Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program - 2024
2024-09-05 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
An intensive program to learn all about Florida’s waters. Each class takes place at a new location with guest speakers, tours and more!

Working With Water, Working With People
To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our oceans and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across Pinellas County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts.
Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community, attend a relevant stakeholder meeting and explore online resources to learn more about water between class sessions.
Each class session will be three hours long and include Working with Water instructor-led presentations looking at water at the state-level as well as Working with People instructor-led presentations highlighting communication best-practices. Classes will also include time for discussions, guest speaker presentations highlighting local water resources, and a field tour.
This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. Youth (under 18) are eligible to register as long as an accompanying adult is also registered for the program.
Schedule
Session 1 – Thursday, Sept. 5 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Watershed Basics and Stewardship @ Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs with guest speaker Robert Burnes, Project Manager, Pinellas County Public Works, Environmental Management

Session 2 – Thursday, Sept. 19 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

W ater Flow, Then and Now @ Clam Bayou Marine Education Center with guest speaker from Southwest Florida Water Management District, Surface Water Improvement & Management Program

Session 3 – Thursday, Oct. 3 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Water Laws and Other Tools @ South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility with guest speaker Lauren Twele, Education Coordinator, Pinellas County Utilities

Session 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Future Water Supply and Emerging Issues @ Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Oldsmar with guest speaker Tirusew Asefa, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Manager, Planning & System Decision Support, Tampa Bay Water

Session 5 – Thursday, Oct. 31 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*: Panel

Panel Discussion with local environmental non-profit groups and Stewardship Project Updates @ Safety Harbor Public Library

Session 6 – Thursday, Nov. 14 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Speaking of and for Water @ Ozona Village Hall with guest speaker Sadie Hundemer, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida

Session 7- Saturday Nov. 16 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Graduation and Water Stewardship In Action @ Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg with guided hike by Pinellas County volunteer or staff.

*Locations and speakers are subject to change.
Before You Register
Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:

Attend at least five of the seven sessions, two of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #7)
Attend and briefly describe a stakeholder gathering
Complete online mini-sessions
Participate in the online discussions
Submit a summary of your individual or group stewardship project

Cost: $125
If the cost of the program will prevent you from participating, please complete a scholarship application. Application deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2024-09-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2024-07-20 07:00 - 17:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Three for one fun at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village!
Celebrate at Pinewood (Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas, Heritage Village) every Third Saturday of the month.
At the Florida Botanical Gardens (Open 7 AM-5 PM):
Visit the new Majeed Discovery Garden, a 2+ acre addition, connecting children to nature. Our Children’s Garden Educator is hosting a variety of preschool and family programs in the Majeed Discovery Garden on topics like sustainability, sensory exploration, and more. Visit the Event Calendar on our website at www.flbgfoundation.org/events to view all of the programs offered in our Majeed Discovery Garden. For more information, visit www.flbgfoundation.org/childrensgarden.
At Creative Pinellas (Open 10 AM-5 PM):
Visit the Gallery at Creative Pinellas for two must-see exhibitions! Catch the 2024 Emerging Artist Exhibition before it ends on July 21st. Also on display is Threads of Nature: Art Inspired by the Florida Botanical Gardens, featuring works by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild that capture nature’s beauty. Feeling inspired? Stop by our drawing room to unleash your inner artist. Free admission and fun for the whole family! For more information: www.creativepinellas.org.
At Heritage Village (Open 10 AM – 4 PM):
Explore the past at Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum! Step back in time and take a docent tour of select historic buildings, visit Pinellas County’s oldest structure, and peruse locally-made artisan gifts and souvenirs at the gift shop. Interested in learning more? The Heritage Village app features self-guided walking tours and archival photographs and information about your favorite Heritage Village buildings, historic figures, and artifacts! Download the app for free in your preferred mobile app store by searching “Heritage Village”. Heritage Village is free to visit, pet-friendly, and perfect for all ages! For more information: www.heritagevillagefl.org/

Funky Fungi Hike
2024-09-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Enter the mysterious world of fungi! This hike will focus on the magic of mushrooms and lichens.
Hand lens will be available to borrow.
| Ages 12+
Register here

Pioneer Nights
2024-09-14 18:00 - 22:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire, and s’mores, pioneer style.
Ages 6 yrs – 13 yrs

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Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2024-03-26 08:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.

Garden work includes planting, weeding and trimming, as needed.
There is a $2 admission to the park which Suncoast can cover if you request ahead of time. Park in the lot by the Visitor Center and the garden is behind the building.
Bring water, gloves and personal tools.
Garden Wish List: donations accepted:
swamp milkweed, tropical sage, goldenrod, wild petunia, silkgrass or other small(er) flowering plants.
Contact Tina Patterson for more information and to let her know that you will be coming. mablepatterson@hotmail.com or call or text 305-298-6381 and leave a name and message.

Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-03-02 08:30 - 10:00 | ZOOM, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: You will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items after May 16th. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
2024-09-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Stalk and Vine on 39, 14923 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL, 33547, United States
The Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network is a peer-to-peer network focused on exploring diversified and sustainable farming systems.

This group is open to established and beginning farmers in Southwest Florida and hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Agents in the region.
Connect with farmers and food entrepreneurs in the region.
We’ll take a farmer-led tour of Stalk & Vine on 39 in Lithia and learn about the production methods, small farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms.
There will be a presentation on the Cottage Food Law, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small scale farmers.
UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area!
Tentative Agenda
8:30am – Registration/Check-In
9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
9:15am – Tour of the farm and overview of farm equipment
10:45am – Cottage Food Law Overview
11:00am – Round-Robin introductions and networking
11:45am – Lunch and Networking
12:30pm – Adjourn
This is a free event, but registration is required. Please register by September 23rd at noon.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Backyard Citrus Workshop
2024-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension for a workshop on selection, planting and care of your backyard citrus.
Citrus trees will be available for purchase.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Healthy Landscapes
2024-09-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Creating & maintaining healthy landscapes with a focus on FFL!
Kendrick Auditorium
Healthy Landscapes, presented by Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Mobile Irrigation Lab working with Manatee County Ag Extension, University of Florida, Manatee County Utilities department and Water Conservation. We will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips such as right plant right place, watering efficiently, and mulch benefits.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Field Trip to John S. Taylor Park
2024-09-28 08:00 - 10:00 | John S. Taylor Park, 1100 8th Ave SW, Largo, FL, 33770, United States
Migrants, bittern, green herons and more.
Meet at the park’s Shelter 6 at 8:00am.
Leader – Steve Aversa 727-218-7938

Family Programming in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-07-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Here Comes the Sun: Prepare for Summer and learn all about the power of the sun.

$25 for non-members and $20 for members for 4 people (includes any combo of kids and adults) and each additional child/adult is $5 for non-members and $3 for members.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Sleep In Saturday Hike
2024-07-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Spend Saturday afternoon with a Naturalist who will lead you on a family-friendly nature hike in the Preserve!
Explore the ecosystems and habitats of the Preserve with a volunteer hike guide.
Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Plant Play in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-08-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Dig into the soil and learn about plants all around us. Plant Play is recommended for kids aged 3-5.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Seed Saving Strategies
2024-10-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to save seeds from your favorite vegetables!
Have you ever thought about saving seeds from your favorite vegetables? Join us for this two-hour workshop about seed saving strategies. Topics will include plant mating systems, isolation techniques, seed processing, and more! For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at 941-722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> 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

Homeschool Program -Ages 6-8
2024-09-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 6-8.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Tampa Bay Debris Derby
2024-10-05 08:30 - 14:30 | E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Join Power-Pole, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Skinny Water Culture, Ocean Aid 360, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program for the Tampa Bay Debris Derby!
This trash collection tournament gives you the chance to clean up your bay and win prizes! How does it work? Teams or individuals collect trash from anywhere in Tampa Bay, either by water or land. You’ll earn one raffle ticket for each bag of trash or large item weighed in. The more trash you collect, the more chances you have to win! Raffle tickets can be used for prizes provided by our amazing sponsors.
The team who collects the most trash by weight will be crowned the 2024 Debris Derby Heavyweight Champion! A special prize will also be awarded for the strangest item collected.
Registration is FREE and includes a Tampa Bay Debris Derby shirt designed by Skinny Water Culture and lunch provided by La Segunda Bakery.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and let’s make a positive impact on Tampa Bay!
2024 Registration

Native Plant Walks LLP
2024-01-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.
Come and learn about the real natural Florida and why it is so important to protect it during a plant walk at Lettuce Lake. The walks take place the first Saturday of the month, with no walks in July, August or December.
Meet in the visitor center for a short orientation slide show, then the walk is on the park’s boardwalk and nature trails.
Things to know

Program is free, but the $2 per vehicle (up to eight people) park entry fee applies
Walk will last approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Expect to walk 1 mile
Maximum of 25 participants
For larger parties, please email Suncoast Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson
Meet at the Visitor’s Center

Things to bring

Water
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Hat, if needed

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2024-01-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
First Saturday of the month (December – April), at 9:00am
Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Suitable for all ages.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Naturalist Guided Tour
2024-04-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of Weedon Island Preserve.

Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island on this guided hike.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult. Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length may be up to two miles. This tour may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Gopher Tortoise Walk & Talk
2024-10-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Walk with us at Weedon Island and learn about this keystone species!

Join a guided tour to learn about the six species of North American tortoises, with a focus on our native gopher tortoise. We will explore this keystone species and environmental engineer, and learn how to “read” a tortoise burrow. This is an easy interpretive walk (less than 1 mile) in the Preserve’s upland habitat.
This tour will be led by George L. Heinrich. Mr. 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.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 13+.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Bay Babies
2024-06-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
Ages 3 yrs – 6 yrs
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session includes story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited. Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
Children must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Fright Fest
2024-10-05 16:00 - 21:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Fright Fest will be held on Saturday, October 5 starting with some spooky crafts and activity tables at 4pm. First walks will start at 6pm for the young ones, learning about our native nocturnal wildlife. The 7pm and later walks will be stories about past misadventures at Camp Bayou and the spirits who can’t rest. Then join us by the campfire for s’mores!
Registration required- email Dolly at campbayou@gmail.com. Pay just $5 when you check in.

Photo Walk
2024-10-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Long Center, 1501 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Join photographer Sharon on a photo walk along the Ream Wilson Trail where participants will walk, discuss photography tips and take pictures of whatever captures their imagination. We will focus on taking interesting photographs, using the available light, wildlife and scenery.
Bring your photographic equipment (cell phone, camera, tablet), creativity and water for hydration.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Community Tree Care for HOA's
2024-02-07 09:00 - 12:00 | FL
Beneath the Canopy:
Community Tree Care for HOA’s
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry experts, local professional arborists and county staff to learn the ins and outs of managing the trees in your community. Walk away from this workshop with workable templates, examples and a knowledge of tree care best management practices.
>>> REGISTER HERE
