Heat Tolerant Plants for Florida Landscapes
2025-08-14 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us to learn about the best heat-tolerant plants for your Florida landscape!
Welcome to Heat Tolerant Plants for Florida Landscapes!
Join us at Palma Sola Botanical Park for a fun and informative event all about plants that thrive in the Florida heat. Learn about the best species to add to your landscape that can withstand the hot and humid climate of Florida. Discover tips and tricks for caring for these plants so you can have a beautiful and vibrant garden all year round. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your gardening skills and create a stunning outdoor space!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Exploration Hike
2025-08-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve, perfect for nature lovers of all ages.
Learn about the history of Boyd Hill, its diverse ecosystems, and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s natural wonders.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Using Native Plants in your Landscape
2025-08-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Daniel A Cannon Memorial Library, 33701 County Road 52, Saint Leo, FL, 33525, United States
Come learn more with our speaker, who is a member of the Nature Coast Native Plant Society and is a supporter of using native plants.
Native plants are well adapted to local environmental conditions and offer numerous benefits. They support local wildlife, reduce maintenance, provide erosion control, air quality improvement and improve soil health. Native plants are often drought-tolerant and require less water than non-native species, reducing costs. Native plants support a wider range of species compared to non-native plants, promoting biodiversity and contributing to the overall health of natural communities.
Our speaker is a member of Nature Coast Native Plant Society and an enthusiastic supporter of using native plants in home landscape.
>>> GET TICKETS

How to Build a Raised Bed Garden
2025-08-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Come learn all about the basics at this seminar.
The presentation will discuss the advantages to raised bed gardens, how to find the best location in your yard, different methods and materials for the construction, how to prep the area before you start construction, best types of irrigation, the best times of the year to plant different crops, and most importantly what material to fill the bed to maintain great soil health.
>>> GET TICKETS

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-03-18 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!

FFL HC Webinar Series: Control Yard Pests Responsibly
2025-06-23 08:00 - 17:00 | ZOOM, United States
Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection

Join the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Hillsborough County (HC) Webinar Series!
Join us for an enlightening webinar on managing yard pests the Florida-Friendly way! Learn how to keep your landscape healthy while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and the environment.
What You’ll Discover:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies
How to identify common Florida pests and their natural predators
Eco-friendly pest control methods that work

Say goodbye to harmful pesticides and hello to a balanced, thriving landscape. Our UF/IFAS experts will share practical tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Don’t let pests bug you! Register now and learn how to create a harmonious backyard ecosystem that naturally keeps pests in check. Your plants, beneficial insects, and local wildlife will thank you!
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

Funky Fungi Hike
2025-08-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve to learn all about our favorite GI, FUN-GI.
Explore the trails to find fungi in its diverse ecosystems and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s funkiest fungi.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Plant This, Not That!
2025-08-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Plant This, Not That!
Alternatives to Common Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to the state (either intentionally or unintentionally) and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These plants often outcompete native species, disrupting natural ecosystems and causing various problems.
Many common landscape plants in central Florida are actually invasive species that are shared between unknowing home gardeners and sold commercially (because they may not be a problem elsewhere), adding to their spread.
Come and learn about these common invasive plant species to avoid, and which species should be used in your home landscape instead!

>> GET TICKETS GET TICKETS

WILDFLOWER WALK: ASL EDITION
2025-09-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Immerse yourself in the beauty of native Florida flowers on this inclusive, ranger-led hike. We’ll explore how the flowers, trees, and green spaces at Boyd Hill contribute to the health and vitality of the preserve. Each month, participants have the opportunity to learn about up to 10 flowers currently in bloom.
In recognition of Deaf Awareness Month, this hike will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) to promote accessibility and inclusion. An additional ASL-interpreted hike will be offered at the end of the month.
Ages 12 and up
>>> REGISTER HERE

Florida Wildlife Corridor - Master Gardener Speaker
2025-09-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
After decades of work from conservationists, scientists, politicians, and many others, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act was signed into law following unanimous bipartisan support by the Florida legislature on June 29, 2021.
The Florida Wildlife Corridor comprises nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness and working lands crucial to the survival of many of Florida’s 131 imperiled animals. In addition to protecting wildlife, conserving these wild spaces is critical to our overall well-being.
Join Master Gardener Liza Ryan to learn about the corridor and how you can participate in it’s protection and success!
Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat!
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

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

Gopher Tortoises + Prescribed Fire = Increased Biodiversity
2025-09-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about our gopher tortoises and the important ecological role they play!

Brooker Creek Preserve is home to one of Pinellas County’s largest populations of gopher tortoises, a threatened, burrowing species which occurs in upland habitats. Learn about the significant ecological role played by this keystone species. Find out how habitat restoration, including the use of prescribed fire, can greatly benefit plant and animal communities.
This PowerPoint program is recommended for adults and children 7+
Additional Notes: 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 Education Center buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium or “Butterfly Room”.
>>> GET TICKETS

HIKE Cockroach Creek Greenway
2025-09-30 08:00 - 11:30 | Cockroach Creek Greenway, 4110 Valroy Road, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Join us for a 4 to 6 miles hike across open prairies, flatwoods and some riverine hammock. We will learn about the ecology, habitats and pause for quotes to help us connect with the natural world.
Usual hiking gear/apparel e.g. water, hat, sun protection, and closed toe shoes. Long pants recommended. If wet conditions continue we may need to cross knee deep creeks so wear wetable shoes
Very limited parking will keep our group small. There are no facilities. Please sign the waiver on the electronic sign up. You can check with the leader about number reserved and other questions.
Level: Moderate
>>> REGISTER HERE

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2025-01-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Ages 12+

Join us in the Lab for a hands-on experience in archaeological discovery! Led by professional archaeologists from the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), this volunteer lab gives you the chance to sort, clean, and identify real artifacts uncovered at the Weedon Island Preserve. You’ll learn how archaeologists process materials for study and contribute to ongoing research about the people who once lived in this coastal region. No experience is necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Who Can Participate:
This lab is open to adults and youth ages 12 and up. Youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire session.
Space is limited — registration is required.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of real archaeological work!

Friday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m. — Register today
Friday, January 9 at 1:00 p.m. — Register today

Request A Youth Lab:
If you’re part of a homeschool group and would like to schedule a youth-focused lab, please email westcentral@fpan.us to request a separate Lab session.

Exhibit Treasures: A Scavenger Quest
2025-10-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Explore the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center’s exhibit gallery with a family-friendly scavenger quest!
This fun and educational indoor scavenger hunt will encourage visitors of all ages to explore the exhibits, artifacts, and displays while learning about the Preserve’s rich cultural and ecological heritage.
Recommended for ages 6+, youth must be accompanied by an adult.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

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.

FFL HC Webinar Series: Reduce Stormwater Runoff
2025-10-16 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 our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar on “Reduce Stormwater Runoff.” Discover effective strategies to manage stormwater and protect Florida’s waterways.
What You’ll Learn:

Techniques to minimize stormwater runoff in your yard
How to implement rain gardens and permeable surfaces
Benefits of reducing runoff for the environment and your landscape

Take action to protect our waterways and enhance your landscape’s sustainability. Our UF/IFAS experts will share practical tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Register now and learn how to effectively manage stormwater runoff in your yard!
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!
>>> GET TICKETS

International Archaeology Day Celebration!
2025-10-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for International Archaeology Day! International Archaeology Day is a celebration of archaeology and its contributions to society.

Pop-Up Exhibits from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Archaeology Talk from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

⚱️Explore a one-day exhibit of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and beyond! Archaeologists will illustrate the use of early stone and shell tools and their importance to indigenous people. Bring in found or inherited items such as spear points, tools, and pottery sherds for expert identification.
🌿Discover how indigenous Floridians used native plants in the pop-up “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will also demonstrate how to make fiber-thread from our native yucca plant! Enjoy native plants, books, and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
🎤Learn about the fascinating relationship between botany and archaeology in a special presentation from Dr. Christopher A. Kiahtipes, Associate Curator of the University of South Florida Herbarium. Using herbaria as a lens, Dr. Kiahtipes will discuss the intellectual, ethical, and curatorial challenges both disciplines face—especially in the context of our digital culture. Dr. Kiatipes talk is More than Collections: Making the Case for Physical Collections in a Digital World.
>>> GET TICKETS

Talk about Wild - Guided Hike
2025-10-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Enjoy a Sunday stroll in the woods!
Join us for a family friendly hike with fun facts about “Our Wildest Place”! Learn why the Preserve and its habitats are so important to the animals that call it home.
Led by volunteer hike guides.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Lets Walk Florida: Mangrove, Coastal Plants, & Marine Tour
2025-10-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Key Vista Nature Park, 2700 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL, 34691, United States
Join us for an educational guided walking tour through Werner Boyce Salt Springs Park and help support Let’s Walk Florida.
Join us to walk and learn!
An educational guided nature walk will be led by Dr. Megan Moore, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County. You will learn about mangrove identification, coastal plants, oysters, and the ecosystem benefits these systems provide.
We are teaming up with the UF/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent to support the Let’s Walk Florida Program! You are welcome to join us just for a fun educational day or to join the Lets Walk Florida Group!
Let’s Walk, Florida! Is a six-week walking program designed to encourage a physically active lifestyle. Walk anywhere on your own time, but also join the optional structured group walks to not just earn activity minutes, but to learn about our ecosystems. Join the group here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-walk-florida-pasco-tickets-1595865609999?aff=oddtdtcreator
We will provide a headset listening device so you can hear the tour easily during the walk! This walk will include boardwalks and dirt paths with around 1.5 miles of total walking. The first half of the tour is on the boardwalk and is much shorter if you want to join and only attend part of the tour! Bring hats, water, and walking shoes.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Right Plant, Right Place
2025-10-23 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
How to Select Florida-Friendly Plants
Landscape plants grow better using less water, less fertilizer and less pesticide if they are selected to match landscape conditions.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principle #1 is “Right Plant, Right Place” and this presentation helps you know how to make those landscape matches!
Achieving a healthy, low-maintenance home landscape starts with putting the right plant in the right place. Select Florida-Friendly plants and turfgrass that match a site’s soil, light, water, and climatic conditions. Buy quality plants that welcome wildlife, consider mature plant size when you make your purchase, and aim for a diversity of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. Once these plants are established, they’ll require minimal amounts of supplemental water, fertilizer, or pesticides, saving you time and money. Help stop the spread of invasive plants by removing them from your yard.
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 REGISTER HERE

Meet your Forest: Tree & Fungi Walk and Talk
2025-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, 33592, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a walk and talk about our local trees and fungi.
She will cover tree identification techniques, including using iNaturalist to document your findings. Be prepared to walk with closed toed shoes, water, hat etc. A map will be emailed to you the day prior with the exact meeting location. Be aware that the park has a $2 entry fee.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Watershed Walk
2025-10-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out along our tails with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan!
Water is an important feature at Brooker Creek Preserve and on this hike you will learn the different ways we interact with water, the importance of wetlands and how you can make a difference in issues surrounding our water quality and quantity.
Come and enjoy this family friendly walk through the woods with Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Lichens - What's Not to Like?
2025-10-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th Street, Dade City, FL, 33523, United States
Look! Up in the tree! It’s an alga! It’s a fungus! It’s both! It’s a superlichen!
Come discover the fascinating world of lichens during a hands-on presentation that will be of interest to students and adults. These amazing ‘organisms’ are combinations of fungal tissues embedded with algal cells. Lichens exist in a symbiotic relationship known as mutualism in which both member species benefit from the partnership. You may be surprised to learn who was one of the first people to discover what lichens really are. Examine the wide variety of lichen colors, shapes, growth patterns, and even ‘behaviors.’ Learn about lichens’ ecological importance to other members of their habitat. There’s even an economic importance to humans as they may use lichens in some of their hobbies.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Lets Walk Florida
2025-10-30 09:00 - 11:00 | Crews Lake Wilderness Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive, Shady Hills, FL, 34610, United States
Join us for an educational guided walking tour through Crews Lake Wilderness Park and help support Let’s Walk Florida.
Join us to walk and learn!
An educational guided nature walk will be led by Dr. Megan Moore, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County at Crews Lake Wilderness Park. You will learn about plant species, Florida geology, stormwater, and the ecosystem benefits these systems provide. We are teaming up with the UF/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent to support the Let’s Walk Floirda Program! You are welcome to join us just for a fun educational day or to join the Lets Walk Floirda Group!
Let’s Walk, Florida! Is a six-week walking program designed to encourage a physically active lifestyle. Walk anywhere on your own time, but also join the optional structured group walks to not just earn activity minutes, but to learn about our ecosystems. Join the group here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-walk-florida-pasco-tickets-1595865609999?aff=oddtdtcreator
We will provide a headset listening device so you can hear the tour easily during the walk! This walk will include boardwalks, dirt paths, and an observation tower with around 1.5 miles of total walking. The path has soft sugar sand and roots! Bring hats, water, and walking shoes.
Meet us near Pavilion 1.
>>> REGISTER HERE
