Plant Your Plate: Peppers Hot Sauce 101
2025-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Peppers Hot Sauce 101
Discover pepper varieties and craft a homemade hot sauce in this fun, hands-on workshop.
Spice up your day with UF/IFAS Extension! In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore the world of peppers—how they’re grown, their unique flavors, and what makes them hot. From sweet and mild to fiery and bold, we’ll cover the basics of pepper varieties, the Scoville heat scale, and safe handling tips.
Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on experience: making your own hot sauce! You’ll blend fresh ingredients, experiment with flavor combinations, and take home a custom hot sauce that’s uniquely yours. Perfect for food lovers, spice enthusiasts, or anyone curious about cooking with peppers.
Ages 18 yrs +
All supplies are provided.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-11-13 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-20 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 <<<

Botany Walk
2025-11-14 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join James Stevenson to explore the fascinating plants found at Brooker Creek Preserve!
We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants.
Registration is required. Led by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Specialist.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop
2025-11-15 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

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-11-15 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-22 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-29 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-13 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.

Nest Box Building Workshop
2025-11-15 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-12-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for an in-person workshop to “make and take” a Chickadee nest box for your yard!
Want to help our local cavity nesters?
Learn how to build your very own nest box for a Carolina Chickadee!
In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting habits of Carolina Chickadees, and other fun facts about this species!
We will be building a nest box for a Carolina Chickdee, which is a year-round resident North and Central Florida, including Pinellas County.
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
The workshop costs $15
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: This program will be held in our auditorium. 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 auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.

FFL Basic Landscape Design Copy
2025-11-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34654, United States
Concepts & Considerations-central FL
Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) provides a wealth of information useful to design, install and maintain landscapes that are sustainable!

Florida-Friendly landscape designs have the potential to significantly conserve and improve the quality of Florida’s water resources by focusing on more resource-efficient landscapes, correct installation, and best management choices.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program has resources available to help residents and professionals create vibrant landscapes that protect the environment with sustainable landscape and green infrastructure design techniques. While Extension staff cannot “do” design work, this presentation’s information guides you through making best design choices yourself!
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Birding Made Easy
2025-11-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
How everyone from beginners to advanced birders can use Merlin and eBird to enhance their birding.
Speaker/leader: John Ficken
Join us for our November Meeting and Program. John will start with a short slide presentation to introduce you to the latest updates to these birding tools from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Afterward, we’ll head out into the field to try them in action
Location: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom

Flowers and Herbs in Containers
2025-11-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Come learn how to grow flowers and herbs in convenient, versatile containers at this seminar.
New to gardening? Want to experiment with new plants or herbs with little risk? Learn how to grow flowers and herbs in convenient, versatile containers.
This easy, almost foolproof method allows anyone to try their hand at growing just what they want, where they want. Practical ideas and short cuts will soon have you growing a beautiful container garden.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Selecting and Planting Trees
2025-11-18 17:30 - 18:30 | New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL, 34652, United States
Selecting and Planting Trees:
Right Plant, Right Place
Come join us as we learn the details of how to select, plant and care for trees in our home landscape.
Did you know that in addition to the Right Place, there is also a Right Time to plant a tree?
Join us as we learn the details of how to select, plant and care for trees in our home landscape. Including what time of year is best for planting and why.
Our speaker, Joe Gross, an ISA certified arborist, will speak on tree varieties, how to select the right one for your landscape and proper planting techniques to give your tree a healthy start. Tree selection, planting and maintenance are all important aspects of tree health and longevity. Learn all about it in this information packed seminar.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-11-18 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!

Herbs - Spice up your cool weather garden and table
2025-11-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Starkey Ranch Library, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa, FL, 33556, United States
This seminar on growing and cooking with herbs from the garden is a great opportunity for individuals to learn about the various uses and benefits of incorporating fresh herbs in their cooking. This interactive event would provide attendees with practical knowledge and tips on how to cultivate and harvest herbs from their garden, as well as creative ways to use them in different dishes, such as salsa and stuffing.
Participants would have the opportunity to taste and smell different herbs, learn how to properly store them, and receive recipes to try at home. This seminar would not only educate individuals on the benefits of using herbs in their cooking but also inspire them to get creative in the kitchen and explore new flavors Additionally, it promotes sustainability by encouraging the use of homegrown herbs instead of store-bought ones and a more flavorful diet.
Overall, a seminar on cooking with herbs from the garden would be a fun and informative experience for all those interested in enhancing their culinary skills with natural and fresh ingredients.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2025-11-25 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.

Pollinator Gardening
2025-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, FL, 33618, United States
Learn how to grow plants to attract pollinators to your yard.
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County to learn strategies to attract pollinators to your yard. In this in-person class, you will learn how to select and plant flowers in your home for a more pollinator-friendly landscape. This program is in support of the Carrollwood Pollinator Corridor in collaboration with Carrollwood Village Park, Carrollwood Cultural Center and VISTA Gardens and supported by the Florida Wildflower Foundation’s Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden program.
Attendees will receive free plants and seeds to start their own pollinator gardens at home. Thanks to Greenacre Properties https://www.greenacre.com, lunch will be included (choice of half club sandwich, chicken salad on croissant, or vegetarian wrap) catered by the New York Bagel Cafe in Carrollwood Village.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Walk LLP
2025-12-06 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.

Building and Caring for Terrariums
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34654, United States
At this seminar you will learn to plant and care for a terrarium, with examples of containers, plants and problem solving solutions.

A terrarium is a collection of small plants growing in a clear, usually enclosed container. You will learn to plant and care for a terrarium, with examples of containers, plants and problem solving solutions. A low maintenance way to incorporate plants into your home, office or classroom. Many containers can be adapted and they do not need drain holes. Properly done, a terrarium is a source of enjoyment for many years providing interesting ways to grow and display plants with very little care.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Holiday Themed Container Gardening
2025-12-09 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
Planting in containers on your Lanai, porch, or indoors offers you a chance to be creative. Come learn more at this informative seminar.

Even if you have a small space, you can have a wonderful variety of plants to enjoy year-round. Planting in containers on your lanai, porch, or indoors offers you a chance to be creative. You will learn the basics of growing in pots from selection of plants and pots to grouping plants together with similar needs. Tips on repotting, soil mixture and growing the healthiest plants will be provided in this free UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension program with a holiday theme.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Meet a Master Gardener
2025-12-11 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-12-13 10:30 - 12:30 | 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.

Container Gardening For Every Space on Zoom
2025-12-11 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Get your green thumb ready and join us online to learn how to create a beautiful garden in any space during our Container Gardening Workshop

>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Gardening From Seeds for the Home Gardener
2025-12-12 11:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Master Gardener Speaker Series
Gardening From Seeds for the Home Gardener
Why not start your garden with seeds?
Learn different methods and what tools are needed to start seeds successfully and boost seedling survival.
We will also cover how to care for seedling and transplant with confidence, as well as seed sources and how to harvest and preserve seeds for future seasons.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Intro to Plant Identification
2025-12-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Explore the major plant groups!

Join James Stevenson and examine the basics of plant identification, from using simple keys to identifying critical characteristics that will help any would-be botanist in the field. An emphasis will be placed on flowering plants.
This class will provide a basic introduction to plant identification. This class is recommended as a precursor for anyone interested in taking our Advanced Plant Identification series in January.
Recommended for adults and youth over 12.
Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Holiday Plants
2025-12-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Come and get some tips about getting your plants ready for the season at this seminar.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
