Canoe paddle tour
2023-10-07 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Clam Bayou Nature Preserve, 34th Avenue S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, 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. campbayou@gmail.com

Wildflower & Pollinator Festival
2023-10-07 09:00 - 16:00 | FL
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, face-art and more await you at this free event.
Ongoing Activities Outside:

Wildflower Quest- Take the challenge along the Ed Center Trail (last hunt at 3pm)
Butterfly Encounter- Enjoy a walkthrough tent where you are surrounded by live butterflies!
Native Plant Sale- Near the parking lot, starts at 8am (while supplies last).

In the Classroom Building:

Beeswax candle-making
Build a pollinator house (donation requested, while supplies last)

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!
Questions? Email brookercreek@pinellas.gov

Naturalist Guided Hike
2023-10-07 09:00 - 23:00 | 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.

Explore the mangrove and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided hike of the Preserve. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
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 hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
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

Microirrigation Workshop
2023-10-07 09:30 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water when watering your garden.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Composting Workshop
2023-10-07 10:00 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Composting – learn how to turn trash into treasure!
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Diamondback Terrapins: Conservation of an Imperiled Coastal Turtle
2023-10-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Herpetologist George Heinrich will discuss Diamondback Terrapins in Florida.
Learn about the natural history and conservation of an imperiled estuarine turtle, the diamondback terrapin. Although terrapins occur in 16 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the coastline of Florida represents approximately 20% of their entire range. Five of the seven recognized subspecies occur in the state’s extensive salt marsh and mangrove habitats, including three endemics.
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth should be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
This program will feature George L. Heinrich, 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Secrets of Native Plant Propagation Workshop
2023-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Plant propagation is a fun, rewarding, and economical way to add native plants to your yard. Learn the basics of plant propagation techniques and get hands-on experience practicing what you have learned! Participants will be able to take home a plant that they have propagated, too!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE

Vermicomposting Workshop
2023-10-07 13:00 - 14:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Vermicomposting: Where the worms do the work and we reap the benefits!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Attend a Vermicomposting workshop with us and learn how to compost with worms. If you don’t have the space for traditional composting, try vermicomposting. In this class you will learn how to make a worm bin out a plastic tote (which you will receive), about other types of worm bins and how composting worms breathe. You will receive Composting Red Wiggler worms and learn about what they can consume, what they need from you and what you can do with vermicomposting castings (by-product) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Owl Prowl Family Night Hike
2023-10-07 19:30 - 20:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring your family and join our park rangers for our monthly night hikes! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Outreach Volunteer Training
2023-10-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Are you a people person? Tampa Bay Watch is looking for friendly volunteers to represent our organization at community events such as outdoor festivals and farmers’ markets. As an outreach volunteer, you talk to the public who come up to our table display about Tampa Bay Watch, including our mission, our restoration and conservation projects, and our volunteer and membership opportunities.
Attend the outreach volunteer training on Tuesday, October 3, 12-1pm or Tuesday, October 10, 6-7pm to learn more about the overall mission of Tampa Bay Watch so you’ll be able to comfortably represent us at community events. The training will include a tour of our facility and a presentation on Tampa Bay Watch restoration and education programs. Food will be provided. Please RSVP by September 27 to Rachel at rarndt@tampbaywatch.org or 727-867-8166 x233.

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2023-05-03 | 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

Mono Clean-a-thon
2023-10-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to participate in a Mono Clean-a-thon. We’ll be cleaning “mono” or fishing line which involves sorting through the used line to remove debris, then cutting out hooks and lures. The clean line will be contributed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s statewide initiative for proper recycling and repurposing of used fishing line.
Click here to register to volunteer.

Puddle Jumpers
2023-09-06 09:30 - 11:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Outdoor exploration and learning for children entering Pre-K. Dress for rain or shine!
Ages 3 yrs – 5 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Elemental Seasons Homeschool Class
2023-09-20 09:30 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join Ruth Glass as we study the seasons and traditional celebrations from around the world. Children will go on hikes, participate in celebrations of nature, and create nature art to take home.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE

Organic Vegetable Gardening
2023-10-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to discuss organic vegetable gardening do’s and don’ts for southwest Florida.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Florida Birding & Nature Festival
2023-10-12 - 2023-11-15 | Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
Four days of field and boat trips, expert seminars, keynote speakers, and a great free nature expo!
Festival Schedule Details for 2023

Florida Birding & Nature Festival
2023-10-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
Come celebrate the wonders of nature at this festival devoted to wildlife, birds especially! Find seminars, a silent auction, and a nature expo.
https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/

Book Time at Brooker
2022-12-22 10:30 - 11:00 | 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

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2023-09-07 15:30 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
>>> REGISTER HERE

The Butterflies of Pinellas County
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States

Climate Change and Cultural Sites in Florida
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how historical and archaeological sites threatened by climate change are protected in Florida.
How do we protect cemeteries, historic buildings, and archaeological sites that are threatened by climate change in Florida? How is it decided which sites get attention and which do not? Join the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education in collaboration with the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society for a special presentation of how archaeologists are currently answering these questions, what significant threats are observed in Florida, and how the public can help!
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for adults.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Creepy Crawlies: SSssnakes
2023-10-13 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about these interesting, mysterious, and often maligned reptiles, especially how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Advanced Plant Identification - 3-Part Series
2023-10-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This three-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 three-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.
Registration will CLOSE on October 6.
>>> REGISTER HERE REGISTER HERE

Halloween Hikes
2023-10-14 05:00 - 20:00 | Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, 4202 24th St SE, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
Are you brave enough to venture into the woods after dark?
Join Camp Bayou guides at a rare night event- Creatures of the Night/Haunted Hike on Saturday, Oct 14th.

Two options are available:
The hike at 6pm is for the little ones to explore the woods while looking for signs of native nocturnal critters.
The hike at 7pm will include some interesting tales of the crypto creatures that lurk in the woods that might be a bit too scary for the young’uns.
Each hike is $5 per person (cash only please) and includes s’mores around the campfire at the end of the walk.
Space is limited, reservations are required by completing this form: https://forms.gle/jvspZCAaPGCmXFLh8

campbayou@gmail.com

Return the Preserve Work Day
2023-10-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, 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.
We will meet in the main parking lot. Registered participants will meet at 7:45, start at 8:00, and work until 11:00.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Pollinator Garden Workday!
2023-09-09 08:00 - 21:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Pollinator Garden Workday at Moccasin Lake Nature Park!
2nd Saturdays of the month at 8am!
Hello beautiful plant people!
I recommend water, sunscreen, and a hat. It will be quite hot and humid. The park provides gloves, but if you have your own, it may be a good idea to bring them.
Meet by Garden Lodge (brown building). We will be doing general weeding, pruning, and clean-up in anticipation for planting new native plants in the fall. I hope to see everyone there! Let us know you are coming at 727-562-4315, ext. 1.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Beginning Bird Walk @ LLP
2023-10-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 9 am. We’ll walk the boardwalk or trails, depending on where the best birds are. We have binoculars to loan, and someone will have a spotting scope so you can get up really close and personal! Bring water and a snack.
RSVP to trip leader Jim Hengelbrok at jim.hengelbrok@tampaaudubon.org

AUTUMN HARVEST FESTIVAL
2023-10-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate the fall season at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve’s annual Autumn Harvest Festival!
Join us for a variety of festive activities including hay rides, crafts, games, music, food trucks, and more!
Activity tickets available for purchase.
FREE ADMISSION | ALL AGES WELCOME!
