Tot Time
2022-09-02 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-oriented stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Every first and third Friday of each month, families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Led by volunteer docents, families will be treated to rhymes, stories, and crafts that connect them to our environment.
This program will take place outdoors so please prepare accordingly. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
REGISTER HERE

Weedon Walkabout
2022-09-03 08:00 - 10:00, 2022-09-17 08:00 - 10:00 | 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.

This docent-led walk will visit the mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve, including a visit to the Preserve’s 45 ft. tall Observation Tower for a 360 degree view of the area. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of the Preserve. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 6 and up.
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 <<<

Science Sprouts
2022-09-03 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-09-10 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-09-17 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.

MINI RANGER PROGRAM
2022-09-06 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-09-13 15:30 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Every Tuesday
from 3:45 – 5 p.m.
Cost: $5/day | Ages 4-7
Has your child ever wounded what it’s like to be a ranger? Well, here is a chance to experience what it is like to be a ranger at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. There will be a Mini ranger class each week with a different ranger theme or skills that your children will learn each week. Preregistration is required.
RESERVE A SPOT

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2022-09-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2022-09-14 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 <<<

JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
2022-09-07 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-09-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Every Wednesday
from 3:45 – 5 p.m.
Cost: $5/day | Ages 7-11
Join us for our weekly Jr. Ranger Program! Have your children receive a hands-on learning experience featuring outdoor skills. Earn a badge for every new skill that you master. Collect all nine badges and become a Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Certified Jr, Ranger!
RESERVE A SPOT

Talk Plants with Me
2022-09-08 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 <<<

4-H FOR KIDS
2022-09-08 15:30 - 17:00, 2022-09-15 15:30 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Every Thursday
from 3:45 – 5 p.m.
Cost: $10 | Ages 8-12
A weekly after school program for children where they get weekly fun, hands-on learning experiences working and learning about organic gardening, outdoor animal care, and living with nature. Preregistration is required.
RESERVE A SPOT

Nature Investigators' Club
2022-09-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-09-16 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 <<<

HISTORIC HOME TOURS & DEMONSTRATIONS
2022-09-10, 2022-09-17 | 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

Fort De Soto Birding Field Trip
2022-09-10 08:00 - 09:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
What better way to kick off the field trip season than with a trip to Fort De Soto County Park just as fall migration is starting up.
Meet-up location: Ranger’s Station
Surface: Sand, dirt, paved
Difficulty: Moderate
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2022-09-10 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

Wading Bird Walk
2022-09-10 08:30 - 10:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve!

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a one to two mile guided walk of the trails. A brief classroom session before the walk will give visitors an overview of the birds found at Weedon Island, including tips on when and where different species are most likely to be seen.
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 <<<

MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION HIKE
2022-09-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
All ages welcome!
Come find out why mushrooms rule the fungi kingdom! Look at native mushrooms up close and discover the benefits and valuable uses of our native species.
RESERVE A SPOT

RAIN GARDEN TOUR
2022-09-10 15:30 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Free with admission, all ages
Learn how to create a rain garden in your own backyard! We will discuss rainwater capture techniques, plant selection, and much more!

Youth Citizen Science Training
2022-09-11 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.

Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Meeting
2022-09-13 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 September 13, 2022 meeting is “Native Ferns of West Central Florida”, presented by James Stevenson, an Extension Specialist with the University of Florida IFAS Extension Services in Pinellas County.
Ferns, which reproduce by spores, are the second-most diverse group of vascular plants on Earth and one of the oldest groups of plants, with a fossil record dating to nearly 400 million years ago. Their size range from over 60 feet tall to tiny plants, millimeters in size. Ferns are found in a variety of large naturally occurring communities, from tropical to northern forests and semiarid deserts. In Florida, most fern species can be found in damp and shady areas; rock crevices, bogs, swamps, acid wetlands and as epiphytes on tropical or even temperate trees. During this presentation we will explore the fascinating world of these ancient plants, study the natural history of ferns and get identification tips plus interesting facts.
James works out of the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs. There he teaches classes on a variety of natural resource conservation topics, including: plant identification, botany, entomology, ecology and particular groups of native plants such as ferns, wetland wildflowers and epiphytes. Exploring the natural world has been James’ passion since growing up in Clearwater. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Ecology from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and then worked in botanical gardens around the world; from North Carolina to Europe & Israel. Before returning to Florida in 2006, James worked in the UK on his advanced degree at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and as the Assistant Curator at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. James doesn’t really understand gardening in Florida, so he now grows orchids and watches birds.
Meetings of the Chapter are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend and bring questions about their yard. There will not be any refreshments or drinks available, so everyone needs to bring their own. Telephone inquiries are taken by Molly at (813) 469-9597.
Nature Coast Chapter: naturecoastfnps@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PascoNativePlants

So You Want to Start a Farm?
2022-09-14 18:00 - 20:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Is the farm life for you? Join us to learn what it takes to start a farm and what questions to ask before you start.

Description: Have you thought about starting a small farm in Hillsborough County? You are probably excited to jump in and get started on creating your dream farm, but the key to a successful farm business it to plan it out first. The purpose of this workshop is to get you thinking about what it takes to start a farm.
This workshop is for beginner or aspiring farmers interested in starting a small farm in Hillsborough County. We will cover the factors to consider BEFORE starting your farm enterprise and send you home with resources to use as references while you plan out your farm.
Learning Objectives:
• Determine the factors to consider and questions to ask before starting a farm
• Evaluate your farm idea and fill in the gaps
Participants will receive educational materials and a worksheet to write down your ideas on how these factors could be addressed in your farm plan. This class will be an overview of these factors with resources provided for additional information – more in-depth information will be available in future workshops.
There is a $10 fee and registration is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
This workshop will be held in person in the Conference Center at our office, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Masks are recommended but not required.
Persons requiring special accommodations, per the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact Allie Williams at least 10 days prior to the event.
For questions contact: Allie Williams at: 813-744-5519 Ext. 54119, allisonwilliams@ufl.edu

Gardening with Mushrooms
2022-09-15 09:30 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens!

Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens. Not always nefarious, fungi in the garden can be used to help build soil, process compost and support plant health.
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Snakes of Southwest Florida
2022-09-16 10:30 - 12:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn all about common snakes of Southwest Florida!

LOCATION: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Office, Rogers Auditorium
Want to find out more about these interesting and often misunderstood reptiles? You’ll learn which ones you’re most likely to see in your SW Florida yard and how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Rye Preserve Tour
2022-09-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Branch and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.
Register HERE!
