Science Sprouts: Geology Rocks
2023-05-13 10:00 - 23:00, 2023-05-20 10:00 - 23:00, 2023-05-27 10:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Budding young scientists can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. This program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using crafts, guided observations, games, stories, songs and more!

When/Where: 10-11am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe at The Bishop

Cost: Included with Museum admission

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

NOAA Aircraft Operations & Hurricanes
2023-05-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about hurricane research and reconnaissance with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Join us for a talk with Alan Goldstein, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aircraft Acquisition Program Manager, to learn about hurricane research and reconnaissance using specialized aircrafts.
Alan Goldstein is the NOAA Aircraft Acquisition Program Manager, responsible for all new aircraft acquisitions. Previously, he was a design engineer and head of the Science and Engineering Branch at NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center. Alan has over 46 years of experience with NOAA aircraft, including 350 hurricane penetrations and has participated in research projects from the Indian Ocean to the Arctic. He is married to Michelle Goldstein, who volunteers as a docent at the WIP Cultural and Natural History Center and leads the Tot Time programs. They both enjoy traveling and the outdoors, including kayaking at Weedon Island.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida Youth Naturalist Exploration Week
2023-06-26 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-06-27 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-06-28 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-06-29 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-06-30 09:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
A week-long exploration through Florida’s ecosystems for young naturalists ages 10 to 13!

Calling all young naturalists! The Florida Youth Naturalist Program is for young nature enthusiasts interested in learning more about Florida’s environment. Inspired by the Florida Master Naturalist program, this youth program takes kids aged 10 to 13 on a journey through Florida’s ecosystems, from the uplands, through freshwater, and to the coast.
This week-long exploration through Florida’s ecosystems will be taught by Brooker Creek Preserve staff, Pinellas County & State Park Rangers, and volunteers, as a part of Pinellas County 4-H.

Open to anyone ages 10-13 (you do not have to be a 4-H member)
Cost is $100 for non 4-H members, $75 for 4-H members – nonrefundable
Participants must bring a bag lunch, snacks, and a drink each day. We have a water filling station so reusable water bottles are highly encouraged.
Closed toed shoes are required.
Must wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Please also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray for days we will be hiking outside (a detailed schedule will be provided prior to the event).
No before and after care available

Locations:

Monday, June 26 to Thursday, June 29 from 9AM to 3PM daily: Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center Classroom
Friday, June 30 from 9AM to 3PM: Honeymoon Island State Park (more details will be sent about this day)
Parent/guardian must drop off and pick up children from daily locations.

Registration:
This is a 2-part registration process. After registering on Eventbrite, your confirmation email will include instructions on how to complete registration and additional paperwork via 4-H online.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Important notes about the event:

A minimum of 15 youth must be registered to hold this event, full refunds will be issued if we do not meet our minimum requirement by June 1st.
Parents/guardians must sign youth in and out daily.
Make sure to bring a bag lunch, snacks & drink for your child!
Closed toed shoes are required.
Long pants are highly recommended for hiking.
Contact Julia Myers at jmyers@pinellascounty.org with any questions.

Keeping a Nature Journal
2023-07-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Deepen your connection with the natural world through journaling. Learn and try out different journaling techniques used by renowned naturalists. Each participant will receive a simple journal to use during the class and to take home.
Ages 18 yrs & up
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Film Screening with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
2023-08-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Enjoy screenings of “Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor” and “The Last Green Thread” and a Q&A with Florida Wildlife Corridor staff.
Join the Friends of Weedon Island for a special screening of two expedition films: Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor and The Last Green Thread. Produced in concert with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation (FWCF), the films seek to uncover the most important connections that can mean the difference between preservation or loss of the global treasure that is the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The film screenings will be followed by a talk and Q+A session with FWCF’s Jason Lauritsen. Reception with light food and beverages will follow.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 7 and up.
Jason Lauritsen is the Chief Conservation Officer for the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation where he oversees the organization’s land and water protection, science, stewardship, and community relationships. He sits on the Office of Greenways and Trails Council, the Florida Transportation Plan Environmental Partners Working Group, and is a part of the Statewide Bear Technical Assistance Group. Prior to joining FWCF, Lauritsen was the Director of Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. He has also has worked in restoration, education, research, policy and ecotourism. Lauritsen holds a Master’s in Science Education from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor’s in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

The Archaeology of Weedon Island
2023-09-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Travel with professional archaeologists into the ancient past of Weedon Island.
Weedon Island has been a place for community for thousands of years, with spaces for special events, daily activities, and other parts of community life that we still see in our lives today. Join us for a presentation from professional archaeologist Rachael Kangas who will discuss the basics of archaeology at Weedon Island and why the site is so important to understanding people and communities.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 14 and up.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Rachael Kangas is the Regional Director for the West Central region of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, and she conducts public archaeology and outreach. She earned her M.A. from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2015 and is certified as a member of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). She is also an American Academy for Underwater Sciences (AAUS) diver, allowing her to assist with underwater research around the state.

Gardening Basics: The Scoop on Dirt
2023-09-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for the inside scoop on dirt! This course will cover basics of Florida soils and how to build a healthy foundation for your plants.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Climate Change and Cultural Sites in Florida
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how historical and archaeological sites threatened by climate change are protected in Florida.
How do we protect cemeteries, historic buildings, and archaeological sites that are threatened by climate change in Florida? How is it decided which sites get attention and which do not? Join the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education in collaboration with the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society for a special presentation of how archaeologists are currently answering these questions, what significant threats are observed in Florida, and how the public can help!
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This presentation will feature guest speaker Rachael Kangas. Rachael is the Director for the West Central and Central Regions of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, and she conducts public archaeology and outreach in the regions. She earned her M.A. from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2015 and is certified as a member of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). She has participated in fieldwork in the Americas and conducted lab work and teaching during her time at UCF. She is also an American Academy for Underwater Sciences (AAUS) diver, allowing her to assist with underwater research around the state.

Event photos courtesy of the Florida Public Archaeology Network.

All About Epiphytes
2023-10-20 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about these amazing plants that don’t need soil to survive!
This class will open your eyes to many plants from around the world that you may never have realized were epiphytes! From elusive native Florida orchids and bromeliads to tropical rainforest species in South America, we’ll explore the fascinating world of the plants that perch on other plants!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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 Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Map and Compass Navigation
2023-10-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This camping skills course will teach you how to read a map and compass to help you better develop a sense of direction and travel for any outdoor expedition.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Nature Journaling Class Series
2023-11-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Take a fun, interactive workshop on nature journaling!
Nature journaling is an immersive experience where you can document your experiences in the outdoors. Whether you plan to use your nature journal to track the progress of your gardening endeavors, sketch and write during nature hikes, or document seasonal bird sightings all will grow your skills in observation and mindfulness. Join UF/IFAS Extension agent Alyssa Vinson, for a weekly class series devoted to growing your Nature Journaling skills. This series is aimed at beginners however some modules will include plant identification skills that would be beneficial to the experienced journalist. Classes will take place at Emerson Point Preserve in the Nature Classroom.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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.

Naturalist Guided Hike
2023-11-04 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-11-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve.
Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of the Preserve. Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length may be up to two miles. This tour may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
Proceeds from this program go to the Friends of Weedon Island. The Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Become a Friend today!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Managing Our Underwater World in Tampa Bay
2023-11-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program and learn about the coastal resources they protect in Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP), managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks and rivers, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These habitats are vital to Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, fishes, oysters, and an abundance of wading, nesting and migratory birds. Although not widely known, TBAP even has a variety of corals in its hard-bottom areas. Join the TBAP program at Weedon Island to learn how they are working to restore & protect the coastal resources in our own backyard.
This program will feature Dr. Randy Runnels of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves Program. Dr. Runnels earned his PhD in Oceanography from Texas A&M University. His 30+ year career has taken him from the temperate Northern Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Keys. In recent years he has been invited to China and Vietnam as a coastal management adviser on a number of issues. He has managed Tampa Bay’s aquatic preserves for over two decades, and continues to teach college courses in Biology, Marine Science and Environmental Science.
This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Turtle Science
2023-11-11 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-12-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This engaging hands-on class will introduce the study of tortoises and freshwater turtles. Join turtle biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich for this rare educational opportunity.
Students will learn about the ecology and conservation of tortoises and freshwater turtles through a blend of classroom and field sessions. Classroom sessions include PowerPoint presentations and hands-on activities; field sessions will include lessons on identification techniques and data collection.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Schedule:
November 11, 2023

Why Turtles Are Cool (classroom session).
Search for turtles along the preserve’s trails (field session).

December 9, 2023

Gopher Tortoises + Prescribed Fire = Increased Biodiversity (classroom session).
Search for tortoises and their burrows in the preserve’s uplands, and learn how to conduct a burrow survey and estimate population size (field session).

January 13, 2024

Turtle Anatomy: The Clues Are in the Bones (classroom session).
Examine skeletal material in the field (field session).

February 10, 2024

In One End and Out the Other: Determining Turtle Diets by Studying Scat (classroom session).
Collect and dissect gopher tortoise scat (field session)

March 9, 2024

Turtle Nesting Ecology (classroom session).
Search for turtles in the preserve’s diverse habitats (field session).

April 13, 2024

Global Turtle Conservation Issues (classroom session).
Search for gopher tortoises in the preserve’s uplands (field session).

May 11, 2024

Field trip to Rainbow Run in Dunnellon, Florida (canoe and snorkel).

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 <<<

Open Archaeology Lab
2023-12-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn from professional archaeologists on how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Ever wonder what archaeologists do with all that stuff they dig up at archaeological sites once the fieldwork is finished? Join us for an open archaeology lab!
Learn from professional archaeologists with the West Central Region of the Florida Public Archaeology Network about how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed in the laboratory so they can be used to learn about the past. Participants will get the chance to sort through, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!
All ages are welcome to participate or observe, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All individuals planning to attend should be registered.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Talons, Beaks & Feathers Camp
2024-01-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-03 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-04 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Camps will join Natalie Lloyd to learn how to identify bones, tracks, and scat through daily hikes in the preserve.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2024-01-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
First Saturday of the month (December – April), at 9:00am
Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Suitable for all ages.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the classroom).
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.

Insect Investigation Hike
2024-01-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join a ranger on a guided hike that will take you on a journey through a diverse ecosystem, where you will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of insects that call Boyd Hill Nature Preserve home. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
