Evening for the Bay: The Reef Ball
2023-10-21 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Tampa Bay Watch, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, FL, 33621, United States
You are cordially invited to join us for this momentous occasion as Tampa Bay Watch celebrates 30 years and the Pearl Anniversary of coastal conservation.
The 2023 gala will be an unforgettable evening held at our beautiful Tierra Verde location as we highlight the community’s efforts to protect and restore Tampa Bay’s watershed, and set the stage to raise critical funds to continue Restoring the Bay Every Day.
Guests can expect to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on our iconic deck, an open bar, an elegant plated dinner, and a wonderful auction. Plus, we have an amazing 18-piece jazz orchestra—The TomKats—lined up to provide entertainment throughout the evening. And of course, we’ll be treated to a magnificent Tampa Bay Watch sunset!
More info and ticket sales are coming soon on http://tampabaywatch.org/events/eftb/

Autumn Garland
2023-10-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Create a beautiful autumn garland to decorate your home. Using high-quality crepe paper, the garland will add the perfect touch to your Fall decor. Join us for a fun afternoon crafting together!
Preregistration required.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Irrigation With Water Conservation in Mind
2023-10-24 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water, how you can repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape (TM) tips.
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2023-05-03 | 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

Puddle Jumpers
2023-09-06 09:30 - 11:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Outdoor exploration and learning for children entering Pre-K. Dress for rain or shine!
Ages 3 yrs – 5 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Elemental Seasons Homeschool Class
2023-09-20 09:30 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join Ruth Glass as we study the seasons and traditional celebrations from around the world. Children will go on hikes, participate in celebrations of nature, and create nature art to take home.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Wicked Weeds: Invasives & Control
2023-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to learn all about those undesirable plant species in your landscape and how to best manage them and manage your landscape expectations.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Ground Covers - Plants That Work
2023-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, as she presents how landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend in landscape practices because once they are established, these plants will need little or no water. Learn noteworthy plants, site considerations, and management of these plants.
This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
If you have a plant with a problem, you are welcome to show a branch sample with leaf or flower to class.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Book Time at Brooker
2022-12-22 10:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Bring your pre-schooler to Book Time at Brooker.
Bring your Preschooler to this program designed to connect them to the wonders of the natural world. In addition to hearing a great story, your child will participate in a craft related to the story that is read. This activity is recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Registration is not required for Book Time, just show up with your kiddo! This program is led by Brooker Creek Volunteers.
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 building. We will start promptly at 10:30am. Follow signs to the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2023-09-07 15:30 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Advanced Plant Identification - 3-Part Series
2023-10-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This three-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants.

Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This three-part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist.
The class follows the contents of Harrington’s “How to Identify Plants” (1957); a copy of which is provided to each registrant. This concise text contains a comprehensive vocabulary of terms and illustrations to help clarify concepts.
A packet of supplemental educational materials will also be provided to each registrant.
Registration will CLOSE on October 6.
>>> REGISTER HERE REGISTER HERE

Creepy Crawlies: Good Bug, Bad Bug
2023-10-27 13:30 - 15:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Just in time for Halloween! Join us to learn about the interesting insects that we want to have around and the not-so-beneficial ones, too. New to gardening in Florida- with all the unfamiliar insects? We’ll help you figure out which ones will help you out!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Perico Preserve Tour
2023-10-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer.
Explore one of Manatee County’s newest preserves and learn about Florida’s native plants, how they benefit wildlife, and how they can be used in the home landscape. Learn about the wide variety of ecosystems on display and how the preserve was transformed into what it is today. Suitable for all ages.
Please meet at the pavilion right next to the parking lot.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Owl-O-Ween!!
2023-10-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events !

Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events including LIVE owl displays, owl story time for children, owl pancake breakfast, nest box building, an owl pellet dissection and more!
Some activities cost $0-$25.

Live Owls On Display 10:00am – 2:00pm
Owl Fun Tattoos
Owl Pancake Breakfast ($5/person) 8:00am – 2:00pm
Owl Story Time
Owl Scavenger Hunt
Owl Pellet Science ($5/person)
Owl Nest Box Building ($25/person)

Questions: email info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org call 727-934-2680
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Shelter Building
2023-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This shelter building exercise will help you to choose the best shelter building options, as well as different coverage material options for any wilderness adventure.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Orchid Rescue: Care and Repotting
2023-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to repot your orchid in this hands-on workshop!
Do you have an orchid bursting from its pot and wonder what to do now? Learn the proper way to care for and propagate several varieties of orchids. Bring your overgrown orchid and pruners for a hands-on exercise of dividing the orchid. We will provide you with an orchid pot, potting media, and other materials.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Night Hike in the Preserve
2023-10-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime.
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. Hikes are led by Preserve volunteers who are knowledgeable about nocturnal wildlife. The hike is about one-mile in length and will take about 1.5 hours.
Space is limited, registration is required. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
>>> REGISTER HERE

TRUNK OR TREAT AT THE PRESERVE
2023-10-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Celebrate Halloween at the preserve!
Trunk or treat is a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Families meet in the parking lot at the nature center at 6 p.m., decorate their cars with fun, nature-themed decorations. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the kids walk from car to car collecting goodies along the way just as they would during a traditional trick or treat outing. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve staff will also provide various treats including plant seedlings and nature-themed stickers, etc. We will have prizes for the best decorated car, best costume, and more! Please remember to bring your own bag for collecting treats.

Gardening with Mushrooms
2023-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to use mushrooms in the garden!
Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens. Not always nefarious, fungi in the garden can be used to help build soil, process compost and support plant health.
>>> REGISTER HERE

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

Florida Forests Hike
2023-11-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing…TREES! Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees. Lara tends to throw in some surprises on her hikes, so be ready when she asks for volunteers!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Nature Journaling Class Series
2023-11-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Take a fun, interactive workshop on nature journaling!
Nature journaling is an immersive experience where you can document your experiences in the outdoors. Whether you plan to use your nature journal to track the progress of your gardening endeavors, sketch and write during nature hikes, or document seasonal bird sightings all will grow your skills in observation and mindfulness. Join UF/IFAS Extension agent Alyssa Vinson, for a weekly class series devoted to growing your Nature Journaling skills. This series is aimed at beginners however some modules will include plant identification skills that would be beneficial to the experienced journalist. Classes will take place at Emerson Point Preserve in the Nature Classroom.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Tot Time
2023-10-06 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-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Families will be treated to rhymes, stories, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are intended for youth aged 3-5.
Parents or guardians now only need to register the youth(s) attending, but youth must still be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This program will take place inside the Cultural and Natural History Center unless otherwise specified.
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 FOR OCT 6, 2023 REGISTER HERE FOR OCT 20, 2023 REGISTER HERE FOR NOV 3, 2023 REGISTER HERE FOR NOV 17, 2023

Backyard Wildlife: Online Workshop
2023-11-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Online Event
Join us for an exciting online workshop dedicated to exploring the wonders of backyard wildlife! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just curious about the creatures that inhabit your own backyard, this workshop is perfect for you.
On Fri Nov 03 2023 starting at 3 to 5pm, our knowledgeable experts from FWC will present first on Common Backyard Wildlife, to gain better understanding of the species you may find in your backyard and community, followed by UF IFAS presenting on Landscaping for Backyard Wildlife, with insights on how best to support and protect them.
Discover the diverse range of wildlife species that call your backyard home. Learn about their habits, and how to create a welcoming environment for them. From birds and butterflies to squirrels and larger creatures, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature.
Through engaging presentations and interactive Q&A sessions at the end, you’ll get a chance to ask questions, expand your knowledge, connect with fellow nature lovers, and become a backyard wildlife expert!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of backyard wildlife from the comfort of your own home. Register now and get ready for an enriching and educational experience like no other!
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Native Plant Walk @ LLP
2023-10-07 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.
Come and learn about the real natural Florida and why it is so important to protect it during a plant walk at Lettuce Lake. The walks take place the first Saturday of the month, with no walks in July, August or December.
Meet in the visitor center for a short orientation slide show, then the walk is on the park’s boardwalk and nature trails.
Things to know

Program is free, but the $2 per vehicle (up to eight people) park entry fee applies
Walk will last approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Expect to walk 1 mile
Maximum of 25 participants
For larger parties, please email Suncoast Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson
Meet at the Visitor’s Center

Things to bring

Water
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Hat, if needed
