Nature Investigators' Club
2022-08-05 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

Forest Bathing Guided Walk
2022-08-20 09:30 - 11:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Forest bathing is a guided walk designed to relax and rejuvenate. We’ll bathe our senses in the healing qualities of nature and share our experiences through conversation. We’ll leave refreshed by this contemplative practice that we can carry into our everyday routines. Please wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Happy Houseplants
2022-08-27 11:00 - 13:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a fun, in-person, hands-on class to learn the art and science of caring for houseplants!

Join us for a fun, in-person, hands-on class to learn the art and science of caring for houseplants. $25 entry fee allows you to take home your very own specially-selected, easy-care houseplant in a sub-irrigated container. $5 for the class only.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> REGISTER HERE

So You Want to Start a Farm?
2022-09-14 18:00 - 20:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Is the farm life for you? Join us to learn what it takes to start a farm and what questions to ask before you start.

Description: Have you thought about starting a small farm in Hillsborough County? You are probably excited to jump in and get started on creating your dream farm, but the key to a successful farm business it to plan it out first. The purpose of this workshop is to get you thinking about what it takes to start a farm.
This workshop is for beginner or aspiring farmers interested in starting a small farm in Hillsborough County. We will cover the factors to consider BEFORE starting your farm enterprise and send you home with resources to use as references while you plan out your farm.
Learning Objectives:
• Determine the factors to consider and questions to ask before starting a farm
• Evaluate your farm idea and fill in the gaps
Participants will receive educational materials and a worksheet to write down your ideas on how these factors could be addressed in your farm plan. This class will be an overview of these factors with resources provided for additional information – more in-depth information will be available in future workshops.
There is a $10 fee and registration is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Pasture & Grazing Management Seminar
2022-09-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Association, 6404 S County Road 39, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
Join us to learn management strategies that can help you utilize your pastures more efficiently.

Description: Grazing is the most economical way to feed livestock.
Throughout this seminar, you will learn how to address soil fertility, weed management, and grazing management for your pastures! Whether you raise cattle, horses, goats, or other animals – pasture management is a key component to healthy animals and forage.
*Learn about the importance of soil fertility for your forages, as well as how to take soil samples.
*Do you have pasture weeds competing with more desirable forages for soil nutrients? We will cover strategies for managing pasture weeds.
*Is your stocking rate appropriate? Learn how this can affect the forage availability, forage utilization and animal performance.
>>> 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

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

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

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

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

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

Mosquito Control & Why It Matters
2022-11-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
The Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department present the annual Natural History Speaker Series (NHSS), a program that offers fascinating presentations on the natural and cultural history of Florida by individuals who are authorities in their fields.

Seed Saving Strategies
2022-11-18 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Have you ever thought about saving seeds from your favorite vegetables? Join us for this two-hour workshop about seed saving strategies. Topics will include plant mating systems, isolation techniques, seed processing, and more!
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

Backyard Composting
2023-01-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Basic Irrigation Operations and Maintenance
2023-01-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Want to learn more about irrigation, how it operates, and the basics of maintaining it?
Presented by Brian J Rigney, Irrigation Program Assistant. Learn about the basic operations and maintenance of your in-ground irrigation system.
Contact: Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
This class will satisfy the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Rebate Program.
For further information on the Outdoor Water Rebate Program, contact: Manatee County Utility Department – Tina at (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation with the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL). Call Maggie Gaughan (941) 722-4524 X 1827 to sign up today.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Landscape Tips for Water Conservation
2023-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips such as right plant vs. right place, watering efficiently, and mulch benefits. We will have a brief discussion on your in-ground sprinkler system and the benefits of installing smart irrigation devices.
This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524 ext 1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Composting Workshop
2023-02-04 08:30 - 09:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Rainwater Harvesting
2023-02-11 09:30 - 11:00 | Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center, 14644 113th Ave N, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Water Wise Workshop:
Rainwater Harvesting
Did you know Tampa Bay and the surrounding counties average 50- 60 inches of rain annually? Florida- Friendly Landscaping™ Educator Melissa West will explore practical, low-cost approaches to harness our most precious resources rainwater and at the same time reduce stormwater runoff and pollution. Tune in to learn more about rainwater harvesting, rain gardens and how to make use of your rainwater.
Barrels available for purchase by class participants. for $45.
Register Here

Rain Barrel Decorating Workshop
2023-02-11 11:30 - 13:00 | Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center, 14644 113th Ave N, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Let the fun begin. Join us for this creative hands-on workshop where you will learn how to make your rain barrel look fabulous and also help protect it from Florida’s intense sun. Instructors will teach and demonstrate barrel preparation and multiple creative painting techniques. This workshop will include materials and provide inspiring decorating ideas.
You have the option to either bring your own rain barrel to decorate, or use one of our test barrels (these stay with us)
Register Here

Taking The Mystery Out of Micro-irrigation
2023-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system.
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, to discuss an introduction to micro-irrigation. This includes learning to select, install, and operate your own water-saving irrigation system. The discussion will include information regarding the components, and how to assemble, and maintain. Come hear the benefits and why it is important to water plants, shrubs and other landscape plants separate from your turfgrass.
This class satisfies the irrigation educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
Contact: Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Re-sodding Your Florida Lawn
2023-03-01 09:00 - 10:30 | Online Event
Learn how to prepare your yard to re-sod, how to lay the sod and take care of it for success.

WEDNESDAY, March 1, 2023- 9 am – 10:15 am – Hiring a contractor to re-sod your lawn is expensive and doing it yourself can be expensive and time consuming. Learn how yards should be prepared prior to re-sodding and how to properly lay the sod. Learn what amendments are recommended, how to irrigate new sod, when to fertilize new sod, and other tips for success. We will also introduce you to new water conservation irrigation technology.
Attending a workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted.
We will conduct this workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join! ***Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the ZOOM link, please check your SPAM folder for an email from us. If no link is received, please contact Paula Staples at 813-744-5519 Ext 54142 for assistance.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION
