Landscaping Tips for the Rainy Season
2023-06-30 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | ZOOM, United States
The rainy season is upon us and our landscapes have to adjust from dry to wet weather. Join us to learn how to keep your landscape and the environment healthy during the rainy season. We will present easy water conservation practices, such as sprinkler system check-ups, the use of microirrigation and how to reduce runoff from your landscape by incorporating rain gardens and collecting rainwater. Rain barrels will be available at a discounted price for workshop participants residing in Pinellas County.
Register Here

The Ways of Water Hike
2023-07-01 09:00 - 22:30, 2023-08-05 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 <<<

Microirrigation Workshop
2023-07-01 09:30 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water when 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 <<<

BBQ Picnic & Water Day
2023-07-01 10:30 - 13:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Summer is the perfect time for a good old fashion BBQ lunch! We will have inflatable water slides available for kids to play on while families can relax in the cool shade. Spots are limited so make sure to purchase your ticket today for this fun event! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2023-07-01 11:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
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 <<<

Scientific Literacy: 4-Part Series
2023-07-05, 2023-07-12, 2023-07-19, 2023-07-26 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
If you are curious about the world, and want to be better equipped at getting at the truth, join us for a new webinar series in scientific literacy! Starting with an overview of statistics and the core of what science is, we will work our way through several popular and peer-reviewed articles, discussing how to read and think critically. Topics we will cover include different forms of bias, probability theory, regression to the mean, and the ever-infamous p-value. We will also talk about the implications of summarizing and “popularizing” results into ever-shorter soundbites, designed for easy digestion by the general public, but often at the expense of what the data actually tell us.
The target audience for this series is high school and older.
The first session in this four-part series will be an introduction to scientific literacy. The following three sessions will be a classroom style discussion looking at a specific science article and/or paper. Links to assigned papers for classroom discussions will be sent in a follow-up email.
Series Overview:
Session 1: Introduction of Scientific Literacy Presented by Brian Magnier
Session 2: We’ll look at our 1st specific article or paper. Come ready to discuss!
Session 3: We’ll look at our 2nd specific article or paper. Come ready to discuss!
Session 4: We’ll look at our 3rd specific article or paper. Come ready to discuss, plus final wrap up and overview of entire series.
This series is led by Brian Magnier alongside Brooker Creek Preserve Staff. Brian Magnier is a naturalist and wildlife photographer. He studied ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell University, where his passion for the natural world flourished.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Talk Plants with Me
2023-07-06 11:30 - 12:00, 2023-08-10 11:30 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Ask a Horticulture Agent Webinar!
Submit your questions to our Horticulture Agent for live Q&A. We will talk about hot topics in the plant world and may have a few guests join us along the way.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Pioneer Nights
2023-07-08 18:00 - 22:00, 2023-07-15 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
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
2023-07-14 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Let us answer all of your insect and pest questions!
Do you want to learn more about pest and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we’ll cover insect life cycles, managements, identification, and more. For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Crab Trap Removal
2023-07-15 08:00 - 12:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Tampa Bay Watch, Ocean Aid 360, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Coastal Impact Fund are coordinating volunteers to participate in a crab trap removal effort at Fort De Soto Park and Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp due to the 10-day regional closure of blue crab fishing. We are recruiting volunteer boaters to remove debris from the water in addition to traps as well as volunteers for a shoreline cleanup.
Click here to register to volunteer.

Veggie Influenza
2023-07-21 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Be prepared for veggie flu season by getting a shot of information!
This workshop is designed to educate the casual gardener about some of the most common vegetable diseases in Florida and in Manatee County. In this roughly two hour class, participants will learn the basic biology of pathogenic organisms, how to identify common disease symptoms, and acquire some basic disease management skills. This workshop is not designed for professional landscapers or pesticide applicators.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Silent Sentinels: The Trees that Outlive Us
2023-07-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn about long lived trees, their history, cultural significance and how we can manage for their care in urban environments.
Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about long lived trees, their history, cultural significance and how we can manage for their care in urban environments.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Hillsborough River State Park
2023-07-27 09:30 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Hillsborough River State Park.
Ages 7 yrs – 13 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Salt Tolerant Plants & Irrigating with Reclaimed Water
2023-07-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Learn which plants are salt tolerant and what to know when irrigating with reclaimed water.
Valrie Massey Program Assistant will host the webinar. Learn how to choose Salt Tolerant Plants appropriate for your landscape location and irrigation source.
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524 ext:1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information.
Minimum class size is required or class will be postponed. All those that register will be notified if postponed.
This class satisfies the landscape educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program. For further information on the program, please contact: Tina 941-792-8811, Ext. 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2023-07-29 08:00 - 17:00 | 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. Bring your own gloves and hand tools. Park fee of $2 per vehicle (up to eight people) park entry fee applies.

Honeymoon Island State Park
2023-08-03 09:30 - 15:30 | Honeymoon Island State Park, #1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, 34698
Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Honeymoon Island State Park.
Ages 7 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Black Tern Courtney Campbell
2023-08-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Gandy Beach, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33716, United States
The main goal of this FT is to see Black Terns on the causeway (Gandy Beach https://ebird.org/hotspot/L951893). I would characterize this trip as easy, with short walks, on fairly even ground. Attendees should bring their lunch and water. We should be finished by eleven.
To sign up, RSVP field trip leader Mic McCarty mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited. 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.

Film Screening with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
2023-08-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Enjoy screenings of “Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor” and “The Last Green Thread” and a Q&A with Florida Wildlife Corridor staff.
Join the Friends of Weedon Island for a special screening of two expedition films: Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor and The Last Green Thread. Produced in concert with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation (FWCF), the films seek to uncover the most important connections that can mean the difference between preservation or loss of the global treasure that is the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The film screenings will be followed by a talk and Q+A session with FWCF’s Jason Lauritsen. Reception with light food and beverages will follow.
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 7 and up.
Jason Lauritsen is the Chief Conservation Officer for the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation where he oversees the organization’s land and water protection, science, stewardship, and community relationships. He sits on the Office of Greenways and Trails Council, the Florida Transportation Plan Environmental Partners Working Group, and is a part of the Statewide Bear Technical Assistance Group. Prior to joining FWCF, Lauritsen was the Director of Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. He has also has worked in restoration, education, research, policy and ecotourism. Lauritsen holds a Master’s in Science Education from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor’s in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Mangrove Trimming Best Management Practices
2023-08-21 08:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a workshop covering Mangrove Trimming Best Practices!
This workshop will cover: Mangrove Ecology and Identification, Mangrove Trimming Regulations, Mangrove Trimming Demonstration of Best Practices.
Classroom located at the Nature Center, follow the road past the first parking lot on the left.
Preapproved with ISA CEUs.
Materials & light refreshments provided.
Free tickets for government employees, $15 (plus Eventbrite fees) for non-government employees.
>>> BUY TICKETS <<<
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 Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Community Tree Care for HOAs
2023-08-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension and Professional Arborists for a presentation and panel discussion on tree care and maintenance in HOA communities. We will focus on how to set up a tree care plan and contracts for care that are based on sound arboricultural practices.
Agenda:
9:00 Welcome and Introductions
9:15-10:15 Community Tree Care: Why, What, How?
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30-11:30 Setting up your Community for Success: Presentation and Panel discussion
11:30-12:00 Q and A and Resource Sharing
>>> 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 Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Pollinator Walk at the Preserve
2023-08-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about the weird world of pollination, then go for a guided walk at Weedon Island to see some pollinators in action!

Learn about the weird world of pollination from a Center naturalist, then go on a walk to see the pollinators doing their thing at the Weedon Island Preserve! Bring your camera of choice to capture these interesting observations.
This walk is recommended for adults and youth ages 10 and up. All youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
>>> 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.

Vulture Awareness Day
2023-09-02 08:00 - 16:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
It’s that time of year! Stop by Seaside this Vulture Awareness Day and learn all about our black and turkey vultures!

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop on Zoom
2023-09-02 11:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, 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.)
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
NOTE: To pick-up workshop items/giveaways you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 on/after September 5, 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.
