Holiday Lights in the Gardens 2024
2024-12-28 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-29 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-30 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-31 17:30 - 21:30, 2025-01-01 17:30 - 21:30, 2025-01-02 17:30 - 21:30, 2025-01-03 17:30 - 21:30, 2025-01-04 17:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
This winter fundraiser runs from Friday, November 29th, 2024-Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 5:30-9:30 PM nightly.
There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, with kids 12 and under free.
The Florida Botanical Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages. The opening of our new Majeed Discovery Garden will take this already awesome event to the next level. You won’t want to miss it! Interested in being a sponsor? See the information below.
Kids Activities
There will be free kids activities in the Majeed Discovery Garden every Sunday and Thursday evening throughout the month of December.
Participate in this community event while enjoying the twinkling lights. Learn more about volunteering here: www.flbgfoundation.org/volunteer.

Native Plant Walk at Lettuce Lake
2025-01-04 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.

Birding on the Bay
2025-01-04 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-03-22 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-06 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-19 19:00 - 20:30 | 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.

Wading Birds Photography Tour
2025-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Search for wading birds along the coast of Weedon Island and learn wildlife photography techniques.

This tour is for photographers and bird enthusiasts of all skill levels. A brief classroom session before the tour will teach participants about the wading birds found at the Preserve, as well as nature photography techniques specific to the wildlife and seasonal variations of Weedon Island.
The total hike length will be between 1 to 2 miles on natural paths and boardwalks so please dress and prepare accordingly.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2025-01-18 07:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-15 07:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-15 07:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-19 07:00 - 17:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Three for one fun at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village!
Celebrate at Pinewood (Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas, Heritage Village) every Third Saturday of the month.
At the Florida Botanical Gardens (Open 7 AM-5 PM):
Visit the new Majeed Discovery Garden, a 2+ acre addition, connecting children to nature. Our Children’s Garden Educator is hosting a variety of preschool and family programs in the Majeed Discovery Garden on topics like sustainability, sensory exploration, and more. Visit the Event Calendar on our website at www.flbgfoundation.org/events to view all of the programs offered in our Majeed Discovery Garden. For more information, visit www.flbgfoundation.org/childrensgarden.
At Creative Pinellas (Open 10 AM-5 PM):
Visit the Gallery at Creative Pinellas for two must-see exhibitions! Catch the 2024 Emerging Artist Exhibition before it ends on July 21st. Also on display is Threads of Nature: Art Inspired by the Florida Botanical Gardens, featuring works by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild that capture nature’s beauty. Feeling inspired? Stop by our drawing room to unleash your inner artist. Free admission and fun for the whole family! For more information: www.creativepinellas.org.
At Heritage Village (Open 10 AM – 4 PM):
Explore the past at Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum! Step back in time and take a docent tour of select historic buildings, visit Pinellas County’s oldest structure, and peruse locally-made artisan gifts and souvenirs at the gift shop. Interested in learning more? The Heritage Village app features self-guided walking tours and archival photographs and information about your favorite Heritage Village buildings, historic figures, and artifacts! Download the app for free in your preferred mobile app store by searching “Heritage Village”. Heritage Village is free to visit, pet-friendly, and perfect for all ages! For more information: www.heritagevillagefl.org/

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2025-01-18 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-03-08 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-19 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.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
2025-01-19 09:00 - 13:00, 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.

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 <<<

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 <<<

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.

Eggstravaganza
2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Dr, Clearwater, FL, 33761, United States
Hop on over to Countryside Recreation Center for our annual egg hunt.
Bring your Easter baskets and camera to get a picture with the Easter Bunny.
There will be inflatables, games, prizes, music and more. Free.

Wildflower Walk: Earth Day Edition
2025-04-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Immerse yourself in the beauty of native Florida flowers on this ranger-led hike. In celebration of Earth Day, we’ll explore how the flowers, trees, and green spaces at Boyd Hill contribute to the health and vitality of the preserve.
Ages 12 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
