Surprising Native Bees in Pinellas County
2023-09-29 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about the lifestyles of the native bees in your own Pinellas County backyard.
Find out about Pinellas County’s surprising and diverse native bees! Learn about their lifestyles (hint, no hives), how to identify them and what you can do to help them.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, but may also go outside briefly to look for bees. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 8 and up.
This program will be led by Liz Childress, supervisor of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. Liz is a life-long student of Florida’s natural environment, with special interests in insects, fish, and birds. A second-generation Pinellas native, Liz changed careers from technology to environmental education. She graduated from University of Florida and Georgia Institute of Technology with degrees in journalism and business, and has completed coursework in entomology. Liz enjoys providing programming to spark enthusiasm for Florida’s natural and cultural resources.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Science Rocks!
2023-10-05 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-11-02 10:30 - 11:30, 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, 2024-04-04 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-05-02 10:30 - 11:30 and 1 more date | 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

The Butterflies of Pinellas County
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States

Creepy Crawlies: Good Bug, Bad Bug
2023-10-27 13:30 - 15:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Just in time for Halloween! Join us to learn about the interesting insects that we want to have around and the not-so-beneficial ones, too. New to gardening in Florida- with all the unfamiliar insects? We’ll help you figure out which ones will help you out!
>>> 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.

Bugs & Butterflies for Beginners
2023-11-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This class is an introduction wonderful world of insects!

What is that bug? Does it bite? Is it REALLY a bug? This class will introduce participants to the wonderful world of insects, including butterflies, found throughout Pinellas County. Learn how to identify major groups of insects and their ecological importance. Recommended for adults and families.
Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Butterfly and Bird-Attracting Native Plants & Trees
2024-01-04 10:00 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to attract birds & butterflies with natives!
Bird and butterfly populations are in decline worldwide and their fates are intertwined. Join us for an informative class about what we each can do in our own backyards and neighborhoods by adding appropriate plants and changing practices to support these beautiful creatures and bring life back into our communities.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
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 <<<

Native Bees and Me!
2024-01-27 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about our native bees!
Florida is home to over 300 species of native bees. The honeybee is not one of them. We will explore our oft-overlooked native bees, their critical role in healthy ecosystems and how we can provide a welcoming habitat for these harmless insects. Participants will have the opportunity to take home a bee-friendly project that will benefit native bees. Recommended for adults and youth over 12.
Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Pinellas County Bee City USA 2024 BioBlitz!
2024-03-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Eagle Lake Park, 1800 Keene Road, Largo, FL, 33771, United States
Join others in the community for a fun, citizen-science effort to record as many species of plants and insects at Eagle Lake Park!

Pinellas County has recently been recognized as a Bee City (County) by the non-profit Xerces Society for the Conservation of Invertebrates. Part of our commitment to foster a community that supports insect conservation is to engage citizens in the collection of data on the health of our insect populations.
You are invited to join others in the community for a fun, citizen-science effort to record as many species of plants and insects at Eagle Lake Park on March 2nd. This “Bio-Blitz” using the iNaturalist phone app (free) will give us an idea of the density and diversity of pollinators and the plants they depend on in one park in our county. Educators from the Brooker Creek and Weedon Island Environmental Education Centers will be on hand to get you started at the BioBlitz.
You can sign-up here to keep updated by email of any useful information before the event. Otherwise, all are welcome to join us to start the blitz at Shelter 3, Eagle Lake Park, 1800 Keene Road, Largo, FL 33771 from 9:00am – 12:00pm.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinator Hike
2024-03-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This family hike combines the outdoor experience with the educational aspects of discovering the various species of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, that keep our planet growing.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs - Spring Vegetable Gardening Series
2024-03-06 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Let us answer all of your insect and pest questions!
Do you want to learn more about pests and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we’ll cover insect life cycles, management, identification, and more. For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Insect Gall Walk
2024-03-23 11:00 - 12:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Let us introduce you to the intriguing world of galls!
These alien-looking growths are found on plants around the world and are hiding tiny secrets: bugs! We will explore the common species of galling insects in Florida and the Tampa Bay area on a gall hunt together. Join Local expert, Christine Leonard to learn about the native galls of Brooker Creek and how they contribute to local biodiversity!
Presented by Christine Leonard. Recommended for adults. This walk caps at 20 participants.

>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Moth Night
2024-04-05 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-06-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Discover Denizens of the Dark at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.

After a brief lecture, we will venture into the night to find moths of many sizes and colors, all attracted to our artificial lights. This evening experience is best for adults and children over 12.
Registration is required. Space is very limited. Once registered, please check your confirmation email for important details on where to meet.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

INSECTS, BIRDS, AND GARDENERS
2024-04-10 11:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
MASTER GARDENER SPEAKER SERIES:
INSECTS, BIRDS, AND GARDENERS
Insects and birds can be both friends and foes to gardeners! Join Master Gardener, Debbie Ingram, as she explores how to tell the difference between helpful and harmful wildlife and how to cultivate balance between the two.

Budding Romances!
2024-04-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
An entertaining exploration of bugs and bloomers.
Sex is a driving force that shapes the lives of all living things, so animals and plants have more in common than you might think. What is this force that unifies us all? How does it function? What are some of the astonishing, outrageous, and wildly bizarre ways that Nature gets the job done? Armed with his camera and thinking cap, John Lampkin has been photo-documenting some answers over the past 25 years in gardens far and wide. Including Brooker Creek. This program will amaze, entertain and educate on mating like you’ve never seen it before! Geared towards adults.
This program is recommended for an adult audience only.
>>> 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: John Lampkin is an avid naturalist and Nature photographer with credits in many field guides, books, journals, websites and blogs, and he won the 2020 “American Butterflies” magazine photo contest. As a professional composer, his woodwind quintet, “Insects: A Musical Entomology in Six Legs” won the Grand Prize in a Composers Guild international competition. John also constructs crossword puzzles for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the LA Times and other venues, with many of his puzzles having Nature themes. Except for his fascination with bugs and plants he is totally harmless.

Bio-Blitz
2024-04-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Be a citizen scientist!

Learn how to be a community scientist, gathering data on the flora and fauna of the Preserve. This “Bio-Blitz” using the iNaturalist phone app (free) will give us an idea of the density and diversity of pollinators and the plants they depend on. This activity is a part of our Earth Day Birthday Celebration.
Meet in front of the auditorium at 9am! Space is limited. Please be courteous and CANCEL your ticket if you can no longer attend.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Dragonfly Discovery Walk
2024-04-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join local dragonfly expert Paul Trunk as we explore the Preserve looking for dragonflies.
Join local dragonfly expert Paul Trunk as we explore some of the habitats at Brooker Creek looking for dragonflies. Brooker Creek Preserve is an excellent area that is home to approximately 20+ species of odonates.
We will learn about the natural history of dragonflies and their importance to a healthy ecosystem.
Bring your binoculars and also a camera if you enjoy taking pictures. Registration is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida First Detector Workshop
2024-05-30 09:30 - 16:00 | FL
Learn how to detect exotic, invasive pests!
Florida First Detector is a multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of exotic, invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas.
Snacks and beverages will be available during the class. Please bring your own lunch.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Agenda:
9:30 AM Welcome and Introduction
9:35 AM Pre-workshop Survey
9:45 AM Introduction to Invasive Pests and Pathways
10:05 AM What is a Bug?
10:20 AM Activity: Build-A-Bug
10:35 AM Beetle Trapping/Woodboring Beetles
10:55 AM Asian Long Horned Beetle
11:15 AM Emerald Ash Borer
11:35 AM Palm Weevil
11:55 AM Bromeliad Weevil & Management
12:15 PM Lunch Break (Please bring your own lunch)
12:35 PM Giant African Land Snail
1:30 PM Channeled Apple Snail
1:50 PM Biological Controls
2:10 PM Activity: Plant Diseases
2:30 PM Lethal Bronzing
2:50 PM Sample Submission and DDIS
3:10 PM Activity: Pest Walk
3:30 PM Activity: Microscope Display
3:50 PM Post-workshop Survey
4:00 PM Conclusion
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
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.

Beautiful Bugs
2024-06-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Meet us in the lobby and learn all about the common insects found at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve! This interactive program will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the hidden beauty of these small creatures!
Free bug tattoos will be given out!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Orchid Care Academy II: Orchid Problem Solving
2024-06-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A series of cultivation secrets!
Part 2 of a 4 part series on orchids! 2. Orchid Problem Solving: Recognize the pests, diseases, and cultural mistakes with orchids and how to treat them. Bring in your problem plant to get specific advice from Master Gardener Volunteers !
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
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.

Pollinator Promenade Youth Hike
2024-06-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Pollinator Week with us by strolling through the Preserve searching for local pollinators! We’ll identify native pollinators we see along our route, learn why they are so important, and actions we can take to help them thrive! Geared towards ages 7 to 11.
This youth program is geared toward ages 7 to 11. 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 the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
