Science Rocks!
2024-06-06 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-07-04 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-08-01 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-05 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-10-03 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | 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

Moth Night
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 <<<

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 <<<

Dragonfly Discovery Walk
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 <<<

Pollinator Walk
2024-08-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about the weird world of pollination, then go on a walk to see the pollinators doing their thing!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Termite Basics
2024-08-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A beginner’s guide to termite biology, diversity, and identification.
Join us for an introductory workshop into the world of termites. We will cover termite biology, diversity, and identification tips for the average citizen. For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Accessibility:
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 Mack Lessig, mlessig@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1821 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Ants of Florida
2024-08-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ants are often overlooked and viewed as a pest but look closely and you will discover an amazing world! Learn about the fascinating ants found at the preserve!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
2024-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinator Pots
2024-09-28 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!
18 yrs +
Bring a 12″ – 18″ pot and we will provide the native plants and soil!
Register here

Butterfly Gardening for Beginners
2024-10-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™:
Basics of Butterfly Gardening for Beginners
Everything you need to know to start your own backyard butterfly garden!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Attracting Butterflies
2024-11-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Learn expert tips on how to attract a wide variety of beautiful butterflies into your yard or balcony.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Butterfly Garden Work Day
2025-01-11 09:00 - 11:00 | 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

Bug Investigations
2025-01-11 11:00 - 13:00 | 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 | 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 <<<
