Book Time at Brooker
2025-10-09 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-10-02 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-09-25 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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 <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-10-08 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-01 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-24 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!

Hiking with Baby
2025-10-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Come out with your little one(s) to enjoy the preserve.
Meet other new and seasoned parents while bonding with your new family member.
Get outdoors and make new friends! It is good for your mental health and reduces stress.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Fall Fright Fest
2025-10-04 17:00 - 21:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Our Fall Fright Fest will be held on Saturday, October 4 from 5-9pm.
First walks will be for the young ones, beginning at 6pm, learning about our native nocturnal wildlife.
The 7pm and later walks will be stories about past misadventures at Camp Bayou and the spirits who can’t rest.
Then join us by the campfire for s’mores!
A donation of $5 per person is requested to help cover the cost of supplies.
Registration will open in September.

Bay Babies
2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
Ages 3 – 6
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session may include story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited.
Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Children must have an accompanying adult in the classroom. Due to space constraints, only one adult per child is allowed.

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-27 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.

Wildflower & Pollinator Festival
2025-10-04 09:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Florida’s native wildflowers and pollinators!
The Fall Wildflower and Pollinator Festival returns this year with a day of fun for the whole family! This free event is brought to you by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve!
Celebrate Florida Wildflowers and the Pollinators that support us all. A native plant sale will feature vendors from our area with plants that are beautiful, pollinator-friendly, and best suited for our climate. Kid’s crafts will focus on make-and-take projects to support pollinators in our own yards and neighborhoods. There will be a Pollinator Encounter tent to experience these helpful, harmless insects close-up. Various organizations will be available to answer questions about growing wildflowers, attracting pollinators, and being a good friend to Nature in Pinellas County! Refreshments, temporary pollinator tattoos and more await you at this free event.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Ongoing Activities Outside:

Wildflower Quest- Take the challenge along the Ed Center Trail (last hunt at 1pm)
Butterfly Encounter- Enjoy a walkthrough tent where you are surrounded by live butterflies!
Native Plant Sale- Near the parking lot (while supplies last).

In the Classroom Building:

Beeswax candle-making
Honeybee observation hive

In the Auditorium:

Nature crafts for kids
Educational information tables

Exhibit Hall

Get a temporary tattoo featuring a wildflower or pollinator, thanks to Kate Dolamore Art

The Exhibit Hall and Nature Store are open all day from 9am to 4pm! Refreshments available for purchase. Naturalists on trails to answer questions. Come rain or shine! All activities are subject to change.
Questions? Email brookercreek@pinellas.gov
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Canoe Paddle Tour
2025-10-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Enjoy an hour and half of easy paddling on the Little Manatee River loop with your guide.
Three seater canoe rentals or 1 person kayaks can be rented for $25.
Or bring your own canoe or kayak and join us with a $5 donation.
Reserve your canoe or kayak by calling the office at 813-641-8545. Limited availability.

Native Plant Walk LLP
2025-10-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Meet behind the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center in the Native Plant Garden for a walk on the paved trail and boardwalk with a representative of the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Learn what grows naturally in the hardwood swamp and how native plants benefit wildlife.
Walks are free but there is a $2 charge to enter the park. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.

2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Fall Plant Sale
2025-10-04 08:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Affordable plants grown by our Master Gardener Volunteers!
Tickets:
Please choose one ticket type. If you purchase an Early Bird ticket you do NOT need a Regular entry ticket. You can continue shopping after 9AM.
8AM-9AM

Early Bird Individual Ticket: $10
Early Bird Family Ticket (2+ people): $15

9AM-12PM

Regular entry: FREE

Keep in mind the earlier you attend, the more selection of plants you’ll have!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Additional Details:

Eventbrite tickets required & necessary for communication about the event
You do not need to bring your ticket to the sale, we will have your name on a list
Bring your own garden cart or wagon & load up
Cash or personal check only
Restrooms will be closed
Please only choose one ticket type

Proceeds:
All proceeds from this event go to the operation and maintenance of the Master Gardeners’ Educational Gardens and Greenhouse, and to support Master Gardener educational and outreach programs.

Accessibility:
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.

Morning Nature Walk Starkey Park
2025-10-04 07:30 - 11:30 | J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center, 10500 Wilderness Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34655, United States
Pasco Audubon
Meet 7:30 AM
Starkey Education Center
1 to 4 mile walk
Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips.
Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details.
Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours.
For more info email Christine Rowland

Dune Savers Work Day
2025-10-03 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-09-26 07:30 - 08:30 | To Be Determined, FL, United States
Contact Deb Rothenberger for location: d2bv4@aol.com
Thank you all and can’t wait to see you Friday morning!

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-10-02 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-09-25 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 <<<

Understanding Light in Nature Photography Workshop
2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
What makes one photo more compelling than another? It often comes down to composition — how you arrange the elements of a scene within your frame. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the art of composition to create more engaging images. We’ll break down techniques like the Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, Curves, and more, all using clear visual examples.
We’ll start with an easy-to-follow classroom presentation, then head into the gardens to practice what you’ve learned with your camera in hand. For DSLR, mirrorless, and smartphone photographers – this class will help you see your scenes with a fresh eye.
Registration is required
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

HIKE Cockroach Creek Greenway
2025-09-30 08:00 - 11:30 | Cockroach Creek Greenway, 4110 Valroy Road, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Join us for a 4 to 6 miles hike across open prairies, flatwoods and some riverine hammock. We will learn about the ecology, habitats and pause for quotes to help us connect with the natural world.
Usual hiking gear/apparel e.g. water, hat, sun protection, and closed toe shoes. Long pants recommended. If wet conditions continue we may need to cross knee deep creeks so wear wetable shoes
Very limited parking will keep our group small. There are no facilities. Please sign the waiver on the electronic sign up. You can check with the leader about number reserved and other questions.
Level: Moderate
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Perico Preserve Tour
2025-09-28 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.

Family Night Hike with ASL
2025-09-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
This hike will have an ASL interpreter to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month. Bring the whole family to our monthly family night hike at Boyd Hill!
Explore the trails under the stars, discover nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy the wonders of nature together on this fun and educational adventure.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

IN YOUR BACKYARD: BUILD A BAT BOX!
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | BHPS Osprey’s Roost, 2900 31ST ST S Gate 2, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Florida is home to 13 different species of bats. Join us to learn more about these beneficial insect eaters and create a space for them in your own backyard by building a bat box!
In this engaging workshop, participants will discover the unique characteristics of bats, and how bat boxes provide essential roosting habitats for these nighttime flyers.
Ages 7 and up
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Boat America Classes
2025-09-27 09:00 - 2025-09-28 14:00 | U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters, 510 North Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33755, United States
Boat America Classes
Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card.

For the convenience of our students, some classes are held online via Zoom. These virtual classes utilize the same instructors and materials you would enjoy during the in-person classes. The schedule below notes whether the class is in person or via Zoom.
To register click on the Registration Form link at the bottom of this page or send an email to the Flotilla 11-1 Public Education Officer at clwtr.auxboating@gmail.com

2025 Boat America Classes

June 28 and 29 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
July 26 and 27 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
August 23 and 24 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
September 27 and 28 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
October 25 and 26 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
November 22 and 23 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person

Class cost includes book.

Register for Boat America class

Lake Seminole Park Field Trip
2025-09-27 08:00 - 10:00 | Lake Seminole Park, 10015 Park Boulevard North, Seminole, FL, 33777, United States
led by Matt Yubas
10015 Park Blvd. North Seminole, Florida 33777
https://pinellas.gov/parks/lake-seminole-park/
Park at the entrance of Shelter 5 across from the flagpole.
What to Bring:
Hat
Binoculars
Water
Insect repellent
Sunscreen

YourSELF in Bloom: Storytime
2025-09-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
A Social & Emotional Learning Storytime for Preschool-aged Children!
Enjoy an turtle-themed storytime that focuses on developing children’s social and emotional competencies through engaging stories, crafts, and activities. This interactive program is intended for children ages 3-6 with a caretaker.
This unique opportunity is presented by the Zero Suicide Partners of Pinellas, and hosted by the Brooker Creek Preserve.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Important Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 3-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center buildings. This event will be held in the auditorium.

Salt Tolerant Plants - Master Gardener Speaker Series
2025-09-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
When it rains it pours in Florida’s rainy season! Excess rainwater can cause flooding, and become stormwater runoff carrying pollutants and nutrients into our waterways.
An easy way to conserve water and reduce runoff is to create a rain garden in your yard.
Join Master Gardener Liza Ryan to learn about rain gardens and how to create yours!
Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
