The Florida Waters Stewardship Program
2022-03-09 16:00 - 18:00, 2022-03-16 16:00 - 18:00, 2022-03-23 16:00 - 18:00, 2022-03-30 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Do you care about Florida’s water? Join us to become a Water Steward! Learn about our water resources and how to protect them.

Join us each week to learn about varying water topics concerning Florida and Manatee County!
Wednesdays (Feb 23 to Mar 30) at 4pm-6pm, field trips TBA
This is a six-week program that includes engaging presentations, field trips, and a stewardship project.
The Florida Waters Stewards Program will cover topics like:

Changing waterscapes
Regulations and policies
Future water supply
Emerging water issues
And much more!

Full refund available until Feb 22, 2022.
REGISTER HERE

Seashell Shore Walk
2022-03-11 08:00 - 10:30 | Coquina Beach
Calling all beachcombers and seashell enthusiasts! Join us for a relaxing walk on the beach to search for seashells and learn to identify them. This program explores what makes mollusks unique and the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. Learn about ethical seashell collecting methods while discovering a new appreciation for our beautiful shorelines.
Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required.
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/264396465947.
For more information please contact elena.burke@mymanatee.org or call (941) 742-5923 ext. 6036.
Coquina Beach – South- Longboat Key Bridge

Youth Water Program
2022-03-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Let’s take a closer look at the water cycle!

Water is essential for life, but our water supply and water quality are constantly being impacted by human activities. Learn about the urban water cycle and watch a hands-on demonstration of water quality testing of Brooker Creek. Targeted for upper elementary and middle school aged youth.
Presented by Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension.
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 outdoors. Check your confirmation email for specific details. 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

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2022-03-12 08:00 - 09:30, 2022-04-09 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

Wading Bird Walk
2022-03-12 08:30 - 10:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve!

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a one to two mile guided walk of the trails. A brief classroom session before the walk will give visitors an overview of the birds found at Weedon Island, including tips on when and where different species are most likely to be seen.
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

Intro to Beekeeping
2022-03-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards ~ Part 2

This is part two of a three part series!

This program will cover what it takes to get started in this amazing hobby with a focus on the equipment and tools necessary for beekeeping. We will review the components of the “modern” bee hive, the tools used by beekeepers, and demystify the seemingly countless number of paraphernalia available for the hobbyist beekeeping.
In addition we will discuss the proper locations for beehives and explain Florida’s rules and guidelines.
Agenda:

History and Components of the Modern Bee Hive
Review of Equipment needed to Get Started
Acquiring Honey Bees
Typical hive throughout the year’s changing seasons
Considerations about equipment, hive set-up, and location
Where to get your first bees & how to put them in the hive

Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
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.
REGISTER HERE
Register for Part 3 on Saturday April 9th here!

Library Learning: Metamorphosis
2022-03-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL, 34203, United States
A tadpole becomes a frog, and a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Join us and explore the magic of metamorphosis! Through games, movements, songs, and a craft, your little one will be captivated by animals who experience extreme lifecycle changes.
Program suitable for preschool-age children
For more information please contact coral.bass@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6034.
Braden River Library

Tortoise Talk
2022-03-16 15:30 - 16:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join us for this informal program on the Valentine House lawn as we take our education tortoise out to graze! In the wild, foraging is an integral part of a gopher tortoise’s lifestyle, so we encourage it as much as possible. Stop by and say hello, get a chance to meet him up close, and ask any questions you may have. Learn all about what tortoises need to survive, how we care for our tortoise, and what efforts we can take to protect these important members of our Florida ecosystems.
Program suitable for all ages.
For more information contact ecoevents@mymanatee.org.
REGISTER HERE

Tips for Hiring a Landscape & Pond Professional
2022-03-17 09:00 - 15:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Hiring a landscape or pond professional can be a challenge especially for homeowner association (HOA) board members who very often only evaluate the bids on price. These folks soon realize you get what you pay for and the lowest priced contract may end up costing you more in the long run.
This workshop is offered to landscape committees, pond committees, HOA board members, and community managers. An overview of some of the best management practices will be given as well as model language for maintenance contracts and other tips to look for in professional interviews.
General Admission – $5
Agenda

9:00 – Noon – Focusing on Landscape Professionals
12:00 – 12:30pm – Lunch
12:30 – 3:00 – Focusing on Pond Professionals

Register HERE.

Tot Time
2022-03-18 10:30 - 11:30, 2022-04-01 10:30 - 11:30, 2022-04-15 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
2022-03-19 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 program is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 and up.
REGISTER HERE

Rye Preserve Tour
2022-03-19 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!

Birds of Brooker Hike
2022-03-26 08:00 - 10:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
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. Registration is required.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
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.

REGISTER HERE

Walk in Nature with Jazz
2022-03-26 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Come and take a walk with two retired music teachers who love Brooker Creek and jazz.

About this event

We will hear 12 RECORDED excerpts (from 2-4 minutes each) from various jazz styles that refer to the wonderful natural things we see at Brooker. We will walk about a mile and stop and listen as we enjoy the beauty around us. Registration is required for each attendee.

Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants inside the Exhibit Hall. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom 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.

REGISTER HERE

Archaeology Day Hike & Site Visit
2022-03-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Archaeology Day
Hike & Site Visit

Celebrate Florida Archaeology Month with a guided hike to an active archaeological dig-site on Weedon Island.

Led by professional archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network and the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, hike to an active archaeological dig-site on Weeden Island. Attendees will learn about the early peoples that inhabited Weedon Island thousands of years ago, and the ongoing archaeological research being done to better understand these ancient cultures. This hike is recommended for adults and youth ages 12+. Participants should be prepared for a 2 mile hike on uneven terrain.
This hike will be part of our Archaeology Day to celebrate Florida Archaeology Month. Check out the activities also happening inside the Cultural and Natural History Center that day!
REGISTER HERE

Archaeology Day at Weedon Island
2022-03-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate Florida Archaeology Month at the Weedon Island Preserve!

Examine ancient artifacts and discover the rich history of Tampa Bay at our celebration of Florida Archaeology Month 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.
There will also be a special guided hike to an active archaeological dig-site on the Preserve. Spots on this hike are limited so advance registration is required. Register for the Archaeology Day Hike & Site Visit today!
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

Mobile Plant Clinic - Robinson Preserve
2022-03-27 09:00 - 12:00 | ROBINSON PRESERVE, 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Master Gardener Volunteer Mobile Plant Clinic
at Robinson Preserve
Visit our mobile plant clinic located at Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton. Hours are 9AM – 12PM.
Please meet at the South Entrance near the picnic pavilions. Master Gardener Volunteers are available to share their horticulture knowledge and assist with plant questions. We’ve Got a Good Thing Growing!

Native Plant Sale
2022-04-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd (US 41), Land O' Lakes, FL, 34639, United States
The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is having a Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 10 AM to 2 PM, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd (US 41), Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639.
There will be:

A large selection of quality nursery grown plants

Free literature for pick up and books for sale

Members on site to answer questions

A plant profile for each plant purchased

Carts available for plant transportation

Websites & Contact Info:
Nature Coast Chapter: PascoNativePlants.org
Facebook.com/PascoNativePlants/naturecoastfnps@gmail.com
Florida Association of Native Nurseries: fann.org

Photography Hike
2022-04-09 08:30 - 10:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Walk the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way.

Grab your camera of choice and enjoy a guided tour of the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve! This program will begin with a brief classroom session to highlight the seasonal features of the Preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors, that will help participants capture the natural beauty of the area. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome.
This hike is roughly 2 miles in total length on a combination of boardwalks and unimproved, natural paths. This program is is best suited for adults.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that works to promote education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve. Learn about our Friends!
REGISTER HERE

Intro to Beekeeping
2022-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards ~ Part 3

Keeping Your Hives Healthy
In this 3rd session of our series on the Introduction to Beekeeping we will cover what it takes to keep your hives healthy throughout the beekeeping seasons. We will review how to maintain healthy honeybee colonies, discuss how to recognize pests and diseases, and have an in- depth discussion on what you can do to support your bees, with a focus on organic beekeeping practices.
Agenda:

Managing diseases and pests
Traditional and organic beekeeping practices.
Best practices for healthy hives

Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
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. An equal opportunity institution.
UF/IFAS Extension provides practical education you can trust, to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.
REGISTER HERE

HUKYU BONSAI SOCIETY MEETING
2022-04-09 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.

CLAM BAYOU PRESERVE ESTUARY WALK
2022-04-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of Clam Bayou Preserve. Learn about this local estuary and the plants and wildlife found in this unique environment. We will meet at the Nature Center and drive over to Clam Bayou as a group.
We recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes and bring a carrier or stroller for young children.

Efficient Irrigation Strategies for City of Tampa Residents
2022-04-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Online Event
Learn effective irrigation strategies from experts.

This workshop is for City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn efficient irrigation strategies from a Florida Friendly Landscaping Certified Professional and Environmental Specialist in Water Conservation. Learn about seasonal irrigation schedules, setting an irrigation budget, checking for leaks and predicting monthly water use.
We will conduct this Efficient Irrigation Strategies workshop on line via ZOOM. You do not need additional software or more than basic computer skills to attend. The link to join us for the workshop will be sent to you the afternoon before the class.
The Zoom workshop is FREE to attend. Registration is required.
For more information, contact: Julia Palaschak, 813-274-5912, julia.palaschak@tampagov.net
BUY TICKETS
Sponsored by City of Tampa Water Department in Partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County.

MIGRATING BIRDS JOURNEY HOME
2022-04-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
NATURAL HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES
MIGRATING BIRDS JOURNEY HOME
Join Sensing Nature Wildlife Biologist Jeanne Murphy as she shares about some of her fleeting winter visitors, who designate Florida as their preferred winter retreat, and spring migrants, who take advantage of our state’s hospitality as a much-needed respite on their way from Central and South America to northern regions.
Calling all migrating birds – only those with feathers need to fly.
