Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2024-03-09 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-16 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-23 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-30 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This four-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants.
Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This four–part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist.
The class follows the contents of Harrington’s “How to Identify Plants” (1957); a copy of which is provided to each registrant. This concise text contains a comprehensive vocabulary of terms and illustrations to help clarify concepts.
A packet of supplemental educational materials will also be provided to each registrant.
About this Event
During each 4-hour classroom event, participants will engage in a participatory lecture, and have plenty of time for Q & A. The final session will be a hands-on workshop that will include graduates from previous courses. Each session will build on the previous; attending the entire series is recommended.
Classes are four consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bio-breaks are factored into the schedule for each day! Bring a bag-lunch (refrigeration and a microwave are available).
Class dates and syllabus:
Week 1, March 9
Plant Classification

Parts of a Flower
Inflorescence Types
Non-Flowering Plant Identification
Read Harrington Chapter I – V

Week 2, March 16

Roots-n-Shoots
Leaves
Surfaces
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae
Read Harrington Chapters VI – XI

Week 3, March 23

General Terms
Fruits and Seeds
Using a Dichotomous Key

Week 4, March 30

Review, general questions
Hands-on Workshop with former graduates
Graduation!

Upon completion of the entire course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida.
Graduates will have access to several hands-on workshops and additional information throughout the year to help stay engaged with the practice of plant identification.
Class fee includes all materials and textbook. Registration will CLOSE on March 6.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Botanical Bash
2024-03-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us on March 10th at Tampa Bay Watch for the inaugural Botanical Bash. This unique event is designed to immerse you in the beauty and versatility of native gardens, offering a series of engaging activities and educational experiences.

What To Expect:

Native Plant Swap and Sale: Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your botanical journey, our native plant swap is the perfect opportunity to exchange propagated plants, clippings, and seeds. Enhance your garden with unique finds from local nursery vendors, and dive deep into the world of Florida natives.
Educational Resources and Exhibits: Discover the latest in sustainable gardening practices and learn how to incorporate native plants into your own garden landscape. Our exhibits are packed with information to help you grow your green thumb.
Plant Scavenger Hunt: Embark on an adventure across the Tampa Bay Watch property with our plant scavenger hunt. Identify native species, capture their beauty with your camera, and win unique prizes.
DIY Native Wildflower Seed Bombs: Get your hands dirty at our activity table by crafting your own Florida native wildflower seed bombs. A fun, eco-friendly way to spread beauty in your garden with minimal effort.
Refreshments and Mingling: Enjoy delicious refreshments while connecting with local garden experts and fellow plant enthusiasts. It’s the perfect setting to share tips, stories, and celebrate our community’s love for gardening.

*Tampa Bay Watch members enjoy FREE admission. Cost is $10 for non-members

Registration

Elemental Seasons - BHNP Spring 2024
2024-03-11 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-12 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-14 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join Ruthie Glass for a week of studying seasonal changes and the accompanying traditional celebrations found around the world. Campers will take daily hikes, participate in homemade celebrations of nature, and create take home crafts.
Ages 6 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Aquacamp
2024-03-11 08:00 - 2024-03-15 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers explore the many roles of water in ecosystems, learn about local watersheds and how people affect water resources such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Each day will include outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Campers will learn how they can help to keep local waterways clean.
Ages 5 yrs – 6 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Annual Kite Day at ROC Park
2024-03-11 10:00 - 16:00 | R.O.C. Park, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach, FL, 33708, United States
Meet some of Seaside Seabird Sanctuary’s wonderful Avian Ambassadors at Annual Kite Day!

Pruning Shrubs and Trees
2024-03-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn how to prune your shrubs and trees!
Join UF/IFAS Extension for a hands-on workshop all about pruning. We will cover plant biology and response to pruning as well as appropriate pruning methods. Be prepared to stand and walk in the outdoors. Located at Palma Sola Botanical Park.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Scales & Trails Youth Hike
2024-03-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us on an educational adventure geared toward ages 7-11, as we explore the world of reptiles! From slithering snakes to sunbathing turtles, we will learn about the unique adaptations and behaviors that make reptiles so cool. This guided hike will leave participants with a newfound appreciation for our native reptile species.
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 <<<

Great American Cleanup
2024-03-16 08:00 - 11:00
Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers for three sites in honor of Keep America Beautiful®’s Great American Cleanup®. This event is the nation’s largest community improvement program taking place annually in an estimated 20,000 communities nationwide.
Register to volunteer by clicking on the site that interests you:
Fort De Soto Park
Tierra Verde
Shell Key Preserve

Archaeological Kayak Tour
2024-03-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

Join archaeologists and environmental specialists for an archaeology-focused paddling experience.

This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will then be led around an archaeological site with Dr. Kendal Jackson, a post-doctoral fellow with the University of South Florida, and member of the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, who worked on Ross Island as part of his doctorate research. The Florida Public Archaeology Network and ECOmersion will co-lead this trip. During the paddle to Ross Island, stops will be made to interpret the significance of archaeological, historical, and coastal natural areas that will enhance participants’ understanding of the Tampa Bay estuary.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This guided tour is not for beginner paddlers; experience and endurance is required. This tour is for ages 18+. Kayaks will be provided. Attendees may choose to bring their own kayaks however inflatables, SUPs, and Pelican or Sundolphin brand boats will not be accepted.
—————————————————-
Did you know that March is Florida Archaeology Month? Join us on Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. for the free program Origins of Tampa Bay. Learn about Tampa Bay’s origins from the recent studies of an archaeological panel in the fields of paleoenvironment, Indigenous ecology, and history. Register here!

Clean Up the Tampa Audubon Sanctuary
2024-03-16 09:00 - 10:00
The Tampa Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and Port Tampa Bay are jointly responsible for a small natural area bordering Old Tampa Bay. Mangroves, mudflats, oyster bars, and open bay provide bird and wildlife habitat here, one of the few natural shorelines remaining. Once or twice a year, we meet to remove the trash that washes in on high tide and other debris from the Sanctuary.

Wear long sleeves and pants, closed toe/walk in the water and mud shoes. Sierra Club’s Todd Randolph is organizing the event 815/347-2421. Questions? Call Ann Paul 813/624-3149.

Directions to Site: From 1-275, take Westshore Blvd. exit and head south on Westshore. Turn right at W. San Jose Street. Follow San Jose until you reach an S-shaped curve. The Sanctuary is located on the right. Park on the street being considerate not to block mailboxes or drive ways.

Rye Preserve Tour
2024-03-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area. Suitable for all ages.
>>> 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
2024-03-16 09:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-23 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 the 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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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!

Star Party
2024-03-16 19:30 - 22:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Enjoy a star party at the Preserve!
Join The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and St. Pete Astronomy Club for a Star Party! Observe the stars through telescopes and enjoy an evening at Brooker Creek Preserve after dark. Night hikes will be conducted as well along the .75 mile Ed Center Trail through the woods. Please bring a chair, water, insect repellent, and your own telescope if you have one.
As always, no pets, no smoking, & no alcohol. Meet at the main parking lot & please arrive between 7:00 and 7:30pm; as the gates will only be open during this time. A suggested donation of $3.00 per person is appreciated.
Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Chinsegut Hill, Brooksville
2024-03-20 08:30 - 11:30
Walk the Chinsegutt WEA on March 20. Meet at 8:30 am at the parking lot at the intersection of Rt 41 and Snow Memorial Hwy, just north of Brooksville. You can find it in Google Maps under Florida Trail Snow Memorial Highway Trailhead, but there is no street address. It will be an easy walk of several miles, up to the wet prairie overlooks and back again. The trail is wide, relatively flat, a bit sandy in places. There are Red-Headed Woodpeckers, as well as everything from Bald Eagles to Ruby-Crowned Kinglets.
There are NO FACILITES at the trail head, so stop in Brooksville first! Bring water. Most of the trail is at least partly shaded.
Bring lunch if you want, there is a picnic table in the shade at the trail head.
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.
To register, contact Mary.Keith@tampaaudubon.org.

Gardening with Native Plants
2024-03-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about native plants for your landscape and their benefits to our ecosystem.
L earn how to garden with native plants and select species that are native to Florida that match your site conditions. Natives provide ecological benefits important to a healthy garden such as habitat for wildlife and food for pollinators. We will talk about native wildflowers, perennials, shrubs and trees suitable for planting in Central Florida home landscapes. This class will be held in person and attendees will receive seeds and a list of native plants for our region.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Audubon Photo Club on Zoom
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 | ZOOM, United States
Join the Tampa Audubon Photo Club on Zoom at 7:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month (September through May). Guests are always welcome!
For details, go to https://www.tampaaudubon.org/photo-club
Other information is available in our newsletters at https://www.tampaaudubon.org/newsletter

2024 Spring Plant Sale
2024-03-23 08:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Sale featuring plants grown by our Master Gardener Volunteers!

Blooming plants & natives!

Eventbrite tickets required
Bring your own garden cart or wagon & load up
Cash or personal check only
Restrooms will be closed
Please only choose one ticket type. If you have early entry, you do NOT have to leave before 9.

Ticket Pricing:
8-9am entry: $10 (+ Eventbrite fee) >>> BUY TICKETS <<<
9am-12pm entry: Free
Keep in mind the earlier you attend, the more selection of plants you’ll have!
All proceeds from this event go to the operation and maintenance of the Master Gardeners’ Educational Gardens and Greenhouse, and to support Master Gardener educational and outreach programs.
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.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT
2024-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Bring your family out for a morning full of Easter egg hunts and egg dyeing. There will be extra crafts and activities available including decorating flowerpots, taking pictures with the Easter Bunny, and outdoor games!

Ethnobotany and Archaeology Open House
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants!

See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants as a part of the Weedon Island Preserve’s celebration of Florida Archaeology Month! All ages welcome.

Learn how indigenous Floridians used native plants as an everyday resource in the “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit and demonstration. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will be on-hand to answer questions and demonstrate how the plants were used. See a hands-on demonstration on fiber-thread making from the native yucca plant. In addition, find out which native plants were popular in the 19th century though the present time. The exhibit also features native plants, books and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
Meet Weedon Island’s archaeologists and see their displays of artifacts, tools and other items.
Bring your own fossils and artifacts to be identified and their uses determined by on-site archaeology experts.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
————————————————-
Stay until 2:00 p.m. for the free lecture The Origins of Tampa Bay. Learn about Tampa Bay’s origins from the recent studies of an archaeological panel in the fields of paleoenvironment, Indigenous ecology, and history. Register here!

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2024-03-26 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.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ on ZOOM
2024-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Home Landscape Recognition Checklist
Get your home landscape recognized as Florida-Friendly with our online checklist — the ultimate guide to creating FFL landscapes.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this online event is perfect for anyone looking to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape. Our checklist covers everything from water conservation to wildlife habitat, helping you transform your outdoor space into a Florida-friendly oasis.
During this event, you’ll learn valuable tips and tricks from our expert speaker, who will guide you through each step of the checklist. Discover how to choose the right plants, reduce water usage, and create a welcoming environment for local wildlife. By the end of the event, you’ll have all the tools you need to achieve recognition for your home landscape.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to enhance your gardening skills and make a positive impact on the environment. Join us for the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Home Landscape Recognition Checklist event and take the first step towards creating a sustainable and beautiful outdoor space!
This workshop will be offered online via ZOOM. No additional software is required and only basic computer skills are necessary.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
**Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Zoom link, please check your spam folder for an email from Angie Maki (makia@hillsboroughcounty.org). If no link is received, please contact Angie at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54127 for assistance.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Youth Program: Spring Bird Migration
2024-03-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate and learn about spring migration!
Bird migration is a risky business! Explore the challenges affecting migration for many bird species, and learn through hands-on activities what it’s like for a bird on this great journey. Targeted for elementary and middle school aged youth.
Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Registration is required.
Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
