Lichens - What's Not to Like?
2025-10-25 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th Street, Dade City, FL, 33523, United States
Look! Up in the tree! It’s an alga! It’s a fungus! It’s both! It’s a superlichen!
Come discover the fascinating world of lichens during a hands-on presentation that will be of interest to students and adults. These amazing ‘organisms’ are combinations of fungal tissues embedded with algal cells. Lichens exist in a symbiotic relationship known as mutualism in which both member species benefit from the partnership. You may be surprised to learn who was one of the first people to discover what lichens really are. Examine the wide variety of lichen colors, shapes, growth patterns, and even ‘behaviors.’ Learn about lichens’ ecological importance to other members of their habitat. There’s even an economic importance to humans as they may use lichens in some of their hobbies.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series
2025-03-08 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).
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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

Owl-O-Ween!!
2025-10-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events including LIVE owl displays, owl story time for children, owl pancake breakfast, nest box building, an owl pellet dissection and more!
Some activities cost $0-$25.

Live Owls On Display 10:00am – 2:00pm
Owl Fun Tattoos
Owl Pancake Breakfast ($5/person) 8:00am – 2:00pm
Owl Story Time
Owl Scavenger Hunt
Owl Pellet Science ($5/person)
Owl Nest Box Building ($25/person)

Questions: email info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org call 727-934-2680
>>> GET TICKETS

Perico Preserve Tour
2025-10-25 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.

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

Plant Your Plate: Peppers at Jackson Heights-Bethesda
2025-10-18 09:00 - 10:00 | Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden, 3302 East 22nd Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Join us at the Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden on Saturdays for 5 weeks to learn how to successfully grow a pepper plant!
Welcome to Plant Your Plate: Peppers @ Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden! Join us at the garden at the 3302 E 22nd Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 for an in-person demonstration that will give you the opportunity to get your hands dirty and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to add some spice to their plate. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your own peppers and enjoy the fresh flavors straight from your garden!
Plan to attend every Friday from 9am – 10am to learn the following:

Saturday, September 27th – Planting
Saturday, October 4th – Fertilizing
Saturday, October 11th – Pruning
Saturday, October 18th – Pest Management
Saturday, October 25th – Harvesting

Note: You must register for each workshop separately! You can find the other workshops here.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Terrors in the Trees Night Hike
2025-10-25 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Dare to step into the darkness for a spine-tingling night hike designed just for adults!
Find your way through eerie trails where every rustle and shadow holds a frightful surprise. This is no ordinary walk in the woods– come if you dare, and prepare for a night full of twist, scares, and unforgettable thrills.
Ages 18+ yrs
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Watershed Walk
2025-10-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Venture out along our tails with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan!
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 walk through the woods with Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Plant Your Plate: Peppers at West Tampa Community Garden
2025-10-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Martin Luther King Jr Center, 2200 North Oregon Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33607, United States
Join us at the West Tampa Grows Healthy Community Garden on Fridays at 9am for 5 weeks to learn how to successfully grow a pepper plant!
Welcome to Plant Your Plate: Peppers @ West Tampa Grows Healthy Community Garden! Join us at the garden at the Martin Luther King Jr Center for an in-person demonstration that will give you the opportunity to get your hands dirty and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to add some spice to their plate. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your own peppers and enjoy the fresh flavors straight from your garden!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Meet your Forest: Tree & Fungi Walk and Talk
2025-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, 33592, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a walk and talk about our local trees and fungi.
She will cover tree identification techniques, including using iNaturalist to document your findings. Be prepared to walk with closed toed shoes, water, hat etc. A map will be emailed to you the day prior with the exact meeting location. Be aware that the park has a $2 entry fee.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Dune Savers Work Day
2025-07-04 07:30 - 08:30 | 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!

Florida Orinithological Society Meeting
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-26 | Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd N, Fort Myers, FL, 33965, United States
Field Trips
Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot an impressive variety of species, including herons, ospreys, and the iconic roseate spoonbills, while exploring the mangroves and marshes. These field trips offer not just an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature up close but also serve as a valuable educational experience, highlighting the importance of conservation and preserving these fragile ecosystems for generations to come.
Flocking Social Hours & Banquets
Our flocking social hours provide a delightful setting for bird enthusiasts to unwind, share their experiences from the day’s field trips, and indulge in delicious catered food. These gatherings offer a chance for like-minded individuals to relax, exchange stories, and build connections.
Presentations & Keynote Speakers
Get inspired by passionate ornithological students and professionals who will present their unique findings and contribute a fresh perspective to the field. Our meeting isn’t just about disseminating knowledge; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of avian wonders, get motivated by the passion of fellow enthusiasts, and contribute to the future of bird research and conservation efforts. Join us and be part of an enriching experience that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of our feathered friends and their impact on our world!
To register, go to https://fosbirds.org/meetings-and-events/

Spooky Swamp Family Night Hike
2025-10-24 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring the whole family for a spooktacular Halloween night hike through the shadowy trails of the preserve and listen to a kid friendly tale filled with playful frights and mysterious phantoms said to dwell in the woods. Costumes encouraged and a sense of wonder absolutely required for this enchanting evening of nature and Halloween fun!
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2024-09-05 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

Right Plant, Right Place
2025-10-23 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
How to Select Florida-Friendly Plants
Landscape plants grow better using less water, less fertilizer and less pesticide if they are selected to match landscape conditions.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principle #1 is “Right Plant, Right Place” and this presentation helps you know how to make those landscape matches!
Achieving a healthy, low-maintenance home landscape starts with putting the right plant in the right place. Select Florida-Friendly plants and turfgrass that match a site’s soil, light, water, and climatic conditions. Buy quality plants that welcome wildlife, consider mature plant size when you make your purchase, and aim for a diversity of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. Once these plants are established, they’ll require minimal amounts of supplemental water, fertilizer, or pesticides, saving you time and money. Help stop the spread of invasive plants by removing them from your yard.
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE REGISTER HERE

Book Time at Brooker
2025-01-02 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

Lets Walk Florida: Mangrove, Coastal Plants, & Marine Tour
2025-10-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Key Vista Nature Park, 2700 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL, 34691, United States
Join us for an educational guided walking tour through Werner Boyce Salt Springs Park and help support Let’s Walk Florida.
Join us to walk and learn!
An educational guided nature walk will be led by Dr. Megan Moore, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County. You will learn about mangrove identification, coastal plants, oysters, and the ecosystem benefits these systems provide.
We are teaming up with the UF/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent to support the Let’s Walk Florida Program! You are welcome to join us just for a fun educational day or to join the Lets Walk Florida Group!
Let’s Walk, Florida! Is a six-week walking program designed to encourage a physically active lifestyle. Walk anywhere on your own time, but also join the optional structured group walks to not just earn activity minutes, but to learn about our ecosystems. Join the group here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-walk-florida-pasco-tickets-1595865609999?aff=oddtdtcreator
We will provide a headset listening device so you can hear the tour easily during the walk! This walk will include boardwalks and dirt paths with around 1.5 miles of total walking. The first half of the tour is on the boardwalk and is much shorter if you want to join and only attend part of the tour! Bring hats, water, and walking shoes.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-03-19 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!

Create Clearwater Green Mixer
2025-03-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The purpose of this group is to offer a space for those who want to create all the things about city living that we would most love to live with. That would include access to fresh, healthy food, clean water, clean air, educational opportunities, lots of art, music, dance and theatre, parks and nature, community gathering places, community gardens, decent mass transit, and healthy neighborhoods. What is your vision of what Clearwater could be?
We currently have “Green Mixers” every third Tuesday at Moccasin Lake Nature Park at 6 PM. Every month, we meet more great people at these.
A few of us are working on some projects to revitalize the downtown area. We have some great ideas in the works, and are looking for more people to play with. What would you like to see happen downtown?
We are interested in getting community gardens going and there is some great news on that front too. We’ll keep you updated here.
We want to know what is important to you and what you would like to see happen in this city, so please, let us know!

Who Gives a Hoot! - Owls in Your Neighborhood
2025-10-21 17:30 - 18:30 | New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL, 34652, United States
Come learn about all the raptors that share our area at this informative seminar.
Learn about an owl’s anatomy, the different kinds that reside in Florida and the best practices to attract them to your neighborhood and why they help the environment.
Learn about all the raptors that share our area. See how you can attract these marvelous creatures. Watch their cycles and have them return and learn why it is so important to invite them to our neighborhoods.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Plant Your Plate: Peppers at Apollo Beach Community Garden
2025-10-14 09:00 - 10:00 | Apollo Beach Park and Recreation Center, 664 Golf and Sea Boulevard, Apollo Beach, FL, 33572, United States
Join us at the Apollo Beach Community Garden every Tuesday for 5 weeks to learn how to successfully grow and harvest a pepper plant!

Welcome to Plant Your Plate: Peppers @ Apollo Beach Community Garden! Join us at the Apollo Beach Park and Recreation Center for an in-person demonstration that will give you the opportunity to get your hands dirty and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to add some spice to their plate. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your own peppers and enjoy the fresh flavors straight from your garden!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Hydroponics - Jar to Table: A Beginners Guide
2025-10-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Hydroponics – Jar to Table:
A Beginners Guide to Hydroponics
This presentation for beginners will describe a hydroponic system that does not require electricity or pumps! You will learn how to create a hydroponic garden for small or large spaces that you set up, and forget it! That is, until you are ready to harvest!
You will learn everything you need to know, complete with a written guide, to help you get started in the fascinating science of growing plants without soil!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Using Native Plants in your Landscape
2025-08-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Daniel A Cannon Memorial Library, 33701 County Road 52, Saint Leo, FL, 33525, United States
Come learn more with our speaker, who is a member of the Nature Coast Native Plant Society and is a supporter of using native plants.
Native plants are well adapted to local environmental conditions and offer numerous benefits. They support local wildlife, reduce maintenance, provide erosion control, air quality improvement and improve soil health. Native plants are often drought-tolerant and require less water than non-native species, reducing costs. Native plants support a wider range of species compared to non-native plants, promoting biodiversity and contributing to the overall health of natural communities.
Our speaker is a member of Nature Coast Native Plant Society and an enthusiastic supporter of using native plants in home landscape.
>>> GET TICKETS

Talk about Wild - Guided Hike
2025-10-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Enjoy a Sunday stroll in the woods!
Join us for a family friendly hike with fun facts about “Our Wildest Place”! Learn why the Preserve and its habitats are so important to the animals that call it home.
Led by volunteer hike guides.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Let's Get Batty
2025-10-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for a night-time trail hike as we explore the fascinating world of Florida’s native bat species.
Discover the important role these nighttime flyers play in our ecosystem, learn how to spot them in the wild, and listen for their echolocation calls using our Echo meter as we walk through the trails.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Pioneer Nights
2025-10-18 18:00 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill – Pioneer Settlement, 2900 31ST ST S Gate 2, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Ages 6 yrs – 13 yrs
Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire, and s’mores, pioneer style.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Make Your Own Butterfly Garden
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Take a walk through our butterfly gardens while learning all about native host and nectar plant identification, common butterflies, and other pollinators found in our area, and special garden features to add to support wildlife.
Build your own butterfly garden to take home to plant using native plant seeds.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

International Archaeology Day Celebration!
2025-10-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for International Archaeology Day! International Archaeology Day is a celebration of archaeology and its contributions to society.

Pop-Up Exhibits from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Archaeology Talk from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

⚱️Explore a one-day exhibit of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and beyond! Archaeologists will illustrate the use of early stone and shell tools and their importance to indigenous people. Bring in found or inherited items such as spear points, tools, and pottery sherds for expert identification.
🌿Discover how indigenous Floridians used native plants in the pop-up “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit. Exhibit designer and plant expert, Ben Metcantade, will also demonstrate how to make fiber-thread from our native yucca plant! Enjoy native plants, books, and resources on sustainable design and the importance of pollinators.
🎤Learn about the fascinating relationship between botany and archaeology in a special presentation from Dr. Christopher A. Kiahtipes, Associate Curator of the University of South Florida Herbarium. Using herbaria as a lens, Dr. Kiahtipes will discuss the intellectual, ethical, and curatorial challenges both disciplines face—especially in the context of our digital culture. Dr. Kiatipes talk is More than Collections: Making the Case for Physical Collections in a Digital World.
>>> GET TICKETS

Fishing Workshop
2024-08-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Learn to Fish!
Recommended for ages 10 and up • 2 Hours • Gear Included • Up to 15 People

>>> RESERVE A SPOT RESERVE A SPOT
