Dune Savers Work Day
2025-11-14 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-11-21 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-11-28 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-12-05 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-12-12 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-12-19 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-12-26 07:30 - 08:30, 2026-01-02 07:30 - 08:30 (America/New_York) and 9 more dates | To Be Determined, FL, United States
Contact Deb Rothenberger for location: d2bv4@aol.com
Thank you all and can’t wait to see you Friday morning!

Sensory Sundays
2025-11-16 08:30 - 10:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
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!
For all ages! • 2 Hours
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Fishing Workshop
2025-11-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-06 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 <<<

Suncoast Conservation Center
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Suncoast Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
We will be having a guided tour of the Suncoast Conservation Center and related facilities that will include learning about sea turtles that have been injured. We will see how they treat them so that they can be released back to their natural habitat. We will also see sea urchins, new fish hatchery and learn about coral restoration. We will learn about their fish hatchery. After a short walk (about 30 minutes) we can view manatees.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with TECO and The Florida Aquarium, presents Suncoast Youth Conservation Center (SYCC), located in sunny Apollo Beach. The 6,000 square foot building offers indoor and outdoor classroom space and is the educational hub for the Florida Conservation and Technology Center. We provide exciting learning opportunities for youth and families while they participate in recreational outdoor activities along the eastern shore of Tampa Bay.
Cost: Free
Bring: Hat, sunglasses, water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, binoculars (optional), snack, camera
Signup Restrictions: Minors under 18 must be accompanied by their parent who must sign a Waiver as the child’s Guardian
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Event Organizers:
Rocky Milburn
rockymilburn@tampabaysierraclub.org
813-966-9785
Jane Gibbons
gibbjane54@gmail.com
813-785-5560

Walking With Wildlife
2025-11-29 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-12-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Guided Nature Walking Tour Along the St Pete Pier
The new St Pete Pier offers a variety of amenities for locals and tourists alike. However, humans are not the only ones who can be found soaking up the Florida sun! Join us for a guided walking tour to get a closer look at the wildlife and habitats found nestled into the St Pete Pier.
During this 90 minute walking tour, participants will learn how to become citizen scientists by discovering how to properly identify species and how to import their sightings into a global data collection platform. There will be multiple stopping points along the way as we examine the interactions between humans and nature while conducting citizen science.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bay Babies
2025-12-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-06 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 – 6
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session may include 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Children must have an accompanying adult in the classroom. Due to space constraints, only one adult per child is allowed.

Marine Biology Homeschool Classes
2025-12-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-05 14:30 - 15:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Dive into Marine Biology with Tampa Bay Watch!
Tampa Bay Watch is thrilled to introduce a brand-new marine biology unit designed specifically for local homeschoolers. Join us at the beginning of each month for an exciting, hands-on learning experience!
These student-only sessions are perfect for curious minds ages 6 and up, offering opportunities to explore marine ecosystems and engage with real-world science. Whether you drop in for a single class or register for the full series, each session promises discovery, adventure, and fun.
Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!
$20 per participant
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

October 3rd 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Invertebrate Investigation

Get up-close and personal with some fascinating residents of our estuary as we dive into the world of invertebrates. What makes an invertebrate an invertebrate? Students will explore this question through interactive encounters with animals like sea stars and horseshoe crabs. We’ll sharpen our observation skills and practice scientific classification in a fun, engaging environment.

November 7th 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Squid Dissection

What do snails, clams, and octopuses have in common? In this hands-on program, students will discover what makes a mollusc a mollusc! A guided squid dissection will help us uncover the special traits that unite this diverse group of animals and learn about the many molluscs that call our region home. From shells to squishy bodies, the lesson will be full of surprises and science.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
December 5th 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Iguana Intel

How did iguanas even end up in Florida, and why are they thriving? Students will scope out the story behind these scaly invaders, explore what makes them so successful in our environment, and learn how their presence impacts native wildlife and habitats. A combination of wildlife observation and conservation science, this program empowers students to take action and become stewards of Florida’s natural ecosystems.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
December 5th 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Iguana Dissection

Ages 12+
In this hands-on dissection experience, students will explore the anatomy and adaptations of these reptiles in more detail to better understand their impact on local ecosystems. We’ll also discuss practical ways to protect Florida’s native species and habitats from this persistent invasive species.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Homeschool Classes - Marine Biology
2026-01-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-06 14:30 - 15:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Dive into Marine Biology with Tampa Bay Watch!
Tampa Bay Watch is thrilled to introduce a brand-new marine biology unit designed specifically for local homeschoolers. Join us at the beginning of each month for an exciting, hands-on learning experience!
These student-only sessions are perfect for curious minds ages 6 and up, offering opportunities to explore marine ecosystems and engage with real-world science. Whether you drop in for a single class or register for the full series, each session promises discovery, adventure, and fun.
Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!
$20 per participant

January 2nd 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Lionfish Dissection

Join us to explore the ins and outs of the invasive lionfish. Uncover the truth about these problematic fish through a hands-on dissection and learn what is being done to eliminate them.

February 6th 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Shark Science

Learn what makes sharks successful predators in the ocean and some of the challenges they face. Participants will leave with a new appreciation for these highly evolved (and often misunderstood) fish.

March 6th 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Wild About Dolphins

Join us for a journey into the lives of dolphins – one of the ocean’s most intelligent and charismatic marine megafauna. Discover how these remarkable animals utilize echolocation, communicate with one another, and can be identified as individuals based on their dorsal fins!

April 3rd 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Walking with Wildlife

Join us for a guided walking tour to get a closer look at the wildlife and habitats found nestled along the St Pete Pier. Students will learn how to become citizen scientists by discovering how to properly identify species and how to import their sightings into a global data collection platform.

May 1st 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Eco-Vessel Experience: All About the Bay

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a marine biologist? When you step into our floating classroom, you’ll find out! Join us aboard the Discovery to learn all about our favorite estuary: Tampa Bay! This tour includes wildlife watching, a fisheries trawl to take a closer look at common local species, and an opportunity to participate in real scientific research. We often spot manatees, dolphins, stingrays, birds, fish, and so much more.

May 8th 2:00 – 3:15 PM
Seine the Bay

Wade into shallow seagrass beds and use scientific nets to collect and identify fascinating nearshore creatures. Along the way, we’ll explore the vital connections between coastal habitats and the animals that call them home. Students will uncover the unique adaptations that help these estuary species thrive in their dynamic environment.
All students need to be appropriately dressed with closed-toed shoes and clothing that can get wet (old tennis shoes, water shoes, or dive boots work best). Participants should also bring a towel, change of clothes and dry shoes to change in to afterwards.
This class will be held at the Auer Marine Education Center at 3000 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde, FL 33715.
