Book Time at Brooker
2023-08-10 10:30 - 11:00, 2023-08-17 10:30 - 11:00, 2023-08-24 10:30 - 11:00, 2023-08-31 10:30 - 11:00, 2023-09-07 10:30 - 11:00, 2023-09-14 10:30 - 11:00, 2023-09-21 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Bring your pre-schooler to Book Time at Brooker.
Bring your Preschooler to this program designed to connect them to the wonders of the natural world. In addition to hearing a great story, your child will participate in a craft related to the story that is read. This activity is recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Registration is not required for Book Time, just show up with your kiddo! This program is led by Brooker Creek Volunteers.
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 building. We will start promptly at 10:30am. Follow signs to the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Clay Leaf Coins
2023-08-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Kids and families will enjoy creating this simple craft! Leaf coins are quarter-size clay coins imprinted with natural textures. Perfect for all ages and experience levels. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Youth Program: Mosquito Mania
2023-08-18 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 Kailey Travis, Environmental Specialist III with Pinellas County
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tot Time
2023-08-18 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-09-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Families will be treated to rhymes, stories, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are intended for youth aged 3-5.
Parents or guardians now only need to register the youth(s) attending, but youth must still be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This program will take place inside the Cultural and Natural History Center unless otherwise specified.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Falcon Day!
2023-08-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
It’s Falcon Day and that means stopping by Seaside to see our wonderful falcons, Phantom and Kevin!

Smart About Squirrels
2023-08-26 18:00 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Did you know squirrels can communicate with their tails, make summer and winter homes, and plant the seeds for trees that grow all around us? Parents can enjoy a night out while kids learn all about squirrels in this popular drop off program. Participants will play games, make crafts, and enjoy a pizza dinner.
Ages 6 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pinellas County Bee City USA 2023 BioBlitz!
2023-09-02 08:00 - 14:00 | 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 September 2, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 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.
All are welcome to join us to start the blitz at Shelter 3, Eagle Lake Park, 1800 Keene Road, Largo, FL 33771 from 8:00am – 2:00pm.

Family Night Hike
2023-09-02 19:30 - 20:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring your family and join our park rangers for our monthly night hikes!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Puddle Jumpers
2023-09-06 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-09-13 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-09-20 09:30 - 11:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Outdoor exploration and learning for children entering Pre-K. Dress for rain or shine!
Ages 3 yrs – 5 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Science Rocks!
2023-09-07 10:30 - 11:30 | 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

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2023-09-07 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-09-14 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-09-21 15:30 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Mosquito Mania
2023-09-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about Florida’s well-known insect, the mosquito!

Families with youth aged 6-11 years old are invited to discover the fascinating world of Florida’s insects! Learn about what makes insects different from other animals, where they live, and their role in the food web. We’ll use Florida’s most well-known insect, the mosquito, as a study subject.
Mosquito Mania was designed to meet K-5 Next Generation Sunshine State Science Standards. The program is broken into three parts, an interactive digital presentation, an “insect zoo lab” with live specimens for hands-on observation, and a build-a-mosquito craft to learn about the different body parts. Attendees will observe the mosquito lifecycle (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults) and the different aquatic predators of mosquito larvae.
This program will take place inside of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the full duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this class you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Prior to ten (10) working days before the class, please submit your request to accommodations@pinellascounty.org and cc weedonisland@pinellas.gov. In your request, please be sure to include the date and title of the program you need accommodations for, indicate that the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center is the program host, and include what specific accommodations you will need.

Hiking with Heroes
2023-09-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
In honor of Memorial Day, join fellow members of the veteran community as we explore the mangrove and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided hike of the Preserve. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island.
The hike may be to 3 miles in total length and will be on a combination of boardwalks, paved, or natural trails.
This tour is for military veterans and family members ages 10 and up. Veterans are requested to wear clothing or a hat indicating their military service branch. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tot Time at Weedon
2023-09-15 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States

Native Bee Walk
2023-09-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Talk a guided walk to observe the native bee species at Weedon Island!

Weedon Island Preserve is a home for many species of Pinellas County’s native bees. The native bees on Weedon Island are found in a variety of sizes from tiny ones that are the size of a grain of rice all the way to huge bumble bees and carpenter bees. Join a staff naturalist for a walk around the grounds to look for these fascinating insects that contribute to our ecosystem in many important ways.
This walk is recommended for adults and youth ages 8 and up. All youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinator Pots
2023-09-16 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Elemental Seasons Homeschool Class
2023-09-20 09:30 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join Ruth Glass as we study the seasons and traditional celebrations from around the world. Children will go on hikes, participate in celebrations of nature, and create nature art to take home.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Seaside Spooktacular
2023-09-22 08:00 - 17:00 | FL
Join us at Seaside for an afternoon of spooky fun! Visit each of our resident birds for a treat, learn more about bats from Tampa Bay Bat Rescue, and carve a pumpkin!

Remnants of a Forest: Conservation of Gopher Tortoises
2023-09-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Herpetologist George Heinrich will discuss gopher tortoises in Florida and their conservation concerns on public lands.
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an imperiled chelonian that occurs in upland habitats within the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. This keystone species is listed as Threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Gopher tortoises are ecosystem engineers that create extensive burrow systems and disperse seeds, significantly contributing to upland biodiversity. The burrow systems provide important refugia from extreme temperatures, fire, and predators for the tortoises, as well as 364 other documented species rangewide. This presentation by George L. Heinrich will examine habitat restoration and management efforts (e.g., prescribed fire, thinning of trees, and control of invasive non-native plant species), and discuss the challenges of managing a natural area bordered by urban interface.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.
