In Your Backyard: Build a Bat Box!
2025-01-25 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Discover the amazing world of bats and help support local wildlife by building your very own bat box!
Ages 7 yrs +
In this engaging workshop, participants will learn about the importance of bats in our ecosystem, their unique characteristics, and how bat boxes provide essential roosting habitats.
Through hands-on activities, kids (and their adults) will gain practical skills while fostering a love for nature.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
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!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Astronomy Night
2025-02-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

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 <<<

FFL HC Webinar Series: Intro to Nine Principles
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for the “FFL HC Webinar Series: Intro to Nine Principles,” a comprehensive introduction to the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. This webinar is designed to provide homeowners, community association managers, and landscape professionals with essential knowledge to create sustainable and eco-friendly landscapes.
Why Attend?

Gain science-based insights from UF/IFAS experts.
Learn practical tips for a sustainable and beautiful landscape.
Network with other professionals and enthusiasts in the field.

We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
***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: Lynn Barber, barberl@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Tween & Teen Homeschooler Hike
2025-03-07 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-04-04 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.

The Florida Panther: Our Endangered Big Cat
2025-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The elusive Florida Panther is one of the most endangered creatures. There are only around 200 of these majestic cats left in the wild! Make plans to join us for a great discussion with a field biologist who will delve into the mysteries of these incredible animals. Discover their secret lives and find out what efforts are underway to protect them from habitat loss and ensure their survival!
Our presenter is Christopher Satter, Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Open to the public. | FREE ADMISSION
For questions about the Natural History Speaker Series, contact Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at 727-893-7326.

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 <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-03-19 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-19 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-26 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-02 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-09 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-16 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-23 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-04-30 10:00 - 15:30 and 1 more date | 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!

FFL HC Webinar Series: Right Plant, Right Place
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Discover the secret to a thriving, low-maintenance landscape that’s perfect for our Florida climate. Learn how to choose plants that not only survive but thrive in your specific yard conditions.
What You’ll Learn:

How to match plants to your yard’s unique environment
Tips for reducing water use and pest problems
Tricks to create a stunning, sustainable landscape

The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
Register now and take the first step towards a smarter, greener landscape. Your plants (and water bill) will thank you!
We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
***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: Lynn Barber, barberl@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54105, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Gopher Tortoise Trek
2025-04-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Ages 13+
Join us for an interpretive walk to search for gopher tortoises & their burrows, and learn about their role as ecosystem engineers!

Join us for our celebration of Gopher Tortoise Day!
Take a guided tour to learn about the six species of North American tortoises, with a special focus on our native gopher tortoise! We will explore how gopher tortoises are a keystone species and “ecosystem engingeers” then walk the trails to look for tortoises and learn how to “read” a tortoise burrow.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This is an easy interpretive walk (less than 1 mile) in the Preserve’s upland habitat. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 13+.
This tour will be led by guest educator George L. Heinrich. Mr. 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.

Birds of Prey
2025-04-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Meet the animal ambassadors of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve!
Several LIVE birds of prey will be used to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships, adaptations that ensure success as predators, and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. The basic natural history of each species is also discussed along with the impact of humans on their habitats and populations. Great for all ages!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Florida’s Fabulous Fireflies
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Commonly called “lightning bugs”, come learn about Florida’s fireflies and what we can do to conserve them!
Yes, Florida has fireflies and more species than any other state in the U.S.! Join a staff naturalist to learn about this insect’s surprising lifestyle, how they communicate (hint: it’s flashy) and what you can do to help them. There might even be a chance to flash like a firefly!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Youth Program: Planet Protectors!
2025-04-26 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
For youth nature lovers, this thrilling program is full of educational fun. It is specifically designed for young Floridans to understand what can be done for the environment in their home town and then express that knowledge through multiple artistic mediums. We’ll also meet some very special animal ambassadors and get to interact with them!
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Presented by Paige Konger of Paige’s Planet. Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
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. Follow signs to the auditorium.

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 <<<

Water Safety Day
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Walter Fuller Pool, 7883 26th Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL, 33710, United States
Don’t miss Water Safety Day . This free family-friendly event provides water safety education and resources to parents/caregivers. Attendees will receive free water safety resources and giveaways while supplies last, including:
Free lifejackets for children | Free door alarms | Free swim lesson vouchers | Free CPR vouchers | CPR demonstrations | Free swim evaluations | and more!

Saturday, May 3
10 AM – 1 PM
Walter Fuller Pool, 7863 26th Ave. N.

FREE | No registration required
The pool will be open for attendees to swim!
This event is organized in collaboration with the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB), Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (JHACH), and St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.
