Science Sprouts
2022-06-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-06-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-06-18 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-06-25 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-07-02 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-07-09 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Budding scientists ages 2-5 can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. The program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using imaginative play, crafts, stories, songs and more! Please note: This program does not include Museum admission.

On Saturday, June 4, explore “In the Deep Ocean”
On Saturday, June 11, explore “Swirly Whirly Snails”
On Saturday, June 18, explore “Manatee Mischief”
On Saturday, June 25, explore “Busy Buzzin’ Bees”
When/Where: 9-10am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe
Cost: $12 per child for members of the Discovery Society; $15 per child for all others. (Includes one adult per child.)
Advance reservations required. Attendance limited to 12 children.

Register now
The Bishop follows the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels guidelines. Please visit www.CDC.gov to see the current Manatee County Community Level before visiting. Masks must be worn indoors when Community Levels are high.

Archaeology Hike
2022-06-04 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-06-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Take a walk through the early history of Weedon Island to learn about the indigenous cultures that lived here long ago.

Hike to an active archaeological dig-site on Weeden Island. Attendees will learn about the early peoples that inhabited Weedon Island thousands of years ago, and the ongoing work being done by researchers to better understand these ancient cultures and how they interacted with their environment.
This hike is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Participants should be prepared for a 2 mile hike on uneven terrain.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Songbird Sunrise
2022-06-11 05:00 - 07:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Bring your coffee and favorite folding chair to join a quiet sunrise listening experience!

Bring your coffee and favorite folding chair to join a quiet sunrise listening experience!
The event begins in total darkness to allow participants to hear the nighttime calls of nocturnal birds. As the sky lightens with the sun’s ascent, daytime birds begin their vocal greeting. Birds will be identified by their songs and calls by knowledgeable Preserve volunteer staff. This event encourages silence for optimal enjoyment of the natural environment.
Please arrive no later than what is listed below:
5:30 am start (arrive by 5:15, gate closes at 5:30)
The entrance gate will be closed after this time until the normal opening time of 7:00 am. Free. Open to the public.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2022-06-11 08:00 - 09:30, 2022-07-09 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Wild Wings –
Birds of Brooker Hike
Have you wondered what bird is singing in your backyard? Do you see and hear birds but don’t know who they are? If so, join us for a Beginning Bird Hike to learn how to identify the county’s common birds as we meander along a one-mile trail.
All ages are welcome. Children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and those younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants outside the Exhibit Hall 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom (located in the Classroom Building) before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

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 and a snack.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
Trained volunteers will guide the hike.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wild-wings-birds-of-brooker-hike-tickets-53439990450?mc_cid=a4dbfdde6b&mc_eid=1cbba2e07b

Birds of Brooker Hike
2022-06-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Have you wondered what bird is singing in your backyard?

Do you see and hear birds but don’t know who they are? If so, join us for a Beginning Bird Hike to learn how to identify the county’s common birds as we meander along a one-mile trail. 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.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants outside the Exhibit Hall 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom (located in the Classroom Building) before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

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 and a snack.

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.

Pets are not permitted.

No smoking is allowed.

Trained volunteers will guide the hike.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Photography Hike
2022-06-11 08:30 - 10:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Walk the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way.

Grab your camera of choice and enjoy a guided tour of the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve! This program will begin with a brief classroom session to highlight the seasonal features of the Preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors, that will help participants capture the natural beauty of the area. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome.
This hike is roughly 2 miles in total length on a combination of boardwalks and unimproved, natural paths. This program is is best suited for adults.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that works to promote education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve. Learn about our Friends!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Amazing Air Plants: Tillandsia Workshop
2022-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about these amazing epiphytes that only require air and water to live. This is a “make and take” workshop where you will create a palm boot planter using Tillandsia airplants. Bring wire cutters and pliers. $35 advance payment for materials due by Thursday, June 9. (limited to 20 participants)

Register here

Rain Barrels for the Rainy Days of Summer
2022-06-16 10:30 - 12:30 | Online Event
Learn the proper way to use rain barrels!

Learn the safe and proper ways to use rain barrels to collect water from your roof gutters to help mitigate stormwater runoff and reduce potable water usage in your landscape by watering your plants with it!
After the Zoom webinar you will have an opportunity to make an appointment to purchase your own rain barrel and bag of some of the parts you’ll need to install it for $30 plus tax.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 day prior to event.

Tot Time
2022-06-17 10:30 - 11:30, 2022-07-01 10:30 - 11:30, 2022-07-15 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-oriented stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Every first and third Friday of each month, families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Led by volunteer docents, families will be treated to rhymes, stories, and crafts that connect them to our environment.
This program will take place outdoors so please prepare accordingly. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
REGISTER HERE

Rye Preserve Tour
2022-06-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Branch and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.
Register HERE!

Weedon Walkabout
2022-06-18 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-07-02 08:00 - 10:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve.

This docent-led walk will visit the mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve, including a visit to the Preserve’s 45 ft. tall Observation Tower for a 360 degree view of the area. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of the Preserve. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 and up.
Proceeds from this program go to the Friends of Weedon Island. The Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Become a Friend today!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Celebrate July 4th with us!
2022-07-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Weather permitting, our enthusiastic educators will be out on the pier, July 4th, with their teaching table at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. To celebrate the day, we are adding extra events throughout the day in addition to the teaching tabling times!
The Discovery Center will also be open for regular 10am – 5pm hours. Stop by the St. Pete Pier to enjoy learning about some of our favorite Tampa Bay estuary topics! From peering through our microscope to observe plankton pulled from under the Pier, touch artifacts collected from the ocean, or creating a craft; there’s a multitude of fun to celebrate the holiday, with fireworks to end the day sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg.

Turtle Bioartifacts
2022-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Turtle Bioartifacts and What They Can Teach Us

Examine turtle bioartifacts and learn about turtle biology and ecology.

This hands-on workshop will focus on turtle bioartifacts (natural history objects) commonly found during nature forays. Numerous specimens of shells and skulls will allow us to learn about turtle anatomy and explore their diversity. We will also examine a variety of eggs and dissect gopher tortoise scat. This workshop is recommended for ages 16+.
This workshop is part of “Turtle Science 101,” a 3-part series of monthly programs led by George L. Heinrich. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles.

June 9, 2022 at 2:00pm: Why Turtles Are Cool
July 8, 2022 at 10:00am: Turtle Bioartifacts and What They Can Teach Us
August 26, 2022 at 2:00pm: Turtle Eggs, Nesting, and Conservation Concerns

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Weedon Island. Our Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Learn more about our Friends at https://friendsofweedonisland.org/.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Summer Cleanup
2022-07-09 09:00 - 12:00 | FL
Join us for our mid-summer community cleanups on Saturday, July 9 from 9 am till Noon at Grandview Park, Bartlett Park, and Coquina Key Park in St. Petersburg.

This event is an effort to clean up after the Fourth of July celebrations. A big thank-you to SeaWorld Conservation Fund for supporting us in our marine debris efforts and our partners with the City of St. Petersburg!

Our cleanup efforts will focus along the shorelines, so please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and bring garden gloves.

Register for your preferred site:
Grandview Park | Bartlett Park | Coquina Key Park

DIY Gardening Projects
2022-07-09 09:30 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn fun and useful do-it-yourself projects for home and garden using recycled materials
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.

Bug-Out Habitats
2022-07-09 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
This class introduces children to the world of bugs!
The children will examine a variety of real bugs, and learn about bug anatomy, life cycles, habitats, the important role bugs play in nature and many cool facts about bugs. In this fun class, the children will make their own bug habitat to take home that is filled with pretend bugs, plants and other fun items created in their own unique design. Time and weather permitting, the children will go on a bug hunt in our educational garden and use their magnifiers to get a closer look.
This is one of our most popular children’s programs so sign up early as the class is limited to 15 children. Suitable for ages 4-12.
Please reach out to katiebg@ufl.edu with special accommodations at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

HUKYU BONSAI SOCIETY MEETING
2022-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Learn the art and techniques of Bonsai.
www.facebook.com/hukyubonsaisociety.
Call Kay Waldron at 727-376-0178 for details.

Cogon Grass Workshop
2022-07-12 13:00 - 16:00 | UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Office, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL, 34241, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension and Suncoast CISMA for an afternoon on Cogon Grass!
Hear from local land managers and UF/IFAS Faculty about Cogon Grass Identification, Current Status, Management Techniques and participate in a hands-on demonstration.
Contact Alyssa Vinson, alyvinson@ufl.edu with any questions or special accommodations.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

What's That? Plant ID for Beginners
2022-07-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
If you ever wondered how to figure out what plant is which, join this beginner plant ID webinar.

Not sure what that plant is in your backyard? New to Florida and unfamiliar with the new species? If you ever wondered how to figure out what plant is which, join this beginner plant ID webinar.
Please email katiebg@ufl.edu with any special accommodation requests at least 10 prior to the event.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Rays Up for Tampa Bay Watch!
2022-07-14 19:00 - 22:00 | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Go to a Rays game and support Tampa Bay Watch at the same time!

We’re partnering with the Rays for the Thursday, July 14, 7:10pm game vs. the Boston Red Sox.
Tickets are in the Lower Level (Located in sections 129-150) at $30 per ticket with a portion of the sales coming back to Tampa Bay Watch.

One person who buys tickets will win a 4-pack of tickets for an Eco-Tour at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center!
>>> BUY TICKETS <<<
