Saturday Guided Hike
2023-02-04 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Explore the mangrove and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided hike of the Preserve. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
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 hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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!

Weedon Walkabout
2023-02-04 09:00 - 23:00, 2023-02-11 09:00 - 23:00, 2023-02-18 09:00 - 23:00, 2023-02-25 09:00 - 23:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Explore the mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the Tower Boardwalk. This tour will include a visit to the Preserve’s 45 ft. tall Observation Tower for a 360 degree view of the area. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island. Total walk length will be just under 1 mile.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 7 and up.
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!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Night Hike in the Preserve
2023-02-04 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-02-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. Hikes are led by Preserve volunteers who are knowledgeable about nocturnal wildlife. The hike is about one-mile in length and will take about 1.5 hours.
Space is limited, registration is required. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
These hikes are for adults and families only. Children must be accompanied by parents. Please leave your pets at home. Pets are not permitted in County Preserves.
Meet at the main parking lot at Brooker Creek Preserve. You must pre-register for the night hikes!
Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680.

>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Sunday Bird Hike
2023-02-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. Beginners and all levels of birders welcome. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the parking lot 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom (located in the Classroom Building) before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.

Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.

Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.

Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.

Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.

Pets are not permitted.

No smoking is allowed.

Trained volunteers will guide the hike.

Edward Medard Conservation Park
2023-02-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
Edward Medard Park consists of a 700-acre reservoir and multiple trails. We will meet at the boardwalk parking lot at 8 a.m. where a bathroom is available. After the boardwalk, we will walk the levee trail. The boardwalk is flat; we will be walking along the shore of the levee so the ground is uneven. The entrance fee is $2 per car. Following is a map of the park and a checklist when I birded it on January 3rd. medard-standalone-map.jpg (1123×1303) (hillsboroughcounty.org)
eBird Checklist – 3 Jan 2023 – Edward Medard Regional Park – 49 species
Pre-registration is required. Contact trip leader Lilian Saul at: lily.saul@tampaaudubon.org to join.
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to by family groups traveling together to the count sites. If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to Covid 19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Rad Reptiles
2023-02-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-02-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Come learn about incredible reptiles from around the world! Each class includes hands on activities, a guided hike on the trails, and live animal encounters. Participants will enjoy a safe learning environment that promotes knowledge of the local environment and a love of nature
Ages 6 & up
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bahia Beach Nature Preserve
2023-02-08 08:00 - 11:00 | Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, 2513 Shell Point Road, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Bahia Beach Nature Preserve is a wetland restoration area that enhances the wildlife and marine habitat and improves the water quality discharging into the bay. It is a primitive preserve with no amenities — no water, restrooms, etc. The trail is wide but can be uneven in spots. Wear proper shoes and sun protection and have bug spray.
Nearly 70 species were reported during the first week of January, and 163 species have been recorded there since it became a birding hotspot. Species include: American Wigeon, American White Pelican, American Robin, Swamp Sparrow, Blue-Winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Harrier, Canvas Back, Redhead, Sora, Northern Shoveler and numerous herons and egrets.
The trip will be led by Sandy Townsend and Lynn Mitchell. For more information or to register, please email sandy.townsend@tampaaudubon.org and fill out this online form: https://forms.gle/56PJ6tSdQ9szjbr19.
Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up.
If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to Covid 19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Botany Walk
2023-02-10 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants. Registration is required.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Guided Hike Information

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.
Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.
Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.
Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2023-02-11 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Wild Wings –
Birds of Brooker Hike
Have you wondered what bird is singing in your backyard? Do you see and hear birds but don’t know who they are? If so, join us for a Beginning Bird Hike to learn how to identify the county’s common birds as we meander along a one-mile trail.
All ages are welcome. Children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and those younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants outside the Exhibit Hall 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom (located in the Classroom Building) before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.
Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.
Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.
Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
Trained volunteers will guide the hike.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wild-wings-birds-of-brooker-hike-tickets-53439990450?mc_cid=a4dbfdde6b&mc_eid=1cbba2e07b

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2023-02-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Riverview Pointe Preserve, Bradenton, FL, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Casually stroll through the beautiful Riverview Pointe Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment.
Suitable for all ages.
Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.

Beginning Bird Walk
2023-02-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 9 am. We’ll walk the boardwalk or trails, depending on where the best birds are. We have binoculars to loan, and someone will have a spotting scope so you can get up really close and personal! Bring water and a snack.
RSVP to trip leader Megan Campbell at megan.campbell@tampaaudubon.org.

If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self-Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Avon Park
2023-02-18 - 2023-02-19 | FL
On Saturday, we’ll visit Avon Park Air Force Range. On Sunday, we’ll visit other birding hotspots in the area.

The range is a 106,000-acre military training facility in Polk and Highlands County. It is also home to several key species of birds that can be tough to find. We’ll be led by Patrick Blake, the Avon Park ranger and an expert birder.

The range has a large population of Florida Scrub Jays and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. We can expect to see Carolina, House & Marsh Wrens, and possibly, a Sedge Wren. We should also expect Palm, Pine, Black-and-white, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle), Yellow-throated, and Prairie Warblers, as well as Common Yellowthroat. The range has all the standard wading birds (Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, etc.) It is not unheard of to find Painted Buntings, Hermit Thrush or King Rail with some careful looking. We will also attempt to locate Burrowing Owls and White-tailed Kites.
Avon Park is near Sebring, Florida, which is home to multiple hotels, grocery stores and restaurants. We ask that you make your own lodging and dining arrangements and pack lunches and beverages for both days.

Be willing to carpool. We will be escorted at Avon Park to ensure no one gets lost or ends up in restricted areas.

The cost is free, and registration is required, and the trip is limited to 10 participants. IMPORTANT: This trip could be cancelled because of a last-minute scheduling conflict at the base.

The deadline to register for the Avon Park Field Trip is Feb. 6

For more information and to register, fill out the form at: https://forms.gle/VPAaQxK2SdkrbZbp6. If you have questions, contact trip leader sandy.townsend@tampaaudubon.org. Mic McCarty is also leading the trip.

If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self-Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2023-02-18 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.” We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Shorter days and cooler weather reveal new natural wonders to enjoy, join us! Registration is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rye Preserve Tour
2023-02-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Branch and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.
Register HERE!

Rye Preserve Tour
2023-02-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Tour Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener!
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 <<<

Our Wildest Place Guided Hike
2023-02-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Spend part of your Saturday morning with a Naturalist who will lead you on a family-friendly nature hike in the Preserve.
Why is Brooker Creek Preserve “Our Wildest Place”? Nearly 9000 acres of undeveloped land in our crowded county is a real treasure. Come and enjoy the beauty on this one-mile hike. Registration is required.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.
Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.
Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.
Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
Trained volunteers will guide the hike.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Perico Preserve Tour
2023-02-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Tour Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener!

Explore one of Manatee County’s newest preserves and learn about Florida’s native plants, how they benefit wildlife, and how they can be used in the home landscape.
Learn about the wide variety of ecosystems on display and how the preserve was transformed into what it is today.
Suitable for all ages.
Please meet at the pavilion right next to the parking lot at 9AM.
>>> 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.

WILD WETLANDS HIKE
2023-02-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Come explore Florida’s natural wetland ecosystem and learn about the unique plants and animals that call this habitat home.
REGISTER HERE

Wading Bird Walk
2023-03-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the trails.

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a guided walk of the trails. This walk will take place during a low tide so participants will have the best chance for viewing wildlife that forage on the exposed tidal flats!
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
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 hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum exhibits.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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!

Jo's Extended Hike
2023-03-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Enjoy the beauty of the preserve on an Extended Hike for the more serious hiker. Jo will lead you on a 2-3 mile walk, exploring a variety of habitats, and the plants and animals we find there. We might have to pick our way around mudholes but the hike should not be strenuous, just wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Join us for this opportunity to hike longer in the beautiful weather!
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Guided hikes are under a mile in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.
Hikes take about two (2) hours to complete.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers or boots.
Insect repellent (bug spray) is strongly recommended in summer months.
Bring plenty of drinking water and a snack.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
Trained volunteers will guide the hike.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Clearwater Audubon Society Bird Walk
2023-03-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Take a guided hike on Moccasin Lake’s nature trail while seeking birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Meet in Moccasin Lake Parking Lot.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Plant Walk LLP
2023-03-04 09:00 - 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.
Come and learn about the real natural Florida and why it is so important to protect it during a plant walk at Lettuce Lake. The walks take place the first Saturday of the month, with no walks in July, August or December.
Meet in the visitor center for a short orientation slide show, then the walk is on the park’s boardwalk and nature trails.
Advance registration is required.
Things to know

Program is free, but the $2 per vehicle (up to eight people) park entry fee applies
Walk will last approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Expect to walk 1 mile
Maximum of 25 participants
For larger parties, please email Suncoast Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson
Meet at the Visitor’s Center

Things to bring

Water
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Hat, if needed

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2023-03-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.
Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment.
Suitable for all ages.
Meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the classroom) at 9AM.
>>> 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.

FAM Archaeology Hikes
2023-03-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-03-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of an active archaeological site at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Professional archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) and the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) will lead a hike out to an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve. Participants will learn about recent work at the site, research results, and local Indigenous history.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length will be ~2 miles. This hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so participants must be able to manage these conditions. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
Proceeds from this program go to support AWIARE and FPAN in their archaeological missions.
>>> MORNING REGISTRATION <<<
>>> AFTERNOON REGISTRATION <<<
