Lionfish Dissection
2024-05-25 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-26 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-07-06 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-07-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-07-27 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-28 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) and 2 more dates | 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 <<<

Squid Dissection
2024-05-26 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-27 11:00 - 12:00 | 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 <<<

Bay Babies
2024-06-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
Ages 3 yrs – 6 yrs
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session includes story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited. Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
Children must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Tarpon Rodeo Inshore Slam Division
2024-06-07 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
The 19th Annual Tarpon Rodeo is coming up on June 7! This catch-and-release tournament raises critical funds for our mission. Launching from the Fort De Soto boat ramp, this event combines the excitement of competitive fishing with the spirit of community fundraising. This year, we’re excited to announce the addition of an Inshore Slam Division where anglers vie to catch the big three: Snook, Trout, and Redfish. Join the competition and camaraderie, knowing your support contributes to protecting and restoring the vibrant waterways of Tampa Bay.
LEARN MORE

Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Boat Tour
2024-06-15 16:30 - 20:30 | Egmont Key State Park, H6RQ+43, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711, United States
Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour by boat with
Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges
Saturday June 15th 2024, 4:30-8:30pm (rain date Sunday June 16 or Sat June 22)
Reservations and prepayment required
Join us for our eleventh annual tour of the Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour with a stop at the Ft Dade ruins, Lighthouse, and hopefully a Black Skimmer colony. The Egmont Key Ferry will take us around the south tip of Egmont Key to see the areas where birds are nesting. (These areas are not accessible by foot and only seen by visitors with boats). The chicks from our Laughing gulls, Royal terns, & Sandwich terns should be out on the beaches exploring. Brown Pelicans, White ibis, and American Oystercatchers can also nest on the islands.
Space is limited and this event sells out quickly.
Send your reservation to TampaBayRefuges@msn.com Wait for confirmation then send payment via credit card on Paypal or mail.
Credit card on Paypal: www.tampabayrefuges.org click Get Involved, then Donate. Enter One-Time and the amount, then click Donate with Debit or Credit Card and follow instructions.
Your space will be secure based on first come first served basis AND receipt of payment. You will receive a confirmation email for your payment.
Mail: FTBNWR, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782
Cost:
Members of Friends of the Tampa Bay NWR $35 each (includes tip for boat crew)
Individual Guests or non-members $50 each. You will receive a 1-year individual membership.
Family of 2 guests or non-members $95. You will receive a 1-year family membership. Additional family members add $35 ea.
Make checks payable to Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782.
Reservations and Payment must be received by Friday June 7.
Questions: call Barb Howard at 727 512-4914 or email TampaBayRefuges@msn.com

Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida
2024-07-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Clearwater Historical Society, 610 S Fort Harrison, Clearwater, FL, 33756, United States
Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida
Photography Exhibit by Clyde Butcher
The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP) highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks and rivers, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These habitats are vital to Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, fishes, oysters, and an abundance of wading, nesting and migratory birds. Although not widely known, TBAP even has a variety of corals in its hard-bottom areas. The preserves include four separate preserves: Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve, and Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.*
*Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves | Florida Department of Environmental Protection
“Florida’s natural beauty is often most evident in its aquatic preserves. They are Florida’s natural watery Eden’s—home to freshwater springs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests that provide food and habitat. Florida’s aquatic preserves truly are living waters. Within these pages, Clyde Butcher celebrates Florida’s aquatic preserves, capturing magical moments through his breathtaking photographs. His interest and respect for Florida’s natural environment is genuine. Mr. Butcher’s photographs will inspire you and touch your curiosity and concern for the wonders of Florida’s aquatic preserves—our living waters. Water runs through, around, and under Florida, creating its varied landscapes and biological diversity. Mr. Butcher’s photographs remind us that this natural heritage is entrusted to us to maintain for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.”**
**https://www.clearwaterhistoricalsociety.org/current-exhibits/
Tampa Audubon will meet at the museum at 10:00 a.m. There is parking behind the museum. There is a donation requested of $5 for each person. After the exhibit, those interested can go to lunch at a local area restaurant.
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.
Advance registration is required. Please contact the Trip Leader for further coordination. Be sure to plan accordingly:
RSVP field trip leader Mic McCarty mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org

Sensory Sundays
2024-07-21 08:30 - 22:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Sensory Sundays with the Discovery Center!
For all ages! • 2 Hours
Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome!
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Build Vertical Oyster Gardens to Help Tampa Bay!
2024-08-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Help our estuary and contribute to citizen science!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Fishing Workshop
2024-08-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Learn to Fish!
Recommended for ages 10 and up • 2 Hours • Gear Included • Up to 15 People

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Curious about fishing in Tampa Bay but not sure where to start? During this boat-based course, we will cover essential topics like bait selection, appropriate gear usage, regulations, and local fish identification and handling–ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge to fish responsibly and respectfully.
Each participant will have access to a fishing rod and all essential gear for a hands-on experience during the workshop, with expert guidance readily available as needed. Attendees also have the opportunity to win prizes to help them kickstart their responsible fishing journey.
All proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

This program is perfect for:

Families and parents looking to foster responsible fishing practices
Individuals interested in fishing responsibly and connecting with like-minded people.
Anglers who have recently relocated to the Tampa Bay area and want a better understanding of the local waters, responsible fishing practices, and common fish species in the area.

What to Bring

While gear is provided for use during the workshop, you are welcome to bring your own bait and tackle.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/or beverages. We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
Sun protection and water are highly recommended.

Notes

All participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Awesome Alligators
2024-08-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Discover the fascinating adaptations of alligators. Go on a guided walk and count how many alligators you see!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Inter-Tidally United Summit — Watch Party!
2024-08-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for our local in-person watch party of the Inter-Tidally United Summit hosted by the Florida Public Archaeology Network!

We’ll stream the Zoom presentations in the auditorium and have on-site activities for those joining us in person!
FPAN hosts a biennial summit called Tidally United, designed to be an informational think-tank dedicated to raising awareness and exploring future-ready solutions to protect historical sites and other significant cultural resources from climate-related threats. Inter-Tidally is designed to help participants stay connected between in-person summits and grow our community. This event will be held virtually with in-person watch parties around the state to help connect local communities to the topic and work!
Individuals must register for the virtual conference if they plan to attend our in-person watch party. Registration for the state-wide conference is $25 per person. An attendees’ conference registration will be confirmed before entry into our local watch-party.
REGISTER FOR THE STATE-WIDE CONFERENCE HERE.
>>> REGISTER HERE FOR FREE WATCH PARTY <<<

Fantastic Frogs
2024-08-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Have you ever heard the chorus of frogs after a rainstorm and wondered what frogs you were hearing? Or found a frog on your porch and weren’t sure how to identify it? If so, this program is for you. Learn to identify the top 10 common frogs in our area!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Lionfish dissection in our classroom!
2024-09-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Hands-on squid dissection!
2024-09-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
