Holiday Lights in the Gardens
2022-12-26 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-27 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-28 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-29 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-30 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-31 17:30 - 21:30, 2023-01-01 17:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation is proud to announce the dates and times for its 22nd annual winter event.
Admission is a suggested donation of $10.00 per person, over the age of 13. Credit cards and cash are accepted at our entrance gates, no pre-registration necessary.

The Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages. Our friends, The Train Guys, will be back again for the opening weekend of the event. Their model trains will surround our 18 foot evergreen tree, bedecked in nature-inspired splendor, in the heart of the Wedding Garden.
There are four entrances to Holiday Lights and all of them have names: Snowflake – On the Bridge coming in from the Ulmerton Road Entrance. Poinsettia – On the walkway from the Walsingham Road entrance. Blue Heron – On the North Bridge entrance from the back of the Visitor Center. Green Turtle – On the east side of the gardens, off the Walsingham Road cul-de-sac. When you arrive at the event, you will receive a color-coded sticker, to remind you which entrance you came in at. View our Holiday Lights Map 2021 for more details on entrances, entertainment locations and more!
To add to the sights and sounds, we have arranged a variety of local volunteer talent to perform nightly. View our weekly Playbill, listing nightly performers. For inquiries on how to perform at the event, please email us at: flbgfoundation@gmail.com.
St. Pete Concessions is here again with great food, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages for sale, so come hungry!
We will no longer be hosting Santa at the event, but be sure to check out Santa Saturdays at our neighboring Heritage Village. We welcome the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscaping Association and Pinellas County Farm Bureau, who will be sponsoring our Children’s Candy Cane Area, providing free kids crafts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Creative Pinellas hosts their Arts Annual exhibit from November 11th through December 19th. The public is welcome to visit the Gallery, located off our Walsingham Entrance. Admission is free, Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 5 pm.
The Gardens are handicapped-accessible. Parking, including handicapped parking, is available at our Green Turtle Entrance, at 12211 Walsingham Road. Most walkways are ADA Compliant: allowing access for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. However, we do not have wheelchairs or scooters available.
Additional parking will be available at our Snowflake, Poinsettia and Blue Heron Entrances. Parking is limited, so come early or choose to visit us on the weeknights. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to contact our office in advance, so we can help make your experience a memorable one: 727-582-2117 and review our Group & Bus Instructions.
Leashed pets are welcome at any time, but again we encourage you to attend on weeknights.

The Ways of Water Hike
2023-01-07 09:00 - 22:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Water is an important feature at Brooker Creek Preserve .
On this hike you will learn the different ways we interact with water, the importance of wetlands and how you can make a difference in issues surrounding our water quality and quantity. Come and enjoy this family friendly fall walk through the woods.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Oyster Reef Ball Construction
2023-01-11 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-19 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-23 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-25 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-31 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-02-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us at the Tampa Bay Watch Marine Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde to help build oyster reef balls!
This task involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster reef balls, then taking apart the molds when dry. The reef balls will be installed at a future date to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion while creating habitat similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay.
Click here to visit our webpage to learn more about reef balls.
Click here to register for this project date.

Backyard Composting
2023-01-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
Since you are attending this workshop on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist after January 20 (813-744-5519) to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

Youth Program: Trees!
2023-01-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Florida Arbor Day!
Explore the inside and outside of trees with hands-on activities and more as we celebrate Florida Arbor Day!
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension. Targeted for upper elementary and middle school aged youth.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

WHAT IS A CARBON FOOTPRINT? CARBON FOOTPRINT ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
2023-01-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Have you ever thought about reducing your carbon footprint but didn’t know where to begin? Join us for free activities demonstrating easy ways you and your family can adjust your carbon footprints.
All ages welcome!
No registration required.

Landscape Tips for Water Conservation
2023-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips such as right plant vs. right place, watering efficiently, and mulch benefits. We will have a brief discussion on your in-ground sprinkler system and the benefits of installing smart irrigation devices.
This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524 ext 1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811, ext 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
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 Valrie Massey (vmassey@ufl.edu / 941-722-4524) at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: CRAZY INSECTS OF THE PRESERVE
2023-01-27 18:00 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Parents enjoy a night out while the kids get to participate in a night all about bugs! Drop off your kids for an evening of bug activities, crafts, bug tasting, and a short moth night hike! A pizza dinner is included.
Age at least 6 yrs but less than 12y
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

State of the Bay
2023-02-02 18:00 - 21:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Tampa Audubon is presenting the program State of the Bay, Thursday, Feb 2. The speaker is Joe Whalen, Science Communication Designer and Creator with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP). The meeting is at the UF/IFAS County Extension Office, 5339 County Line Road 579, Seffner, 33584.
The evening starts with a bird/wildlife photo presentation at 6 pm, followed by a potluck at 7 pm. The presentation starts at 7:30 pm. Everyone is invited to attend, and reservations are not required. You can also participate on Zoom. To join the meeting, click https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5090969712.
If you would like to show photos in the photo presentation, learn how to participate here: https://www.tampaaudubon.org/program. If you’d like to join the potluck, please bring a dish to share.
Whalen’s talk will provide the audience with a comprehensive overview of restoration and community engagement in Tampa Bay. He will also answer questions regarding the successes of the estuary program and the challenges it faces.
TBEP works to measure and communicate the result of its work to the Tampa Bay community. The recently released 2022 “State of the Bay Progress Report” showcases the program’s progression towards its goals across three priorities: clean waters & sediments, thriving habitats & abundant wildlife, and informed, engaged, & responsible community.
Whalen is a science communication designer and creator with the TBEP. With a background in visual arts, communications planning, marketing, and environmental education, Joe uses his skills to amplify the science being done by TBEP and its partners, primarily through digital media platforms like social media and the tbep.org website. Outside of work, he enjoys underwater photography, birdwatching, and playing music in a local rock band.
Tampa Audubon sponsors monthly meetings and field trips, and participates in multiple conservation efforts in the Tampa Bay area. For more information, visit our website at www.tampaaudubon.org or contact Ann Paul, president, at Ann.paul@tampaaudubon.org.

Composting Workshop
2023-02-04 08:30 - 09:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
***PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $5.00 registration fee per household for this workshop. Please be advised, if our records indicate that you or another member of your household attended this workshop in the past, you will not be eligible to attend and your registration fee will not be refunded, is non- transferrable, and may not be credited toward a future workshop.***
Attending a workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted.

Microirrigation Workshop
2023-02-04 09:30 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water watering your garden.
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.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $5.00 registration fee per household for this workshop. Please be advised, if you or someone in your household has already attended this workshop or if you reside outside of Hillsborough County, you are not eligible to attend and your registration fee will not be refunded, nor is it transferrable to another party or workshop.
Attending a workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted.

RAPTOR FEST
2023-02-04 10:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
All ages welcome! FREE ADMISSION.

Join us for a fiercely fun event celebrating raptors!

Trained raptors in free flight
Learn about Florida’s native raptor species
Photo ops with live birds of prey
Environmental exhibitors
Activities for children & families
Bird walks & MUCH MORE

FREE parking and shuttle service available at Lakewood High School and Lake Vista Recreation Center. Proceeds support the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and the Birds of Prey Program.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2023-02-04 11:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.).
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $5.00 registration fee per household for this workshop. Please be advised, if you or someone in your household or at your address has already attended this workshop or if you reside outside of Hillsborough County, you are not eligible to attend and your registration fee will not be refunded, nor is it transferrable to another party or workshop.
Attending a workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted.

Planetarium Day
2023-02-04 11:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
The East Lake Community Library and the Brooker Creek Preserve are teaming up to bring MOSI’s Star Lab to the Preserve!
The Museum of Science and Industry’s portable planetarium will re-create the night sky complete with stars, galaxies and constellations! Attendees will learn how to interpret the night sky and listen to stories about the stars with MOSI staff. For ages 5 and up.
We are offering one show each hour from 11:00AM to 3:00PM in the auditorium. Each show will last about 45 minutes in length. Space is limited, and registration is required. Choose your time slot from the ticket options. Shows will begin promptly at their start times. Please arrive on time as we cannot accommodate attendees if they are late. If you reserve a ticket and can no longer attend please cancel your ticket ASAP so that others may have a chance to enjoy the show.
Important Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 3-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center buildings. This event will be held in our auditorium. Portions of our boardwalk are closed for reconstruction. Please follow any signage highlighting closed portions of the boardwalk and follow detours.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rainwater Harvesting
2023-02-11 09:30 - 11:00 | Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center, 14644 113th Ave N, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Water Wise Workshop:
Rainwater Harvesting
Did you know Tampa Bay and the surrounding counties average 50- 60 inches of rain annually? Florida- Friendly Landscaping™ Educator Melissa West will explore practical, low-cost approaches to harness our most precious resources rainwater and at the same time reduce stormwater runoff and pollution. Tune in to learn more about rainwater harvesting, rain gardens and how to make use of your rainwater.
Barrels available for purchase by class participants. for $45.
Register Here

Rain Barrel Decorating Workshop
2023-02-11 11:30 - 13:00 | Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center, 14644 113th Ave N, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Let the fun begin. Join us for this creative hands-on workshop where you will learn how to make your rain barrel look fabulous and also help protect it from Florida’s intense sun. Instructors will teach and demonstrate barrel preparation and multiple creative painting techniques. This workshop will include materials and provide inspiring decorating ideas.
You have the option to either bring your own rain barrel to decorate, or use one of our test barrels (these stay with us)
Register Here

Music in the Woods
2023-02-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Enjoy the harmonic contemporary/folk music of the band “2PM”!

The trio “2PM” will be playing at our outdoor music pavilion on Sunday, February 19 from 3:00 to 5:00PM. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy their wonderful harmonies and contemporary folk music in the woods! Sorry, no alcohol or pets allowed.
Donations are gladly accepted!
This concert immediately follows the Opening Art Reception of Florida Reflections: Art by Bill and Linda Renc
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Questions? 727-924-2680 or info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org
Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve, the Music in the Woods Series offers visitors the opportunity to witness the visual beauty of Brooker Creek Preserve while also enjoying the natural sounds of the outdoor environment.
