Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-01-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-22 10:00 - 11:00, 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 (America/New_York) and 1 more date | 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 <<<

Tween & Teen Homeschooler Hike
2025-01-03 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-03-07 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.

Astronomy Night
2025-01-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-18 19:00 - 21:00, 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 <<<

Identifying the Snakes of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
2025-01-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Come join us as our speaker introduces the various species of snakes at the preserve and how you can identify them. Learn about these misunderstood creatures, their role in nature, and how you can safely enjoy viewing them.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Meet your Forest: Tree & Fungi Walk and Talk
2025-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, 33592, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a walk and talk about our local trees and fungi.
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 <<<
***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: VinsonA@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54106, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Plantapalooza III !
2025-01-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL, 33704, United States
Sunken Gardens is proud to host the third annual PLANTAPOLOOZA, a local botanical event dedicated exclusively to Florida native plants.
Originated by The Community Wildlife Corridor, this event seeks to connect the wildlife populations in our largest parks with backyard native gardens. Join us as we celebrate the importance and beauty of Florida’s native plants!
🌱 Browse unique native plants, garden décor, & more for sale by Tampa Bay area vendors.
🌱 Learn from local organizations who are working hard to protect Florida’s plants & pollinators.
🌱 Attend themed lectures by native plant experts.
🌱 Enjoy youth workshops and activities.
🌱 Take home free Florida native plant seedlings (while supplies last).
🌱 Enter for a chance to win a rain barrel from the City of St. Petersburg Water Resources Department (limited quantity).
🌿 Themed lectures:
“The Importance of Home Landscapes in Conservation” by Craig Huegel (Lead curator at USF Botanical Gardens, Author)
“Salt-Tolerant Native Plants” by Amanda Streets (Owner of Living Roots Eco Design & Native Nursery)
🪴 Featured vendors & organizations:
– Living Roots Eco Design & Plant Nursery
– Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society
– Art Stone Co.
– Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation
– Little Red Wagon Native Nursery
– Wise Hands Native Plant Landscaping
– Carnivorous Plants by Kenny Coogan
– All Along the Treeline natural soaps
– JP Charisma native plant grower
– Rock Creations by Christine
– Louise’s Healing Calendula Salve
– Florida Wildflower Foundation
– Take MAR
– UF-IFAS Extension
– Pinellas County Farm Bureau
– Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association
– City of St. Pete Water Resources
Beer, wine, and Italian fare by Carrabba’s will be available to purchase.
❗️Important details:
PLANTAPOLOOZA III is free with Gardens admission or membership.
NOTE: We will not be processing new memberships during this special event. This helps us expedite admissions in a timely manner. We appreciate your understanding.
***Parking is extremely limited due to our shared parking lot. We encourage guests to carpool, ride share, bike, or walk to this special event!***

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 <<<

Owls, Hawks, Falcons, Oh My!
2025-01-17 15:30 - 17:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
Join the St. Petersburg Audubon in exploring our apex predators: RAPTORS!
Participants will have the opportunity to dissect an owl pellet, and with the assistance of charts, identify the prey species the owl dined on.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

The Life of a Dead Tree
2025-01-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
It has been said that a dead tree supports more biodiversity than a live tree! Let’s explore what happens when a tree meets its end. From initial decomposers to larger opportunists, a dead tree becomes a “hive” of activity until it is reduced to dust.
Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor.
Recommended for adults and youth over 12.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

In Your Backyard: Build a Bat Box!
2025-01-25 13:00 - 16:00 | 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 <<<

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.

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 | 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.
