Creepy Crawlies: SSssnakes
2023-10-13 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about these interesting, mysterious, and often maligned reptiles, especially how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes.
>>> 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.

Florida Birding & Nature Festival
2023-10-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2023-10-14 10:00 - 16:00, 2023-10-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
Come celebrate the wonders of nature at this festival devoted to wildlife, birds especially! Find seminars, a silent auction, and a nature expo.
https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/

Halloween Hikes
2023-10-14 05:00 - 20:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Are you brave enough to venture into the woods after dark?
Join Camp Bayou guides at a rare night event- Creatures of the Night/Haunted Hike on Saturday, Oct 14th.

Two options are available:
The hike at 6pm is for the little ones to explore the woods while looking for signs of native nocturnal critters.
The hike at 7pm will include some interesting tales of the crypto creatures that lurk in the woods that might be a bit too scary for the young’uns.
Each hike is $5 per person (cash only please) and includes s’mores around the campfire at the end of the walk.
Space is limited, reservations are required by completing this form: https://forms.gle/jvspZCAaPGCmXFLh8

campbayou@gmail.com

Return the Preserve Work Day
2023-10-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
The Preserve Work Days are hosted by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve!

The Return The Preserve Work Days focus on areas of the preserve where exotic invasive vegetation and unnatural overgrowth exists. It is our goal to help return the preserve to its natural beauty.
Working with FOBCP leadership and Preserve staff, volunteers provide the much needed hands-on support necessary to remove nuisance plants providing a more healthy environment for native wildlife.
Registration is required. This event is capped at 25 volunteers. In addition, the Volunteer Form must be completed and brought with you the day of the event.
We will meet in the main parking lot. Registered participants will meet at 7:45, start at 8:00, and work until 11:00.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please bring clippers, loppers, hand saws, gloves, hat, and sunscreen. Long sleeve shirts and long pants are recommended; closed shoes are required.
For more information or questions, please contact the project leader: Evan Earle at eearlejr@gmail.com

Pollinator Garden Workday!
2023-10-14 08:00 - 21:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Pollinator Garden Workday at Moccasin Lake Nature Park!
2nd Saturdays of the month at 8am!
Hello beautiful plant people!
I recommend water, sunscreen, and a hat. It will be quite hot and humid. The park provides gloves, but if you have your own, it may be a good idea to bring them.
Meet by Garden Lodge (brown building). We will be doing general weeding, pruning, and clean-up in anticipation for planting new native plants in the fall. I hope to see everyone there! Let us know you are coming at 727-562-4315, ext. 1.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

AUTUMN HARVEST FESTIVAL
2023-10-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate the fall season at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve’s annual Autumn Harvest Festival!
Join us for a variety of festive activities including hay rides, crafts, games, music, food trucks, and more!
Activity tickets available for purchase.
FREE ADMISSION | ALL AGES WELCOME!

PUMPKIN CARVING
2023-10-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring your creativity and create a creepy, silly, or original pumpkin carving design! Pumpkins are included in the cost. Tools are provided. Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Two people per pumpkin maximum. Register for this event by October 13.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Backyard Composting on Zoom
2023-10-17 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
BACKYARD COMPOSTING: 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.)
Since you are attending this workshop on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 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.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Puddle Jumpers
2023-10-18 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-10-25 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-11-01 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 <<<

Elemental Seasons Homeschool Class
2023-10-18 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-10-25 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-11-01 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 <<<

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2023-10-19 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-10-26 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-11-02 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 <<<

Terror in the Trees Adult Hike
2023-10-21 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join the rangers on a frightful hike full of surprises and twists around each dark corner! Be prepared for a night of spooky ambiance and scary stories while traversing the haunted trails of Boyd Hill.
Ages 18 yrs +

>>> RESERVE A TIME SLOT <<<
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM

30th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup
2023-10-21 - 2023-10-29 | FL
Join Tampa Bay Watch and Audubon Florida for the 30th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup!
This will be a self-led event, where participants will travel out to their designated location by personal boat/other watercraft any day between October 21st – October 29th to target shorelines where fishing line has been caught in the shoreline vegetation. Volunteers will compile the recovered monofilament to be collected, cleaned, and recycled.
There are a variety of sites, all critical bird nesting habitat, throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties. Click here to view the map of the predetermined site locations.
Click here to register to volunteer with your vessel.

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2023-10-21 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of “Our Wildest Place.”
This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of “Our Wildest Place.” We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Summertime reveals new natural wonders to enjoy, join us! Registration is required.
Additional Notes: Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Please note that 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. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom before you begin as there are no facilities along the trail.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Map and Compass Navigation
2023-10-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This camping skills course will teach you how to read a map and compass to help you better develop a sense of direction and travel for any outdoor expedition.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pumpkin Fest at Florida Botanical Gardens
2023-10-21 12:00 - 16:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Join us for a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and spooky activities led by our Children’s Garden Educator and community sponsors Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscaping Association and County Farm Bureau. This event is part of Third Saturdays at Pinewood, so make sure to check out Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village for more activities on the day of the event.
Participate in the Scarecrow Contest! To register a scarecrow, visit https://forms.gle/HEcxPTDRpQdhry5FA.
Free Parking (2 Locations)
12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo FL, 33774
12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL 33778

Evening for the Bay: The Reef Ball
2023-10-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Tampa Bay Watch, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, FL, 33621, United States
You are cordially invited to join us for this momentous occasion as Tampa Bay Watch celebrates 30 years and the Pearl Anniversary of coastal conservation.
The 2023 gala will be an unforgettable evening held at our beautiful Tierra Verde location as we highlight the community’s efforts to protect and restore Tampa Bay’s watershed, and set the stage to raise critical funds to continue Restoring the Bay Every Day.
Guests can expect to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on our iconic deck, an open bar, an elegant plated dinner, and a wonderful auction. Plus, we have an amazing 18-piece jazz orchestra—The TomKats—lined up to provide entertainment throughout the evening. And of course, we’ll be treated to a magnificent Tampa Bay Watch sunset!
More info and ticket sales are coming soon on http://tampabaywatch.org/events/eftb/

Irrigation With Water Conservation in Mind
2023-10-24 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water, how you can repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape (TM) tips.
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
This class satisfies the irrigation educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation today. Call Brian J Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 to sign up.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Brian Rigney BrianRigney@ufl.edu or (941) 722-4524 at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Ground Covers - Plants That Work
2023-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, as she presents how landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend in landscape practices because once they are established, these plants will need little or no water. Learn noteworthy plants, site considerations, and management of these plants.
This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
If you have a plant with a problem, you are welcome to show a branch sample with leaf or flower to class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524, extension 1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Notification will be sent to those registered.
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

Owl-O-Ween!!
2023-10-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events !

Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events including LIVE owl displays, owl story time for children, owl pancake breakfast, nest box building, an owl pellet dissection and more!
Some activities cost $0-$25.

Live Owls On Display 10:00am – 2:00pm
Owl Fun Tattoos
Owl Pancake Breakfast ($5/person) 8:00am – 2:00pm
Owl Story Time
Owl Scavenger Hunt
Owl Pellet Science ($5/person)
Owl Nest Box Building ($25/person)

Questions: email info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org call 727-934-2680
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

TRUNK OR TREAT AT THE PRESERVE
2023-10-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Celebrate Halloween at the preserve!
Trunk or treat is a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Families meet in the parking lot at the nature center at 6 p.m., decorate their cars with fun, nature-themed decorations. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the kids walk from car to car collecting goodies along the way just as they would during a traditional trick or treat outing. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve staff will also provide various treats including plant seedlings and nature-themed stickers, etc. We will have prizes for the best decorated car, best costume, and more! Please remember to bring your own bag for collecting treats.

Science Rocks!
2023-11-02 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
