Spring Native Garden Tour
2024-05-04 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-11 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Visit native plant landscapes to expand your knowledge of native species and get design ideas you can use in your own garden!
On the first two weekends in May, Pinellas County native plant enthusiasts will open their gardens to interested community members who are seeking education and inspiration. Most gardens were professionally designed, but others were the creations of the homeowners.
Learn about native plants that may be happy in your garden and see how they perform once established. Talk to the homeowners and designers to learn what they love about their gardens, what wildlife they support, and what challenges homeowners have faced – and overcome – in converting their more traditional landscapes to native habitat.
The tour will take place over two weekends. Please register for each day separately.

Saturday, May 4th, 2024: Homes SOUTH of Ulmerton Road
Saturday, May 11th, 2024: Homes NORTH of Ulmerton Road

There will be about six gardens available to view each day. You may visit them in any order. The list of tour locations, with supporting information on each, will be emailed to you approximately one week before the tour.
Registration is limited, so sign up today!
Participation in the tour is free, but the Pinellas Chapter is requesting tourgoers to make a voluntary donation ($10 suggested) to the West Klosterman Preserve Group. Donations will be used to purchase scrub/sandhill property adjacent to Mariner’s Point Preserve at the western end of Klosterman Road near Tarpon Springs. For more information and to donate, please visit this link.
Register online via Eventbrite.com

Microirrigation Workshop
2024-05-04 09:30 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, 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.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTRATION <<<

Frogs!
2024-05-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Do you know why frogs are so important to our world, and how by saving them, we save the environment?
Explore challenges frogs are facing, as well as some ways that ordinary people of all ages can help. Learn about our very own Florida frogs, and maybe even croak in a human frog chorus! Program suitable for all ages.
Join Avalon Theisen, the young founder of Conserve It Forward, Inc. for Florida Frogs!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2024-05-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
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.)
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.
>>> REGISTRATION <<<

Sunday Bird Hike
2024-05-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods.
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. Beginners and all levels of birders welcome. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the parking lot 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom (located in the Classroom Building) before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.

Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.

Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.

Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.

Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.

Pets are not permitted.

No smoking is allowed.

Trained volunteers will guide the hike.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Lionfish Dissection
2024-05-05 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-10 00:00, 2024-05-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Lionfish dissection in our classroom!
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.
Multiple Dates:
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Plant Play in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, 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 <<<

Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop on ZOOM
2024-05-09 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Get some help for a successful vegetable garden.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to grow vegetables with the convenience of a microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a vegetable microirrigation kit after attending this workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Participants can schedule a time/date to pick up the kit.
This workshop will be offered remotely through Zoom. You do not need additional software or more than basic computer skills to attend.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Bay Friendly Landscaping Workshop
2024-05-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn to create a landscape that is beautiful and provides valuable ecosystem services in our Bay Friendly Landscaping class. This class will focus on selecting plants that are low maintenance and are adapted to the extreme conditions that we have here in Florida, including sandy soil, high winds, drought, and flooding. These will help protect Tampa Bay by reducing fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Proper plant selection can also help the environment by providing habitat for wildlife and reduce your costs associated with landscape maintenance. This class will be held in person and attendees will receive a hard copy of the “Plant This, Not That” book.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
***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: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

International Compost Awareness Week ft. Renuable
2024-05-09 12:00 - 15:00 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Homegrown Hillsborough Presents: International Compost Awareness Week ft. Renuable
Join the Renuable Team on Thursday May 9th at the The Entrepreneur Collaborative Center in Ybor for an afternoon of creating conversation for change via composting!
Ever wondered what composting truly is and wonder what’s so special about it?
Renuable’s Team will be sharing the importance of composting and its ability to offset and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sharing what (unfortunately) happens to food waste when it sits in landfills, and sharing the magic of the regenerative properties of what food waste can turn into when composted & is turned into its final rich nutrient form!
Renuable will share all about the operations of their residential, community and commercial compost programs and how to get you & the community involved in their guardianship of the soils efforts!
This event is free but please register in advance if interested.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Free parking is available directly across Palm Avenue.
CONTACT: HELLO@LIVERENUABLE.COM

Compost Happens!
2024-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Celebrate Compost Awareness Week with us! The indoor portion of the class covers compost basics and tips followed by the outdoor, hands-on portion in the garden where you’ll experience with your own hands what it takes to manage a compost bin.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Accessibility:
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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Sidewalk Astronomy
2024-05-10 19:30 - 22:00 | FL
Join us under the stars for a night of good eating and great observing!
We have partnered with the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers (LGDSO) to bring Sidewalk Astronomy to The Bishop. At this free event, you’ll get to see astronomical objects through powerful telescopes! You’ll even have a chance to win four FREE tickets to the Bradenton Marauders May 11th Space Night at LECOM Field!
We’ve also partnered with the FEWD Taco Tent and the Edible Cookie Dough Café for you to enjoy a bite to eat while observing the universe. Drinks, including beer, wine, soda, and water, will be available for purchase.
In addition to telescopes and tacos, you’ll have a chance to see the Planetarium show To Space and Back at 8, 8:45, and 9:30pm for just $3.00 per person.
Click the link below to register for this event and stay up to date on all Sidewalk Astronomy events at The Bishop.
This event is weather-dependent. Updates regarding cancellation will be sent to the email addresses attached to the registration.
Click Here to Register for Sidewalk Astronomy

When: Friday, May 10, from 7:30 to 10pm
Where: The Bishop’s Riverside Plaza, located on the corner of 10th Street W and 1st Avenue W.
Cost: Observing is free. The Planetarium show is $3 per person. Food and drink, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase.
Please note: This event is weather-dependent. Updates regarding cancellation will be sent to the email addresses attached to the registration. The main museum and manatee habitat will be closed during this event. The only animals allowed onsite are service animals.

Birding by Bike
2024-05-11 | J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center, 10500 Wilderness Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34655, United States
Birding by Bike Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park
Meet 8:00 AM
Meet at Starkey Education Center
Contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com
Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips.
Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details.
Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours.

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2024-05-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer.
Casually stroll through the beautiful Riverview Pointe Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Suitable for all ages.
Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve.
>>> 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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Naturalist Guided Tour
2024-05-11 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 <<<
Proceeds from this program go to the Friends of Weedon Island. The Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Become a Friend today!

Beginning Bird Walk @ Lettuce Lake Park
2024-05-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 9 am. We’ll walk the boardwalk or trails, depending on where the best birds are. We have binoculars to loan, and someone will have a spotting scope so you can get up really close and personal! Bring water and a snack.
RSVP to trip leader Jim Hengelbrok at jim.hengelbrok@tampaaudubon.org

Wildlife Moms Hike
2024-05-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join one of our rangers for an early Mother’s Day hike through the wilderness to explore all of the wonders of wildlife moms and their offspring!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

FFL 101: Putting Florida Back Into Your Garden
2024-05-11 10:00 - 14:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm. Doors will open at 9am so that you can tour the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden.
Open to CITY OF TAMPA AND HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENTS/ EMPLOYEES ONLY.
We will conduct this Florida Friendly Landscaping™ workshop in person only at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, Florida 33584.
This year’s FFL 101 theme is ‘Putting Florida Back Into Your Garden’. Our speakers will help you face the changes and challenges in your Florida landscape. Presentations include expert guidance on:
1. native plants
2. how to prune native plants
3. healthy soils in urban landscapes
4. Tampa Bay Water Community Water Wise Awards program
There is a $10.00 fee per person attending for lunch. Workshop giveaways will be provided to attendees on the date of the event: one goodie bag per household containing educational materials and water efficiency items.
P LEASE NOTE: The $10.00 fee is non-refundable. Registration per attendee is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Attending the workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted.
Closed captioning for the hearing impaired is available if requested.
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 Lynn Barber (see contact information below) at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Questions? Contact: Julia Palaschak, City of Tampa Water Department, 813-274-5912, julia.palaschak@tampagov.net or
Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, barberl@hillsboroughcounty.org.

Youth Action Through Roots & Shoots
2024-05-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Youth have the power to build a better world!
“Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” These are the wise words of Dr. Jane Goodall, an icon in the world of chimpanzee research and species conservation. In 1991, Dr. Jane launched her youth program, Roots & Shoots, to empower young people to make a difference in their own way. Roots & Shoots supports youth projects in over 60 countries worldwide, and in September, Roots & Shoots opened an office in Tampa Bay! What does this mean for you? If you have an idea for a service project benefiting animals, people, or the environment we all share, Roots & Shoots offers resources to help make it happen. Roots & Shoots supports youth projects in any setting: individuals, families, schools, after school programs, clubs, home schools, or nonprofit organizations serving youth. Come join Bonnie Eaton, coordinator for Roots & Shoots – Tampa Bay, to learn more about Roots & Shoots and how to get started on a project!
For more information, check out https://rootsandshoots.org.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Squid Dissection
2024-05-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Hands-on squid dissection!
What makes a mollusc a mollusc? During this hands-on squid dissection, you’ll find out! Participants will learn about the wide variety of molluscs found in our region and what sets them apart from other animals. This program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
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.
Multiple Dates:
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

World Migratory Bird Day
2024-05-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Visit the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!
We will have Avian Ambassador presentations and other educational activities.

Sleep In Saturday Hike
2024-05-11 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Mother's Day Hike
2024-05-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Treat mom to some time with Mother Nature this Mother’s day!
Playful baby otters? Striped tiny alligators protected by their mom? Join us for this walk through the many wonders of The Preserve as we discuss animal moms and their offspring. We will meet in the parking lot for this family friendly dose of nature.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Our Gift to Trees
2024-05-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us for a crash course in trees. We will cover selection and planting, maintenance, pruning and long term care considerations. Take home a free tree at the end of the class!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Landscape Design Workshop
2024-05-14 09:00 - 15:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF Professor Dr. Gail Hansen to learn all about Sustainable Landscape Design for your Florida yard.

Tuesday, May 14 at 9am (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL)
$25 per person; scholarships available, email Alyssa Vinson at alyvinson@ufl.edu for more information.
Agenda:
9:00 – Gathering Information

Site Inventory and analysis
Client Interview
Selecting a style theme
Florida-Friendly styles

10:00 – Plant selection

Ecology- right plant, right place
Function
Aesthetics- texture, form, and color

12:00 – Lunch-On Your Own
1:00 – Landscape Design Principles
2:00 – Worksheets

Selecting plants for a landscape
Design Practice

3:00 – Adjourn
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-05-15 09:00 - 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 <<<
