AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: BETTER BEE-LIEVE IT
2025-05-17 03:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | 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

Tiny Wildlife Walk
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 <<<

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, 2025-08-21 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.

Youth Program: Mosquito Mania
2025-07-19 10:30 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Have a future entomologist on your hands?
Kids ages 6-12 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
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Moth Night Hike
2025-07-19 20:30 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a special night hike to celebrate moths and all their beauty! July 19 is the start of National Moth Week, a week to celebrate moths, their habitats, and gain an appreciation for these evening pollinators. Our local moth expert will be showing our guests different techniques to count and find moths throughout the preserve.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Butterfly Garden Work Day
2025-07-20 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
No experience necessary. We will be weeding, pruning, spreading mulch, and learning about native plants!
Meet near the butterfly garden which is next to the education building at the end of the parking lot.
Join in for as many hours as you can.
Bring gloves if you have them – the park has some that volunteers can borrow.
Questions/RSVP to Tabatha Spence-Hall: volunteer@pinellasnativeplants.org

Green Industries Best Management Practices
2025-07-22 08:30 - 16:30 | Pasco County Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City, FL, 33525, United States
Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs) is an educational program for people working in lawn-care and landscape maintenance.
Florida law states that all commercial fertilizer applicators must have a Limited Certification from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) (s. 482.1562, F.S.). To get this certification, each commercial applicator must be trained in the GI-BMPs and receive a certificate of completion from UF/IFAS Extension and FDEP. Local ordinances may require that non-commercial fertilizer applicators also be trained.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Who benefits from GI-BMP training?
•Supervisors and employees in the lawn care, pest control, or landscape industries
•Municipal parks and recreation facility supervisors and employees
•Irrigation industry workers
•Commercial property managers
•City and county planning department staff
•City and county environmental department or water quality staff
•City and county commission staff
•Builders and developers
•Landscape designers and architects
•Golf course employees
•Anyone working in the areas of water quality, urban development, or environmental issues.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
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 Kate Kaste at kkaste@pascocountyfl.net or 352-518-0156 at least 1 week in advance to this presentation date. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Webinar on Prevention of Mosquito-borne Diseases in Florida
2025-07-24 13:00 - 14:00 | ZOOM, United States
Put on by UF/IFAS extension— 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Webinar on July 24:
Prevention of Mosquito-borne Diseases in Florida with Dr. Eva Buckner.
This is a live Zoom event that you can watch at home or your phone on the go. The event requires registration.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Butterflies, Moths, Oh My!
2025-07-27 15:30 - 16:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join Ranger Dave in exploring butterflies and moths out on the trails.
Learn about the importance of these species and why they are good to have around your gardens!
Learn how to identify butterfly and moth species with a nature hike and a craft.
Ages 6 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Great Southeast Pollinator Census
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-23 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia. It is open to residents of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. It is designed for everyone to participate and make a difference for pollinator conservation!
The City of Clearwater and the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society are hosting a two-day counting event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, August 22nd and Saturday, August 23rd.
Participants will be assigned an area of the butterfly garden in the park and will be asked to record their observations of the following kinds of pollinators: bumblebees, honeybees, carpenter bees, small bees, wasps, butterflies, and other pollinators. The organizers will collect the observations and submit them to the University of Georgia. Count sheets and other information will be provided to participants. Nonprofit vendors will be on hand with information about pollinator conservation.
MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION LINKS HERE

Pollinators
2025-08-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th Street, Dade City, FL, 33523, United States
Who are the pollinators and why are they important to our world?
Pollinators are critical to our ecosystem, and they are in trouble. Who are the pollinators and why are they important to our world? Why we should care about them and how we can help them survive our ever-increasingly warm climate.
A healthy garden with the right plants will support natural beneficial insects and their needs. Learn what’s causing their decline and how planting a pollinator friendly habitat in our yards will benefit them and us!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Dragonfly Discovery Walk
2025-09-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-20 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 <<<

Parks for Pollinators Bio Blitz!
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Largo Central Park Nature Preserve, 150 Highland Ave. N, Largo, FL, 33770, United States
Take part in Citizen Science and help conserve our mini-wildlife at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve!

Join the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz 2025 and Help Save Local Pollinators!
A Bio Blitz is a quick, targeted survey of species in a particular area.
At this event we will learn and practice making observations of pollinators and the flowers they are visiting. Observations made at this event with the iNaturalist phone app will be added to a national database that tracks the health of pollinators across the country. Meet local naturalists, learn how to use the iNaturalist app, and explore the trails to make your first observations with experts on hand!
Educators from the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and the City of Largo Parks Department will be on hand to get you started at this BioBlitz. Then, participants are invited to continue making observations for the month of September in any park in Pinellas County!
This event will be held at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve
Every Observation = Real Scientific Data
By participating, you’re not only helping to raise awareness — you’re contributing to real data that helps Pinellas County and conservation organizations across the Country make better decisions for wildlife and land management.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Learn More: www.nrpa.org/BioBlitz

Basics Of Butterfly Gardening
2025-09-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn how to create a beautiful butterfly garden with easy tips and tricks at our Basics Of Butterfly Gardening event!
Come join us for a fun and informative event all about creating your very own butterfly garden! Learn tips and tricks on how to attract these beautiful creatures to your yard. Our experts will cover everything from selecting the right plants to creating a welcoming habitat.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone interested in butterflies and gardening. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and beautify your outdoor space! See you at Palma Sola Botanical Park!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Wildflower & Pollinator Festival
2025-10-04 09:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Florida’s native wildflowers and pollinators!
The Fall Wildflower and Pollinator Festival returns this year with a day of fun for the whole family! This free event is brought to you by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve!
Celebrate Florida Wildflowers and the Pollinators that support us all. A native plant sale will feature vendors from our area with plants that are beautiful, pollinator-friendly, and best suited for our climate. Kid’s crafts will focus on make-and-take projects to support pollinators in our own yards and neighborhoods. There will be a Pollinator Encounter tent to experience these helpful, harmless insects close-up. Various organizations will be available to answer questions about growing wildflowers, attracting pollinators, and being a good friend to Nature in Pinellas County! Refreshments, temporary pollinator tattoos and more await you at this free event.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Ongoing Activities Outside:

Wildflower Quest- Take the challenge along the Ed Center Trail (last hunt at 1pm)
Butterfly Encounter- Enjoy a walkthrough tent where you are surrounded by live butterflies!
Native Plant Sale- Near the parking lot (while supplies last).

In the Classroom Building:

Beeswax candle-making
Honeybee observation hive

In the Auditorium:

Nature crafts for kids
Educational information tables

Exhibit Hall

Get a temporary tattoo featuring a wildflower or pollinator, thanks to Kate Dolamore Art

The Exhibit Hall and Nature Store are open all day from 9am to 4pm! Refreshments available for purchase. Naturalists on trails to answer questions. Come rain or shine! All activities are subject to change.
Questions? Email brookercreek@pinellas.gov
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Make Your Own Butterfly Garden
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Take a walk through our butterfly gardens while learning all about native host and nectar plant identification, common butterflies, and other pollinators found in our area, and special garden features to add to support wildlife.
Build your own butterfly garden to take home to plant using native plant seeds.
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 <<<

Pollinator Gardening
2025-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, FL, 33618, United States
Learn how to grow plants to attract pollinators to your yard.
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County to learn strategies to attract pollinators to your yard. In this in-person class, you will learn how to select and plant flowers in your home for a more pollinator-friendly landscape. This program is in support of the Carrollwood Pollinator Corridor in collaboration with Carrollwood Village Park, Carrollwood Cultural Center and VISTA Gardens and supported by the Florida Wildflower Foundation’s Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden program.
Attendees will receive free plants and seeds to start their own pollinator gardens at home. Thanks to Greenacre Properties https://www.greenacre.com, lunch will be included (choice of half club sandwich, chicken salad on croissant, or vegetarian wrap) catered by the New York Bagel Cafe in Carrollwood Village.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
