Off the Beaten Path
2019-03-24 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
A nature-based fundraising hike series!
Description: This series of four hikes will take place in beautiful areas tucked away within Brooker Creek Preserve in sites that are closed to the public. Our guide, Dr. Craig Huegel, a Wildlife Ecologist with St. Petersburg College, can identify everything, from the tiniest moss to the tallest tree including animal prints, bird calls, lichens, and more. He is full of stories and very patient in answering questions. The hikes will be not only educational, but a lot of fun as well! The hikes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and be about 3-4 hours long. Bring
water and lunch.
Cost: $80 donation for the series or $25 donation per hike. There is a 10% discount for members of Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
Sites Off the Beaten Path:
Jan. 13, 2019 – Cypress Swamp Stomp – Located in the central part of the preserve, this site features orchids, ferns, and epiphytes. Plan to get wet, or maybe not, as we plunge into the depths of the swamp!
March 24, 2019 – Sandhill Scramble – The only true sandhills of Brooker Creek Preserve. This site is in the northern end of the preserve and will feature an abundance of spring wildflowers.
June 23, 2019 – Interior Wildlands – We will be in parts of the Preserve so remote that cell phones won’t work, areas so pretty you won’t believe you are in Pinellas County!
Sept. 22, 2019 – In Search of the Catesby’s Lily – Located in the eastern part of the preserve, we will search for the threatened Catesby’s Lily. In so doing, we will see a profusion of beautiful fall wildflowers in full bloom.
Reservations Required: Sign up early! Only 20 spots are open for these fabulous hikes off the beaten path!
Questions or to reserve your spot: fobcp@tampabay.rr.com or 727-934-2680.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brooker-creek-preserve-environmental-education-center-pinellas-county-extension-1249569181

Off the Beaten Path Hike
2019-03-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Reservations Required: To reserve your spot you MUST sign up by emailing fobcp@tampabay.rr.com.
A nature-based fundraising hike series!
Description: This series of four hikes will take place in beautiful areas tucked away within Brooker Creek Preserve in sites that are closed to the public. Our guide, Dr. Craig Huegel, a Wildlife Ecologist with St. Petersburg College, can identify everything, from the tiniest moss to the tallest tree including animal prints, bird calls, lichens, and more. He is full of stories and very patient in answering questions. The hikes will be not only educational, but a lot of fun as well! The hikes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and be about 3-4 hours long. Bring water and lunch.
Cost: $80 donation for the series or $25 donation per hike. There is a 10% discount for members of Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
Sites Off the Beaten Path:
Jan. 13, 2019 – Cypress Swamp Stomp – Located in the central part of the preserve, this site features orchids, ferns, and epiphytes. Plan to get wet, or maybe not, as we plunge into the depths of the swamp!
SOLD OUT–March 24, 2019 – Sandhill Scramble – The only true sandhills of Brooker Creek Preserve. This site is in the northern end of the preserve and will feature an abundance of spring wildflowers.
June 23, 2019 – Interior Wildlands – We will be in parts of the Preserve so remote that cell phones won’t work, areas so pretty you won’t believe you are in Pinellas County!
Sept. 22, 2019 – In Search of the Catesby’s Lily – Located in the eastern part of the preserve, we will search for the threatened Catesby’s Lily. In so doing, we will see a profusion of beautiful fall wildflowers in full bloom.
Reservations Required: Sign up early! Only 20 spots are open for these fabulous hikes off the beaten path!
Questions or to reserve your spot: fobcp@tampabay.rr.com or 727-934-2680.

SUNCOAST HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Meeting
2019-03-23 18:00 - 20:00 | FL
Guest speakers share their expertise on certain reptile and amphibian breeds on a monthly basis; some bring live animals. Learn fascinating facts on husbandry and diet to threats of extinction and how to protect these animals. The group offers presentations with live reptiles and amphibians to schools, clubs, etc., teaching responsible pet ownership, conservation and preservation through education.
Registration: https://www.meetup.com/Moccasin-Lake-Environmental-Education-Center/events/259327711/

NATURE EXPLORERS
2019-03-23 13:00 - 16:00, 2019-03-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2019-03-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ms. Amalia takes kids on an adventure with hands-on projects in the classroom and out on the trails. Ecology lesson geared for children with crafts, live animals and stories.
Cost: $15/child, ages 7 -11
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html

EDIBLE WILDS WALK
2019-03-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Look for birds on a guided hike led by knowledgeable birders. Binoculars are available for loan.
Cost: $3/$1.50
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html

TRAIL DETECTIVES
2019-03-23 11:00 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Most animals are shy and use their fantastic camouflage to hide from us. So how do we know animals are around us when we cannot see them? Let’s put our trail detective skills to the test to find what animals are present here at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html

Wonders of Wildlife Festival
2019-03-23 10:00 - 18:00 | EG Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin, FL, 33570, United States
The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay invites you to the first Wonders of Wildlife Festival. A family-oriented event created to educate our local communities in a fun and entertaining way about the importance of wildlife. We want everyone in the Tampa Bay area to value, enjoy, and protect our wildlife since understanding nature is crucial to our own well being. The festival provides a opportunity to see our native wildlife up close as well as learn about current threats to their existence.. Come have a day of family fun and see how we can all coexist to maintain the proper balance for sustainability and growth. Through programs, exhibits, and hand-on activities all participants will leave with a better understanding of our natural world and how we can help it.
We believe we have a responsibility to ensure that we are inspiring and developing the next generation of conservation champions, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers to ensure that we are all able to enjoy a landscape rich in wildlife in the future. The Wonders of Wildlife Festival will promote the benefits of doing more to help the local wildlife and the people who serve them. Will you join us in our efforts?
The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay (a 501(C)3 corporation)rehabilitates over 1000 wild birds and animals each year. Help us build the Center! Proceeds from the festival will help us build a center to rehabilitate wildlife in the Tampa Bay Area.
The ticket cost for the festival will be $12.00 for adults. Children 18 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult.

HERBAL FIRST AID
2019-03-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Saturday, Mar. 23, 10 am (Allergies)
Saturday, Mar. 30, 10 am (Cold and Flu)
Cost: $15 per class, ages 6 and up
This series of classes teaching which plants to use in first aid situations. Each themed class will include a plant walk and the creation of an herbal product to take home. All materials are provided.
Classes held at the Environmental Studies Area, 2900 31st Street S. in the Osprey Roost building.
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html

NATURE’S ELEMENTS
2019-03-23 09:00 - 12:00, 2019-03-16 09:00 - 12:00, 2019-03-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ms. Amalia takes kids on an adventure with hands-on projects in the classroom and out on the trails. Ecology lesson geared for children with crafts, live animals, and stories.
Cost: $15/child, ages 3 – 6
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html

Four Mile Hike
2019-03-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for a 2.8 to 4 mile walk as we look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Hike trails will be determined by trail condition. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a must, and water and a hat are recommended.
All ages are welcome. Children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and those younger than 10 may find this hike challenging.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Exhibit Hall 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom before we begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Pre-registration is required by 12:00 noon on the Friday before the hike.
Guided hikes vary in length, much of which is on unimproved, uneven sandy trails.
Hike takes about 3 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/o/brooker-creek-preserve-environmental-education-center-pinellas-county-extension-1249569181

Coastal Climate Walk: Early Restoration Efforts
2019-03-22 09:30 - 11:00 | Leffis Key, 2350 Gulf Drive S, Bradenton Beach, FL, 34217, United States
Part of Around the Bend Nature Tours Coastal Climate Walk 2019 series
Discover the first mangrove coastal restoration project on Sarasota Bay.
How to plant mangroves, mangrove forest boardwalk, inlet dynamics, bird migration stopover.
All walks are short with lots of time interpreting the natural and cultural history. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather.
To register for all 7 walks (and get one FREE!) CLICK HERE
For a 20% discount on 4 walks CLICK HERE

Air Potato Control Presentation
2019-03-20 17:30 - 19:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
“BYOB” Bring Your Own Bulbils –
An Air Potato Control Presentation
Join the fight against the invasive air potato vine! Be one of the first recipients of air potato beetles! Rid your yard of pesky bulbils (air potato vine’s aerial potatoes). Bag or containerize your air potato vine bulbils and bring them to this workshop for a chance to win an air potato beetle logo t-shirt! Get the inside scoop from Air Potato Biological Control scientist Dr. Christopher Kerr with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Customer Services. There will also be air potato beetle sign-ups, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. This event is free!
Click here to register.

SAFETY HARBOR GARDENING CLUB MEETING
2019-03-20 09:30 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
There’s a lot to learn about gardening. This group presents educational programs on a variety of gardening topics. For members, there are field trips and other special programs.
Registration: https://www.meetup.com/Moccasin-Lake-Environmental-Education-Center/events/259329751/

FLORIDA HERB SOCIETY MEETING
2019-03-19 18:30 - 21:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Bring herb cuttings, seeds and plants to swap along with your favorite herbal delight to add to the tasting and herbal swap tables. Registration and herbal swap starts at 6:30 p.m.
Registration: https://www.meetup.com/Moccasin-Lake-Environmental-Education-Center/events/259327682/

SEWING 101
2019-03-17 15:00 - 17:30 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn the basics of sewing. Thread a sewing machine, read a pattern and construct a small project to take home. Ages 10 and up.
2900 31st Street S. (Gate 4- Ag Bldg.)

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
2019-03-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Looking for a simple way to give back to our community? Choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities at the preserve!
Call the preserve to reserve your spot (727-893-7326.)

Intro to Beekeeping ~ Part 3
2019-03-16 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.
Instructor: Bob Burkard
Keeping Your Hives Healthy
Agenda:

We will take an in-depth look at the maladies of honey bees and the practices that beekeepers employ to prevent and manage diseases and pests. We will cover this material in a way that helps simplify this for the beginning beekeeper.
We will cover both traditional and organic beekeeping practices.
We will discuss practices for managing bees in a way that promotes optimum health while minimizing the use of conventional products for controlling diseases and mites.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brooker-creek-preserve-environmental-education-center-pinellas-county-extension-1249569181

The Great Weedon Bird Quest
2019-03-16 08:30 - 10:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The Great Weedon Bird Quest
Join us on a hike to find Weedon Island Preserve birds! Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors. A brief classroom session before the hike will introduce participants to the common birds found in the Preserve. Free.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-weedon-bird-quest-tickets-52975144082 or call Weedon Island Preserve at (727)453-6500 for assistance.

Going Coastal Spring Break Camp
2019-03-14 09:00 - 16:00, 2019-03-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2019-03-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County, Florida Sea Grant: Going Coastal Spring Break Camp
This is a three-day, marine science-themed camp for students 7 to 11 years of age. Taught by UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent Libby Carnahan, the camp offers a fun balance of educational and recreational activities to engage and challenge your student! The camp will run Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00am-4:00pm at Weedon Island Preserve.
Lessons and Activities may include:

Coastal habitat hike
Guided canoe paddle
Saltwater fish seining and invertebrate dip-netting
Ethical fishing on the Weedon Pier
Daily art activity
Teambuilding

Ten Ohio State University students from the OSU Buck-I-SERV program will volunteer as teaching assistants for the camp, creating a 1:2 ratio of instructors to students! UF/IFAS and OSU have a 8-year relationship of working together to provide marine science opportunities for youth. The camp is set up as a 4-H Special Interest, SPIN Club. As such, each parent will fill out a 4-H membership form and liability form for their student. The forms will be emailed out prior to camp.
*Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch qualify for a UF/IFAS Extension scholarship to attend the Spring Break Camp at a discounted cost. For a scholarship application, please email Libby Carnahan at lcarnahan@pinellascounty.org. You will be asked to provide proof of eligibility prior to the camp.
Questions or Concerns? Contact Libby Carnahan (727) 453-6522, lcarnahan@pinellascounty.org
Registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/weedon-island-preserve-cultural-and-natural-history-center-1250121017

NATURAL HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES: Gopher Tortoises
2019-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
NATURAL HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES:
Conserving a Remnant Population of Gopher Tortoises at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Learn how Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, one of the last remaining natural areas in urban Pinellas County, supports several imperiled species, including the gopher tortoise, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and Nuttall’s rayless goldenrod. Dr. Goessling will review recent gopher tortoise burrow surveys, current research efforts, and ongoing habitat restoration and management efforts.
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html

NATIONAL GOPHER TORTOISE DAY
2019-03-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Help us celebrate gopher tortoises by creating papier-mâché gopher tortoises! These models will be used in a new program starting at the preserve in fall 2019 entitled, “The Science of Saving Gopher Tortoises.”
Ages 5 and up. Space is limited.
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html

Intro to Beekeeping ~ Part 2
2019-03-10 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
In section 2 of our series on the Introduction to Beekeeping we 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.
Instructor: Bob Burkard
Getting Started and the Basics of Apiculture
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

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brooker-creek-preserve-environmental-education-center-pinellas-county-extension-1249569181

TWILIGHT PADDLE
2019-03-09 16:00 - 18:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Ages 8 and up Guided tour on the lake. Get out before the sunset and watch twilight roll in.
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html

INSECT TREK
2019-03-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Butterflies, bugs, and beetles oh my! Join us for a guided hike exploring the secret lives of insects! Fun and informative for all ages. Cost: $3/$1.50, all ages
Registration: http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill.html
