Gopher Tortoise Walk & Talk
2024-10-05 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Walk with us at Weedon Island and learn about this keystone species!

Join a guided tour to learn about the six species of North American tortoises, with a focus on our native gopher tortoise. We will explore this keystone species and environmental engineer, and learn how to “read” a tortoise burrow. This is an easy interpretive walk (less than 1 mile) in the Preserve’s upland habitat.
This tour will be led by George L. Heinrich. Mr. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 13+.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Fishing Workshop
2024-10-05 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 <<<

Naturalist Guided Tour
2024-10-05 09:30 - 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 <<<
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!

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2024-10-05 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 <<<
Meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the classroom).
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.

Native Plant Walks LLP
2024-10-05 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

Tampa Bay Debris Derby
2024-10-05 08:30 - 14:30 | E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Join Power-Pole, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Skinny Water Culture, Ocean Aid 360, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program for the Tampa Bay Debris Derby!
This trash collection tournament gives you the chance to clean up your bay and win prizes! How does it work? Teams or individuals collect trash from anywhere in Tampa Bay, either by water or land. You’ll earn one raffle ticket for each bag of trash or large item weighed in. The more trash you collect, the more chances you have to win! Raffle tickets can be used for prizes provided by our amazing sponsors.
The team who collects the most trash by weight will be crowned the 2024 Debris Derby Heavyweight Champion! A special prize will also be awarded for the strangest item collected.
Registration is FREE and includes a Tampa Bay Debris Derby shirt designed by Skinny Water Culture and lunch provided by La Segunda Bakery.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and let’s make a positive impact on Tampa Bay!
2024 Registration

Homeschool Program -Ages 6-8
2024-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 6-8.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2024-10-03 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-09-26 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 <<<

Science Rocks!
2024-10-03 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

Book Time at Brooker
2024-10-03 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-26 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

Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program - 2024
2024-10-03 09:30 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
An intensive program to learn all about Florida’s waters. Each class takes place at a new location with guest speakers, tours and more!

Working With Water, Working With People
To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with water. As Floridians, we are connected to our oceans and bays by our faucets and laundries, to our neighborhood ponds and lakes by our yards and streets, and to our regional and statewide neighbors by our surface and groundwater supplies.
This program will use expert presentations, online explorations, experiential learning, field experience in watershed science, and communication skills training to foster a greater understanding of these interactions and provide the tools necessary to become stewards of our water resources.
During this seven-session course, participants will travel to locations across Pinellas County to explore the natural beauty, learn about emerging water issues, and meet with local experts.
Participants will also plan and implement an individual (or group) stewardship project that makes a difference in the community, attend a relevant stakeholder meeting and explore online resources to learn more about water between class sessions.
Each class session will be three hours long and include Working with Water instructor-led presentations looking at water at the state-level as well as Working with People instructor-led presentations highlighting communication best-practices. Classes will also include time for discussions, guest speaker presentations highlighting local water resources, and a field tour.
This course has limited seating/availability. Register early to reserve your spot. Youth (under 18) are eligible to register as long as an accompanying adult is also registered for the program.
Schedule
Session 1 – Thursday, Sept. 5 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Watershed Basics and Stewardship @ Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs with guest speaker Robert Burnes, Project Manager, Pinellas County Public Works, Environmental Management

Session 2 – Thursday, Sept. 19 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

W ater Flow, Then and Now @ Clam Bayou Marine Education Center with guest speaker from Southwest Florida Water Management District, Surface Water Improvement & Management Program

Session 3 – Thursday, Oct. 3 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Water Laws and Other Tools @ South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility with guest speaker Lauren Twele, Education Coordinator, Pinellas County Utilities

Session 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Future Water Supply and Emerging Issues @ Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Oldsmar with guest speaker Tirusew Asefa, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Manager, Planning & System Decision Support, Tampa Bay Water

Session 5 – Thursday, Oct. 31 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*: Panel

Panel Discussion with local environmental non-profit groups and Stewardship Project Updates @ Safety Harbor Public Library

Session 6 – Thursday, Nov. 14 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Speaking of and for Water @ Ozona Village Hall with guest speaker Sadie Hundemer, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida

Session 7- Saturday Nov. 16 (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)*:

Graduation and Water Stewardship In Action @ Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg with guided hike by Pinellas County volunteer or staff.

*Locations and speakers are subject to change.
Before You Register
Please review course requirements should you wish to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program:

Attend at least five of the seven sessions, two of which MUST be the first and last ones (Session #1 and Session #7)
Attend and briefly describe a stakeholder gathering
Complete online mini-sessions
Participate in the online discussions
Submit a summary of your individual or group stewardship project

Cost: $125
If the cost of the program will prevent you from participating, please complete a scholarship application. Application deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Questions?
For more information about this course, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan at lara317@ufl.edu or 727-453-6905.

Seed Saving Strategies
2024-10-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to save seeds from your favorite vegetables!
Have you ever thought about saving seeds from your favorite vegetables? Join us for this two-hour workshop about seed saving strategies. Topics will include plant mating systems, isolation techniques, seed processing, and more! For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at 941-722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Plant Play in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-10-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, 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 <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2024-10-02 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 <<<

Hands-on squid dissection!
2024-09-29 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-09-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
What makes a mollusc a mollusc? During this hands-on squid dissection, you’ll find out! Participants will learn about the wide variety of molluscs found in our region and what sets them apart from other animals. This program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Lionfish dissection in our classroom!
2024-09-29 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinator Pots
2024-09-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Support local pollinators such as butterflies and birds by making a pollinator pot to put on your porch or balcony!
18 yrs +
Bring a 12″ – 18″ pot and we will provide the native plants and soil!
Register here

Sleep In Saturday Hike
2024-09-28 13:00 - 14:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Spend Saturday afternoon with a Naturalist who will lead you on a family-friendly nature hike in the Preserve!
Explore the ecosystems and habitats of the Preserve with a volunteer hike guide.
Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Family Programming in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Here Comes the Sun: Prepare for Summer and learn all about the power of the sun.

$25 for non-members and $20 for members for 4 people (includes any combo of kids and adults) and each additional child/adult is $5 for non-members and $3 for members.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Field Trip to John S. Taylor Park
2024-09-28 08:00 - 10:00 | John S. Taylor Park, 1100 8th Ave SW, Largo, FL, 33770, United States
Migrants, bittern, green herons and more.
Meet at the park’s Shelter 6 at 8:00am.
Leader – Steve Aversa 727-218-7938

Field Trip to Fort De Soto
2024-09-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Field Trip Leader: Peter Plaige
Meet at North Beach. After entering the park, turn right at the flagpole, continue west, then north on the main park road. Enter the large parking lot at North Beach and meet in the parking lot near the north-most restroom. The trip will entail walking a mile or more on sand.
What to Bring: Binoculars, Hat, Sunscreen, Insect Repellant, Water, and Footwear appropriate for wading.
Note: Ft. De Soto has an admission fee of $5:00 per vehicle.

Healthy Landscapes
2024-09-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Creating & maintaining healthy landscapes with a focus on FFL!
Kendrick Auditorium
Healthy Landscapes, presented by Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Mobile Irrigation Lab working with Manatee County Ag Extension, University of Florida, Manatee County Utilities department and Water Conservation. We will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips such as right plant right place, watering efficiently, and mulch benefits.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Backyard Citrus Workshop
2024-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension for a workshop on selection, planting and care of your backyard citrus.
Citrus trees will be available for purchase.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
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 (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
2024-09-26 09:00 - 12:30 | Stalk and Vine on 39, 14923 South County Road 39, Lithia, FL, 33547, United States
The Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network is a peer-to-peer network focused on exploring diversified and sustainable farming systems.

This group is open to established and beginning farmers in Southwest Florida and hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Agents in the region.
Connect with farmers and food entrepreneurs in the region.
We’ll take a farmer-led tour of Stalk & Vine on 39 in Lithia and learn about the production methods, small farm equipment, and marketing strategies for small-scale farms.
There will be a presentation on the Cottage Food Law, then representatives from other agencies will give an overview of their roles and how they can work with small scale farmers.
UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. This is a great networking opportunity to get to know representatives from local agencies as well as other farmers in the area!
Tentative Agenda
8:30am – Registration/Check-In
9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
9:15am – Tour of the farm and overview of farm equipment
10:45am – Cottage Food Law Overview
11:00am – Round-Robin introductions and networking
11:45am – Lunch and Networking
12:30pm – Adjourn
This is a free event, but registration is required. Please register by September 23rd at noon.
>>> 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: Allie Williams (allisonwilliams@ufl.edu) at least 10 days in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
For questions contact: Allie Williams at: 813-744-5519 Ext. 54119, allisonwilliams@ufl.edu
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Equinox: A Guide to Fall Skies
2024-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox! Explore the rising Fall constellations and get to know your night sky. Learn some tips and tricks to finding your favorite objects and take a closer look at images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)! Keep an eye out for amazing meteor showers, and dive into the stories amongst the stars as we fall further into the exciting astronomical events of the season.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Plant Food 101
2024-09-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for Plant Food 101! Come find out what plants need to grow.
In this two-hour workshop, we will cover basic plant nutrition. Learn about the role that nitrogen, potassium, and other elements play within a plant.
For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
