Night Hike in the Preserve
2025-01-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime.
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.
You MUST ARRIVE BY 8PM, the Preserve gates will be closed after that.
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.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
2025-01-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Back by popular demand…
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
A nature-based fundraising hike series
This series of four hikes will take place in beautiful areas tucked away within Brooker Creek Preserve in sites that are closed to the public. Our guide, Dr. Craig Huegel, can identify everything, from the tiniest moss to the tallest tree including animal prints, bird calls, lichens, and more. He is full of stories and very patient in answering questions. The hikes will be not only educational, but a lot of fun as well!
The hikes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and be about 3-4 hours long. Bring water and lunch.
Cost: $80 donation for the series or $25 donation per hike with a 10% discount for members of Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve
Sites Off the Beaten Path:
Sep. 22, 2024 – Catesby’s Lilies…and More! – Located in the eastern part of the preserve, we will search for the threatened Catesby’s Lily. In so doing, we will see a profusion of beautiful fall wildflowers in full bloom.
Jan. 19, 2025 – Cypress Swamp – Located in the central part of the preserve, this site
features orchids, ferns, and epiphytes. Plan to get wet, or maybe not, as we plunge into the depths of the swamp!
March 16, 2025 – Sandhills – The only true sandhills of Brooker Creek Preserve. This site is in the northern end of the preserve and will feature an abundance of spring wildflowers.
June 22, 2025 – Interior Wildlands – We will be in parts of the Preserve so remote that
cell phones won’t work, areas so pretty you won’t believe you are in Pinellas County!
Reservations Required: info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org
Sign up early! Only 20 spots are open for these fabulous hikes off the beaten path!
Questions? Email info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org or call 727-934-2680.

Marvelous Mangroves
2025-01-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Upper Tampa Bay Park, 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa, FL, 33635, United States
Marvelous Mangroves:
Ecology, Protection and Maintenance
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson and UF/IFAS Sea Grant Agent Armando Ubeda for an in depth look at mangroves.
We will cover their ecology, identification, protection and shoreline maintenance best practices including recommended trimming best practices. This class will be located in the classroom as well as outdoors. Be prepared to walk.
This class has associated ISA approved CEU’s. Contact Alyssa for more information.
There is no cost to attend.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Rx Fire Fest
2025-01-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments will hold our “Rx Fire Fest,” which is a festival created to celebrate and educate about prescribed fire and its value to Florida’s natural landscapes and communities.

This program will take place at Edward Medard Conservation Park (6140 Turkey Creek Rd. Plant City, FL 33567) on Saturday, January 25th from 9am – 2pm.

The Prescribed Fire Festival will feature talks and Q&A’s with wildland firefighters, live prescribed fire demonstrations (weather permitting), equipment demonstrations, games and kids events, guided hikes, food trucks, and more.

Naturalist Guided Tour
2025-01-04 09:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Enjoy a guided tour to explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve!
Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island. The total hike length will be between 1 to 2 miles and will traverse uneven, natural paths and boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Adult Night Hike
2024-02-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Adults enjoy a night hike out into the preserve after hours and in the dark!
Experience the tranquil sounds of nature on our monthly adult-only night hike, where the rustling of leaves and calls of nocturnal animals set the perfect backdrop. As you walk, you might even catch a glimpse of a wild creature in its natural habitat, see the St. Pete skyline, and make a few memories!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Perico Preserve Tour
2025-01-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer.

Fourth Sunday of the month (January – April), at 9:00am
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Bird Walk at Boyd Hill
2024-09-07 08:00 - 09:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join the St. Petersburg Audubon Society for a birdwatching hike at Boyd Hill, where you’ll spot a variety of native species while learning about their habits and habitats.
Perfect for bird enthusiasts of all levels! Binoculars are available for loan.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.

>>> REGISTER HERE

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2024-01-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
First Saturday of the month (December – April), at 9:00am
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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Family Night Hike
2024-03-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring the whole family for our monthly family night hike at Boyd Hill.
Explore the trials under the stars, discover nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy the wonders of nature together on this fun and educational adventure.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Senior Artisans
2025-02-04 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
It’s never too late to try out a new art form! Led by local artist Francine Michel. Explore the preserve by tram and create a piece of art based on nature.
All materials are provided. Feel free to bring your own sketchbook and camera.
Ages 50 yrs +
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2025-01-11 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!

Second Saturday of the month (November – May), at 9:00am
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.

>> REGISTER HERE

Let's Talk Turtles
2025-02-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a fascinating program dedicated to exploring the diverse turtle species found in Florida. Participants will learn about their habitats, behaviors, and the conservation challenges they face. Through interactions with our ambassador animals and a hike through tortoise habitat, we’ll foster a deeper appreciation for these remarkable reptiles and the vital role they play in our ecosystems.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Family Night Hike
2025-02-08 18:30 - 20:00 | 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 a monthly family night hike while enjoying some hot chocolate!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Rye Preserve Tour
2025-01-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Guided tour through Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer!

Third Saturday of the month (January – May), at 9:00am.
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

Wild About Wetlands
2025-02-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us as we celebrate wetlands in honor of World Wetlands Day hiking through the beautiful wetlands of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve! Participants will discover more about this vital habitat, learn about local flora and fauna, and gain an appreciation for the importance of wetlands in our environment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Adult Bike
2025-02-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our brand new bike hike! This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails, enjoy fresh air, and learn about nature along the way.
Please note: only 5 adult bikes and 5 child bikes available. MUST bring own helmet.
Ages 12 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Naturalist Guided Tour
2025-03-01 09:30 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Enjoy a guided tour to explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve!
Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island during a guided walk of the Tower Boardwalk.
The total walk length is 1 mile and it will traverse cement path and boardwalk, along with an optional climb to the top of the Observation Tower.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Exploration Hike
2025-03-01 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve which is perfect for nature lovers of all ages.
Learn about the history of Boyd Hill, its diverse ecosystems, and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s natural wonders.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Sunday Bird Hike
2025-01-05 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.
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, 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

Elemental Seasons Homeschool - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-05 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.
Please bring water and a snack.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> ENROLL HERE
