Creepy Crawlies: Good Bug, Bad Bug
2023-10-27 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | 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 <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

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 <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

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 <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

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 <<<
These hikes are for adults and families only. Children must be accompanied by parents. Please leave your pets at home. Pets are not permitted in County Preserves.
Meet at the main parking lot at Brooker Creek Preserve. You must pre-register for the night hikes!
Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680.

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.

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2023-11-01, 2023-11-08 | 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
2023-11-01 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
2023-11-01 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 <<<

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 <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Book Time at Brooker
2023-11-02 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 <<<

Science Rocks!
2023-11-02 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

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2023-11-02 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 <<<

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 <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Tot Time
2023-11-03 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
2023-11-04 08:00 - 17:00 | 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

Composting Workshop
2023-11-04 08:30 - 09:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
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 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.
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Canoe paddle tour
2023-11-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Clam Bayou Nature Preserve, 34th Avenue S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Enjoy an hour and half of easy paddling on the Little Manatee River loop with your guide. Three seater canoe rentals or 1 person kayaks can be rented for $25. Or bring your own canoe or kayak and join us with a $5 donation. Reserve your canoe or kayak by calling the office at 813-641-8545. Limited availability. campbayou@gmail.com

Naturalist Guided Hike
2023-11-04 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.
Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of the Preserve. Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
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. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
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 <<<

Paddle and Learn
2023-11-04 09:00 - 12:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Paddle and Learn –
Kayaking with Mangroves
Join Alyssa Vinson with UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County and Sarah Denison with Manatee County Natural Resources for a special kayaking program at Robinson Preserve! On this approximately 2-mile paddle, we will learn about one of Florida’s most important coastal trees – Mangroves!
Single and tandem kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are available to borrow free of charge on a first come-first served basis. All participants must wear a life jacket. All participants must be able to meet the County’s minimum eligibility requirements: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/natural_resources/ecoevents#kayak
Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear that can get wet – no flip-flops or sandals unless they have a heel strap. You may wish to bring light layers and wear sun protection.
This is an easy paddle that can be enjoyed by beginning kayakers, but we do recommend some prior paddling experience. Program suitable for all ages. Participants under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Microirrigation Workshop
2023-11-04 09:30 - 11:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water when watering your garden.
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.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
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.

Managing Our Underwater World in Tampa Bay
2023-11-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program and learn about the coastal resources they protect in Tampa Bay.
The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP), managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks and rivers, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These habitats are vital to Florida’s iconic wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, fishes, oysters, and an abundance of wading, nesting and migratory birds. Although not widely known, TBAP even has a variety of corals in its hard-bottom areas. Join the TBAP program at Weedon Island to learn how they are working to restore & protect the coastal resources in our own backyard.
This program will feature Dr. Randy Runnels of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves Program. Dr. Runnels earned his PhD in Oceanography from Texas A&M University. His 30+ year career has taken him from the temperate Northern Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Keys. In recent years he has been invited to China and Vietnam as a coastal management adviser on a number of issues. He has managed Tampa Bay’s aquatic preserves for over two decades, and continues to teach college courses in Biology, Marine Science and Environmental Science.
This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Fire Building and S'mores
2023-11-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
For light, heat, and food, fire has always been an essential aspect of survival. Today, our need for fire is no less important. Join us in learning how to safely start a fire, cook with fire, and identify natural materials that are reliable for ignition.
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2023-11-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
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.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
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.

Where Did the Snakes Go?
2023-11-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Where Did the Snakes Go?
The Parasite Behind Pygmy Rattlesnake Declines
Learn about new research from the University of Central Florida’s Biology Department!
Precipitous declines of Sistrurus miliarius are spatially and temporally consistent with the initial invasion of the lung parasite, Raillietiella orientalis (RO). RO is suspected to have been introduced by the established Burmese pythons in South Florida and causes disease in snakes native to the southeastern United States. Eighteen species of native snakes are documented as definitive hosts in Florida but pathology and risk of disease development between species is understudied. During this program, Jenna will introduce the invasive lung parasite, uncover what species are at risk of infections in the southeastern US, and why pygmy rattlesnakes are an exceptionally vulnerable host.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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 buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
Speaker Bio: Jenna is a second-year PhD student at the University of Central Florida in Dr. Anna Savage’s lab. Though the focal species of her dissertation is Sistrurus miliarius, she works to assess all species of snakes in North America that are at risk of infection by Raillietiella orientalis as the disease caused by the pathogen (pentastomiasis) can be severe and often lethal. She is the founder of a collaborative network called SLAM (Snake Lungworm Alliance and Monitoring) that consists of many researchers and managers across the southeastern United States. Jenna is also the co-chair of the national Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) Disease Task Team which facilitates and guides communication and collaboration on herpetofaunal diseases among PARC regions, federal and state agencies, and partners.

Family Night Hike
2023-11-04 19:30 - 20:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring your family and join our park rangers for our monthly night hikes!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
