HISTORIC HOME TOURS & DEMONSTRATIONS
2022-10-15, 2022-10-08 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, located at 3010 31st Street South, features several historic and replica buildings that showcase life in West Central Florida circa 1880 -1920.
All Ages Welcome
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children

Historic Homes Tour – Every Saturday at 10 a.m.
Demonstrations – Every Saturday between 1 & 3 p.m.

Demonstration Schedule:

September 3: Rope making
September 10: Candle making
September 17: Print making
September 24: Laundry Day

Cat Tale: The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther
2022-10-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department present the annual Natural History Speaker Series (NHSS), a program that offers fascinating presentations on the natural and cultural history of Florida by individuals who are authorities in their fields.

Veggie Influenza
2022-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for a class on common vegetable diseases!

This workshop is designed to educate the casual gardener about some of the most common vegetable diseases in Florida and in Manatee County. In this roughly two hour class, participants will learn the basic biology of pathogenic organisms, how to identify common disease symptoms, and acquire some basic disease management skills. This workshop is not designed for professional landscapers or pesticide applicators.
For special accommodations, please let us know 10 days before the class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

The Endangered Sawfish of Tampa Bay
2022-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us to see a three-foot sawfish replica, feel some real sawfish rostra (saws), and get some great free sawfish swag.

Sawfish are large shark-like rays that once were relatively common in Florida’s coastal waters including Tampa Bay. Now, Florida’s smalltooth sawfish is endangered and scientists are striving to learn as much as possible about this iconic and fascinating fish. Tonya Wiley, President of Havenworth Coastal Conservation, will provide a presentation with interesting facts about sawfish, updates on Tampa Bay area sawfish research, explanations of management tools such as the Endangered Species Act, and descriptions of ways you can be involved in the recovery of smalltooth sawfish. Join us to see a three-foot sawfish replica, feel some real sawfish rostra (saws), and get some great free sawfish swag.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Nature Investigators' Club
2022-10-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-10-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Explore different aspects of nature at the Florida Botanical Gardens!

Free admission, pre-registration only.

Do you have a child ages 3-7 who loves to explore nature? Become a Member of the Nature Investigators’ Club!
We will meet at the Florida Botanical Gardens each Friday at 10 AM to explore the different parts of nature and their interactions for a period of 6 weeks.

Benefits include:Small group: personal interactions with a certified environmental educatorTime in plant-rich environment, which has several proven health and wellness benefitsLearning through exploration, fostering development of higher-level problem solving skills
Opportunity to interact with other children, fostering teamwork and group collaboration skills
One (1) nature journal for use through the duration of the session.
Limited capacity:7 children slots for each sessionParent/Guardian must be present for the entirety of the session.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Oyster shell bar at 2D Island
2022-10-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-10-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Williams Park Boat Ramp
The project meeting location is Williams Park boat ramp, 9425 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578, which is next to the U.S. 41 bridge over the Alafia River.

We will be installing an oyster shell bar which involves shoveling fossilized shell into mesh bags and transporting the bags to lay on the shoreline. This effort will help restore lost habitat by promoting new oyster growth, ultimately improving water quality and providing food sources and habitat for many species. To learn more and watch a video of the process, visit https://tampabaywatch.org/restoration/oyster-communities/oyster-shell-bags/.

Click here to register to volunteer.

Organic Gardening Series: Soils & Compost
2022-10-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to optimize your soil for organic gardening!

Organic gardening success begins with soil building. This class will cover soil amendments for adding organic matter and nutrients to keep plants healthy and stress-free.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Talk Plants with Me
2022-10-13 11:30 - 13:00 | Online Event
Ask a Horticulture Agent Webinar!

Submit your questions to our Horticulture Agent for live Q&A. We will talk about hot topics in the plant world and may have a few guests join us along the way.
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.ued at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Audubon Florida Assembly 2022
2022-10-13 - 2022-10-15 | FL
Birds Tell Us

Hooded Warbler. Photo: John A. Middleton, Jr.

Registration for Audubon Assembly 2022 is now open! Register before Sept. 25 to enjoy the “early bird” discount.
Held in-person October 13-15 at the Luminary Hotel in downtown Fort Myers, this year’s event will center on the theme “Birds Tell Us.”
Register Today!
With learning sessions, a keynote presentation, awards, and field trips to some of the birdiest hotspots in the region, Assembly is a great opportunity to network with Audubon members, staff, and volunteers across the state.
Our Friday afternoon learning session topics include:

Creating Habitat in Unconventional Ways to Maximize Connections for Conservation Lands
Perspectives from the Next Generation of Conservationists
From Birding to Conservation: Bringing New Birders into the Conservation Movement

The Saturday morning Plenary session will be Birds Tell Us: Banding, Tracking, and Monitoring to Improve Conservation.
Event Agenda (tentative)
Thursday, October 13

Optional field trips
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Pre-Welcome cocktail reception

Friday, October 14

7:30-11:30 a.m./12 p.m. | Expert-led Field Trips
12:00-1:30 p.m. | Welcome Luncheon
2-5:15p.m. | Learning Sessions
6-7 p.m. | Welcome Reception
7-9 p.m. | Keynote and Awards Ceremony

This year’s keynote speaker will be Marshall Johnson, Chief Conservation Officer of the National Audubon Society. He will share how Audubon staff and community scientists are helping us understand what birds are telling us about the most important conservation issues of our time. His keynote presentation is entitled How Audubon Staff and Community Scientists Unlock What Birds Tell Us About Our Water, Climate, and World.
Saturday, October 15

7:30-8:45 a.m. | Networking Breakfast
8:45-9:45 a.m. | Chapters’ Celebration
10 – 11:45 a.m. | Plenary, Closing Remarks

Cost: $155 | $135 early bird | $80 Friday night banquet only.
Register today!
Note: Conservation Leadership Initiative mentors should not select any of the Friday field trips.

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2022-10-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2022-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 | 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 <<<

Oyster Reef Ball Construction
2022-10-12 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-10-06 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-10-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us at the Tampa Bay Watch Marine Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde to help build oyster reef balls!
This task involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster reef balls, then taking apart the molds when dry. The reef balls will be installed at a future date to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion while creating habitat similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay.
Click here to visit our webpage to learn more about reef balls.
Click here to register to volunteer!

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Meeting
2022-10-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, FL, United States
The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at The Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd/US 41, Land O’ Lakes, 34639, between SR 52 and SR 54.
The subject of the October 11, 2022 meeting is “A History of Hillsborough River State Park and It’s Future Challenges”, presented by Cheryl Metzger. Cheryl has been the Resource Management Park Services Specialist for Hillsborough River State Park for the past 5 years. She is the Burn Manager for the Park and oversees a team that treats non-native, invasive plant species in the 1,600 acre Park. Cheryl manages multiple restoration projects and provides training for staff and volunteers to manage the natural resources of the Park.
The Park has been historically significant since the beginning of the Second Seminole War which began in 1835, before becoming officially a part of the Florida State Park System in 1935 and the Civilian Conservation Corps involvement in its construction. With these cultural changes, the natural areas have changed too, some for the better. As the next 100 years approaches, what challenges will be faced in 2035 and beyond?
Meetings of the Chapter are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend and bring questions about their yard. There will be light refreshments. Telephone inquiries are taken by Molly at (813) 469-9597.
Nature Coast Chapter: naturecoastfnps@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PascoNativePlants

Youth Citizen Science Training
2022-10-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
A science learning experience at the Florida Botanical Gardens!

Registration is required.

Event Activities & Information

Activities are open to the public, all ages are welcome. Boy & Girl Scouts will be able to take advantage of this opportunity to earn a Scouts merit badge.
We will meet at the Florida Botanical Gardens on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month to explore the different parts of nature and their interactions.
This event has an open window, from 1-4 PM, come for an hour or stay the full time! Activities will be instructor-led, by an accredited Merit Badge Counselor.
Sessions:Sunday, August 14th & August 28th
Sunday, September 11th & September 25th
Sunday, October 9th & October 23rd (Pumpkin Fest)
Contact our Educator for more information: flbgeducation@gmail.com.

The Butterflier’s Guide to the Galaxy, or least, Florida
2022-10-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for an entertaining dive into the quirks and complexities of Butterflies!

Do butterflies drink tears from crocodile eyeballs? How can you fool a predator by wiggling your butt? Inquiring minds want to know, and John Lampkin has the answers to these and other compelling questions with photographic proof! And following this entertaining and educational presentation, cast your vote for Florida’s most beautiful butterfly!
Geared towards an adult audience.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

HUKYU BONSAI SOCIETY MEETING
2022-10-08 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.

Science Sprouts
2022-10-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Budding scientists ages 2-5 can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. The program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using imaginative play, crafts, stories, songs and more! Please note: This program does not include Museum admission.

On Saturday, June 4, explore “In the Deep Ocean”
On Saturday, June 11, explore “Swirly Whirly Snails”
On Saturday, June 18, explore “Manatee Mischief”
On Saturday, June 25, explore “Busy Buzzin’ Bees”
When/Where: 9-10am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe
Cost: $12 per child for members of the Discovery Society; $15 per child for all others. (Includes one adult per child.)
Advance reservations required. Attendance limited to 12 children.

Register now
The Bishop follows the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels guidelines. Please visit www.CDC.gov to see the current Manatee County Community Level before visiting. Masks must be worn indoors when Community Levels are high.

Photography Hike
2022-10-08 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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!

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2022-10-08 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

Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!
2022-10-08 - 2022-10-09 | FL
The year 2022 is a critical year for efforts to protect our Planet, as the world will come together to agree on a Global Biodiversity Framework, – a Paris-style agreement for nature, representing a once in a decade opportunity for countries to reverse nature loss and build a more nature-positive future.
Many issues threaten the future of our shared home. One of those issues is light pollution, which is increasing globally by at least two percent a year. Light pollution wastes energy and impacts the entire ecosystem, including millions of migratory birds. Did you know that most birds migrate at night? Artificial light attracts and disorients nocturnally migrating birds, making them more likely to land in areas where they are more vulnerable to collisions and other dangers. Light pollution also impacts birds in other ways, disrupting their internal clocks, long-distance migrations, as well as other vital behaviors.
World Migratory Bird Day, which is celebrated on both the second Saturday in May (14th) and October (8th), celebrates the migration of birds across countries and continents. This year, the campaign will be focusing on the issue of light pollution and the negative effects it is having on migratory birds. With the theme “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!” the campaign will promote steps that individuals, communities, and governments can take to reduce the impact of light pollution on birds. It will also be used to promote best practice guidelines which are being developed under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to address this growing issue and to ensure that action is taken globally to help birds migrate safely.
Earthhour and all that it represents has grown to become more than just an hour, it is a movement for our future, our planet and #ForNature – including for millions of migratory birds which migrate across our skies at night!
Let’s come together and use #EarthHour and the upcoming #WorldMigratoryBirdDay on 14 MAy and 8 October 2022 to also raise awareness about the impact of light pollution on migrating birds and take steps to “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night”!
Learn more about Earthhour here and learn more about the impact of light pollution on migratory birds here.

The History of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
2022-10-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States

Turtle Bioartifacts
2022-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Turtle Bioartifacts
And What They Can Teach Us

Examine turtle bioartifacts and learn about turtle biology and ecology!

Dive into turtle science 101 with local herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich! This hands-on workshop will explore turtle bioartifacts (natural history objects) commonly found during nature forays. Numerous specimens of shells and skulls will allow us to learn about turtle anatomy and species diversity. We will also examine a variety of eggs and dissect gopher tortoise scat. Participants may also get to observe some of the Preserve’s resident gopher tortoises.
This workshop will take place outdoors, under the covered pavilion adjacent to the Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for ages 16+ and youth should be accompanied by an adult.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Weedon Island. Our Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Learn more about our Friends at https://friendsofweedonisland.org/.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tap to Tide Water School
2022-10-05 09:00 - 15:00 | Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant, 995 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Tap to Tide Water School topics explore water quality and conservation concerns.

Join UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension for an in depth look at emerging water issues in our region. We will provide expert presentations and deep dives into the topics during facilitated discussions. This program is intended for local policymakers but all interested are welcome to register.
Please bring your own reusable water bottles, sunscreen, hat, etc. for the boat tour portion of Water School.
Agenda:
9:00-12:30 Class session (coffee provided)
12:30 Lunch
1:15-3:00 Field Trip, boat tour

>> BUY TICKETS <<<

Landscape Best Management Practices
2022-10-04 08:30 - 11:30 | Pinellas County Public Works Clearwater, 22211 US Highway 19 North Bldg #1 (ERB), Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Learn about Landscape Best Management Practices to protect our environment with a healthy landscape!
Both English & Spanish classes are offered on the same day at the same time at the same location. This is the required class for those doing work in the lawn and landscape maintenance industry such as mowing, pruning, and landscape debris management.
>>> BUY TICKETS <<<

Clearwater Audubon Society Meeting
2022-10-03 06:30 - 08:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The local chapter of the National Audubon Society conducts field trips to Florida’s natural areas, supports local environmental education efforts and sponsors environmental educators to Audubon training centers. Everyone is welcome. clearwateraudubonsociety.org
DETAILS HERE
