Permaculture Design Course Florida
2025-09-13 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Lakewood United Church of Christ, 2601 54th Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL, 33712-4700, United States
🌎 Endorsed by the Permaculture Institute of North America (https://pina.in)
Don’t wait—take the first step toward a regenerative future today! 🌿✨
## Subjects covered in the course
• Permaculture design ethics, principles and tools
• Creating abundance with natural patterns
• Grow more food with less work by working with nature
• Edible landscaping, food in small spaces
• Building food forests
• Nutrient dense “beyond organic” gardening and farming
• Agroforestry and ecoagriculture, regenerative farming
• Aquaculture
• Building rich, live soils
• Composting and vermicomposting
• Alternative pest management
• Designing sustainable water use
• Greywater and rainwater catchment
• Natural building and regenerative building technology
• Reducing energy costs in your home
• Best forms of sustainable energy
• Appropriate technology
• Boosting your career with permaculture
• Sustainable economics
• Increasing quality of life through “placemaking” design
• Designing for climate change
• Community revitalization and rebuilding
• Successful intentional communities, ecovillages and cohousing, urban and rural
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-09-13 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-27 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This four-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants.
Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This four–part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist.
The class follows the contents of Harrington’s “How to Identify Plants” (1957); a copy of which is provided to each registrant. This concise text contains a comprehensive vocabulary of terms and illustrations to help clarify concepts.
A packet of supplemental educational materials will also be provided to each registrant.
About this Event
During each 4-hour classroom event, participants will engage in a participatory lecture, and have plenty of time for Q & A. The final session will be a hands-on workshop that will include graduates from previous courses. Each session will build on the previous; attending the entire series is recommended.
Classes are four consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bio-breaks are factored into the schedule for each day! Bring a bag-lunch (refrigeration and a microwave are available).
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Class dates and syllabus:
Week 1, March 8
Plant Classification

Parts of a Flower
Inflorescence Types
Non-Flowering Plant Identification
Read Harrington Chapter I – V

Week 2, March 15

Roots-n-Shoots
Leaves
Surfaces
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae
Read Harrington Chapters VI – XI

Week 3, March 22

General Terms
Fruits and Seeds
Using a Dichotomous Key

Week 4, March 29

Review, general questions
Hands-on Workshop with former graduates
Graduation!

Upon completion of the entire course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida.

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-09-16 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!

FFL HC Webinar Series: Recycle Yard Waste
2025-09-18 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection

This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
Join us for an eye-opening webinar on transforming your yard waste into garden gold! Learn how to create a healthier, more sustainable landscape right in your own backyard.
What You’ll Learn:

Composting techniques for yard waste
How to use recycled materials to enrich your soil
Benefits of recycling yard waste for your garden and the environment

Transform your yard waste into garden gold! Our UF/IFAS experts will share practical tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Register now and start recycling your yard waste the Florida-Friendly way!
The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
***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: Lynn Barber, barberl@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Basics Of Butterfly Gardening
2025-09-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn how to create a beautiful butterfly garden with easy tips and tricks at our Basics Of Butterfly Gardening event!
Come join us for a fun and informative event all about creating your very own butterfly garden! Learn tips and tricks on how to attract these beautiful creatures to your yard. Our experts will cover everything from selecting the right plants to creating a welcoming habitat.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone interested in butterflies and gardening. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and beautify your outdoor space! See you at Palma Sola Botanical Park!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-09-18 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-09-25 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-10-02 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-10-09 15:30 - 17:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2025-09-20 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/

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop!
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Are you interested in watering your landscape while watering efficiently? This free hands-on microirrigation (a.k.a. drip irrigation) workshop is for you.
Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM educators will discuss and demonstrate different types of microirrigation and their versatile uses.
Participants have the opportunity to apply what they learn by practicing a simple drip system connection and assembling microirrigation parts. This workshop can help you save money and promote a waterwise landscape.
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2025-09-23 08:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.

Garden work includes planting, weeding and trimming, as needed.
There is a $2 admission to the park which Suncoast can cover if you request ahead of time. Park in the lot by the Visitor Center and the garden is behind the building.
Bring water, gloves and personal tools.
Garden Wish List: donations accepted:
swamp milkweed, tropical sage, goldenrod, wild petunia, silkgrass or other small(er) flowering plants.
Contact Tina Patterson for more information and to let her know that you will be coming. mablepatterson@hotmail.com or call or text 305-298-6381 and leave a name and message.

Salt Tolerant Plants - Master Gardener Speaker Series
2025-09-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
When it rains it pours in Florida’s rainy season! Excess rainwater can cause flooding, and become stormwater runoff carrying pollutants and nutrients into our waterways.
An easy way to conserve water and reduce runoff is to create a rain garden in your yard.
Join Master Gardener Liza Ryan to learn about rain gardens and how to create yours!
Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

IN YOUR BACKYARD: BUILD A BAT BOX!
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | BHPS Osprey’s Roost, 2900 31ST ST S Gate 2, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Florida is home to 13 different species of bats. Join us to learn more about these beneficial insect eaters and create a space for them in your own backyard by building a bat box!
In this engaging workshop, participants will discover the unique characteristics of bats, and how bat boxes provide essential roosting habitats for these nighttime flyers.
Ages 7 and up
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Fall Plant Sale
2025-10-04 08:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Affordable plants grown by our Master Gardener Volunteers!
Tickets:
Please choose one ticket type. If you purchase an Early Bird ticket you do NOT need a Regular entry ticket. You can continue shopping after 9AM.
8AM-9AM

Early Bird Individual Ticket: $10
Early Bird Family Ticket (2+ people): $15

9AM-12PM

Regular entry: FREE

Keep in mind the earlier you attend, the more selection of plants you’ll have!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Additional Details:

Eventbrite tickets required & necessary for communication about the event
You do not need to bring your ticket to the sale, we will have your name on a list
Bring your own garden cart or wagon & load up
Cash or personal check only
Restrooms will be closed
Please only choose one ticket type

Proceeds:
All proceeds from this event go to the operation and maintenance of the Master Gardeners’ Educational Gardens and Greenhouse, and to support Master Gardener educational and outreach programs.

Accessibility:
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.

Native Plant Walk LLP
2025-10-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Meet behind the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center in the Native Plant Garden for a walk on the paved trail and boardwalk with a representative of the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Learn what grows naturally in the hardwood swamp and how native plants benefit wildlife.
Walks are free but there is a $2 charge to enter the park. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.

Wildflower & Pollinator Festival
2025-10-04 09:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Florida’s native wildflowers and pollinators!
The Fall Wildflower and Pollinator Festival returns this year with a day of fun for the whole family! This free event is brought to you by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve!
Celebrate Florida Wildflowers and the Pollinators that support us all. A native plant sale will feature vendors from our area with plants that are beautiful, pollinator-friendly, and best suited for our climate. Kid’s crafts will focus on make-and-take projects to support pollinators in our own yards and neighborhoods. There will be a Pollinator Encounter tent to experience these helpful, harmless insects close-up. Various organizations will be available to answer questions about growing wildflowers, attracting pollinators, and being a good friend to Nature in Pinellas County! Refreshments, temporary pollinator tattoos and more await you at this free event.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Ongoing Activities Outside:

Wildflower Quest- Take the challenge along the Ed Center Trail (last hunt at 1pm)
Butterfly Encounter- Enjoy a walkthrough tent where you are surrounded by live butterflies!
Native Plant Sale- Near the parking lot (while supplies last).

In the Classroom Building:

Beeswax candle-making
Honeybee observation hive

In the Auditorium:

Nature crafts for kids
Educational information tables

Exhibit Hall

Get a temporary tattoo featuring a wildflower or pollinator, thanks to Kate Dolamore Art

The Exhibit Hall and Nature Store are open all day from 9am to 4pm! Refreshments available for purchase. Naturalists on trails to answer questions. Come rain or shine! All activities are subject to change.
Questions? Email brookercreek@pinellas.gov
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Meet a Master Gardener
2025-10-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Stop in to talk all things plant-related, like attracting butterflies and birds to your garden and growing vegetables and herbs.
Feel free to bring samples or photos for plant identification or problem solving.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Online Permaculture Design Course
2025-10-12 11:00 - 14:00 | Online Event
Presenting the internationally recognized Grow Permaculture Full Online Permaculture Design Course with hands-on learning and mentoring.
Now more than ever, people have attention on creating more choices and resilience in their lives. We want healthy food, a clean environment, and security for us, our children and future generations. This course offers practical steps to achieving these things in your own life, regardless of your circumstances.
In this course you will learn:

How to apply permaculture techniques to design your life.
How to grow your own food abundantly and sustainably.
How to increase your own abundance and quality of life while helping to heal the planet.
How to create and deepen beneficial connections with nature and with other people.
How to create a career using permaculture.

We have gotten many requests to offer an online version from people whose schedules don’t match up with our in-person courses or who prefer to study online. This course can be studied at your own pace, with a focus on your own site design. Creating the opportunity for a participatory and hands-on experience is important to us, so we include practical exercises that you perform on your own site.
In addition we have live bi-weekly Q and A sessions and personal mentoring with instructors and you will be able to share your experience with instructors and other students via photos, essays or videos.
We have added some exciting learning modules to the online version and other extras, including units with experts covering various topics.
The course will address strategies for drylands, temperate, tropical and other climates based on the significant knowledge and experience of our instructors working in those climates and will also have bonus sections focused specifically on Florida/subtropical climate because of how unique the ecosystem is in Florida. Many of these techniques are very useful in multiple climates and we explain how and why.
Students will have an opportunity to self-test their knowledge, to join discussion groups with other students, to participate in question and answer sessions on Zoom (online video conference software) with instructors, and to get feedback from a personal mentor.
There are additional in-depth materials offered for each section of the course as well as a resource list where you can find more information on that topic and explore areas of interest more deeply.
Each student will complete a permaculture design of the site of their choice, working through it step-by-step to ensure you have an understanding of each step of the process. Upon successful completion of the course requirements, you will be awarded an internationally recognized certificate for the course.
For more information visit https://courses.growpermaculture.com/
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind
2025-10-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217, United States
Join the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) to discuss how to conserve water within your homes landscapes.
This presentation will teach you about how to maintain a healthy and happy landscape while conserving Florida’s waters.
REGISTER HERE

An Equal Opportunity Institution. 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.

Plant Your Plate: Peppers at Apollo Beach Community Garden
2025-10-14 09:00 - 10:00 | Apollo Beach Park and Recreation Center, 664 Golf and Sea Boulevard, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
Join us at the Apollo Beach Community Garden every Tuesday for 5 weeks to learn how to successfully grow and harvest a pepper plant!

Welcome to Plant Your Plate: Peppers @ Apollo Beach Community Garden! Join us at the Apollo Beach Park and Recreation Center for an in-person demonstration that will give you the opportunity to get your hands dirty and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to add some spice to their plate. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your own peppers and enjoy the fresh flavors straight from your garden!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Agenda

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM Check in – first 10 attendees get garden themed goodies!

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM Live, hands-on demonstrations and education

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM Question & answers, garden tours

Plan to attend every Tuesday from 9am – 10am to learn the following:

Tuesday, September 23rd – Planting
Tuesday, September 30th – Fertilizing
Tuesday, October 7th – Pruning
Tuesday, October 14th – Pest Management
Tuesday, October 21st – Harvesting

Note: You must register for each workshop separately! You can find the other workshops here.
New to gardening and growing your own food? Plan to attend the “Triple Workshops” to learn how to lay micro-irrigation, set up a rain water harvest system, and implement backyard composting. More info here.

Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop on Zoom
2025-10-14 10:30 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for the Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, designed to help residents understand current water use guidelines.

This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents.
During this workshop, we will cover best practices for outdoor water use, including guidance on using and reprogramming irrigation controllers to conserve water effectively. You will learn how to protect our precious water resources while maintaining a healthy landscape.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

NOTE: An email containing the Zoom link will be sent to you the day before the webinar. If you do not receive the link, please check your SPAM folder. If you still need assistance, please contact Angie Maki at 813-744-5519 x 54127 or at makia@HCFL.gov.
This workshop is FREE
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Crowley at (813) 744-5519 x54137.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

Bats
2025-10-14 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
Humans need our beneficial flying friends, the Bats! Come learn more about bats at this educational seminar.
Worldwide there are more than 1,400 species of bats. That is about 20% of all mammal species.
Bats live everywhere on Earth, except in the most extreme deserts and polar regions. Bats consume insects, pollinate plants and disperse seeds. A single bat can eat up to its body weight in insects each night and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Homeowners
2025-10-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Learn how to create a beautiful and successful home landscape by following the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program principles!
What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle Yard Waste
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Spice up your knowledge of ginger, turmeric, cardamom
2025-10-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Starkey Ranch Library, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa, FL, 33556, United States
We will delve into the rich history,cultivation, and versatile uses of these 3 spices at this seminar.
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming seminar on the wonderful world of ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.
Our speakers will share their knowledge and expertise on growing these spices, including their culinary applications. Participants can also taste and experience the unique flavors of ginger, turmeric, and cardamom. This seminar is perfect for those curious about incorporating these spices into their garden and daily lives or for those looking to enhance their cooking skills.
Don’t miss out on this exciting event and join us for an educational and flavorful journey through ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
