Walk in Nature with Jazz- Guided Hike
2022-02-06 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Come and take a walk with two retired music teachers who love Brooker Creek and jazz.

We will hear 12 RECORDED excerpts (from 2-4 minutes each) from various jazz styles that refer to the wonderful natural things we see at Brooker. We will walk about a mile and stop and listen as we enjoy the beauty around us. Registration is required for each attendee.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants inside the Exhibit Hall. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom 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

Invasive Exotic Plants on Nature Lands
2022-02-08 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 meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at The Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd/US 41, Land O’ Lakes, 34639, between SR 52 and SR 54. The subject of the February 8, 2022 meeting is “Invasive Exotic Plants on Nature Lands” presented by Michael Terry. This presentation will focus on the invasive plant species on the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) Upper Hillsborough Tract – 6,978 acres that protects the upper reaches of the Hillsborough River. This river’s floodplain provides natural storage of floodwaters, acts as a filtration system for runoff and serves as an important link in protecting wildlife habitat in the Hillsborough River greenway corridor. Mike will identify some of the invasive plant species on the property, describe the damage they cause, and explain what is being done to remove these invasives from this property.
Michael is the Senior Vegetation Management Specialist in the Operations and Land Management Bureau with SWFWMD. He has been with the District for 37 years, working with terrestrial and aquatic exotic vegetation. His duties include working with private contractors on SWFWMD lands to oversee their exotic treatment and helicopter surveys for Old World Climbing Fern. He also works control burns and wildfires as needed.
Meetings of the Chapter are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend and bring questions about their yard. There will not be any refreshments or drinks available, so everyone needs to bring their own. Please wear a mask! Telephone inquiries are taken by Molly at (813) 469-9597.
Chapter website: http://www.pasconativeplants.org.

Tortoise Talk
2022-02-09 15:30 - 16:00, 2022-02-16 15:30 - 16:00, 2022-02-23 15:30 - 16:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us for this informal program on the Valentine House lawn as we take our education tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems. Program suitable for all ages.
No reservations required. For more information please contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org.
Robinson Preserve – Valentine House Lawn

Florida State Fair
2022-02-10 - 2022-02-20 | Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US Hwy. 301 North, Tampa, FL, 33610, United States
12 Days of Thrills, Exhibits & Entertainment
Admission Gate Hours:
Weekdays Open at 11:00 AM
Weekends Open at 10:00 AM
Closing times are subject to change each night and are subject to change pending weather and other conditions.
Midway Hours:
Weekdays Open at 1:00 PM
Weekends Open at 10:30 AM
Midway and Games close an hour and a half after the close of the admission gates.
PRICES & TICKETS

Gardening 101: The Scoop on Dirt
2022-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
This course will cover basics of Florida soils and how to build a healthy foundation for your plants.

Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for the inside scoop on dirt! New to gardening in Florida? We have the info you need to be successful. This course will cover basics of Florida soils and how to build a healthy foundation for your plants.
In person at the Demonstration Garden at the Extension office (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221)
REGISTER HERE

Birding Tour: Tom Bennett Park
2022-02-12 07:30 - 10:30 | Tom Bennett Park, 280 Kay Road, Bradenton, FL, 34208, United States
Manatee Audubon Society Birding Tour: Tom Bennett Park
Search the skies for Florida’s fabulous fliers! Our Audubon guide will lead participants on a tour through Tom Bennett Park’s upland and wetland habitats. Check out the “locals” as well as the migratory birds that are wintering here. Program suitable for adults.
Program sponsored by Manatee County Audubon Society in partnership with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources.
Reservations are required. To register please contact ford.tony23@yahoo.com.
Tom Bennett Park – Playground Parking Lot

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2022-02-12 08:00 - 09:30, 2022-03-12 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

Photography Hike
2022-02-12 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

Plant Food 101 (Zoom workshop)
2022-02-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Online Event
Join us for Plant Food 101! Come find out what plants need to grow.

Join us for Plant Food 101! In this two-hour workshop, we will covering basic plant nutrition. Learn about the role that nitrogen, potassium, and other elements play within a plant. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu
REGISTER HERE

Gardening 101: Which End is Up?
2022-02-18 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
This class will cover planting methods for a variety of different plants, from herbs to trees and everything in between.

Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County to learn about planting your garden. New to gardening in Florida? We have the info you need to be successful. This class will cover planting methods for a variety of different plants, from herbs to trees and everything in between.
In person at the Demonstration Garden at the Extension office (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221)
REGISTER HERE

Tot Time
2022-02-18 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, songs, stories, and other activities 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

Sunset Bird Walk
2022-02-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Coquina Beach
Grab your binoculars and enjoy a relaxing sunset stroll on Coquina Beach! Explore the beautiful coastline and look for shorebirds, wading birds and, other feathered friends. Learn how to identify these beach birds and discover their important role in the coastal environment. The program will conclude with a view of Coquina Beach’s iconic sunset. Program suitable for adults.
Binoculars recommended. Reservations are required.
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/239216381637. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036.
Coquina Beach – Café

The Lighter Side of Photographing Manatee County's Birds
2022-02-18 18:00 - 19:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us for an evening of photography with a dose of humor. Courtland White, a “Snow-Bird” and amateur nature photographer from the mountains of North Carolina has been striving to get that “Perfect Shot” for many years. Photographing Florida birds is both easy and surprisingly difficult. Easy, because many Florida birds are large, colorful, and often approachable. Difficult, because the competition among the many skilled, well-equipped – and more patient – photographers here is at such a high level. Although that unique, prize-worthy image remains elusive, Courtland has captured along the way a collection of bird photographs that gave him a “smile.” Enjoy a presentation of Courtland’s photography and the stories that made the photos.
Program suitable for adults. Reservations are required.
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/244011443797. For more information please contact aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org.
Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST

Weedon Walkabout
2022-02-19 09:00 - 11:00, 2022-03-05 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 program is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 and up.
REGISTER HERE

IQuest: Surviving the Winter
2022-02-19 16:00 - 20:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
IQuest is a monthly program for smart, curious middle school students in grades 6 through 8. While each IQuest is different, you can always expect challenging projects and games that inspire out-of-the-box solutions to real world problems.
Attendees must pre-register by 11am on the day of the program. We will be adhering to social distancing measures during all activities and the class size will be limited to 16 children. Masks will be required for all staff and students, and all students will be temperature-screened upon arrival.

4-8 p.m. Saturday, February 19
Where: At The Bishop
Admission is $8. Kids only — this is a drop-off program!
Paid reservations required; includes a slice of pizza and a drink.

“Surviving the Winter”
Hibernation, migration, or cold resistance? Discover different ways plants and animals have adapted to survive the harshness of cold winter months, including some pretty extreme measures.
Register now

The Florida Waters Stewardship Program
2022-02-23 16:00 - 18:00, 2022-03-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2022-03-09 16:00 - 18:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Do you care about Florida’s water? Join us to become a Water Steward! Learn about our water resources and how to protect them.

Join us each week to learn about varying water topics concerning Florida and Manatee County!
Wednesdays (Feb 23 to Mar 30) at 4pm-6pm, field trips TBA
This is a six-week program that includes engaging presentations, field trips, and a stewardship project.
The Florida Waters Stewards Program will cover topics like:

Changing waterscapes
Regulations and policies
Future water supply
Emerging water issues
And much more!

Full refund available until Feb 22, 2022.
REGISTER HERE

Seashell Shore Walk
2022-02-24 09:00 - 10:30 | Coquina Beach
Calling all beachcombers and seashell enthusiasts! Join us for a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them. This program will explore what makes mollusks unique and the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. Learn about ethical seashell collecting methods while discovering a new appreciation for our beautiful shorelines. Program suitable for all ages.
Reservations are required. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/239166783287. For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036.
Coquina Beach South – Under Longboat Key Bridge

Veggie Influenza (Zoom workshop)
2022-02-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Online Event
Join us for Veggie Influenza! Come and learn about common vegetable diseases and their managements.

Join us for Veggie Influenza! In this two-hour workshop, we will discussing common vegetable diseases. Topics include disease identification, resistant plants, and disease prevention/management. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
REGISTER HERE

Gardening 101: Good Bug, Bad Bug?
2022-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
This class will cover common beneficial insects and pests of Florida gardens.

Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County to meet the bugs you need to know for success in your landscape. New to gardening in Florida? We have the info you need to be successful. This class will cover common beneficial insects and pests of Florida gardens. Be prepared to get up close and personal with live insects.
In person at the Demonstration Garden at the Extension office (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221)
REGISTER HERE

King of Fruits (Zoom workshop)
2022-03-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Online Event
Join us for King of Fruits! Come and learn about mango trees and how to care for them.

Join us for King of Fruits! In this almost two-hour workshop, we will be discussing mangoes. Topics include growing requirements, general care, variety selection, and more. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4521 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. This is a free workshop.
REGISTER HERE

Seashell Shore Walk
2022-03-11 08:00 - 10:30 | Coquina Beach
Calling all beachcombers and seashell enthusiasts! Join us for a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them. This program explores what makes mollusks unique and the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. Learn about ethical seashell collecting methods while discovering a new appreciation for our beautiful shorelines.
Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required.
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/264396465947.
For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036.
Coquina Beach – South- Longboat Key Bridge

Youth Water Program
2022-03-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Let’s take a closer look at the water cycle!

Water is essential for life, but our water supply and water quality are constantly being impacted by human activities. Learn about the urban water cycle and watch a hands-on demonstration of water quality testing of Brooker Creek. Targeted for upper elementary and middle school aged youth.
Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
Registration is required. Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children).
Additional Notes: This program will be held outdoors. Check your confirmation email for specific details. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot. We will start promptly at 10am.
REGISTER HERE

Wading Bird Walk
2022-03-12 08:30 - 10:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve!

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a one to two mile guided walk of the trails. A brief classroom session before the walk will give visitors an overview of the birds found at Weedon Island, including tips on when and where different species are most likely to be seen.
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

Intro to Beekeeping
2022-03-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards ~ Part 2

This is part two of a three part series!

This program will cover what it takes to get started in this amazing hobby with a focus on the equipment and tools necessary for beekeeping. We will review the components of the “modern” bee hive, the tools used by beekeepers, and demystify the seemingly countless number of paraphernalia available for the hobbyist beekeeping.
In addition we will discuss the proper locations for beehives and explain Florida’s rules and guidelines.
Agenda:

History and Components of the Modern Bee Hive
Review of Equipment needed to Get Started
Acquiring Honey Bees
Typical hive throughout the year’s changing seasons
Considerations about equipment, hive set-up, and location
Where to get your first bees & how to put them in the hive

Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
Additional Notes: This program will be held in our auditorium. 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 auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.
REGISTER HERE
Register for Part 3 on Saturday April 9th here!
