Oyster Reef Ball Construction
2022-11-29 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-12-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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.
Register to volunteer!

Holiday Lights in the Gardens
2022-11-29 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-11-30 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-01 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-02 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-03 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-04 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-05 17:30 - 21:30, 2022-12-06 17:30 - 21:30 and 3 more dates | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation is proud to announce the dates and times for its 22nd annual winter event.
Admission is a suggested donation of $10.00 per person, over the age of 13. Credit cards and cash are accepted at our entrance gates, no pre-registration necessary.

The Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages. Our friends, The Train Guys, will be back again for the opening weekend of the event. Their model trains will surround our 18 foot evergreen tree, bedecked in nature-inspired splendor, in the heart of the Wedding Garden.
There are four entrances to Holiday Lights and all of them have names: Snowflake – On the Bridge coming in from the Ulmerton Road Entrance. Poinsettia – On the walkway from the Walsingham Road entrance. Blue Heron – On the North Bridge entrance from the back of the Visitor Center. Green Turtle – On the east side of the gardens, off the Walsingham Road cul-de-sac. When you arrive at the event, you will receive a color-coded sticker, to remind you which entrance you came in at. View our Holiday Lights Map 2021 for more details on entrances, entertainment locations and more!
To add to the sights and sounds, we have arranged a variety of local volunteer talent to perform nightly. View our weekly Playbill, listing nightly performers. For inquiries on how to perform at the event, please email us at: flbgfoundation@gmail.com.
St. Pete Concessions is here again with great food, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages for sale, so come hungry!
We will no longer be hosting Santa at the event, but be sure to check out Santa Saturdays at our neighboring Heritage Village. We welcome the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscaping Association and Pinellas County Farm Bureau, who will be sponsoring our Children’s Candy Cane Area, providing free kids crafts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Creative Pinellas hosts their Arts Annual exhibit from November 11th through December 19th. The public is welcome to visit the Gallery, located off our Walsingham Entrance. Admission is free, Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 5 pm.
The Gardens are handicapped-accessible. Parking, including handicapped parking, is available at our Green Turtle Entrance, at 12211 Walsingham Road. Most walkways are ADA Compliant: allowing access for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. However, we do not have wheelchairs or scooters available.
Additional parking will be available at our Snowflake, Poinsettia and Blue Heron Entrances. Parking is limited, so come early or choose to visit us on the weeknights. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to contact our office in advance, so we can help make your experience a memorable one: 727-582-2117 and review our Group & Bus Instructions.
Leashed pets are welcome at any time, but again we encourage you to attend on weeknights.

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2022-11-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2022-12-07 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
2022-12-01 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 for this project date.

Holiday Solar System Neighbors Program
2022-12-01 17:30 - 19:00 | Clearwater Public Library, 2741 SR 580, Clearwater
Join us in front of the library with our very own NASA ambassador! See how our night sky sparkles with stars this holiday season and witness the incredible view of the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn through the lens of a telescope! All ages welcome. Weather permitting.

Clearwater Audubon Society Bird Walk
2022-12-03 08:00 - 10:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Take a guided hike on Moccasin Lake’s nature trail while seeking birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Meet in Moccasin Lake Parking Lot.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Birds of Brooker Hike
2022-12-03 08:00 - 10:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
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. Registration is required.
This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not register unless you plan to attend and cancel your reservation if you can no longer attend.
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.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Science Sprouts
2022-12-03 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.

The Ways of Water Hike
2022-12-03 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Water is an important feature at Brooker Creek Preserve .
Water is an important feature at Brooker Creek Preserve and on this hike you will learn the different ways we interact with water, the importance of wetlands and how you can make a difference in issues surrounding our water quality and quantity. Come and enjoy this family friendly fall walk through the woods.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Weedon Walkabout
2022-12-03 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 <<<

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2022-12-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.
Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment.
Suitable for all ages.
Meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the classroom) at 9AM.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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 Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Holiday Nature Crafts!
2022-12-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Clearwater Audubon Society Meeting
2022-12-05 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

Mangrove Cleanup & Restoration
2022-12-06 12:00 - 14:00 | Online Event
Mangrove Cleanup and Restoration:
Recommendations for Volunteer Leaders
Post-storm mangrove clean up & restoration.
Join Florida Sea Grant and UF/IFAS Extension to discuss recommendations for clean up and restoration of mangroves following storm damage. Topics will include: assessment methods, debris removal logistics, pruning, muck removal, and others. ISA CEU’s available.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
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 Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Wading Bird Walk
2022-12-08 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 on a guided walk of the trails.

This walk will take place during a low tide so participants will have the best chance for viewing wildlife that forage on the exposed tidal flats!
Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a guided walk of the trails.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short overview of the birds found at Weedon Island, including tips on when and where different species are most likely to be seen, before departing for the trails. Total walk distance will be ~1.5 miles.
Spots are limited on this hike so every individual attending must be registered.

>> REGISTER HERE <<<

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!

Talk Plants with Me
2022-12-08 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 <<<

The Role of Native Bees in Our Landscape
2022-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States

Winter Wonderland Night
2022-12-09 18:00 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Parents, enjoy an evening out while your kids enjoy winter celebrations including games, crafts, hot chocolate, and a short night hike! Please bring a nature themed gift for a gift swap. Kids can come in their favorite winter pajamas and will be served a pizza dinner.
Ages 6-12
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
