Meet your Forest: Tree & Fungi Walk and Talk
2025-10-24 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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 <<<
***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: VinsonA@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54106, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Plant This, Not That!
2025-11-04 18:30 - 19:30 | 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 <<<

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.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle Yard Waste
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-Friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Homeschool Classes - Marine Biology
2026-01-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-06 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-04-03 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-05-01 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-05-08 14:00 - 15:30 | 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 | FL
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 <<<
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle Yard Waste
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-Friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. Join us to learn how!
After registering for this webinar presentation, you will be emailed the Zoom link 2 days prior to the event.
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.

>>> 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 <<<
