Sunday Bird Hike
2025-03-02 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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 <<<
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.

Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot.

Elemental Seasons Homeschool - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-05 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-03-12 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-03-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-03-26 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 <<<

Tween & Teen Homeschooler Hike
2025-03-07 11:00 - 12:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Explore the woods of “Our Wildest Place”!

Join us on an educational guided hike geared toward tweens and teens! We’ll explore the native plants and animals that call Brooker Creek home while meandering along a 1.5 mile trail. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy after the hike together.
Registration is required. Space is limited and this hike will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: Meet in the Exhibit Hall. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Exhibit Hall.

Kayak Tour: Archaeology of Ross Island
2025-03-08 08:30 - 12:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join archaeologists for a unique and engaging paddling experience in the waters of the Weedon Island Preserve!
Ages 18+

This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will tour one of Tampa Bay’s best preserved archaeological sites. During the paddle, the group will make short stops to learn about the history of Weedon Island’s exceptional estuary habitats. The trip will be led by professional archaeologists from the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) and the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS).
This guided tour is not for beginner paddlers; experience and endurance are required. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to participate and must sign a liability waiver prior to getting on the water. Kayaks will be provided by ECOmersion.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2025-03-08 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.”
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. Everyday reveals new natural wonders to enjoy, join us!
Registration is required.

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2025-03-08 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 <<<

Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve.
Special Accommodations:
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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Naturalist Guided Tour
2025-03-08 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-03-22 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 <<<

Adult Night Hike
2025-03-08 19:00 - 20:30 | 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 <<<

Star Party
2025-03-08 19:00 - 22:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Join The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and St. Pete Astronomy Club for a Star Party! Observe the stars through telescopes and enjoy an evening at Brooker Creek Preserve after dark.
Night hikes will be conducted as well along the .75 mile Ed Center Trail through the woods. Please bring a chair, water, insect repellent, and your own telescope if you have one.
As always, no pets, no smoking, & no alcohol.
Meet at the main parking lot & please arrive between 6:30 and 7:00pm; as the gates will only be open during this time.
A suggested donation of $3.00 per person is appreciated.
Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680
—–Registration is not required, join us!——

Photography Bird Walk - Roosevelt Wetlands
2025-03-09 08:00 - 10:00 | Roosevelt Wetlands, 0853 43rd St. N, Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Field Trip Leaders: Joel Conrad, Will Laurie, and Jason Guerrero (Conservation Leadership Initiative Student)
Location: Roosevelt Wetlands
0853 43rd St. N. (43rd and 110th Ave N.), Clearwater, FL 33765. Meet at the entrance on 43rd St. There is a small unpaved parking lot that only can handle 3 or 4 cars; more parking is along 43rd. The trip will entail walking 1-2 miles or more on packed dirt trails. We will be looking for birds to photograph and will share our photos later.
What to bring: Binoculars/cameras, Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Insect Repellant.
There are no restroom facilities.

Walk Chinsegut Wildlife & Environmental Area
2025-03-12 07:30 - 10:30 | Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville, FL, 34601, United States
Meet at the parking lot at the intersection of Snow Memorial Highway and US-41, Brooksville, FL 34601. It’s 6 miles north of Brooksville. Bring water, snacks, and lunch if you want.

We’ll walk about 4 miles in to view the May’s Prairie wetland and back out. It’s a wide, well-kept trail, with lots of birds! Red-headed Woodpeckers and Barred Owls were the stars on our last walk, and warblers, thrushes, and wading birds should be around in good numbers.

There is a picnic table by the parking lot, so if you bring lunch we can eat there when we’re done.
Leader Mary.keith@tampaaudubon.org 813-767-5863

Important! Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.

Botany Walk
2025-03-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join James Stevenson to explore the fascinating plants found at Brooker Creek Preserve!
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. Led by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Specialist.
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. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rye Preserve Tour
2025-03-15 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 <<<
Special Accommodations:
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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Tiny Wildlife Walk
2025-03-15 09:30 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Wildlife abounds at the Weedon Island Preserve, especially the tiny kind, like butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates. Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Preserve. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Note: The total walk length will be variable, but no more than a mile or so. We will traverse uneven, natural paths and boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
This tour is best suited for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Buggin' Out Hike
2025-03-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our rangers for an explorative hike as we discover the fascinating insects that call Boyd Hill home. Learn about the vital roles these tiny creatures play in our ecosystem and why they are so important for the health of our environment

All ages welcome with a registered adult.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Afternoon Adventures Weather or Not
2025-03-15 15:30 - 16:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our Rangers in exploring what weather is, how it is different from climate, and how does it form. We will look at everything from the tilt of the Earth, solar radiation, the Coriolis effect, air pressure/temperature, to how large bodies of water and different landforms (forest, desert, mountains, plains) affect our weather and climates.
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
2025-03-16 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.

Elemental Seasons Camp - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-17 08:00 - 2025-03-21 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Celebrate the winter season of Florida with an experiential look at the winter changes, celebrations, and cultures around the world throughout time.
Nature hikes, handcrafted items to take home, and interactive experiences occur each day.
Ages 6 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> ENROLL HERE <<<

Nature Detectives Camp - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-03-17 08:00 - 2025-03-21 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
Explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles (such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards) with hands-on learning, hikes, and animal encounters.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-03-19 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-19 10:00 - 15:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Explore reptiles with a friendly expert, get your questions answered, and level up your knowledge in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session.

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!

Youth Spring Break Pollinator Party
2025-03-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about our native pollinators!
Take a pollinator walk, safely catch and study some insect friends, complete a scavenger hunt, then create seed-balls to take home so you can create a pollinator habitat of your own!
Recommended for youth ages 7 & up. Registration is required.
Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Meet in front of the auditorium.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Birding on the Bay
2025-03-22 09:00 - 10:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Presents:
Birding on the Bay with the MFA

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience on the waters of Tampa Bay! This 75-minute guided boat tour offers a front-row seat to the fascinating bird species that call this vibrant ecosystem home. During the tour, we’ll visit a nearby bird sanctuary island, strategically timed to provide the best viewing opportunities for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
As we navigate the waters, your expert guide will share insightful details about the diverse bird species you’ll encounter, from elegant waders to soaring seabirds. With our prime location and optimal timing, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional views of these feathered residents as they go about their daily routines.
This tour is perfect for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the rich wildlife of Tampa Bay in a relaxed and educational setting.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
More Information

75 Minutes
$45 ($5 member discount offered)
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC.
Children under 3 free
November 2024 to February 2025

What to Bring
-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 is highly recommended.

Camp Bayou Spring Fest
2025-03-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Join Camp Bayou as it welcomes Spring with some fun activities on Saturday, March 22 from 9am-noon. Some of the activities you can expect include nature activity tables, trail walks, tomato seedling giveaway, and cart tours.
Schedule of Events:
9am open
9:30 Cart tours begin
10:00 Trail walk
10:30 Butterfly Habitat Q&A
11:00 Native Camp Tour
11:30 Fishing Cabin Talk
Noon Final raffle- event ends
Joining the Camp Bayou Nature Center for a morning of fun is the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum, Manatee Viewing Center, Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, Hillsborough County Parks, Rec and Conservation, Little Manatee River State Park, Alafia River State Park and Florida Forestry Service.
Some of the crafting activities planned:
– pine cone bird feeder
– vine wreaths
– nature journals
– seed bead jewelry
– ‘Camp Bayou’ t-shirts
All supplies provided.
No registration required and it’s free! Come out and experience all that Camp Bayou has to offer.

Perico Preserve Tour
2025-03-23 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 <<<
Please meet at the pavilion right next to the parking lot.
Special Accommodations:
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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Kayak Tampa Bay
2025-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Ages 12+ • 3 Hours • 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Back by popular demand, Tampa Bay Watch is launching guided kayak tours of the Bay. Embark with us on an unforgettable journey through the serene waters of our stunning estuary! This tour offers an immersive experience in nature, combining the joy of paddling with a unique opportunity to observe and learn about local species.
As you glide through calm waters, your expert naturalist will share fascinating insights into the diverse ecosystems and residents of the estuary. You’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife while exploring the mangrove forests and seagrass beds of Tampa Bay. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, the experience is designed to be both relaxing and informative, offering a rare chance to connect with nature while honing your kayaking skills!
Kayak, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks, water, and skin protection.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
