Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2024-01-03 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Ants of Florida
2024-08-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ants are often overlooked and viewed as a pest but look closely and you will discover an amazing world! Learn about the fascinating ants found at the preserve!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

2024 Water School: Flowing Forward
2024-09-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Wednesday, September 4 at 9AM-4PM
Location: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL)
Description:
Join UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension for an in depth look at emerging water issues in our region. We will provide expert presentations and deep dives into the topics during facilitated discussions. This program is intended for local policymakers but all interested are welcome to register. $20 per person (+ Eventbrite fee). Lunch included in ticket.
Topics covered:

Conservation lands/easements
Water quality value of urban forests
Water quality estuary and marine systems
Sustainable development
Green Stormwater Initiative
Monitoring in Manatee: Keeping our water resources safe

>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
2024-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Let us answer all of your insect and pest questions!
Do you want to learn more about pests and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we’ll cover insect life cycles, management, identification, and more.
For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program - 2024
2024-09-05 09:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
An intensive program to learn all about Florida’s waters. Each class takes place at a new location with guest speakers, tours and more!

Working With Water, Working With People
To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our oceans and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across Pinellas County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts.
Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community, attend a relevant stakeholder meeting and explore online resources to learn more about water between class sessions.
Each class session will be three hours long and include Working with Water instructor-led presentations looking at water at the state-level as well as Working with People instructor-led presentations highlighting communication best-practices. Classes will also include time for discussions, guest speaker presentations highlighting local water resources, and a field tour.
This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. Youth (under 18) are eligible to register as long as an accompanying adult is also registered for the program.
Schedule
Session 1 – Thursday, Sept. 5 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Watershed Basics and Stewardship @ Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs with guest speaker Robert Burnes, Project Manager, Pinellas County Public Works, Environmental Management

Session 2 – Thursday, Sept. 19 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

W ater Flow, Then and Now @ Clam Bayou Marine Education Center with guest speaker from Southwest Florida Water Management District, Surface Water Improvement & Management Program

Session 3 – Thursday, Oct. 3 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Water Laws and Other Tools @ South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility with guest speaker Lauren Twele, Education Coordinator, Pinellas County Utilities

Session 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Future Water Supply and Emerging Issues @ Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Oldsmar with guest speaker Tirusew Asefa, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Manager, Planning & System Decision Support, Tampa Bay Water

Session 5 – Thursday, Oct. 31 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*: Panel

Panel Discussion with local environmental non-profit groups and Stewardship Project Updates @ Safety Harbor Public Library

Session 6 – Thursday, Nov. 14 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Speaking of and for Water @ Ozona Village Hall with guest speaker Sadie Hundemer, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida

Session 7- Saturday Nov. 16 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Graduation and Water Stewardship In Action @ Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg with guided hike by Pinellas County volunteer or staff.

*Locations and speakers are subject to change.
Before You Register
Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:

Attend at least five of the seven sessions, two of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #7)
Attend and briefly describe a stakeholder gathering
Complete online mini-sessions
Participate in the online discussions
Submit a summary of your individual or group stewardship project

Cost: $125
If the cost of the program will prevent you from participating, please complete a scholarship application. Application deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Science Rocks!
2023-09-07 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

The Gift of Trees
2024-04-19 10:30 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for a crash course in trees!
We will cover the value of trees in our communities, tree selection and planting, maintenance, pruning and long term care considerations.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Common Bird Species of Pasco County
2024-09-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, FL, United States
The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will present “Common Bird Species of Pasco County” on Tues., Sept. 10, at 7pm at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd in Land O’ Lakes,
All Chapter meetings are free and open to the public. Any questions contact us at naturecoastfnps@gmail.com.
Website: PascoNativePlants.org
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/PascoNativePlants

What Tree is That? Webinar
2024-09-11 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson, to learn techniques for identifying the trees in your community.
We will cover distinguishing characteristics and practice identifying some of our common Florida trees.
We will conduct this What Tree is That? Webinar online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
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 Nina Stokes at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54108 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Homeschool Program -Ages 6-8
2024-09-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 6-8.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Falcon Fascination
2024-09-14 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for a journey through time representing man’s long term relationship with peregrine falcons!
This program is a journey through time representing man’s long term relationship with peregrine falcons. The importance of coastal areas, climate, water, bird friendly communities and migratory stop overs is discussed. Peregrine falcons are extreme predators that ended up on the endangered species list. Several organizations, as well as falconers, were instrumental in bringing the peregrine falcons back to their nesting grounds and into the 21st century. Peregrines have adapted well in urban environments and counts at Hawk Watches have been very high. The program features live falcons! Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater serves as a sanctuary to these educational ambassadors.
Join Barbara Walker of the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for this enlightening program and meet a live falcon!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Tomatomania
2024-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Get answers to all of your tomato questions and more!
Join us for Tomatomania! In this workshop we will cover all things tomato. Topics include variety selection, growing requirements, cultivation techniques, and more.
For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 or mlessig@ufl.edu. For special accommodations, please let us know at least 10 days before the class.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Equinox: A Guide to Fall Skies
2024-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox! Explore the rising Fall constellations and get to know your night sky. Learn some tips and tricks to finding your favorite objects and take a closer look at images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)! Keep an eye out for amazing meteor showers, and dive into the stories amongst the stars as we fall further into the exciting astronomical events of the season.
>>> REGISTER HERE

2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
2024-09-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Stalk and Vine on 39, 14923 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL, 33547, United States
The Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network is a peer-to-peer network focused on exploring diversified and sustainable farming systems.

This group is open to established and beginning farmers in Southwest Florida and hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Agents in the region.
Connect with farmers and food entrepreneurs in the region.
We’ll take a farmer-led tour of Stalk & Vine on 39 in Lithia and learn about the production methods, small farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms.
There will be a presentation on the Cottage Food Law, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small scale farmers.
UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area!
Tentative Agenda
8:30am – Registration/Check-In
9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
9:15am – Tour of the farm and overview of farm equipment
10:45am – Cottage Food Law Overview
11:00am – Round-Robin introductions and networking
11:45am – Lunch and Networking
12:30pm – Adjourn
This is a free event, but registration is required. Please register by September 23rd at noon.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Gopher Tortoise Walk & Talk
2024-10-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Walk with us at Weedon Island and learn about this keystone species!

Join a guided tour to learn about the six species of North American tortoises, with a focus on our native gopher tortoise. We will explore this keystone species and environmental engineer, and learn how to “read” a tortoise burrow. This is an easy interpretive walk (less than 1 mile) in the Preserve’s upland habitat.
This tour will be led by 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.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 13+.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Meet your Forest
2024-10-11 09:30 - 11:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Meet your Forest:
Tree Identification Walk and Talk

Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection

Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an educational walk to learn about our local trees.
She will cover tree identification techniques, including using iNaturalist to document your findings. Be prepared to walk with closed toed shoes, water, hat etc. A map will be emailed to you the day prior with the exact meeting location. Be aware that the park has a $2 entry fee.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Florida Birding & Nature Festival
2024-10-17 - 2024-10-20 | FL
Early birds catch the worms — and the discounts!
We’ll be highlighting the trips that sold out first last year in a series of emails, but the entire schedule is online at https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/schedule.html so you can take advantage of the early-bird pricing through July.
Pre-festival bus trip Join four of the state’s best birders — Dave Goodwin, Jim Eager, Bob Snow and Cole Frederick — on a day-long excursion to Saddle Creek Park and Circle B Bar Reserve, where you can expect to see dozens of species, (Visit https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/schedule.html) for the full list.) This is definitely an early-bird excursion, with the bus boarding at 7 a.m. to take advantage of a full day of birding.
Coffeepot Bayou Bird Island Audubon’s Jeff Liechy takes the helm of Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Eco-Tour Boat for an evening trip and a close-up view of colonial waterbirds. (They won’t be nesting so we won’t disturb them.)
Outback Key and Lower Terra Ceia Bay Eric Plage and Holley Short will lead this boat trip to two of the region’s prime birding spots. An ephemeral barrier island, Outback Key isn’t easily accessible so the birds are extraordinarily comfortable with visitors. The Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge is a roosting site for Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Fort De Soto by land David Goodwin and Jim Eager are back again with trips for advanced birders on Saturday and Sunday morning. Fort De Soto is a 1,136-acre park covering five connected islands that is a haven for migrating neo-tropicals as well as diverse shorebirds.
Lower Green Swamp by wagon Once a working cattle ranch, the 12,800-acre preserve is being restored by Hillsborough County. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes view because the staff working on the restoration will lead the trip. You’ll cross grasslands, open wooded areas, pine forests and a large wetland area, so you’ll see an amazing diversity of birds, from Bald Eagles to Bachman Sparrows.
Check out https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/schedule.html and grab those spots while you still can!
Seminars & Free Nature Expo!
While field trips get the most attention, we have an incredible lineup of presentations planned along with a free Nature Expo featuring local organizations and naturalists. You can attend as many seminars as you like for the cost of registering for one day — and they’ll all be on Zoom if you can’t make it to Apollo Beach or if you’re out on a field trip and then available afterward or if you’re out on a field trip.
Check out these highlights:

A worm’s eye view of Tampa Bay, what sediment invertebrates can tell us about the health of our bay. Dave Karlen and the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County have been studying these largely invisible creatures for 30 years.
Conserving Florida Scrub Jays. Once phosphate mining is complete, Mosaic reclaims land and then manages it with fire to provide optimum habitat for the endemic species.
Marc Minno literally wrote the books on Florida butterflies. Join him for this presentation and then a field trip through the Fred and Idah Schultz Preserve where diverse habitats make it THE place for a wide variety of butterflies.
Dan Huber at the University of Tampa is an expert on the biomechanics of sharks and how understanding their mechanical functions contribute to their position as an apex predator for millions of years.

Keynote speakers you won’t want to miss!
To be published in September, Audubon’s Birds of Florida is the latest from Clay Henderson, former president of Audubon Florida. Henderson followed Audubon’s footsteps and paddled in his wake to look for birds in the same places. His previous book, Forces of Nature, celebrates the people and organizations who made Florida a leader in state-funded conservation and land management.

Participants in last year’s birding festival logged a total of 145 species of birds, ranging from Wild Turkeys to Magnificant Frigatebirds. It’s not likely that one person saw all of them in the four days of the festival, but our schedule during peak migration season means that we’ll see birds that we otherwise would miss. Our expert field trip leaders will be scouting their locations in advance to make sure you get to see the most birds possible.
Click here for the full list.
