Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) Certification
2025-06-24 08:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | 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

What You Need to Know About Weeds in Your FL Lawn & Landscape
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
“Why do I have so many weeds in my lawn?”
“Which product do I use?” or “Why didn’t this product work?”
Sound familiar?
Join us for an informative class on lawn and landscape weed management for home gardeners.
>>> GET TICKETS GET TICKETS

Lionfish dissection in our classroom!
2024-09-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated to us.
For all ages! • 1 Hour
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom. All dissection guests must purchase a ticket to enter the classroom.
>>> 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

Work Day at Bell Creek Preserve
2025-07-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Bell Creek Preserve, 10940 McMullen Rd, Riverview, FL, 33569, United States
Suncoast Chapter supports the native plant garden at the Bell Creek Preserve entrance and the Hillsborough County CELM (Conservation and Environmental Land Management) office, whose headquarters are located there.
Master Gardener and Trail Cat volunteers have been cleaning up and removing invasive plants from the area. Suncoast members are invited to help with planting and maintenance. A county waiver form will be signed at the event.
Bring water bottle, gloves and personal tools.

Meet your Forest: Tree & Fungi Walk and Talk
2025-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, 33592, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a walk and talk about our local trees and fungi.
She will cover tree identification techniques, including using iNaturalist to document your findings. Be prepared to walk with closed toed shoes, water, hat etc. A map will be emailed to you the day prior with the exact meeting location. Be aware that the park has a $2 entry fee.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE

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

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 GET TICKETS

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

Integrated Pest Management Workshop
2025-08-05 17:30 - 19:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a presentation on sustainably managing pests on the farm or garden including common pest ID and their best control methods
Agenda:
What is IPM?
Common Florida Small Farm Pests
Control Methods
How to read a Pesticide Label
>>> 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

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

Plant This, Not That!
2025-08-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Plant This, Not That!
Alternatives to Common Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to the state (either intentionally or unintentionally) and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These plants often outcompete native species, disrupting natural ecosystems and causing various problems.
Many common landscape plants in central Florida are actually invasive species that are shared between unknowing home gardeners and sold commercially (because they may not be a problem elsewhere), adding to their spread.
Come and learn about these common invasive plant species to avoid, and which species should be used in your home landscape instead!

>> GET TICKETS GET TICKETS

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

Homeschool Classes - Marine Biology
2026-01-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Dive into Marine Biology with Tampa Bay Watch!
Tampa Bay Watch is thrilled to introduce a brand-new marine biology unit designed specifically for local homeschoolers. Join us at the beginning of each month for an exciting, hands-on learning experience!
These student-only sessions are perfect for curious minds ages 6 and up, offering opportunities to explore marine ecosystems and engage with real-world science. Whether you drop in for a single class or register for the full series, each session promises discovery, adventure, and fun.
Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!
$20 per participant

January 2nd 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Lionfish Dissection

Join us to explore the ins and outs of the invasive lionfish. Uncover the truth about these problematic fish through a hands-on dissection and learn what is being done to eliminate them.

February 6th 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Shark Science

Learn what makes sharks successful predators in the ocean and some of the challenges they face. Participants will leave with a new appreciation for these highly evolved (and often misunderstood) fish.

March 6th 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Wild About Dolphins

Join us for a journey into the lives of dolphins – one of the ocean’s most intelligent and charismatic marine megafauna. Discover how these remarkable animals utilize echolocation, communicate with one another, and can be identified as individuals based on their dorsal fins!

April 3rd 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Walking with Wildlife

Join us for a guided walking tour to get a closer look at the wildlife and habitats found nestled along the St Pete Pier. Students will learn how to become citizen scientists by discovering how to properly identify species and how to import their sightings into a global data collection platform.

May 1st 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Eco-Vessel Experience: All About the Bay

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a marine biologist? When you step into our floating classroom, you’ll find out! Join us aboard the Discovery to learn all about our favorite estuary: Tampa Bay! This tour includes wildlife watching, a fisheries trawl to take a closer look at common local species, and an opportunity to participate in real scientific research. We often spot manatees, dolphins, stingrays, birds, fish, and so much more.

May 8th 2:00 – 3:15 PM
Seine the Bay

Wade into shallow seagrass beds and use scientific nets to collect and identify fascinating nearshore creatures. Along the way, we’ll explore the vital connections between coastal habitats and the animals that call them home. Students will uncover the unique adaptations that help these estuary species thrive in their dynamic environment.
All students need to be appropriately dressed with closed-toed shoes and clothing that can get wet (old tennis shoes, water shoes, or dive boots work best). Participants should also bring a towel, change of clothes and dry shoes to change in to afterwards.
This class will be held at the Auer Marine Education Center at 3000 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde, FL 33715.

Weed control in the lawn and landscape
2026-01-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Land O’Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, FL, 34639, United States
Learn from an expert on how to tell the difference and the best ways to deal with them in your yard.

Weeds are not only pesky but compete with turf and garden plants for water, sunlight and nutrients as well as detract from your yard’s appearance. Some Florida weeds are just plants growing where they are not wanted, but they can also be dangerous or invasive species. Learn helpful strategies from an expert on how to tell the difference and the best ways to deal with them in your yard.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Fertilize Appropriately
2026-01-07 19:00 - 20:00
FFL Principle Number 3, “Fertilize Appropriately,” provides guidance on how to best give your landscape plants the nutrients they need.

This is the fourth in a series of Florida-Friendly Landscaping webinars for residents of Pasco County! (Please register for each individual webinar presentation of the series, as the corresponding Zoom link will be sent out via email two days prior to the event. The Zoom link will only apply to the individual presentation.)
Plants have varying nutrient needs, depending on the species, the age of the plant, and its location. It’s not always necessary to fertilize your plants or lawns, and too much fertilizer can weaken a plant, promote disease, and invite pests, in addition to wasting money and harming the environment. Before you fertilize, you should always determine if it’s really needed, and if there are any local restrictions. If you do fertilize, always follow the fertilizer label directions and UF/IFAS recommended rates and application timings to prevent nutrient runoff and leaching which can pollute Florida’s waters.
Benefits of Fertilizing Appropriately:

Ground and surface waters are protected from pollution
Plant material has the correct color and appearance
Plants flower and fruit appropriately
Fertilizing only when necessary (not overfertilizing) saves money, reduces pest problems, and promotes healthy plant growth
You may be more satisfied with the performance of the landscape plants and turfgrass

What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT RESERVE A SPOT

Fight the Bite
2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn what Pinellas County Mosquito Control is doing to protect public health through Integrated Mosquito Management.
Our presentation will touch on the history of mosquito-borne illnesses and mosquito control in the state of Florida, important steps you can take to prevent mosquito breeding around your home, protecting yourself from mosquito bites, and information about the services Pinellas County Mosquito Control provides to the county.
Save your spot

Be a Biologist: Invasive Species
2026-02-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our scrub habitat where you become the biologist.
Take a hike with our rangers and learn all about our unique population of gopher tortoises. During the hike, participants will help with a citizen science activity.
>>> REGISTER HERE
