Summer Cleanup
2022-07-09 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Join us for our mid-summer community cleanups on Saturday, July 9 from 9 am till Noon at Grandview Park, Bartlett Park, and Coquina Key Park in St. Petersburg.

This event is an effort to clean up after the Fourth of July celebrations. A big thank-you to SeaWorld Conservation Fund for supporting us in our marine debris efforts and our partners with the City of St. Petersburg!

Our cleanup efforts will focus along the shorelines, so please wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and bring garden gloves.

Register for your preferred site:
Grandview Park | Bartlett Park | Coquina Key Park

DIY Gardening Projects
2022-07-09 09:30 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn fun and useful do-it-yourself projects for home and garden using recycled materials
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.

Bug-Out Habitats
2022-07-09 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
This class introduces children to the world of bugs!
The children will examine a variety of real bugs, and learn about bug anatomy, life cycles, habitats, the important role bugs play in nature and many cool facts about bugs. In this fun class, the children will make their own bug habitat to take home that is filled with pretend bugs, plants and other fun items created in their own unique design. Time and weather permitting, the children will go on a bug hunt in our educational garden and use their magnifiers to get a closer look.
This is one of our most popular children’s programs so sign up early as the class is limited to 15 children. Suitable for ages 4-12.
Please reach out to katiebg@ufl.edu with special accommodations at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

HUKYU BONSAI SOCIETY MEETING
2022-07-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Learn the art and techniques of Bonsai.
www.facebook.com/hukyubonsaisociety.
Call Kay Waldron at 727-376-0178 for details.

Cogon Grass Workshop
2022-07-12 13:00 - 16:00 | UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Office, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL, 34241, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension and Suncoast CISMA for an afternoon on Cogon Grass!
Hear from local land managers and UF/IFAS Faculty about Cogon Grass Identification, Current Status, Management Techniques and participate in a hands-on demonstration.
Contact Alyssa Vinson, alyvinson@ufl.edu with any questions or special accommodations.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

What's That? Plant ID for Beginners
2022-07-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Online Event
If you ever wondered how to figure out what plant is which, join this beginner plant ID webinar.

Not sure what that plant is in your backyard? New to Florida and unfamiliar with the new species? If you ever wondered how to figure out what plant is which, join this beginner plant ID webinar.
Please email katiebg@ufl.edu with any special accommodation requests at least 10 prior to the event.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Rays Up for Tampa Bay Watch!
2022-07-14 19:00 - 22:00 | Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Go to a Rays game and support Tampa Bay Watch at the same time!

We’re partnering with the Rays for the Thursday, July 14, 7:10pm game vs. the Boston Red Sox.
Tickets are in the Lower Level (Located in sections 129-150) at $30 per ticket with a portion of the sales coming back to Tampa Bay Watch.

One person who buys tickets will win a 4-pack of tickets for an Eco-Tour at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center!
>>> BUY TICKETS <<<

Tot Time
2022-07-15 10:30 - 11:30, 2022-08-05 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-oriented stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Every first and third Friday of each month, families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Led by volunteer docents, families will be treated to rhymes, stories, and crafts that connect them to our environment.
This program will take place outdoors so please prepare accordingly. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
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

Weedon Walkabout
2022-07-16 08:00 - 10:00, 2022-08-06 08:00 - 10:00 | 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 <<<

Science Sprouts
2022-07-16 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-07-23 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-07-30 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-08-06 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-08-13 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
2022-07-16 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!

Saving Water- Youth Program
2022-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Why and How Can I Make a Difference?

Living in Florida you are never too young to learn about water conservation!

Did you know that not only we are surrounded by water in Florida, but we live on top of it too? Join Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Educator, Melissa West as we explore the water cycle, how to reduce pollution, and what you can do to protect our most precious resource, WATER!
This youth program is geared toward ages 7 to 12. Registration is required. Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children).
Additional Notes: This program will be held in our auditorium. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot. We will start promptly at 10am.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Moth Night!
2022-07-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Discover Denizens of the Dark at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.

After a brief lecture and hands-on science experience, we will venture into the night to find moths of many sizes and colors, all attracted to our artificial lights.
Registration is required. Space is very limited.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Moccasin Lake is celebrating 40 years!
2022-07-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Join us for a few hours, 10am to 1pm, for fun, face-painting, live music, Cal’s Soul Food Express and crafts and animal presentations through the Clubs & Societies that meet at the park!
GFWC Clearwater Community Woman’s Club
Suncoast Herpetological Society
Friends of Moccasin Lake
Safety Harbor Garden Club
Florida Native Plant Society
Hukyu Bonsai Society
Friends in Focus Photography Club of Clearwater
The Florida Herb Society
Cal’s Soul Food Express
G.E. Sassani Band

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2022-08-03 10:00 - 16:00, 2022-08-10 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 <<<

Nature Investigators' Club
2022-08-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-08-12 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 <<<

DIY Gardening Projects
2022-08-06 09:30 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn fun and useful do-it-yourself projects for home and garden using recycled materials!

Learn fun and useful do-it-yourself projects for home and garden using recycled materials
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Science Sprouts: Dinosaurs & More
2022-08-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-08-13 10:00 - 11:00 | 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!

August’s Theme: Dinosaurs and More
When/Where: 10-11am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe
Cost: Included with Museum admission

Youth Nest Box Building Workshop
2022-08-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for an in-person workshop to “make and take” a nest box for your yard!

Help our local cavity nesters! We will be building a nest box for a Carolina wren, which is a year-round resident in Pinellas County.
In this youth workshop you will learn about the nesting habits of Carolina wrens, and other fun facts about this species! Kids (alongside their parent) will build a wren nest box and then have the opportunity to decorate their nest box.
This youth program is geared toward ages 6 to 12. Registration is required. Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program.
Registration is required. Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: This program will be held in our auditorium. 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 auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.
Refunds will not be granted if you cannot install the nest box in your desired location.
If you are attending with friends or family and would like to team up and build one nest box between the group, please only purchase ONE ticket.

Talk Plants with Me
2022-08-11 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 <<<

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2022-08-13 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Wild Wings –
Birds of Brooker Hike
Have you wondered what bird is singing in your backyard? Do you see and hear birds but don’t know who they are? If so, join us for a Beginning Bird Hike to learn how to identify the county’s common birds as we meander along a one-mile trail.
All ages are welcome. Children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and those younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants outside the Exhibit Hall 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.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wild-wings-birds-of-brooker-hike-tickets-53439990450?mc_cid=a4dbfdde6b&mc_eid=1cbba2e07b
