Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2024-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Learn how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed for study in this volunteer lab that is led by professional archaeologists with the West Central chapter of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Participants will help sort through, clean, and identify artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites so they can be used by researchers to learn about the past.
This event is best suited for adults; children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is limited so registration is required!
If you have a homeschool group that would like to participate, please email westcentral@fpan.us to set up a separate lab time to accomodate your students.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Wild Florida 101- Recording Nature
2024-05-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This series explores the wonderful and wild animals that call Florida home.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Morning Nature Walk at Starkey Park
2024-05-04 | J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center, 10500 Wilderness Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34655, United States
Meet 8:00 AM
Starkey Education Center
1 to 4 mile walk
Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips.
Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details.
Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours.
For more info email Christine Rowland

Composting Workshop on ZOOM
2024-02-03 08:30 - 09:30 | ZOOM, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! 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.)
We will conduct this Composting workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTRATION

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

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

Spring Native Garden Tour
2024-05-04 09:00 - 14:00 | FL
Visit native plant landscapes to expand your knowledge of native species and get design ideas you can use in your own garden!
On the first two weekends in May, Pinellas County native plant enthusiasts will open their gardens to interested community members who are seeking education and inspiration. Most gardens were professionally designed, but others were the creations of the homeowners.
Learn about native plants that may be happy in your garden and see how they perform once established. Talk to the homeowners and designers to learn what they love about their gardens, what wildlife they support, and what challenges homeowners have faced – and overcome – in converting their more traditional landscapes to native habitat.
The tour will take place over two weekends. Please register for each day separately.

Saturday, May 4th, 2024: Homes SOUTH of Ulmerton Road
Saturday, May 11th, 2024: Homes NORTH of Ulmerton Road

There will be about six gardens available to view each day. You may visit them in any order. The list of tour locations, with supporting information on each, will be emailed to you approximately one week before the tour.
Registration is limited, so sign up today!
Participation in the tour is free, but the Pinellas Chapter is requesting tourgoers to make a voluntary donation ($10 suggested) to the West Klosterman Preserve Group. Donations will be used to purchase scrub/sandhill property adjacent to Mariner’s Point Preserve at the western end of Klosterman Road near Tarpon Springs. For more information and to donate, please visit this link.
Register online via Eventbrite.com

Microirrigation Workshop
2024-02-03 09:30 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTRATION

Frogs!
2024-05-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Do you know why frogs are so important to our world, and how by saving them, we save the environment?
Explore challenges frogs are facing, as well as some ways that ordinary people of all ages can help. Learn about our very own Florida frogs, and maybe even croak in a human frog chorus! Program suitable for all ages.
Join Avalon Theisen, the young founder of Conserve It Forward, Inc. for Florida Frogs!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2024-03-02 20:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> REGISTRATION

Bay Babies
2024-05-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
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.
Ages 3 – 6 • 1 Hour
Children must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> REGISTER HERE

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

Sunday Bird Hike
2024-04-07 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods.
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. Beginners and all levels of birders welcome. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
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 in the parking lot 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

Lionfish Dissection
2024-05-14 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Lionfish dissection in our classroom!
Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated to us.
For all ages! • 1 Hour
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom. All dissection guests must purchase a ticket to enter the classroom.
Multiple Dates:
>>> 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

Plant Play in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Dig into the soil and learn about plants all around us. Plant Play is recommended for kids aged 3-5.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Compost Happens Workshop
2024-05-09 | FL
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!

Due to COVID-19 , we will conduct a special COMPOST HAPPENS workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join! A link for joining the workshop will be provided to registrants via email the day prior, with product pick-up to occur on Saturday, February 6, 2021 between the hours of 12 – 2 p.m. or by special arrangement, if needed.
Be sure to look for the other workshops in our Triple Workshop Series:
MICROIRRIGATION 2-5-21
Online registration and more information:
RAINWATER HARVESTING 2-6-21
Online registration and more information:
For your convenience, these workshops are offered monthly and may be taken individually, with no requirement to take consecutively or all together.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents only.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $5.00 registration fee per workshop/household. If, upon registration, our records indicate you or someone in your household or at your address has previously attended, you will be ineligible to attend and the registration fee will not be refunded, nor can the fee be credited toward a future workshop or transferred to another party.
THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 – 11:00 A.M. TO 12 P.M. – COMPOSTING: Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents 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.)
***Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the ZOOM link, please check your SPAM folder for an email from Starling Morris (MorrisSA@hillsboroughcounty.org). If no link is received, please contact Starling at 813-744-5519 Ext 54127 for assistance.
Sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Public Utilities, University of Florida/IFAS, Tampa Bay Water and the Tampa Water Department.
***Reminder: If our records indicate you attended a workshop in the past, you will not be permitted to re-attend and your registration fee will not be refunded, is non-transferable, and may not be credited toward a future workshop.***
Attending a workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted. No photographs or recording of presentations is allowed without prior permission from the presenter(s).
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.

Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop on ZOOM
2024-03-08 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Bay Friendly Landscaping Workshop
2024-05-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn to create a landscape that is beautiful and provides valuable ecosystem services in our Bay Friendly Landscaping class. This class will focus on selecting plants that are low maintenance and are adapted to the extreme conditions that we have here in Florida, including sandy soil, high winds, drought, and flooding. These will help protect Tampa Bay by reducing fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Proper plant selection can also help the environment by providing habitat for wildlife and reduce your costs associated with landscape maintenance. This class will be held in person and attendees will receive a hard copy of the “Plant This, Not That” book.
>>> 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

International Compost Awareness Week ft. Renuable
2024-05-09 12:00 - 15:00 | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 East Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Homegrown Hillsborough Presents: International Compost Awareness Week ft. Renuable
Join the Renuable Team on Thursday May 9th at the The Entrepreneur Collaborative Center in Ybor for an afternoon of creating conversation for change via composting!
Ever wondered what composting truly is and wonder what’s so special about it?
Renuable’s Team will be sharing the importance of composting and its ability to offset and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sharing what (unfortunately) happens to food waste when it sits in landfills, and sharing the magic of the regenerative properties of what food waste can turn into when composted & is turned into its final rich nutrient form!
Renuable will share all about the operations of their residential, community and commercial compost programs and how to get you & the community involved in their guardianship of the soils efforts!
This event is free but please register in advance if interested.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Botany Walk
2024-04-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join James Stevenson to explore the fascinating plants found at Brooker Creek Preserve!
We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants. 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

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.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Pets are not permitted.
No smoking is allowed.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

>>> REGISTER HERE

Compost Happens!
2024-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Celebrate Compost Awareness Week with us! The indoor portion of the class covers compost basics and tips followed by the outdoor, hands-on portion in the garden where you’ll experience with your own hands what it takes to manage a compost bin.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Sidewalk Astronomy
2024-05-10 19:30 - 22:00 | FL
Join us under the stars for a night of good eating and great observing!
We have partnered with the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers (LGDSO) to bring Sidewalk Astronomy to The Bishop. At this free event, you’ll get to see astronomical objects through powerful telescopes! You’ll even have a chance to win four FREE tickets to the Bradenton Marauders May 11th Space Night at LECOM Field!
We’ve also partnered with the FEWD Taco Tent and the Edible Cookie Dough Café for you to enjoy a bite to eat while observing the universe. Drinks, including beer, wine, soda, and water, will be available for purchase.
In addition to telescopes and tacos, you’ll have a chance to see the Planetarium show To Space and Back at 8, 8:45, and 9:30pm for just $3.00 per person.
Click the link below to register for this event and stay up to date on all Sidewalk Astronomy events at The Bishop.
This event is weather-dependent. Updates regarding cancellation will be sent to the email addresses attached to the registration.
Click Here to Register for Sidewalk Astronomy

When: Friday, May 10, from 7:30 to 10pm
Where: The Bishop’s Riverside Plaza, located on the corner of 10th Street W and 1st Avenue W.
Cost: Observing is free. The Planetarium show is $3 per person. Food and drink, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase.
Please note: This event is weather-dependent. Updates regarding cancellation will be sent to the email addresses attached to the registration. The main museum and manatee habitat will be closed during this event. The only animals allowed onsite are service animals.

Birding by Bike
2024-05-11 | J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center, 10500 Wilderness Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34655, United States
Birding by Bike Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park
Meet 8:00 AM
Meet at Starkey Education Center
Contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com
Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips.
Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details.
Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours.

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2023-11-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer.
Casually stroll through the beautiful Riverview Pointe Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment. Suitable for all ages.
Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Naturalist Guided Tour
2024-04-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of Weedon Island Preserve.

Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island on this guided hike.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult. Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length may be up to two miles. This tour may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
>>> REGISTER HERE

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
