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 <<<

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 <<<

Pollinator Pots
2025-02-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Support local pollinators such as butterflies and birds by making a pollinator pot to put on your porch or balcony!
Bring a 12″ – 18″ pot and we will provide the native plants and soil!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Introduction to Beekeeping
2025-03-09 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-23 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-30 11:00 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards
~ 3 Sessions ~
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 <<<
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.
Want to take the entire series?
Register for Part 2 on Sunday March 23 here!
Register for Part 3 on Sunday March 30 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 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: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54145, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Tiny Wildlife Walk
2025-03-15 09:30 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Wildlife abounds at the Weedon Island Preserve, especially the tiny kind, like butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates. Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Preserve. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Note: The total walk length will be variable, but no more than a mile or so. We will traverse uneven, natural paths and boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
This tour is best suited for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Buggin' Out Hike
2025-03-15 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-04-12 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 <<<

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 <<<

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 <<<

Froggin' Around
2025-03-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Let’s have a little frog fun to celebrate World Water Day!
Ages 4 yrs – 8 yrs
Come dressed like your favorite frog and enjoy a frog’s point of view. Join Connie Nye to learn about adaptations and the life cycle of frogs.
A reading of “Can He Keep It?” and a book signing included.
Books are not included, but will be available for a $20 purchase.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Special Butterfly Walk!
2025-03-29 09:00 - 11:00 | Folly Farms Nature Preserve, 1538 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street North, Safety Harbor, FL, 34695, United States
Field Trip Leader: Ron Smith
Location: Folly Farms Nature Preserve
1538 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street North, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695
Meet at the parking lot. This walk and butterfly introduction day should feature several species of hairstreaks and other early season butterflies. Spectacular native plants display.
What to Bring:
Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen

Tiny Wildlife Walk
2025-04-19 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-05-17 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-21 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-07-19 09:30 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us on a naturalist-led walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Weedon Island Preserve!

Wildlife abounds at the Weedon Island Preserve, especially the tiny kind, like butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates. Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Preserve. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
The total walk length will be variable, but no more than a mile or so. We will traverse uneven, natural paths and boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida’s Fabulous Fireflies
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Commonly called “lightning bugs”, come learn about Florida’s fireflies and what we can do to conserve them!
Yes, Florida has fireflies and more species than any other state in the U.S.! Join a staff naturalist to learn about this insect’s surprising lifestyle, how they communicate (hint: it’s flashy) and what you can do to help them. There might even be a chance to flash like a firefly!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bug Out With Ava: An Intro to Hymenoptera
2025-05-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn why these insects are so important!

Join Ava Easterling, educator and entomologist, to learn about the fascinating world of Hymenoptera- bees, ants, and wasps! Discover why these insects play a vital role in sustaining our planet and learn about some of their common behaviors.
After the program, attendees will have the opportunity to view Ava’s pinned insect collection and meet some live insects and see these tiny amazing creatures in action!
Great for all ages! Family friendly.
Registration not required
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 or “Butterfly Room”.
Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: BETTER BEE-LIEVE IT
2025-05-17 03:30 - 16:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
For Ages: 8 – 12
Join our Rangers to learn about bee society and how a hive cooperates, along with examining how important bees are to humans. Many of our crops are only possible because of bee pollination.
Explore why bees are important, what dangers they face, and how you can help our small, flighted friends.
Register here

The Importance of Native Plants & Trees for Birds & Butterflies
2025-05-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Part of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ collection

Learn why it’s important to use native plants for wildlife!
Join us to learn about Florida native plants and trees to add to your landscape to help support these beautiful creatures who are losing habitat and need our help!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

It’s a Wasp’s World
2025-06-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Want to know the buzz about wasps? Join us for this event!

It’s a wasp’s world; we just live in it. Wasps have evolved for world domination, but maybe not in the ways that you’d expect. Join us for a deep dive into their fascinating and sometimes brutal strategies for survival. We’ll discover what they do, how they do it, and why they’re so important in our everyday life. You may not overcome your fear of wasps, but you just might start to appreciate them.
This program will include a presentation followed by a craft! Information and activities are suitable for adults and youth ages 8+
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

FFL HC Webinar Series: Control Yard Pests Responsibly
2025-06-23 08:00 - 17:00 | ZOOM, United States
Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection

Join the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Hillsborough County (HC) Webinar Series!
Join us for an enlightening webinar on managing yard pests the Florida-Friendly way! Learn how to keep your landscape healthy while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and the environment.
What You’ll Discover:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies
How to identify common Florida pests and their natural predators
Eco-friendly pest control methods that work

Say goodbye to harmful pesticides and hello to a balanced, thriving landscape. Our UF/IFAS experts will share practical tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Don’t let pests bug you! Register now and learn how to create a harmonious backyard ecosystem that naturally keeps pests in check. Your plants, beneficial insects, and local wildlife will thank you!
The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
***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: Lynn Barber, barberl@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) Certification
2025-06-24 08:00 - 16:30 | Plant City Recreation & Parks, 1904 South Park Road, Plant City, FL, 33563, United States
GIBMP Certification is required to obtain the FDACS Limited Urban Fertilizer license. The class provides CEUs to renew landscape licenses.

Anyone who applies fertilizer commercially/for hire in Florida is required to have the FDACS Limited Fertilizer license/certification. There are 2 steps to obtain the FDACS Fertilizer license/certification:

Attend a GIBMP class and pass the exam with a minimum score of 75%. You will receive a certificate of training from UF/IFAS and DEP.
Complete the FDACS license/certification application on the FDACS website link HERE , chose “New Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer”, upload your GIBMP certificate of training, and pay the $25 fee for a 4 year license/certification. This renews every 4 years with 2 Core and 2 LUF CEUs.

This class provides the training and exam required to obtain a Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer (LCULCF) also known as Fertilizer License, as required by FL Senate Bill 494.
This program teaches the Best Management Practices for anyone working, supervising or advising in the lawn, landscape, pest control, or municipal grounds areas. The training is focused on reducing non-point source pollution resulting from fertilization or pesticide application and includes:

Lunch
Training Materials
Overview of Water Quality and Laws
Lawn and Landscape Best Management Practices
Irrigation Best Management Practices
Fertilization Best Management Practices
Pesticide Best Management Practices
Overview of Local County/Municipality Ordinances
Applications for LCULCF and Vehicle Decals
Exam

For a sneak peek at the training manual go : GI-BMP Manual
The Hillsborough County Landscape Management and Fertilizer Use Rule and the City of Tampa Fertilizer Ordinance require all commercial, governmental and institutional fertilizer applicators to be GI-BMP certified and that work vehicles be identified with a vehicle decal.
This training may be taken to satisfy some FDACS and FNGLA CEU requirements.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
For more information contact: Susan Haddock at (813)-553-3560 or szcrmchz@ufl.edu
Sign up for newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/ProHort-Newsletter
An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.

Moth Night
2025-06-27 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 <<<

Eagle Lake Park BioBlitz!
2025-06-28 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 June 28th. 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.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Bee Kind and Save the Bees Workshop
2025-07-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Eloise Cole from USF StudentPIRG (Public Interest Research Group) will demonstrate how bees play an essential role in our environment. Kids can learn about pollinators, honey, bee threats, and how to be more bee friendly!
Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinator Gardening & Insect Conservation
2025-07-15 14:00 - 15:30 | ZOOM, United States
Learn how to grow plants to attract pollinators to your yard and identify beneficial insects.
Pollinators need our help! Join our Southwest District UF/IFAS Extension team to learn strategies to conserve pollinators while suppressing plant pests. In this zoom webinar, you will learn about beneficial insects that prey on garden pests, conservation of butterflies, and strategies you can implement in your home for a more pollinator-friendly landscape. Participants who complete the survey and provide their mailing address will receive an Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management brochure, pollinator sticker, and a printout of the data sheet to participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on Aug. 22-23, 2025.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
***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: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54145, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

FFL HC Webinar Series: Attract Wildlife
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for an exciting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar on “Attract Wildlife.” Discover how to transform your landscape into a thriving habitat for Florida’s diverse fauna.
What You’ll Learn:

How to create wildlife-friendly spaces in your yard
Plant selections that attract butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects
Simple ways to provide food, water, and shelter for local wildlife

The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
Turn your yard into a bustling ecosystem that supports local wildlife while maintaining a beautiful, Florida-Friendly landscape. Our UF/IFAS experts will share tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Register now and take a step towards creating a vibrant, wildlife-friendly oasis in your own backyard!
We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
***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: Lynn Barber, barberl@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
