Audubon Florida Assembly 2022
2022-10-13 - 2022-10-15 | FL
Birds Tell Us

Hooded Warbler. Photo: John A. Middleton, Jr.

Registration for Audubon Assembly 2022 is now open! Register before Sept. 25 to enjoy the “early bird” discount.
Held in-person October 13-15 at the Luminary Hotel in downtown Fort Myers, this year’s event will center on the theme “Birds Tell Us.”
Register Today!
With learning sessions, a keynote presentation, awards, and field trips to some of the birdiest hotspots in the region, Assembly is a great opportunity to network with Audubon members, staff, and volunteers across the state.
Our Friday afternoon learning session topics include:

Creating Habitat in Unconventional Ways to Maximize Connections for Conservation Lands
Perspectives from the Next Generation of Conservationists
From Birding to Conservation: Bringing New Birders into the Conservation Movement

The Saturday morning Plenary session will be Birds Tell Us: Banding, Tracking, and Monitoring to Improve Conservation.
Event Agenda (tentative)
Thursday, October 13

Optional field trips
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Pre-Welcome cocktail reception

Friday, October 14

7:30-11:30 a.m./12 p.m. | Expert-led Field Trips
12:00-1:30 p.m. | Welcome Luncheon
2-5:15p.m. | Learning Sessions
6-7 p.m. | Welcome Reception
7-9 p.m. | Keynote and Awards Ceremony

This year’s keynote speaker will be Marshall Johnson, Chief Conservation Officer of the National Audubon Society. He will share how Audubon staff and community scientists are helping us understand what birds are telling us about the most important conservation issues of our time. His keynote presentation is entitled How Audubon Staff and Community Scientists Unlock What Birds Tell Us About Our Water, Climate, and World.
Saturday, October 15

7:30-8:45 a.m. | Networking Breakfast
8:45-9:45 a.m. | Chapters’ Celebration
10 – 11:45 a.m. | Plenary, Closing Remarks

Cost: $155 | $135 early bird | $80 Friday night banquet only.
Register today!
Note: Conservation Leadership Initiative mentors should not select any of the Friday field trips.

Oyster shell bar at 2D Island
2022-10-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-10-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Williams Park Boat Ramp
The project meeting location is Williams Park boat ramp, 9425 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578, which is next to the U.S. 41 bridge over the Alafia River.

We will be installing an oyster shell bar which involves shoveling fossilized shell into mesh bags and transporting the bags to lay on the shoreline. This effort will help restore lost habitat by promoting new oyster growth, ultimately improving water quality and providing food sources and habitat for many species. To learn more and watch a video of the process, visit https://tampabaywatch.org/restoration/oyster-communities/oyster-shell-bags/.

Click here to register to volunteer.

Talk Plants with Me
2022-10-13 11:30 - 13:00 | Online Event
Ask a Horticulture Agent Webinar!

Submit your questions to our Horticulture Agent for live Q&A. We will talk about hot topics in the plant world and may have a few guests join us along the way.
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.ued at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Organic Gardening Series: Soils & Compost
2022-10-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to optimize your soil for organic gardening!

Organic gardening success begins with soil building. This class will cover soil amendments for adding organic matter and nutrients to keep plants healthy and stress-free.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Nature Investigators' Club
2022-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Explore different aspects of nature at the Florida Botanical Gardens!

Free admission, pre-registration only.

Do you have a child ages 3-7 who loves to explore nature? Become a Member of the Nature Investigators’ Club!
We will meet at the Florida Botanical Gardens each Friday at 10 AM to explore the different parts of nature and their interactions for a period of 6 weeks.

Benefits include:Small group: personal interactions with a certified environmental educatorTime in plant-rich environment, which has several proven health and wellness benefitsLearning through exploration, fostering development of higher-level problem solving skills
Opportunity to interact with other children, fostering teamwork and group collaboration skills
One (1) nature journal for use through the duration of the session.
Limited capacity:7 children slots for each sessionParent/Guardian must be present for the entirety of the session.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

The Endangered Sawfish of Tampa Bay
2022-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us to see a three-foot sawfish replica, feel some real sawfish rostra (saws), and get some great free sawfish swag.

Sawfish are large shark-like rays that once were relatively common in Florida’s coastal waters including Tampa Bay. Now, Florida’s smalltooth sawfish is endangered and scientists are striving to learn as much as possible about this iconic and fascinating fish. Tonya Wiley, President of Havenworth Coastal Conservation, will provide a presentation with interesting facts about sawfish, updates on Tampa Bay area sawfish research, explanations of management tools such as the Endangered Species Act, and descriptions of ways you can be involved in the recovery of smalltooth sawfish. Join us to see a three-foot sawfish replica, feel some real sawfish rostra (saws), and get some great free sawfish swag.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Veggie Influenza
2022-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a class on common vegetable diseases!

This workshop is designed to educate the casual gardener about some of the most common vegetable diseases in Florida and in Manatee County. In this roughly two hour class, participants will learn the basic biology of pathogenic organisms, how to identify common disease symptoms, and acquire some basic disease management skills. This workshop is not designed for professional landscapers or pesticide applicators.
For special accommodations, please let us know 10 days before the class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther
2022-10-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department present the annual Natural History Speaker Series (NHSS), a program that offers fascinating presentations on the natural and cultural history of Florida by individuals who are authorities in their fields.

HISTORIC HOME TOURS & DEMONSTRATIONS
2022-10-15, 2022-10-22 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, located at 3010 31st Street South, features several historic and replica buildings that showcase life in West Central Florida circa 1880 -1920.
All Ages Welcome
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children

Historic Homes Tour – Every Saturday at 10 a.m.
Demonstrations – Every Saturday between 1 & 3 p.m.

Demonstration Schedule:

September 3: Rope making
September 10: Candle making
September 17: Print making
September 24: Laundry Day

29th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup
2022-10-15 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-16 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-17 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-18 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-19 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-20 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-21 07:00 - 19:00 | FL
Join Tampa Bay Watch and Audubon Florida for the 29th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup.
The goal is to remove hazardous monofilament line from mangrove shorelines. Monofilament or “mono,” is a fancy word for the commonly used plastic fishing line. It has great fishing utility, but can take over 600 years to break down and poses serious threats to birds and other wildlife. Improperly discarded mono and fishing gear leads to wildlife entanglement, accidental hooks, and ingestion.
This will be a self-led event, where participants will travel out to their designated location by personal boat/other watercraft any day between October 15-23 to target shorelines where cast line has been caught in the tree line. Volunteers will compile the recovered monofilament, to be collected, cleaned, and recycled.
There are a variety of sites in which to participate—all critical bird nesting habitat—throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee.

Click here to register to volunteer for this event.

Return the Preserve Work Day
2022-10-15 08:00 - 11:30 | The Friends Trail, 3620 Fletch Haven Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
The Preserve Work Days are hosted by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve!

The Return The Preserve Work Days focus on areas of the preserve where exotic invasive vegetation and unnatural overgrowth exists. It is our goal to help return the preserve to its natural beauty.
Working with FOBCP leadership and Preserve staff, volunteers provide the much needed hands-on support necessary to remove nuisance plants providing a more healthy environment for native wildlife.
Registration is required. This event is capped at 25 volunteers. In addition, the Volunteer Form must be completed and brought with you the day of the event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This Work Day will be focusing on the Friends Trail located at the end of Lora Lane. Lora Lane is located a 1/2 mile west of the main Brooker Entrance off of Keystone. You travel one mile on Lora Lane until the road ends, and park. Registered participants will meet at 7:45, start at 8:00, and work until 11:00.
Important notes: There are no facilities or restrooms at this site.
Please bring clippers, loppers, hand saws, gloves, hat, and sunscreen. Long sleeve shirts and long pants are recommended; closed shoes are required.
For more information or questions, please contact the project leader: Evan Earle at eearlejr@gmail.com

Science Sprouts
2022-10-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Budding scientists ages 2-5 can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. The program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using imaginative play, crafts, stories, songs and more! Please note: This program does not include Museum admission.

On Saturday, June 4, explore “In the Deep Ocean”
On Saturday, June 11, explore “Swirly Whirly Snails”
On Saturday, June 18, explore “Manatee Mischief”
On Saturday, June 25, explore “Busy Buzzin’ Bees”
When/Where: 9-10am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe
Cost: $12 per child for members of the Discovery Society; $15 per child for all others. (Includes one adult per child.)
Advance reservations required. Attendance limited to 12 children.

Register now
The Bishop follows the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels guidelines. Please visit www.CDC.gov to see the current Manatee County Community Level before visiting. Masks must be worn indoors when Community Levels are high.

Rye Preserve Tour
2022-10-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Branch and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.
Register HERE!

Weedon Walkabout
2022-10-15 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.

This docent-led walk will visit the mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve, including a visit to the Preserve’s 45 ft. tall Observation Tower for a 360 degree view of the area. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of the Preserve. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 and up.
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 <<<

Archaeology Day at Weedon Island
2022-10-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate International Archaeology Day at the Weedon Island Preserve!

Examine ancient artifacts and discover the rich history of Tampa Bay at our celebration of International Archaeology Day at the Weedon Island Preserve!
The Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) and the Central Florida Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS) will be on-site with a diverse showcase of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and archaeological experts will be on-hand to illustrate the use of these tools and their importance to native populations.
Local fossil collectors are encouraged to bring in artifacts such as arrow heads, lithics, and pottery sherds for identification during Archaeology Day. No dollar value will be assigned or discussed, but educational information will be generously shared.
Explore the artifacts and talk with the archaeologists at your leisure anytime between 10am to 2pm. Also, check out the 1,100 year old dugout canoe on display in the Center and visit our free museum exhibit “Connecting People and Place” that tells the story of Weedon Island and its earliest inhabitants.
This event is suitable for all ages. The Center and its museum exhibits are open from 9am to 4pm.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Chalktober Art Festival 2022
2022-10-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Pier 60 Clearwater Beach
Get outside and see local and visiting chalk artists turn Clearwater sidewalks into works of art. This family-friendly art festival also includes a kid’s zone, arts and crafts vendors, live music and a one-of-a-kind open-air art gallery.
There will be: Live Chalking, Live Music, Craft Vendors, Craft Beer, Wine & Seltzers, Kids Chalkzone, Food Trucks, and more!

The Magic of Mushrooms
2022-10-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Mushroom Biology and Ecology, mushroom growing kits available for purchase

Mention mushrooms and most people think of three things: eating them, DYING from eating them and/or their use in recreational drug use. Let’s put those topics aside and explore fun facts about these fascinating and ecologically important organisms! Recommended for adults and youth over 12. Note: this class will NOT address edible wild mushrooms, BUT participants can purchase their own mini mushroom farm to watch the magic happen at home, thanks to the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Oyster Reef Ball Construction
2022-10-18 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-10-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us at the Tampa Bay Watch Marine Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde to help build oyster reef balls!
This task involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster reef balls, then taking apart the molds when dry. The reef balls will be installed at a future date to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion while creating habitat similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay.
Click here to visit our webpage to learn more about reef balls.
Click here to register to volunteer!

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2022-10-19 10:00 - 16:00 | 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 <<<

Friends of Moccasin Lake Meeting
2022-10-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The Friends of Moccasin Lake believe that it is imperative that one of the last truly natural green spaces in the most developed county in Florida must be protected and maintained for current and future generations to visit, learn and celebrate what “Old Florida” used to look like.
We ask that you visit our magnificent Nature Park and enjoy some birding, hiking, or just sit and enjoy the sounds of nature that few places can offer in today’s ever changing and complicated world.
The Friends of Moccasin Lake is a 501C3 nonprofit organization.

Join Us
The Friends of Moccasin Lake need your help! We are advocates of Moccasin Lake Nature Park and would like to expand our membership to include you and your special skills, talents, and support.

Organic Gardening Series: Propagation
2022-10-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn where to source organic seeds, how to grow and plant them, and tips for propagation by cuttings!

Organically grown transplants for the garden can be difficult to find. You can grow your own and experiment with different varieties along the way. Learn where to source organic seeds, how to grow and plant them, and tips for propagation by cuttings.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please send special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.
