Florida Forests Hike
2024-03-01 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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

What's Happening to Florida's Birds?
2024-11-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Hammock Hall, 3010 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
NATURAL HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES
What’s Happening to Florida’s Birds?
Bird populations can surge or plummet depending on a variety of factors—everything from the quality of their habitats to the impact of pesticides, the encroachment of urban sprawl, prowling cats, and the sweeping effects of climate change. Soar into the dynamic world of Florida’s feathered residents and discover how they’re navigating these challenges and learn about the conservation efforts aimed at ensuring their ability to thrive. Join us to unravel the story of how Florida’s birds are facing these exciting challenges head-on!

Open to the public. | FREE ADMISSION

Click here for questions about the Natural History Speaker Series, or call Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at 727-893-7326.
Learn more

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2024-09-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Book Time at Brooker
2023-11-30 10:30 - 11:30 | 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

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

Ales and Wild Tails - Audubon Florida
2024-11-13 18:00 - 19:00 | FL
Ales and Wild Tails is back! Join the Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges and the Center for Biological Diversity in welcoming Kara Cook of Audubon Florida to learn about roof top nesting of bird species in Florida. The Audubon Florida rooftop-nesting program is vital to preserving bird populations that have suffered habitat loss due to human development, and need to find alternative habitat to successfully raise their young. Kara will discuss how Audubon monitors rooftop-nesting seabirds and shorebirds and how volunteers can get involved in community science efforts to help these imperiled birds. Hope to see you there!
When: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6-7 p.m.
Where: The Ale and the Witch Tavern, 111 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Cost: Free admission (craft beer and refreshments available)
Ales and Wild Tails is co-hosted by the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges. It takes place on the second Wednesday evening of every month during the fall, winter, and spring.
Thank you all for supporting the Tampa Bay Refuges!

Backyard Composting on Zoom
2023-10-17 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
BACKYARD COMPOSTING: Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
Since you are attending this workshop on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

>>> REGISTER HERE

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2024-01-03 10:00 - 11:00 | 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

Pioneer Nights
2024-09-14 18:00 - 22:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire, and s’mores, pioneer style.
Ages 6 yrs – 13 yrs

>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Attracting Butterflies
2024-11-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Learn expert tips on how to attract a wide variety of beautiful butterflies into your yard or balcony.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.

>>> REGISTER HERE

PRINT PARTY AT THE PRESERVE
2024-11-09 11:00 - 16:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Free | All ages welcome
A free, family-friendly celebration of all things print! Join us for the inaugural Print Party and explore different printing styles such as letterpress, screen print, Gelli prints, papermaking, cyanotype, woodcuts, steamroller printing, and more. Make plans to enjoy the day exploring printmaking outdoors. Your participation supports the fantastic work of the Friends of Boyd Hill organization.
Learn more

Beginning Bird Walk @ Lettuce Lake Park
2024-04-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 9 am. We’ll walk the boardwalk or trails, depending on where the best birds are. We have binoculars to loan, and someone will have a spotting scope so you can get up really close and personal! Bring water and a snack.
RSVP to trip leader Jim Hengelbrok at jim.hengelbrok@tampaaudubon.org

Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop- ZOOM
2024-07-12 09:00 - 10:00 | ZOOM, United States
Get some help for a successful vegetable garden.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to grow vegetables with the convenience of a microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a vegetable microirrigation kit after attending this workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Participants can schedule a time/date to pick up the kit.
This workshop will be offered remotely through Zoom. You do not need additional software or more than basic computer skills to attend.

REGISTER HERE
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Family Night Hike
2024-03-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring the whole family for our monthly family night hike at Boyd Hill.
Explore the trials under the stars, discover nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy the wonders of nature together on this fun and educational adventure.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Bay Babies
2024-06-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
Ages 3 yrs – 6 yrs
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session includes story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited. Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
Children must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2024-01-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
First Saturday of the month (December – April), at 9:00am
Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Suitable for all ages.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Native Plant Walks LLP
2024-01-06 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

Tot Time
2024-01-12 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 only need to register the youth(s) attending, but must accompany them for the duration of the program. This program will take place inside the Cultural and Natural History Center unless otherwise specified.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Salt Tolerant Plants
2024-01-24 10:00 | Manatee County Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217-1516, United States
‘Learn which plants are Salt tolerant and other choices to consider for your landscape’
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Pumpkin Perfection: From Garden to Table
2024-10-29 11:00 - 13:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about growing pumpkins suited for Florida gardening and how to incorporate them into recipes.
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a home cook eager to explore new flavors, this class offers the skills and inspiration you need to make the most of your pumpkin harvest.
This class will include gardening tips from a Master Gardener Volunteer from UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County as well as a food demo and pumpkin themed lunch.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $10.00 registration fee per individual for this workshop.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind
2024-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to conserve water with your irrigation system!
Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground irrigation system for water conservation, how to repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips.
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information.
This class satisfies the irrigation education requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Fall-o-ween
2024-10-26 15:00 - 20:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Halloween and Fall fun at Moccasin Lake Nature Park.
There will be food, music, a costume contest, arts & crafts, Halloween karaoke and more!

Specialty Dissections
2024-10-26 11:30 - 13:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Ages 12+ • 2 Hour
These events are limited to ages 12 and up due to its subject and the graphic nature of the dissection. Any child under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Spots are limited, so please register ahead of time. Check the calendar to see what dissection is coming up next!

Shark Dissection:
We welcome guests to explore the beauty and complexity of our ocean’s top predators during this 2 hour shark program and dissection. Through this educational event, we hope to foster respect and understanding of sharks and the important roles they play in our ecosystems. Classes are limited as we only use specimens that have been donated by marine research organizations.
Iguana Dissection:
Florida’s subtropical climate has allowed iguanas to survive and reproduce at a rapid rate. Through this hands-on dissection, you will learn more about the characteristics of this invasive species, as well as ways you can help protect Florida’s ecosystem from these creatures.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT
