Bug Investigations
2025-01-11 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for an exciting exploration into the world of bugs!
Ages 6 yrs +
Participants will become junior entomologists, discovering the fascinating lives of insects and other small creatures.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Wading Birds Photography Tour
2025-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Search for wading birds along the coast of Weedon Island and learn wildlife photography techniques.

This tour is for photographers and bird enthusiasts of all skill levels. A brief classroom session before the tour will teach participants about the wading birds found at the Preserve, as well as nature photography techniques specific to the wildlife and seasonal variations of Weedon Island.
The total hike length will be between 1 to 2 miles on natural paths and boardwalks so please dress and prepare accordingly.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Owls, Hawks, Falcons, Oh My!
2025-01-17 15:30 - 17:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
Join the St. Petersburg Audubon in exploring our apex predators: RAPTORS!
Participants will have the opportunity to dissect an owl pellet, and with the assistance of charts, identify the prey species the owl dined on.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

The Life of a Dead Tree
2025-01-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
It has been said that a dead tree supports more biodiversity than a live tree! Let’s explore what happens when a tree meets its end. From initial decomposers to larger opportunists, a dead tree becomes a “hive” of activity until it is reduced to dust.
Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor.
Recommended for adults and youth over 12.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Nature Riders Child Bike
2025-01-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our brand new bike hike!
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails, enjoy fresh air, and learn about nature along the way.
Please note: only 5 adult bikes and 5 child bikes available.
MUST bring own helmet.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Sensory Sundays
2025-01-19 08:30 - 10:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome!
For all ages! • 2 Hours
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> REGISTER HERE

Rx Fire Fest
2025-01-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments will hold our “Rx Fire Fest,” which is a festival created to celebrate and educate about prescribed fire and its value to Florida’s natural landscapes and communities.

This program will take place at Edward Medard Conservation Park (6140 Turkey Creek Rd. Plant City, FL 33567) on Saturday, January 25th from 9am – 2pm.

The Prescribed Fire Festival will feature talks and Q&A’s with wildland firefighters, live prescribed fire demonstrations (weather permitting), equipment demonstrations, games and kids events, guided hikes, food trucks, and more.

In Your Backyard: Build a Bat Box!
2025-01-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Discover the amazing world of bats and help support local wildlife by building your very own bat box!
Ages 7 yrs +
In this engaging workshop, participants will learn about the importance of bats in our ecosystem, their unique characteristics, and how bat boxes provide essential roosting habitats.
Through hands-on activities, kids (and their adults) will gain practical skills while fostering a love for nature.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Bay Babies
2025-01-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
Ages 3 – 6
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session may include story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited.
Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Elemental Seasons Homeschool - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-05 09:30 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join Ruth Glass as we study the seasons and traditional celebrations from around the world.
Children will go on hikes, participate in celebrations of nature, and create nature art to take home.
Please bring water and a snack.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> ENROLL HERE

Backyard Chickens 101 Seminar
2025-03-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn the basics of raising backyard chickens!
Join us for an introductory backyard chicken seminar! We will cover the basics of raising backyard chickens, including health, nutrition, chicken coops, predator protection, and egg production tips. This workshop is for beginning or aspiring backyard chicken owners.
The program will be held at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County conference center on March 6, 2025 at 6pm.
There is a $10 fee for this workshop. Participants will receive educational materials to support the topics presented.
Registration Deadline: March 5th @ 11:59pm
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Tween & Teen Homeschooler Hike
2025-01-03 11:00 - 12:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Explore the woods of “Our Wildest Place”!

Join us on an educational guided hike geared toward tweens and teens! We’ll explore the native plants and animals that call Brooker Creek home while meandering along a 1.5 mile trail. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy after the hike together.
Registration is required. Space is limited and this hike will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Butterfly Gardening: Milkweed for Monarchs
2025-03-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to attract monarchs and other butterflies to your Florida garden
This class will teach you how to attract and keep butterflies in your garden year-round along with other pollinators and beneficial insects important to a healthy garden. We will talk about key nectar and host plants for Central Florida that you should plant in your yard. Participants will receive a native milkweed plant and a butterfly ID brochure after attending the workshop.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $10.00 registration fee per individual for this workshop.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

The Florida Panther: Our Endangered Big Cat
2025-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The elusive Florida Panther is one of the most endangered creatures. There are only around 200 of these majestic cats left in the wild! Make plans to join us for a great discussion with a field biologist who will delve into the mysteries of these incredible animals. Discover their secret lives and find out what efforts are underway to protect them from habitat loss and ensure their survival!
Our presenter is Christopher Satter, Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Open to the public. | FREE ADMISSION
For questions about the Natural History Speaker Series, contact Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at 727-893-7326.

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.

Colony Watch Training TBP
2025-03-15 10:00 - 11:30 | FL
Jeff Liechty, Audubon Florida’s Coastal Islands Sanctuaries staff, and William Laurie, Project Colony Watch Coordinator, will conduct Colony Watch Training March 15, 10 am in Brandon.

During the training, you’ll learn how to identify nesting birds and survey your local bird nesting colony. Reports help inform local and state managers and protect wading bird populations.

For more information and the location, contact William.laurie@tampaaudubon.org

Buggin' Out Hike
2025-03-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our rangers for an explorative hike as we discover the fascinating insects that call Boyd Hill home. Learn about the vital roles these tiny creatures play in our ecosystem and why they are so important for the health of our environment

All ages welcome with a registered adult.

>>> REGISTER HERE

Afternoon Adventures Weather or Not
2025-03-15 15:30 - 16:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our Rangers in exploring what weather is, how it is different from climate, and how does it form. We will look at everything from the tilt of the Earth, solar radiation, the Coriolis effect, air pressure/temperature, to how large bodies of water and different landforms (forest, desert, mountains, plains) affect our weather and climates.
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Elemental Seasons Camp - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-17 08:00 - 2025-03-21 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Celebrate the winter season of Florida with an experiential look at the winter changes, celebrations, and cultures around the world throughout time.
Nature hikes, handcrafted items to take home, and interactive experiences occur each day.
Ages 6 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> ENROLL HERE

Nature Detectives Camp - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-17 08:00 - 2025-03-21 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
Explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles (such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards) with hands-on learning, hikes, and animal encounters.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Pioneer Camp - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-17 08:00 - 2025-03-21 17:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Campers will experience a time when family, friendship, and character were as important as food, water, and shelter.
Activities are adapted from the Association of Experiential Education to foster team building, leadership, and self-esteem.
Ages 7 yrs – 13 yrs
Fee Assistance Available
>>> REGISTER HERE

Youth Spring Break Pollinator Party
2025-03-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about our native pollinators!
Take a pollinator walk, safely catch and study some insect friends, complete a scavenger hunt, then create seed-balls to take home so you can create a pollinator habitat of your own!
Recommended for youth ages 7 & up. Registration is required.
Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Meet in front of the auditorium.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Birding on the Bay
2024-12-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Presents:
Birding on the Bay with the MFA

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience on the waters of Tampa Bay! This 75-minute guided boat tour offers a front-row seat to the fascinating bird species that call this vibrant ecosystem home. During the tour, we’ll visit a nearby bird sanctuary island, strategically timed to provide the best viewing opportunities for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
As we navigate the waters, your expert guide will share insightful details about the diverse bird species you’ll encounter, from elegant waders to soaring seabirds. With our prime location and optimal timing, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional views of these feathered residents as they go about their daily routines.
This tour is perfect for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the rich wildlife of Tampa Bay in a relaxed and educational setting.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Camp Bayou Spring Fest
2025-03-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Join Camp Bayou as it welcomes Spring with some fun activities on Saturday, March 22 from 9am-noon. Some of the activities you can expect include nature activity tables, trail walks, tomato seedling giveaway, and cart tours.
Schedule of Events:
9am open
9:30 Cart tours begin
10:00 Trail walk
10:30 Butterfly Habitat Q&A
11:00 Native Camp Tour
11:30 Fishing Cabin Talk
Noon Final raffle- event ends
Joining the Camp Bayou Nature Center for a morning of fun is the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum, Manatee Viewing Center, Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, Hillsborough County Parks, Rec and Conservation, Little Manatee River State Park, Alafia River State Park and Florida Forestry Service.
Some of the crafting activities planned:
– pine cone bird feeder
– vine wreaths
– nature journals
– seed bead jewelry
– ‘Camp Bayou’ t-shirts
All supplies provided.
No registration required and it’s free! Come out and experience all that Camp Bayou has to offer.
