Nature Journaling Class Series
2023-11-03 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Take a fun, interactive workshop on nature journaling!
Nature journaling is an immersive experience where you can document your experiences in the outdoors. Whether you plan to use your nature journal to track the progress of your gardening endeavors, sketch and write during nature hikes, or document seasonal bird sightings all will grow your skills in observation and mindfulness. Join UF/IFAS Extension agent Alyssa Vinson, for a weekly class series devoted to growing your Nature Journaling skills. This series is aimed at beginners however some modules will include plant identification skills that would be beneficial to the experienced journalist. Classes will take place at Emerson Point Preserve in the Nature Classroom.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Native Plant Walk @ LLP
2023-10-07 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.
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

Canoe paddle tour
2023-10-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Clam Bayou Nature Preserve, 34th Avenue S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Enjoy an hour and half of easy paddling on the Little Manatee River loop with your guide. Three seater canoe rentals or 1 person kayaks can be rented for $25. Or bring your own canoe or kayak and join us with a $5 donation. Reserve your canoe or kayak by calling the office at 813-641-8545. Limited availability. campbayou@gmail.com

Naturalist Guided Hike
2023-11-04 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 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 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 tour 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.
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

Paddle and Learn
2023-11-04 09:00 - 12:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Paddle and Learn –
Kayaking with Mangroves
Join Alyssa Vinson with UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County and Sarah Denison with Manatee County Natural Resources for a special kayaking program at Robinson Preserve! On this approximately 2-mile paddle, we will learn about one of Florida’s most important coastal trees – Mangroves!
Single and tandem kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are available to borrow free of charge on a first come-first served basis. All participants must wear a life jacket. All participants must be able to meet the County’s minimum eligibility requirements: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/natural_resources/ecoevents#kayak
Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear that can get wet – no flip-flops or sandals unless they have a heel strap. You may wish to bring light layers and wear sun protection.
This is an easy paddle that can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers, but we do recommend some prior paddling experience. Program suitable for all ages. Participants under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Family Night Hike
2023-11-04 19:30 - 20:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring your family and join our park rangers for our monthly night hikes!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2023-05-03 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Dennis is the president of the Suncoast Herpetological Society, Inc. and spends his Wednesdays at Moccasin Lake Nature Park educating guests about reptiles. Come with your questions!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Puddle Jumpers
2023-09-06 09:30 - 11:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Outdoor exploration and learning for children entering Pre-K. Dress for rain or shine!
Ages 3 yrs – 5 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Elemental Seasons Homeschool Class
2023-09-20 09:30 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join Ruth Glass as we study the seasons and traditional celebrations from around the world. Children will go on hikes, participate in celebrations of nature, and create nature art to take home.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Hiking with Heroes
2023-05-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
In honor of Memorial Day, join fellow members of the veteran community as we 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.
The hike may be to 3 miles in total length and will be on a combination of boardwalks, paved, or natural trails.
This tour is for military veterans and family members ages 10 and up. Veterans are requested to wear clothing or a hat indicating their military service branch. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2023-11-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer.
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

Turtle Science
2023-11-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This engaging hands-on class will introduce the study of tortoises and freshwater turtles. Join turtle biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich for this rare educational opportunity.
Students will learn about the ecology and conservation of tortoises and freshwater turtles through a blend of classroom and field sessions. Classroom sessions include PowerPoint presentations and hands-on activities; field sessions will include lessons on identification techniques and data collection.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Photography Hike
2023-02-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Walk the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way.

Grab your camera of choice and enjoy a guided tour of the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve! This hike has been timed to coincide with a low tide at the Preserve so participants will have the best chance for viewing wading birds and other wildlife that come to forage on the tidal flats at this time.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a brief introduction to highlight the seasonal features of the Preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors, that will help participants capture the natural beauty of the area. This hike is roughly 1.5 miles in total length on a combination of boardwalks and unimproved, natural paths. This program is is best suited for adults.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Botany Walk
2023-11-17 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

Rye Preserve Tour
2023-11-18 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

Gratitude Hike
2023-11-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
A walk designed to relax and rejuvenate by focusing on gratitude. Bathe the senses in the healing qualities of nature and share experiences through conversation.
Ages 12 and up welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Dutch Oven Cooking
2023-11-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
During virtually any camping situation, you will need a cooking tool to bake, boil, or fry your meals. Join us in developing the skills necessary to cook hearty meals using a Dutch oven for your next outdoor adventure.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Gratitude Nature Scavenger Hunt
2023-11-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
November is the month highlighting all of the things for which we are grateful. In this unique program, participants will leave appreciating nature and all of its gifts.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Aquacamp
2023-11-20 08:00 - 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 – 7 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Turtle Camp
2023-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Explore the fascinating world of turtles with hands-on learning, hikes, and live animal encounters. Campers spend time on the trails studying gopher tortoises, box turtles, and aquatic species.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Sprouts Camp
2023-11-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Each day, the program includes a combination of nature stories, songs, games, crafts, and hikes to explore the outdoors. The goal is to nurture a child’s curiosity, help them acquire developmentally appropriate skills, and instill appreciation and respect for the natural world.
>>> REGISTER HERE
