Raptor Camp
2024-06-14 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Enter the world of raptors! Campers have up-close encounters with live birds of prey including owls, hawks, vultures, and a bald eagle. Learn the important role these apex predators play in the environment as well as how to care for and train them.
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Hurricane Preparedness Expo
2024-06-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, 2450 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

FREE prefilled sandbags will be available and provided on-site (Limit 10 per vehicle)
FREE Hurricane Kits
FREE lunch provided by Salvation Army
Get flood barrier tips
Evacuation zone lookup
Flood zone lookup
Alert Pinellas Registration

Gear up and get prepared to conquer the storm and Touch-a-Truck!
Exhibitors include:

Civil Air Patrol
Salvation Army
Red Cross
Humane Society of Pinellas
Suncoast Animal League

Why Snakes are Cool
2024-06-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn why snakes are cool and the important ecological roles they play!
There are 46 native species of snakes in Florida and most occur in the central peninsula. Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present little danger when left alone. Local herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services) will present on why snakes are cool, emphasizing Florida snake diversity, natural history, conservation, and snake safety.
A selection of LIVE snakes will be available for viewing and handling if participants choose to do so (we hope that you will). *This program is recommended for adults and children 7+
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: 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 buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium or “Butterfly Room”.
*Please note this will be an hour long educational PowerPoint presentation with an opportunity to handle snakes at the very end. If your child cannot sit through the entire presentation, please bring them out of the room to avoid disruption of the program, and as a courtesy to those that are here to learn. We appreciate your cooperation, and thank you in advance.
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This program is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

Speaker Bio: George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services (www.heinrichecologicalservices.com), 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 (www.ftct.org).

Pioneer Nights
2024-06-15 18:00 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire, and s’mores, pioneer style.
Ages 6 yrs – 13 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Orchid Care Academy II: Orchid Problem Solving
2024-06-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A series of cultivation secrets!
Part 2 of a 4 part series on orchids! 2. Orchid Problem Solving: Recognize the pests, diseases, and cultural mistakes with orchids and how to treat them. Bring in your problem plant to get specific advice from Master Gardener Volunteers !
>>> 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.

Groundbreaking Groundcovers -Virtual
2024-06-19 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-06-25 12:00 - 14:00 | ZOOM, United States
Unearth the secrets of low-maintenance beauty!
Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about the wide array of groundcover options available for Florida landscapes. Topics will include plant selection, site preparation and maintenance. Be prepared to break ground on your new landscape with this class from our experts. This class is virtual. Attendees will receive the Zoom link in their email prior to class.
Choose from 3 dates:

Thursday, April 4 at 12pm
Wednesday, June 19 at 12pm
Tuesday, June 25 at 12pm

>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Hillsborough River State Park
2024-06-20 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
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Silent Sentinels
2024-06-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Online Event
Learn about long-lived trees!
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.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
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.

Pollinator Promenade Youth Hike
2024-06-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Pollinator Week with us by strolling through the Preserve searching for local pollinators! We’ll identify native pollinators we see along our route, learn why they are so important, and actions we can take to help them thrive! Geared towards ages 7 to 11.
This youth program is geared toward ages 7 to 11. Registration is required.
Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tot Time
2024-06-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Families will be treated to rhymes, stories, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are intended for youth aged 3-5.
Parents or guardians only need to register the youth(s) attending, but must accompany them for the duration of the program. This program will take place inside the Cultural and Natural History Center unless otherwise specified.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2024-06-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Learn how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed for study in this volunteer lab that is led by professional archaeologists with the West Central chapter of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Participants will help sort through, clean, and identify artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites so they can be used by researchers to learn about the past.
This event is best suited for adults; children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is limited so registration is required!
If you have a homeschool group that would like to participate, please email westcentral@fpan.us to set up a separate lab time to accomodate your students.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Birds of Prey
2024-06-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Meet the animal ambassadors of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve!
Several LIVE birds of prey will be used to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships, adaptations that ensure success as predators, and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. The basic natural history of each species is also discussed along with the impact of humans on their habitats and populations. Great for all ages!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Coffeepot Bayou Bird Colony on the Discovery Eco-Tour Boat
2024-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | FL
We have reserved Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Eco-Tour boat from the St. Petersburg Pier for an evening field trip to Coffeepot Bayou. Board the boat at the pier area at 6-6:15. We leave the dock at 6:30 and return by 8 at dusk. We travel across Old Tampa Bay to Coffeepot Bayou Bird Island and watch nesting colonial waterbirds up close. Nesting birds include Brown Pelicans, Anhingas, cormorants, and all the herons and egrets, including threatened Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Herons, and Reddish Egrets, Tricolored Herons, plus Roseate Spoonbills.
Cost $25/person.

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.

Reservations required as boat space is limited. Leader Ann Paul president@tampaaudubon.org 813/624-3149.

Sustainable Living: Compost & Summer Garden Strategies
2024-06-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join local gardening experts for some summer tips on gardening in our region.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Herpetology Camp
2024-06-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles. Through up-close encounters with a variety of animals, such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards, and snakes, campers learn about ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2024-06-25 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.

Common Landscape Issues in Community Associations
2024-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Event
A Florida-Friendly approach to resolving common issues in the landscape
The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Orchid Care Academy III: Potting & Propagation
2024-06-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A series of cultivation secrets!
Part 3 of a 4 part series on orchids! 3. Potting and Propagation: Learn the ins and outs of dividing and potting orchids plus tips for mounting plants and displaying their beautiful blooms.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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.

Booker Creek Nature Preserve
2024-06-27 09:30 - 15:30 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Booker Creek Nature Preserve.
Ages 7 yrs – 13 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Family BBQ Picnic & Water Day
2024-06-29 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! Preregistration required.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Flying Through the Eye of the Storm: NOAA Aircraft Operations & Hurricanes
2024-06-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about hurricane research and reconnaissance with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) pilots, planes, and researchers fly into the world’s worst weather. Data collected by the agency’s high-flying meteorological stations help forecasters make accurate predictions during a hurricane and help hurricane researchers achieve a better understanding of storm processes, improving their forecast models. Join us for a talk with Alan Goldstein, the NOAA Aircraft Acquisition Program Manager, to learn about hurricane research and reconnaissance using specialized aircrafts.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Alan Goldstein is the NOAA Aircraft Acquisition Program Manager, responsible for all new aircraft acquisitions. Previously, he was a design engineer and head of the Science and Engineering Branch at NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center. Alan has over 46 years of experience with NOAA aircraft, including 350 hurricane penetrations and has participated in research projects from the Indian Ocean to the Arctic.

Wildlife Ecology Camp
2024-07-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers will explore the ecology and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and wildlands. A blend of classroom and field sessions will include hands-on activities, guest presentations, and exploration of the preserve’s diverse habitats where campers will practice their nature detective skills.
Please note that the campers will go on a field trip to local state and county parks during each week of camp.
Preregistration required.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Science Rocks!
2024-07-04 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
