Great Southeast Pollinator Census
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-23 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia. It is open to residents of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. It is designed for everyone to participate and make a difference for pollinator conservation!
The City of Clearwater and the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society are hosting a two-day counting event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, August 22nd and Saturday, August 23rd.
Participants will be assigned an area of the butterfly garden in the park and will be asked to record their observations of the following kinds of pollinators: bumblebees, honeybees, carpenter bees, small bees, wasps, butterflies, and other pollinators. The organizers will collect the observations and submit them to the University of Georgia. Count sheets and other information will be provided to participants. Nonprofit vendors will be on hand with information about pollinator conservation.
MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION LINKS HERE

Dune Savers Work Day
2025-08-22 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-08-29 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-09-05 07:30 - 08:30 (America/New_York) | 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!

Boat America Classes
2025-08-23 09:00 - 2025-08-24 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

Funky Fungi Hike
2025-08-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve to learn all about our favorite GI, FUN-GI.
Explore the trails to find fungi in its diverse ecosystems and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s funkiest fungi.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-08-23 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-30 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.

Global Raptors
2025-08-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us to learn about our aerial predators!
Join us to meet this distinctive trio of aerial predators. We will feature the peregrine falcon, the osprey and the barn owl, examining each species, and comparing their strategies for survival. Expect to be amazed!
Join Barbara Walker of the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for this enlightening, photographic enriched program AND meet live raptors!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<
Family friendly. Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

Native Plant Walk: Upper Tampa Bay Park
2025-08-24 08:00 - 10:00 | Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa, FL, 33635, United States
Join Dave Perkey, Jan Allyn, and other nature lovers on Sunday, August 24th at this 596-acre peninsular park for a photography walk. Bring your camera or phone or just come along to stroll, learn and enjoy!
Please RSVP to jallyn727@gmail.com with your name, number in your party, and a cell phone number where you can be reached in case of event cancellation.
The 596-acre park protects valuable coastal habitat and ecological communities that include mangrove forests, salt marshes, freshwater marshes, coastal hammocks, and pine flatwoods. Visitors can take a hike on nature trails and boardwalks and see gopher tortoises, zebra swallowtail butterflies, and even bobcats. They can also check out the shallow fresh water ponds that provide habitat for aquatic plants and animals. Live oaks and other hardwood trees often grow near these wetlands, where red-shouldered hawks and bald eagles are sometimes seen. The shoreline and waters attract park wildlife and many other species, including roseate spoonbills, ospreys, otters, bottle nosed dolphins, and manatees.
Learn more about Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park:
https://hcfl.gov/locations/upper-tampa-bay-conservation-park

Perico Preserve Tour
2025-08-24 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.

Cottage Foods 101
2025-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This 2-hour workshop will introduce the basics of starting your own cottage food business out of your home, up to $250,000.
Ever thought about starting a food business out of your home but weren’t sure how to get started? This 2-hour workshop will provide you with an introduction to the basics of starting a food business. Topics include:
· Cottage food regulations
· Business registration
· Budget basics
· Food safety
· Allergens
· Labeling
· …and more!
This is an introductory class that will provide you with the information you need to help you decide whether to pursue your home-based food business.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at: (813) 744-5519
**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 Joshua Payne at: joshuapayne@ufl.edu or 813 744-5519 x 54136, at least 1 week in advance.

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-08-27 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-09-03 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!

The Cosmic Recipe for Life
2025-08-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
How does life not only survive, but thrive in Earth’s most extreme environments? How do we search for life beyond our home planet? Is there a cosmic recipe for life?
Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature for a one-hour live presentation diving into the science behind the Life on the Edge exhibit! We’ll explore extremophiles on Earth, alien oceans, icy moon missions, and exoplanets at the edge in search of The Cosmic Recipe for Life!
The Life on the Edge exhibit will be open for an exclusive viewing from 6:30pm-7pm and again from 8-8:30pm, with a one-hour live presentation in The Planetarium from 7-8pm.
Doors open at 6:30pm. The presentation begins at 7 pm inside the Planetarium.
Preregistration required.
$10/$3 for Members/Members under 17; $15/$5 for Non-Members/Non-Members under 17.
Beer and wine cash bar available.`
Seating in the Planetarium is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Book Time at Brooker
2025-08-28 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-09-04 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.
>>> MORE INFO <<<

Plant This, Not That!
2025-08-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Plant This, Not That!
Alternatives to Common Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to the state (either intentionally or unintentionally) and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These plants often outcompete native species, disrupting natural ecosystems and causing various problems.
Many common landscape plants in central Florida are actually invasive species that are shared between unknowing home gardeners and sold commercially (because they may not be a problem elsewhere), adding to their spread.
Come and learn about these common invasive plant species to avoid, and which species should be used in your home landscape instead!

>> GET TICKETS <<<

What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle Yard Waste
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-Friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-08-28 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-09-04 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
2025-08-29 09:00 - 10:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Connect to Nature Guided Walk
2025-08-30 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Enjoy a family friendly nature hike!
An escape to rejuvenate and connect with Mother Nature ( a cradle for wilderness). Take an extra step with Anu ( our new volunteer) to learn about habitat restoration and our resident species at BCP.
Share some of your stories as a nature lover.
This is a family friendly hike. We cover a loop of 0.75 mile trail observing the unique habitats of Brooker Creek.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Please note that 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. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom before you begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Understanding Light in Nature Photography Workshop
2025-08-30 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-09-03 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 <<<

Exploration Hike
2025-08-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve, perfect for nature lovers of all ages.
Learn about the history of Boyd Hill, its diverse ecosystems, and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s natural wonders.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Pollinators
2025-08-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th Street, Dade City, FL, 33523, United States
Who are the pollinators and why are they important to our world?
Pollinators are critical to our ecosystem, and they are in trouble. Who are the pollinators and why are they important to our world? Why we should care about them and how we can help them survive our ever-increasingly warm climate.
A healthy garden with the right plants will support natural beneficial insects and their needs. Learn what’s causing their decline and how planting a pollinator friendly habitat in our yards will benefit them and us!
>>> GET TICKETS <<<

Bay Babies
2025-09-05 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.

World Shorebirds Day
2025-09-06 | FL
Some 50% of the world’s shorebird species are in decline, and vital habitat is being lost at a higher rate than ever.
We urgently need to raise public awareness around the world of these imperilled birds’ plight and the need for shorebird conservation and research.

World Shorebirds Day

Morning Nature Walk Starkey Park
2025-09-06 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

Boyd Hill 1st Saturday Field Trip
2025-09-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
St. Petersburg Audubon is continuing the Ron Smith “1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trips.
Field Trip Leader: Paul Waton
Location: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks.
Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am.
What to Bring:
Hat, Binoculars, Insect repellent, Sunscreen (although portions will have shade). Water is available on some of the trails. The Nature Center has bathrooms.
