Weedon Walkabout
2023-01-07 09:00 - 23:00, 2023-01-14 09:00 - 23:00, 2023-01-21 09:00 - 23:00, 2023-01-28 09:00 - 23:00, 2023-02-04 09:00 - 23:00 (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 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 <<<

CONSTELLATIONS AND THE NIGHT SKY
2023-01-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ever wonder what Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is like after hours?
Join us for a guided night hike offered twice a month. Learn about the preserve and the wildlife that call it home. Take a guided hike with a preserve ranger as you search for wildlife that only come out at night.

Cost: $3/adults & $1.50/children
All ages welcome!

Contact the preserve at 727-893-7326 to reserve your spot.

Sunday Bird Hike
2023-01-08 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.

Rad Reptiles
2023-01-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-01-22 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 <<<

Botany Walk
2023-01-13 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.

HEADS UP FOR HAWKS HIKE
2023-01-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
An introduction to the diurnal (daytime) birds of prey that soar, swoop, and glide through Florida’s skies. Learn about how expert watchers identify raptors by their shapes and flight behavior. As we discuss these fascinating predators, we will also share a few success stories in the ongoing effort to conserve birds of prey.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2023-01-14 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
2023-01-14 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.

Night Hike in the Preserve
2023-01-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-01-21 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 <<<

Wading Bird Walk
2023-01-19 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!
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short overview of the birds found at Weedon Island, including tips on when and where different species are most likely to be seen, before departing for the trails. Total walk distance will be ~1.5 miles.
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!
Spots are limited on this hike so every individual attending must be registered.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2023-01-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2023-01-21 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
2023-01-21 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
2023-01-21 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 <<<

Birds of Brooker Hike
2023-01-22 08:00 - 10:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
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. 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 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.

Our Wildest Place Guided Hike
2023-01-28 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
2023-01-28 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.

Saturday Guided Hike
2023-01-28 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-04 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 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!

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 <<<
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that works to promote education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve. Learn about our Friends!

Friends Trail Extended Hike
2023-02-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This 2 mile loop hike will take place on the Friends Trail, at the end of Lora Lane. This hike cannot be accessed at the main campus.

Enjoy the Preserve on a trail less travelled–The Friends Trail, located at the end of Lora Lane off Keystone. This Extended Hike is for the more serious hiker: a 2 mile hike, on an unimproved footpath, exploring a variety of habitats. The guides and hikers will drive themselves to the location; do not come to the main Preserve campus. Join us for this opportunity to hike with Jo on one of our lesser known trails in the beautiful weather!
Read this important Hike Information:
Hikers should arrive at the trailhead at the dead end of Lora Lane, 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Lora Lane is 1/2 mile west of Brooker Entrance on Keystone. You travel one mile on Lora Lane until the road ends, and park.
You may use a mapping app: Lora Lane, Tarpon Springs

Friends Trail Loop is approximately 2 miles in length, on unimproved, uneven sandy trails, with exposed roots.
There are no restroom facilities on site.
Hike takes 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, sunscreen and a walking stick are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
Trained volunteers will guide the hike.
An Equal Opportunity Institution

.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 <<<
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Clearwater Audubon Society Bird Walk
2023-02-04 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
2023-02-04 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
2023-02-04 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.
