Reducing Plastic Pollution
2023-09-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Single-use plastic is a key component of marine pollution. We can take simple steps to change our habits.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Native Bee Walk
2023-09-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Talk a guided walk to observe the native bee species at Weedon Island!

Weedon Island Preserve is a home for many species of Pinellas County’s native bees. The native bees on Weedon Island are found in a variety of sizes from tiny ones that are the size of a grain of rice all the way to huge bumble bees and carpenter bees. Join a staff naturalist for a walk around the grounds to look for these fascinating insects that contribute to our ecosystem in many important ways.
This walk is recommended for adults and youth ages 8 and up. All youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

10 Camping Essentials
2023-09-16 10:00 - 23:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us in learning practical skills and strategies that every outdoor traveler should know. We will cover the 10 essentials and their practical applications for successful outdoor adventures.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Remnants of a Forest: Conservation of Gopher Tortoises
2023-09-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Herpetologist George Heinrich will discuss gopher tortoises in Florida and their conservation concerns on public lands.
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an imperiled chelonian that occurs in upland habitats within the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. This keystone species is listed as Threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Gopher tortoises are ecosystem engineers that create extensive burrow systems and disperse seeds, significantly contributing to upland biodiversity. The burrow systems provide important refugia from extreme temperatures, fire, and predators for the tortoises, as well as 364 other documented species rangewide. This presentation by George L. Heinrich will examine habitat restoration and management efforts (e.g., prescribed fire, thinning of trees, and control of invasive non-native plant species), and discuss the challenges of managing a natural area bordered by urban interface.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.

Surprising Native Bees in Pinellas County
2023-09-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn about the lifestyles of the native bees in your own Pinellas County backyard.
Find out about Pinellas County’s surprising and diverse native bees! Learn about their lifestyles (hint, no hives), how to identify them and what you can do to help them.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, but may also go outside briefly to look for bees. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 8 and up.
This program will be led by Liz Childress, supervisor of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. Liz is a life-long student of Florida’s natural environment, with special interests in insects, fish, and birds. A second-generation Pinellas native, Liz changed careers from technology to environmental education. She graduated from University of Florida and Georgia Institute of Technology with degrees in journalism and business, and has completed coursework in entomology. Liz enjoys providing programming to spark enthusiasm for Florida’s natural and cultural resources.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Why Snakes are Cool
2023-09-30 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn why snakes are cool and the important ecological roles they play!
There are 46 native species of snakes in Florida and most occur in the central peninsula. Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present little danger when left alone. Local herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services) will present on why snakes are cool, emphasizing Florida snake diversity, natural history, conservation, and snake safety. A selection of LIVE snakes will be available for viewing and handling if participants choose to do so (we hope that you will). *This program is recommended for adults and children 7+
Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium
*Please note this will be an hour long educational PowerPoint presentation with an opportunity to handle snakes at the very end. If your child cannot sit through the entire presentation, please bring them out of the room to avoid disruption of the program. We appreciate your cooperation, and thank you in advance.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Speaker Bio: George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services (www.heinrichecologicalservices.com), is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust (www.ftct.org).

Science Rocks!
2023-10-05 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-11-02 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-12-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
This free event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park is hosted by the Clearwater Community Women’s Club, and it covers a range of science topics through hands-on activities, discussion and crafts. Registration is required by emailing ScienceRocksMoccasin@gmail.com.
Sept. 7: 5 Senses
Oct.5: Water
Nov. 2. Bees
Jan. 4: Push/Pull
Feb. 1: Flight
Mar. 7: Frogs and Toads
April 4: The Sun
May 2: 3 States of Matter

Navigating Nature: Brilliant Bird Adaptations
2023-10-07 08:30 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Did you know that some birds have combs on their toes? Join St. Petersburg Audubon Society for a free half-day program exploring wild and brilliant bird adaptations that allow birds to survive!
Preregistration required.
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Diamondback Terrapins: Conservation of an Imperiled Coastal Turtle
2023-10-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Herpetologist George Heinrich will discuss Diamondback Terrapins in Florida.
Learn about the natural history and conservation of an imperiled estuarine turtle, the diamondback terrapin. Although terrapins occur in 16 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the coastline of Florida represents approximately 20% of their entire range. Five of the seven recognized subspecies occur in the state’s extensive salt marsh and mangrove habitats, including three endemics.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
This program will feature George L. Heinrich, a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

The Butterflies of Pinellas County
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States

Climate Change and Cultural Sites in Florida
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how historical and archaeological sites threatened by climate change are protected in Florida.
How do we protect cemeteries, historic buildings, and archaeological sites that are threatened by climate change in Florida? How is it decided which sites get attention and which do not? Join the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education in collaboration with the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society for a special presentation of how archaeologists are currently answering these questions, what significant threats are observed in Florida, and how the public can help!
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This presentation will feature guest speaker Rachael Kangas. Rachael is the Director for the West Central and Central Regions of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, and she conducts public archaeology and outreach in the regions. She earned her M.A. from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2015 and is certified as a member of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). She has participated in fieldwork in the Americas and conducted lab work and teaching during her time at UCF. She is also an American Academy for Underwater Sciences (AAUS) diver, allowing her to assist with underwater research around the state.

Event photos courtesy of the Florida Public Archaeology Network.

Creepy Crawlies: SSssnakes
2023-10-13 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about these interesting, mysterious, and often maligned reptiles, especially how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes.
>>> 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.

Advanced Plant Identification - 3-Part Series
2023-10-13 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-20 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This three-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants.

Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This three-part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist.
The class follows the contents of Harrington’s “How to Identify Plants” (1957); a copy of which is provided to each registrant. This concise text contains a comprehensive vocabulary of terms and illustrations to help clarify concepts.
A packet of supplemental educational materials will also be provided to each registrant.
Registration will CLOSE on October 6.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
About this Event
During each 4-hour classroom event, participants will engage in a participatory lecture, and have plenty of time for Q & A. Each session will build on the previous; attending the entire series is recommended.
Classes are three consecutive Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bio-breaks are factored into the schedule for each day! Bring a bag-lunch (refrigeration is available).
Class dates and syllabus:
Week 1, October 13
Plant Classification

B) Parts of a Flower
C) Inflorescence Types
D) Non-Flowering Plant Identification
E) Read Harrington Chapter I – V

Week 2, October 20

A) Roots-n-Shoots
B) Leaves
C) Surfaces
D) Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae
E) Read Harrington Chapters VI – XI

Week 3, October 27

A) General Terms
B) Fruits and Seeds
C) Using a Dichotomous Key
D) Graduate!

Upon completion of the entire course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida.
Graduates will have access to several hands-on workshops and additional information throughout the year to help stay engaged with the practice of plant identification.
Class fee includes all materials and textbook. Registration will CLOSE on October 6.
Refund Policy : Refunds up to 7 days before event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
UF/IFAS Extension provides practical education you can trust, to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Ethnic background and racial information are collected to comply with Federal reporting requirements.
Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this class you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Prior to two working days before the class, please contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 500, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 464-4062 (Voice/TDD).

Map and Compass Navigation
2023-10-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This camping skills course will teach you how to read a map and compass to help you better develop a sense of direction and travel for any outdoor expedition.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Why Turtles are Cool
2023-10-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This program will introduce the fascinating world of turtles. Did you know that the sex of some species is determined at a pivotal point during egg incubation, or that turtles are among the most endangered group of animals on earth? How about the fact that turtles can ‘talk’ and are more social than we realized? Learn about their diversity and conservation, as well as the latest research findings.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve
Presented by George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services; Florida Turtle Conservation Trust)
George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services (www.heinrichecologicalservices.com), is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust (www.ftct.org).

Shelter Building
2023-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This shelter building exercise will help you to choose the best shelter building options, as well as different coverage material options for any wilderness adventure.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida Forests Hike
2023-11-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing…TREES! Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees. Lara tends to throw in some surprises on her hikes, so be ready when she asks for volunteers!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Nature Journaling Class Series
2023-11-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Take a fun, interactive workshop on nature journaling!
Nature journaling is an immersive experience where you can document your experiences in the outdoors. Whether you plan to use your nature journal to track the progress of your gardening endeavors, sketch and write during nature hikes, or document seasonal bird sightings all will grow your skills in observation and mindfulness. Join UF/IFAS Extension agent Alyssa Vinson, for a weekly class series devoted to growing your Nature Journaling skills. This series is aimed at beginners however some modules will include plant identification skills that would be beneficial to the experienced journalist. Classes will take place at Emerson Point Preserve in the Nature Classroom.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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.

Backyard Wildlife: Online Workshop
2023-11-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Online Event
Join us for an exciting online workshop dedicated to exploring the wonders of backyard wildlife! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just curious about the creatures that inhabit your own backyard, this workshop is perfect for you.
On Fri Nov 03 2023 starting at 3 to 5pm, our knowledgeable experts from FWC will present first on Common Backyard Wildlife, to gain better understanding of the species you may find in your backyard and community, followed by UF IFAS presenting on Landscaping for Backyard Wildlife, with insights on how best to support and protect them.
Discover the diverse range of wildlife species that call your backyard home. Learn about their habits, and how to create a welcoming environment for them. From birds and butterflies to squirrels and larger creatures, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature.
Through engaging presentations and interactive Q&A sessions at the end, you’ll get a chance to ask questions, expand your knowledge, connect with fellow nature lovers, and become a backyard wildlife expert!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of backyard wildlife from the comfort of your own home. Register now and get ready for an enriching and educational experience like no other!
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Managing Our Underwater World in Tampa Bay
2023-11-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program and learn about the coastal resources they protect in Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP), managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks and rivers, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These habitats are vital to Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, fishes, oysters, and an abundance of wading, nesting and migratory birds. Although not widely known, TBAP even has a variety of corals in its hard-bottom areas. Join the TBAP program at Weedon Island to learn how they are working to restore & protect the coastal resources in our own backyard.
This program will feature Dr. Randy Runnels of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves Program. Dr. Runnels earned his PhD in Oceanography from Texas A&M University. His 30+ year career has taken him from the temperate Northern Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Keys. In recent years he has been invited to China and Vietnam as a coastal management adviser on a number of issues. He has managed Tampa Bay’s aquatic preserves for over two decades, and continues to teach college courses in Biology, Marine Science and Environmental Science.
This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Where Did the Snakes Go?
2023-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Where Did the Snakes Go?
The Parasite Behind Pygmy Rattlesnake Declines
Learn about new research from the University of Central Florida’s Biology Department!
Precipitous declines of Sistrurus miliarius are spatially and temporally consistent with the initial invasion of the lung parasite, Raillietiella orientalis (RO). RO is suspected to have been introduced by the established Burmese pythons in South Florida and causes disease in snakes native to the southeastern United States. Eighteen species of native snakes are documented as definitive hosts in Florida but pathology and risk of disease development between species is understudied. During this program, Jenna will introduce the invasive lung parasite, uncover what species are at risk of infections in the southeastern US, and why pygmy rattlesnakes are an exceptionally vulnerable host.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
Speaker Bio: Jenna is a second-year PhD student at the University of Central Florida in Dr. Anna Savage’s lab. Though the focal species of her dissertation is Sistrurus miliarius, she works to assess all species of snakes in North America that are at risk of infection by Raillietiella orientalis as the disease caused by the pathogen (pentastomiasis) can be severe and often lethal. She is the founder of a collaborative network called SLAM (Snake Lungworm Alliance and Monitoring) that consists of many researchers and managers across the southeastern United States. Jenna is also the co-chair of the national Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) Disease Task Team which facilitates and guides communication and collaboration on herpetofaunal diseases among PARC regions, federal and state agencies, and partners.

Botany Walk
2023-11-17 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-12-08 08:00 - 09:30 | 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.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

UF/IFAS Extension provides practical edu

Bugs & Butterflies for Beginners
2023-11-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This class is an introduction wonderful world of insects!

What is that bug? Does it bite? Is it REALLY a bug? This class will introduce participants to the wonderful world of insects, including butterflies, found throughout Pinellas County. Learn how to identify major groups of insects and their ecological importance. Recommended for adults and families.
Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Drought Tolerant Plants 101
2023-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Keep your landscape looking beautiful with the right plants.
Learn how to choose beautiful drought tolerant plants for your landscape and know what to put back on the shelf! Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, will show samples of Florida friendly plants suitable for Manatee County residents and discuss the difference between the good and the bad plant!
Minimum class size is required or class will be postponed. All those that register will be notified if postponed.
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524 Ext 1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This class satisfies the landscape educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program. For further information on the program, please contact: Tina 941-792-8811, Ext 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org

Let's Chat About Bats
2023-12-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
