of the program will prevent you from participating, please complete a scholarship application. Application deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Questions?
For more information about this course, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan at lara317@ufl.edu or 727-453-6905.

Taking the Mystery Out of Micro-Irrigation
2024-09-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to select, install, and operate your own Micro-Irrigation

Live Event
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, to discuss an introduction to micro-irrigation. This includes learning to select, install, and operate your own water-saving irrigation system. The discussion will include information regarding the components, and how to assemble and maintain. Come hear the benefits and why it is important to water plants, shrubs and other landscape plants separate from your turfgrass.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
This class satisfies the irrigation educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
Contact: Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.
