Nature Investigators' Club
2022-09-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-09-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-09-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-09-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-09-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-10-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Explore different aspects of nature at the Florida Botanical Gardens!

Free admission, pre-registration only.

Do you have a child ages 3-7 who loves to explore nature? Become a Member of the Nature Investigators’ Club!
We will meet at the Florida Botanical Gardens each Friday at 10 AM to explore the different parts of nature and their interactions for a period of 6 weeks.

Benefits include:Small group: personal interactions with a certified environmental educatorTime in plant-rich environment, which has several proven health and wellness benefitsLearning through exploration, fostering development of higher-level problem solving skills
Opportunity to interact with other children, fostering teamwork and group collaboration skills
One (1) nature journal for use through the duration of the session.
Limited capacity:7 children slots for each sessionParent/Guardian must be present for the entirety of the session.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Talk Plants with Me
2022-09-08 11:30 - 13:00, 2022-10-13 11:30 - 13:00, 2022-11-10 11:30 - 13:00 | Online Event
Ask a Horticulture Agent Webinar!

Submit your questions to our Horticulture Agent for live Q&A. We will talk about hot topics in the plant world and may have a few guests join us along the way.
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.ued at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

RAIN GARDEN TOUR
2022-09-10 15:30 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Free with admission, all ages
Learn how to create a rain garden in your own backyard! We will discuss rainwater capture techniques, plant selection, and much more!

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Meeting
2022-09-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, FL, United States
The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at The Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd/US 41, Land O’ Lakes, 34639, between SR 52 and SR 54. The subject of the September 13, 2022 meeting is “Native Ferns of West Central Florida”, presented by James Stevenson, an Extension Specialist with the University of Florida IFAS Extension Services in Pinellas County.
Ferns, which reproduce by spores, are the second-most diverse group of vascular plants on Earth and one of the oldest groups of plants, with a fossil record dating to nearly 400 million years ago. Their size range from over 60 feet tall to tiny plants, millimeters in size. Ferns are found in a variety of large naturally occurring communities, from tropical to northern forests and semiarid deserts. In Florida, most fern species can be found in damp and shady areas; rock crevices, bogs, swamps, acid wetlands and as epiphytes on tropical or even temperate trees. During this presentation we will explore the fascinating world of these ancient plants, study the natural history of ferns and get identification tips plus interesting facts.
James works out of the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs. There he teaches classes on a variety of natural resource conservation topics, including: plant identification, botany, entomology, ecology and particular groups of native plants such as ferns, wetland wildflowers and epiphytes. Exploring the natural world has been James’ passion since growing up in Clearwater. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Ecology from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and then worked in botanical gardens around the world; from North Carolina to Europe & Israel. Before returning to Florida in 2006, James worked in the UK on his advanced degree at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and as the Assistant Curator at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. James doesn’t really understand gardening in Florida, so he now grows orchids and watches birds.
Meetings of the Chapter are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend and bring questions about their yard. There will not be any refreshments or drinks available, so everyone needs to bring their own. Telephone inquiries are taken by Molly at (813) 469-9597.
Nature Coast Chapter: naturecoastfnps@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PascoNativePlants

Gardening with Mushrooms
2022-09-15 09:30 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens!

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.
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Snakes of Southwest Florida
2022-09-16 10:30 - 12:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn all about common snakes of Southwest Florida!

LOCATION: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Office, Rogers Auditorium
Want to find out more about these interesting and often misunderstood reptiles? You’ll learn which ones you’re most likely to see in your SW Florida yard and how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Saving Water- (Youth Program)
2022-09-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Saving Water
Why and How Can I Make a Difference?

Living in Florida you are never too young to learn about water conservation!

Did you know that not only we are surrounded by water in Florida, but we live on top of it too? Join Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Educator, Melissa West as we explore the water cycle, how to reduce pollution, and what you can do to protect our most precious resource, WATER!
This youth program is geared toward ages 7 to 12. Registration is required. Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children).
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. We will start promptly at 10am.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bugs, bugs, bugs!
2022-09-30 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a Workshop on Pest and Beneficial Insects. Get answers to your garden pest questions.

Do you want to learn more about pest and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we’ll cover insect life cycles, managements, identification, and more.
For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. For special accomodations, please let us know 10 days before the class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Sale
2022-10-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States

Landscape Best Management Practices
2022-10-04 08:30 - 11:30 | Pinellas County Public Works Clearwater, 22211 US Highway 19 North Bldg #1 (ERB), Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Learn about Landscape Best Management Practices to protect our environment with a healthy landscape!
Both English & Spanish classes are offered on the same day at the same time at the same location. This is the required class for those doing work in the lawn and landscape maintenance industry such as mowing, pruning, and landscape debris management.
>>> BUY TICKETS <<<

HUKYU BONSAI SOCIETY MEETING
2022-10-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Learn the art and techniques of Bonsai.
www.facebook.com/hukyubonsaisociety.

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Meeting
2022-10-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, FL, United States
The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at The Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd/US 41, Land O’ Lakes, 34639, between SR 52 and SR 54.
The subject of the October 11, 2022 meeting is “A History of Hillsborough River State Park and It’s Future Challenges”, presented by Cheryl Metzger. Cheryl has been the Resource Management Park Services Specialist for Hillsborough River State Park for the past 5 years. She is the Burn Manager for the Park and oversees a team that treats non-native, invasive plant species in the 1,600 acre Park. Cheryl manages multiple restoration projects and provides training for staff and volunteers to manage the natural resources of the Park.
The Park has been historically significant since the beginning of the Second Seminole War which began in 1835, before becoming officially a part of the Florida State Park System in 1935 and the Civilian Conservation Corps involvement in its construction. With these cultural changes, the natural areas have changed too, some for the better. As the next 100 years approaches, what challenges will be faced in 2035 and beyond?
Meetings of the Chapter are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend and bring questions about their yard. There will be light refreshments. Telephone inquiries are taken by Molly at (813) 469-9597.
Nature Coast Chapter: naturecoastfnps@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PascoNativePlants

Organic Gardening Series: Soils & Compost
2022-10-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to optimize your soil for organic gardening!

Organic gardening success begins with soil building. This class will cover soil amendments for adding organic matter and nutrients to keep plants healthy and stress-free.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Veggie Influenza
2022-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a class on common vegetable diseases!

This workshop is designed to educate the casual gardener about some of the most common vegetable diseases in Florida and in Manatee County. In this roughly two hour class, participants will learn the basic biology of pathogenic organisms, how to identify common disease symptoms, and acquire some basic disease management skills. This workshop is not designed for professional landscapers or pesticide applicators.
For special accommodations, please let us know 10 days before the class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

The Magic of Mushrooms
2022-10-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Mushroom Biology and Ecology, mushroom growing kits available for purchase

Mention mushrooms and most people think of three things: eating them, DYING from eating them and/or their use in recreational drug use. Let’s put those topics aside and explore fun facts about these fascinating and ecologically important organisms! Recommended for adults and youth over 12. Note: this class will NOT address edible wild mushrooms, BUT participants can purchase their own mini mushroom farm to watch the magic happen at home, thanks to the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Organic Gardening Series: Propagation
2022-10-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn where to source organic seeds, how to grow and plant them, and tips for propagation by cuttings!

Organically grown transplants for the garden can be difficult to find. You can grow your own and experiment with different varieties along the way. Learn where to source organic seeds, how to grow and plant them, and tips for propagation by cuttings.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please send special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Orchid Mounting - Make & Take Workshop
2022-10-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A workshop demonstrating how to mount an orchid on wood or other found objects!

A workshop demonstrating how to mount an orchid on wood or other found objects – and you will make your own to take home! Learn about these beautiful epiphytes and how they can enhance your home and landscape. Registration and advance payment of $25 for materials.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Pumpkin Fest
2022-10-22 12:00 - 16:00, 2022-10-23 12:00 - 16:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Join us for our 7th Annual Pumpkin Fest!

Purchase pumpkins on site, $10 each. Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation Members receive their first pumpkin free!

Join us for a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and spooky activities from our returning sponsors Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscaping Association and County Farm Bureau.
Additional vendors will be on site with information and activities, and our Botanical Bounty Gift Shop will have seasonal items for sale.

Home Composting
2022-10-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how you can compost at home!

Composting has significant environmental benefits and is easier than you might think! It happens very naturally and creates a useful soil amendment for your landscape plants and vegetable gardens. Join us for an in-person class to learn more about it!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please send special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Plant Food 101
2022-11-04 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for Plant Food 101! Come find out what plants need to grow.
In this two-hour workshop, we will covering basic plant nutrition. Learn about the role that nitrogen, potassium, and other elements play within a plant. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. For special accommodations, please let us know 10 days before the class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Newcomers
2022-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to landscape the Florida-Friendly way!
Tour the Educational Gardens at Extension and learn the principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping. You will see vegetable gardens, pollinator gardens, native plant areas and more while learning ways to conserve water and protect natural resources.
Please submit any special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
