Native Bees and Me!
2024-01-27 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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 <<<

Science Rocks!
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, 2024-06-06 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-07-04 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-08-01 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

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, 2024-08-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-08-22 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 <<<

Intro to Beekeeping
2024-07-07 10:30 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards
~ Session 1 of 3 ~
This program will introduce you to the basics of honey bees, their behavior, biology and the guiding principles of beekeeping.
Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
Why honey bees? In addition to the personal satisfaction of harvesting your own pure natural honey, many of our food staples would disappear without honey bees for pollination. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these under-appreciated workers pollinate 80 percent of our flowering crops, which constitute one-third of everything we eat. Hobbyist beekeepers play a vital role in keeping our honey bee population healthy.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Want to take the entire series?
Register for Part 2 on Sunday July 14th here!
Register for Part 3 on Sunday July 21st here!
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, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.

Intro to Beekeeping
2024-07-14 10:30 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards
~ Session 2 of 3 ~

This program will cover what it takes to get started in this amazing hobby with a focus on the equipment and tools necessary for beekeeping. We will review the components of the “modern” bee hive, the tools used by beekeepers, and demystify the seemingly countless number of paraphernalia available for the hobbyist beekeeping.
In addition we will discuss the proper locations for beehives and explain Florida’s rules and guidelines.
Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Register for Part 3 on Sunday July 21st here!
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, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.

Intro to Beekeeping
2024-07-21 10:30 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards
~ Session 3 of 3 ~
Principles of Organic Beekeeping Practices
This program will cover what it takes to keep your hives healthy throughout the beekeeping seasons. We will review how to maintain healthy honeybee colonies, discuss how to recognize pests and diseases, and have an in- depth discussion on what you can do to support your bees, with a focus on organic beekeeping practices.
Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium. An equal opportunity institution.

Buzz, Crawl, Flutter: Diving into the World of Bugs
2024-07-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about the fascinating life of a bug!
Join the UF Entomology and Nematology department for a dive into the fascinating world of bugs!
Learn about metamorphosis, pollination, insect adaptations, and plenty of insect fun facts. This hands-on program will feature live bugs and time for Q&A!
Family Friendly. Registration is required.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Singing Insects: The Overlooked Chorus
2024-07-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about the buzzes, chirps, and clicks heard in the west-central Florida landscape, who makes them and why.

After the program, participants can go on a Singing Insect Listening Walk and may even get a chance to “stridulate” like a singing cricket!
This program will begin inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, but will also go outside to observe wild insects.
This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 and up. Please register every individual planning to attend!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Youth Program: Mosquito Mania
2024-08-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Have a future entomologist on your hands? Kids ages 6-11 are invited to learn about the wonderful world of insects!
We will discuss what makes insects different from other animals, what they need to live, their life cycle, and then apply what we learn to mosquitoes. After the presentation attendees can explore live aquatic insect stations and use microscopes to view them up close!
This youth program is geared toward ages 6 to 12. Registration is required and space is limited. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program.
Presented by Caroline Scott, Environmental Specialist III with Pinellas County
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
