Green Thumb Festival
2025-04-27 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-26 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL, 33710, United States
St. Petersburg’s annual Arbor Day Celebration, the Green Thumb Festival, brings together plant and flower lovers, as well as, individuals and families looking for a fun weekend activity. With more than 120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors, the annual event brings the community together for a weekend of fun.
Parking is available at Azalea Middle School and behind Walter Fuller Recreation Center. Handicap parking is located at the Walter Fuller Recreation Center’s main parking lot and the Walter Fuller Pool parking lot.

Youth Activities & Adult Workshops

All workshops are free and open to the public. Spots are limited. Preregistration is encouraged.
REGISTER HERE

Saturday, April 26 Program Schedule
9:30 AM | Herb Planters (Adult Workshop)
UF/IFAS Master Gardeners will discuss container herb gardening and assist with planter creation. Sponsored by Pinellas County Farm Bureau.
11:00 AM | Attracting Animals to Your Yards (All Ages Interactive Presentation)
Learn which native plants attract wildlife and pollinators. Participants will plant a native species in a takeaway container to grow at home.
12:00 PM | From Seed to Slice: Creating a Pizza Garden with Kids (Family Interactive Presentation)
Create a pizza garden in a self-watering container or bucket! Youth will learn about plant growth, self-watering systems, and the benefits of homegrown food.
1:00 PM | Botanical Printmaking with Gelli Prints (All Ages Workshop)
Create and take home beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork with amazing colors and textures using natural materials.
2:00 PM | All About Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (Adult Presentation)
Learn how to apply the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) for a beautiful, low-maintenance, and water-saving yard. Discover easy, eco-friendly techniques that conserve resources and reduce costs.

Sunday, April 27 Program Schedule
9:30 AM | Mixed Flower Garden: Fillers, Spillers, and Thrillers (Adult Workshop)
UF/IFAS Master Gardeners will guide attendees in designing flower planters. Plant and container selection will vary. Sponsored by Pinellas County Farm Bureau.
11:00 AM | Nature’s Team Work (All Ages Presentation)
Discover how plants and animals interact in ecosystems through food, shelter, and camouflage.
1:00 PM | Skulls and Tracks (All Ages Interactive Presentation)
Learn to identify animal tracks and skulls in your yard or nature areas. Discover how skulls reveal an animal’s diet and create your own track ID guide.
2:00 PM | Orchids 101 (Adult Presentation)
Mike Pollen will demonstrate how to repot an orchid and provide care tips.

Flower Show

The Garden Club of St. Petersburg displays their creativity through juried floral designs and crafts representing gardens from around the world. Exhibits are designed with a new theme each year.
The public is invited to vote for the best of show in both the horticulture and floral design category.
Judging occurs the Friday before the festival and awards are given to the winners at the festival on Sunday at 3 p.m. inside Walter Fuller Recreation Center. All judges are from clubs within the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs District VIII and use standards set by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and use standards set by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. For more information on the Garden Club, visit www.gardenclubstpetersburg.org.

Perico Preserve Tour
2025-04-27 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.

Fourth Sunday of the month (January – April), at 9:00am
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please meet at the pavilion right next to the parking lot.
Special Accommodations:
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.

Wildflower Walk: Earth Day Edition
2025-04-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Immerse yourself in the beauty of native Florida flowers on this ranger-led hike. In celebration of Earth Day, we’ll explore how the flowers, trees, and green spaces at Boyd Hill contribute to the health and vitality of the preserve.
Ages 12 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Youth Program: Planet Protectors!
2025-04-26 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
For youth nature lovers, this thrilling program is full of educational fun. It is specifically designed for young Floridans to understand what can be done for the environment in their home town and then express that knowledge through multiple artistic mediums. We’ll also meet some very special animal ambassadors and get to interact with them!
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Presented by Paige Konger of Paige’s Planet. Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
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. Follow signs to the auditorium.

Earth Day at Moccasin Lake
2025-04-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Celebrate this special day by learning how to better protect our Earth at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. Moccasin Lake is a 51-acre nature preserve with trails and boardwalks under a canopy of mature oaks and across ponds and creeks, with an array of wildlife, including gopher turtles, raccoons, and many birds. Be sure to check out the animal and educational presentations and participate in fun activities and crafts. A food truck will be on site.
Each and everyone has the power to make a difference! Celebrate this very special day with your fellow Earthlings, Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center!
Come and learn how we can do things better as a community. Recycled arts & crafts, presentations, music, vendors, food and fun will make up our Earth Day event.

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-04-26 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 14:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This four-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 four–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.
About this Event
During each 4-hour classroom event, participants will engage in a participatory lecture, and have plenty of time for Q & A. The final session will be a hands-on workshop that will include graduates from previous courses. Each session will build on the previous; attending the entire series is recommended.
Classes are four consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bio-breaks are factored into the schedule for each day! Bring a bag-lunch (refrigeration and a microwave are available).
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Class dates and syllabus:
Week 1, March 8
Plant Classification

Parts of a Flower
Inflorescence Types
Non-Flowering Plant Identification
Read Harrington Chapter I – V

Week 2, March 15

Roots-n-Shoots
Leaves
Surfaces
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae
Read Harrington Chapters VI – XI

Week 3, March 22

General Terms
Fruits and Seeds
Using a Dichotomous Key

Week 4, March 29

Review, general questions
Hands-on Workshop with former graduates
Graduation!

Upon completion of the entire course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida.

Florida’s Fabulous Fireflies
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Commonly called “lightning bugs”, come learn about Florida’s fireflies and what we can do to conserve them!
Yes, Florida has fireflies and more species than any other state in the U.S.! Join a staff naturalist to learn about this insect’s surprising lifestyle, how they communicate (hint: it’s flashy) and what you can do to help them. There might even be a chance to flash like a firefly!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Naturalist Guided Tour
2025-04-26 09:30 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Enjoy a guided tour to explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve!
Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island during a guided walk of the Tower Boardwalk.
The total walk length is 1 mile and it will traverse cement path and boardwalk, along with an optional climb to the top of the Observation Tower.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tree Giveaway
2025-04-26 08:00 - 13:00 | Cearwater Public Works Complex, 1650 No. Arcturas Avenue, Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Proof of Clearwater residency is required.
Take home two free trees and plant them this Earth Month and National Arbor Day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trees are important in the fight against climate change. As they grow, trees absorb and store carbon emissions that otherwise cause global warming. In an urban setting such as Clearwater, the shade from trees cools city streets, reduces air pollution, and boosts personal wellbeing and health.
The city is handing out over 20 different species of trees, including Red Maple, Pecan, and Persimmon trees.

Parents Night Out- Earth Day
2025-04-25 18:00 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Parents enjoy a night out while the kids experience a night of Edventure Exploration! Come learn about our themed nights through games, activities, crafts, and a night hike. A pizza dinner is included.
Celebrate with Boyd Hill for an evening of fun, hands-on activities dedicated to protecting our planet. Participants will enjoy planting a native plant to take home, creating recycled crafts, and learning practical ways to help care for the Earth. Through these engaging experiences, participants will discover how small actions can make a big impact on the environment.
Ages 6 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-04-24 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 <<<

Edible Landscaping
2025-04-24 11:00 - 12:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Learn how to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits, and other foods in a Florida-Friendly way!
Learn to select varieties of edibles to plant in your landscape that grow well in Florida in a way that conserves water, builds soil, and reduces pesticide use. This class is for gardeners interested in expanding their own edible landscapes, with information about creating a backyard garden that delivers fresh food in an affordable, sustainable way. Participants who attend will receive plant starts and seeds of a variety of plants that may include dragonfruit, papaya, pigeon peas, sweet potato, tropical spinach and turmeric.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
***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: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54145, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Book Time at Brooker
2025-04-24 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.
>>> MORE INFO <<<

Arbor Day Tree Workshop & Giveaway
2025-04-23 13:00 - 16:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an interactive educational presentation all about selecting, planting and maintaining the Right Tree for the Right Place. All attendees of the workshop will take home a tree to plant in their landscape. Workshop will take approximately 1.5 hours and the tree giveaway will follow.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-04-23 10:00 - 15:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Explore reptiles with a friendly expert, get your questions answered, and level up your knowledge in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session.

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!

Elemental Seasons Homeschool - BHNP Spring 2025
2025-04-23 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.
Please bring water and a snack.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> ENROLL HERE <<<

Family Night Hike
2025-04-22 19:00 - 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 a monthly family night hike while enjoying some hot chocolate!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Soil Building Workshop
2025-04-22 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to build soil fertility to grow healthy vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, palms and turf in your home landscape.
Learn how to use organic matter and fertilizer to create healthy soils. Florida soil is sandy, and most plants benefit from some soil amendments. Learn about the special fertility needs of different types of plants including vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, palms and turf. This class will cover types of fertilizer, timing of application, methods of applying fertilizer, soil building strategies, mulch and compost. This class will be held in person and attendees will receive a free sample of worm castings. This class will be taught by Tia Silvasy, Residential Horticulture Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County and Mark Robinson of Revival Gardening.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.

Night Hike in the Preserve
2025-04-19 20:00 - 22:00 | 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.
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.
You MUST ARRIVE BY 8PM, the Preserve gates will be closed after that.
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.

Birding on the Bay
2025-04-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Presents:
Birding on the Bay with the MFA

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience on the waters of Tampa Bay! This 75-minute guided boat tour offers a front-row seat to the fascinating bird species that call this vibrant ecosystem home. During the tour, we’ll visit a nearby bird sanctuary island, strategically timed to provide the best viewing opportunities for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
As we navigate the waters, your expert guide will share insightful details about the diverse bird species you’ll encounter, from elegant waders to soaring seabirds. With our prime location and optimal timing, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional views of these feathered residents as they go about their daily routines.
This tour is perfect for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the rich wildlife of Tampa Bay in a relaxed and educational setting.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
More Information

75 Minutes
$45 ($5 member discount offered)
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC.
Children under 3 free
November 2024 to February 2025

What to Bring
-You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/ or beverages.
-We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
-Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
-Sun protection is highly recommended.

Adult Night Hike
2025-04-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Adults enjoy a night hike out into the preserve after hours and in the dark!
Experience the tranquil sounds of nature on our monthly adult-only night hike, where the rustling of leaves and calls of nocturnal animals set the perfect backdrop. As you walk, you might even catch a glimpse of a wild creature in its natural habitat, see the St. Pete skyline, and make a few memories!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Afternoon Adventures It's Classified
2025-04-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join our Rangers in exploring how various plant and animal life are classified and develop a dichotomous key for identifying living organisms. We will also discuss why diversity of life is so important for ALL living things to survive. Students are encouraged to bring a couple of like items (shells, leaves, rocks, etc.) to create and use a dichotomous key.
Ages 8 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Birds of Prey
2025-04-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Meet the animal ambassadors of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve!
Several LIVE birds of prey will be used to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships, adaptations that ensure success as predators, and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. The basic natural history of each species is also discussed along with the impact of humans on their habitats and populations. Great for all ages!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Egg-sploration Hunt & Hike
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for an egg-citing hike and hunt at Pioneer Settlement. We will have crafts and games after the hike, along with an egg hunt at 11:30. Please bring a bag for collecting eggs.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Fishing Workshop
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Learn to Fish!
Recommended for ages 10 and up • 2 Hours • Gear Included • Up to 15 People

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Curious about fishing in Tampa Bay but not sure where to start? During this boat-based course, we will cover essential topics like bait selection, appropriate gear usage, regulations, and local fish identification and handling–ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge to fish responsibly and respectfully.
Each participant will have access to a fishing rod and all essential gear for a hands-on experience during the workshop, with expert guidance readily available as needed. Attendees also have the opportunity to win prizes to help them kickstart their responsible fishing journey.
All proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

This program is perfect for:

Families and parents looking to foster responsible fishing practices
Individuals interested in fishing responsibly and connecting with like-minded people.
Anglers who have recently relocated to the Tampa Bay area and want a better understanding of the local waters, responsible fishing practices, and common fish species in the area.

What to Bring

While gear is provided for use during the workshop, you are welcome to bring your own bait and tackle.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/or beverages. We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
Sun protection and water are highly recommended.

Notes

All participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Tiny Wildlife Walk
2025-04-19 09:30 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us on a naturalist-led walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Weedon Island Preserve!

Wildlife abounds at the Weedon Island Preserve, especially the tiny kind, like butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates. Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Preserve. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
The total walk length will be variable, but no more than a mile or so. We will traverse uneven, natural paths and boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Eggstravaganza
2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Dr, Clearwater, FL, 33761, United States
Hop on over to Countryside Recreation Center for our annual egg hunt.
Bring your Easter baskets and camera to get a picture with the Easter Bunny.
There will be inflatables, games, prizes, music and more. Free.

Rye Preserve Tour
2025-04-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Guided tour through Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer!

Third Saturday of the month (January – May), at 9:00am.
Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
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.
