Wildlife Ecology Camp - BHNP Summer 2025
2025-06-13 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
Campers will explore the ecology and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and wildlands.
A blend of classroom and field sessions will include hands-on activities, guest presentations, and exploration of the preserve’s diverse habitats where campers will practice their nature detective skills.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2025-06-14 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.

Beginning Bird Walk at LLP
2025-06-14 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.
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.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 8:30 a.m. 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 field trip leader, Jim Hengelbrok at jimhengelbrok@gmail.com

Egmont Key Sanctuary Tour
2025-06-14 16:30 - 20:30 | FL
Egmont Key Sanctuary Tour by boat with the Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges
Saturday June 14th 2024, 4:30-8:30pm approximate return (rain date Sunday Sat June 2)
Meet at the Bay Pier next to the Dog Park, 27.616871, -82.726690.
Reservations and prepayment required
Join us for our eleventh annual tour of the Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour with a stop at the Ft Dade ruins, Lighthouse, and hopefully a Black Skimmer colony. The Egmont Key Ferry will take us around the south tip of Egmont Key to see the areas where birds are nesting. (These areas are not accessible by foot and only seen by visitors with boats). The chicks from our Laughing gulls, Royal terns, & Sandwich terns should be out on the beaches exploring. Brown Pelicans, White ibis, and American Oystercatchers can also nest on the islands.
Space is limited and this event sells out quickly.
Send your reservation to TampaBayRefuges@msn.com Wait for confirmation then send payment via credit card on PayPal or mail.
Credit card on PayPal: www.tampabayrefuges.org click Get Involved, then Donate. Enter One-Time and the amount, then click Donate with Debit or Credit Card and follow instructions.
Your space will be secure based on a first come first served basis AND receipt of payment. You will receive a confirmation email for your payment.
Mail: FTBNWR, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782
Cost:

Members of Friends of the Tampa Bay NWR $35 each (includes tip for boat crew)
Individual Guests or non-members $50 each. You will receive a 1-year individual membership.
Family of 2 guests or non-members $95. You will receive a 1-year family membership. Additional family members add $35 ea.

Make checks payable to Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782.
Reservations and Payment must be received by Saturday June 7 .
Questions: call Barb Howard at 727 512-4914 or email TampaBayRefuges@msn.com

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-06-18 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-06-25 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-07-02 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!

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2025-06-21 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.”
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.

Rye Preserve Tour
2025-06-21 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!

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
2025-06-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us on a naturalist-led 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!
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Perico Preserve Tour
2025-06-22 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.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
2025-06-22 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.

Rocks, Shells, & Fossils of Florida Camp
2025-06-23 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Calling all rockhounds!
This is your chance to learn the basic types of rocks found in Florida as well as fossils from animals that roamed Florida long ago! Campers will go home with daily craft and go on daily hikes.
Ages 6 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

2025 ECO Educator Workshop
2025-06-23 09:00 - 2025-06-27 15:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us as we celebrate our 13th annual offering of Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Educator Workshop!
Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Teacher Training Workshop
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Pinellas County’s Natural Resources Agent has teamed up with St. Petersburg College, College of Education Professor to offer this nationally award-winning, week-long environmental education workshop for pre-service elementary & ESE education students, current elementary & ESE teachers, and non-formal educators. Note: Middle school educators are welcome to participate as well!
The aim of this workshop is to provide participants with tools and information to interpret the natural world and impart the need for resource conservation to their audience. Using local, state, and national curricula correlated to Florida Standards, participants will be given activities and resources to help foster environmental knowledge and good environmental stewardship in their students.
Each day will feature different environmental subjects and professional speakers will be brought in to provide background knowledge to participants. Workshop sessions will conclude with a reflection and an evaluation of the day’s activities. Certificates will be awarded for the completion of specific portions of the training as well as a final certificate of completion.
Curriculum taught each year is different, so if you have participated in the past, you can participate again for a whole new educational experience!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

June 23-27, 2025
All classes will run from 9:00am – 3:30pm, doors open at 8:30am.
This year’s workshop will feature an amazing line-up of environmental education curriculum:
• Monday – Project WILD: Florida Black Bear
• Tuesday – Exploring Ferns and Brooker Creek Preserve!
• Wednesday at Weedon – Going Coastal with marine and red tide curriculum
• Thursday – Flying into Cornell Birds
• Friday – Project Learning Tree (somethings new!)

Moth Night
2025-06-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Discover Denizens of the Dark at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.

After a brief lecture, we will venture into the night to find moths of many sizes and colors, all attracted to our artificial lights. This evening experience is best for adults and children over 12.
Registration is required. Space is very limited. Once registered, please check your confirmation email for important details on where to meet.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Kayak Tampa Bay
2025-06-28 08:00 - 11:00 | 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 <<<

Surviving the Wild Camp - BHNP Summer 2025
2025-06-30 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 6 yrs – 11 yrs
Children will spend the week learning how to identify and collect wild edible plants as well as how these plants were traditionally used in Florida.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Blackwater Creek Preserve Field Trip
2025-07-05 06:30 - 10:30 | Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, 2469 Patrinostro Road, Plant City, FL, 33565, United States
We will beat the heat and enjoy sunrise and pinewoods at Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve.
See Walks and Field Trips – Suncoast Chapter for registration information.

Morning Nature Walk Starkey Park
2025-07-05 07:30 - 11:30 | J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center, 10500 Wilderness Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34655, United States
Pasco Audubon
Meet 7:30 AM
Starkey Education Center
1 to 4 mile walk
Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips.
Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details.
Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours.
For more info email Christine Rowland

Boyd Hill 1st Saturday Field Trip
2025-07-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
St. Petersburg Audubon is continuing the Ron Smith “1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trips.
Field Trip Leader: Paul Waton
Location: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.
Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.
What to Bring:
Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellent, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.

Native Plant Walk at Lettuce Lake
2025-07-05 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Meet behind the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center in the Native Plant Garden for a walk on the paved trail and boardwalk with a representative of the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Learn what grows naturally in the hardwood swamp and how native plants benefit wildlife.
Walks are free but there is a $2 charge to enter the park. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.

Native Plant Walk LLP
2025-07-05 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States

Sunday Bird Hike
2025-07-06 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 <<<
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.
