Where Did the Snakes Go?
2023-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Where Did the Snakes Go?
The Parasite Behind Pygmy Rattlesnake Declines
Learn about new research from the University of Central Florida’s Biology Department!
Precipitous declines of Sistrurus miliarius are spatially and temporally consistent with the initial invasion of the lung parasite, Raillietiella orientalis (RO). RO is suspected to have been introduced by the established Burmese pythons in South Florida and causes disease in snakes native to the southeastern United States. Eighteen species of native snakes are documented as definitive hosts in Florida but pathology and risk of disease development between species is understudied. During this program, Jenna will introduce the invasive lung parasite, uncover what species are at risk of infections in the southeastern US, and why pygmy rattlesnakes are an exceptionally vulnerable host.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
Speaker Bio: Jenna is a second-year PhD student at the University of Central Florida in Dr. Anna Savage’s lab. Though the focal species of her dissertation is Sistrurus miliarius, she works to assess all species of snakes in North America that are at risk of infection by Raillietiella orientalis as the disease caused by the pathogen (pentastomiasis) can be severe and often lethal. She is the founder of a collaborative network called SLAM (Snake Lungworm Alliance and Monitoring) that consists of many researchers and managers across the southeastern United States. Jenna is also the co-chair of the national Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) Disease Task Team which facilitates and guides communication and collaboration on herpetofaunal diseases among PARC regions, federal and state agencies, and partners.

Elemental Seasons Homeschool Class
2023-11-08 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-11-15 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-11-22 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-11-29 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.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Turtle Science
2023-11-11 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-12-09 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-01-13 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-10 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-09 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).

Open Archaeology Lab
2023-12-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-02 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 <<<

Science Rocks!
2023-12-07 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-01-04 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-02-01 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-03-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
This free event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park is hosted by the Clearwater Community Women’s Club, and it covers a range of science topics through hands-on activities, discussion and crafts. Registration is required by emailing ScienceRocksMoccasin@gmail.com.
Sept. 7: 5 Senses
Oct.5: Water
Nov. 2. Bees
Jan. 4: Push/Pull
Feb. 1: Flight
Mar. 7: Frogs and Toads
April 4: The Sun
May 2: 3 States of Matter

Animal Evidence Camp
2023-12-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2023-12-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2023-12-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2023-12-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers will learn how to identify bones, tracks, and scat through daily hikes in the preserve.
Ages 7 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Youth Florida Forest Hike
2024-01-19 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out on the trails with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing…TREES!
In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES! Join Lara on a hike to learn about all of the amazing things these giant plants can do! Targeted for elementary and middle school aged youth.
Meet in the Education Center. Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
In case you missed it, we have a whole line-up of activities for Florida Arbor Day:
9am – THIS Youth Florida Forest Hike
11am – Youth Papermaking Class!
All Day – Hands-on Exploration Stations in the Education Center

CAPE: Community Action Projects for the Environment
2024-02-03 08:00 - 11:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us and informal educators to learn about CAPE curriculum and how to provide it for youth at your institution. Formal educators, please inquire if the curriculum fits with Megan Ennes. The workshop and curriculum is free. CAPE is a new program run by the University of Florida’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute that guides youth through an 8-step process to improve their community and environment.
For questions about the curriculum, please contact Megan Ennes megan.ennes@ufl.edu
For questions about the workshop location, please contact Katie Mastenbrook kmastenbrook@tampabaywatch.org
Click here to register to participate.

Archaeology Hike & Site Tour
2024-03-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

Hike an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve and learn about the current archaeological research.
Professional archaeologists with the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education will lead a hike out to an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve. Participants will learn about recent work at the site, research results, and local Indigenous history.
This guided tour will be ~2 miles in total length and will traverse uneven, natural paths so please prepare accordingly. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2024-03-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-09 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-16 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-23 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This four-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants.
Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This four–part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist.
The class follows the contents of Harrington’s “How to Identify Plants” (1957); a copy of which is provided to each registrant. This concise text contains a comprehensive vocabulary of terms and illustrations to help clarify concepts.
A packet of supplemental educational materials will also be provided to each registrant.
About this Event
During each 4-hour classroom event, participants will engage in a participatory lecture, and have plenty of time for Q & A. The final session will be a hands-on workshop that will include graduates from previous courses. Each session will build on the previous; attending the entire series is recommended.
Classes are four consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bio-breaks are factored into the schedule for each day! Bring a bag-lunch (refrigeration and a microwave are available).
Class dates and syllabus:
Week 1, March 9
Plant Classification

Parts of a Flower
Inflorescence Types
Non-Flowering Plant Identification
Read Harrington Chapter I – V

Week 2, March 16

Roots-n-Shoots
Leaves
Surfaces
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae
Read Harrington Chapters VI – XI

Week 3, March 23

General Terms
Fruits and Seeds
Using a Dichotomous Key

Week 4, March 30

Review, general questions
Hands-on Workshop with former graduates
Graduation!

Upon completion of the entire course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida.
Graduates will have access to several hands-on workshops and additional information throughout the year to help stay engaged with the practice of plant identification.
Class fee includes all materials and textbook. Registration will CLOSE on March 6.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Ethnobotany and Archaeology Open House
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants!

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants as a part of the Weedon Island Preserve’s celebration of Florida Archaeology Month! All ages welcome.

Learn how indigenous Floridians used native plants as an everyday resource in the “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit and demonstration. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will be on-hand to answer questions and demonstrate how the plants were used. See a hands-on demonstration on fiber-thread making from the native yucca plant. In addition, find out which native plants were popular in the 19th century though the present time. The exhibit also features native plants, books and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
Meet Weedon Island’s archaeologists and see their displays of artifacts, tools and other items.
Bring your own fossils and artifacts to be identified and their uses determined by on-site archaeology experts.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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Stay until 2:00 p.m. for the free lecture The Origins of Tampa Bay. Learn about Tampa Bay’s origins from the recent studies of an archaeological panel in the fields of paleoenvironment, Indigenous ecology, and history. Register here!

Lionfish Dissection
2024-03-31 15:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated to us.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom. All dissection guests must purchase a ticket to enter the classroom.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
