Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop
2025-03-29 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803

Rye Preserve Tour
2025-05-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Guided tour through Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer!

Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2025-01-18 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of “Our Wildest Place.”
This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of “Our Wildest Place.” We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Everyday reveals new natural wonders to enjoy, join us!
Registration is required.

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

Rye Preserve Nature Tour
2025-10-18 09:00 - 10:00 | FL
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.
To register: click here

Birding at Fort De Soto
2025-10-18 07:30 - 11:30 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
We will meet at 7:30 am at the East Beach parking area in front of the restrooms. We will drive and walk to various locations in the park where incoming migrants seem to be congregating. Walking is easy and will mostly be fairly short. Bring water, snacks, insect repellent and lunch if you want to picnic in the park. A hat is recommended since we will probably be in unshaded areas at least part of the time. We may walk across shallow tidal water to reach the end of North Beach and so for part of the walk you may wish to have either sandals or rubber boots. Some members wade the shallow water.

Fees include toll roads to Fort de Soto, plus a $5 entrance fee at Fort de Soto.

Contact trip leader Contact trip leader Jim Smith at jim.smith@tampaaudubon.org to join to register and receive updates.

Important! Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited.
Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.

Parents Night Out
2025-10-17 18:00 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Grossology
Parents enjoy a night out while the kids experience a night of Edventure Exploration!
Come learn about our themed nights through games, activities, crafts, and a night hike.
A pizza dinner is included.
Ages 6 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Botany Walk
2025-01-10 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join James Stevenson to explore the fascinating plants found at Brooker Creek Preserve!
We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants.
Registration is required. Led by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Specialist.
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. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> 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

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!

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

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

FFL HC Webinar Series: Reduce Stormwater Runoff
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection

This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
Join us for our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar on “Reduce Stormwater Runoff.” Discover effective strategies to manage stormwater and protect Florida’s waterways.
What You’ll Learn:

Techniques to minimize stormwater runoff in your yard
How to implement rain gardens and permeable surfaces
Benefits of reducing runoff for the environment and your landscape

Take action to protect our waterways and enhance your landscape’s sustainability. Our UF/IFAS experts will share practical tips and answer your questions during the live Q&A session.
Register now and learn how to effectively manage stormwater runoff in your yard!
The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes.
We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join!
>>> GET TICKETS

Spice up your knowledge of ginger, turmeric, cardamom
2025-10-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Starkey Ranch Library, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa, FL, 33556, United States
We will delve into the rich history,cultivation, and versatile uses of these 3 spices at this seminar.
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming seminar on the wonderful world of ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.
Our speakers will share their knowledge and expertise on growing these spices, including their culinary applications. Participants can also taste and experience the unique flavors of ginger, turmeric, and cardamom. This seminar is perfect for those curious about incorporating these spices into their garden and daily lives or for those looking to enhance their cooking skills.
Don’t miss out on this exciting event and join us for an educational and flavorful journey through ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

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!

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Homeowners
2025-10-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday, FL, 34690, United States
Learn how to create a beautiful and successful home landscape by following the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program principles!
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.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program is here to help you learn how to have healthy and beautiful landscapes that protect Florida’s natural resources by following nine science-based principles:

Right Plant, Right Place
Water Efficiently
Fertilize Appropriately
Mulch
Attract Wildlife
Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
Recycle Yard Waste
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Protect the Waterfront

A Florida-friendly landscape can be designed to look the way you want, fit the aesthetics of your community, and suit your lifestyle, while being environmentally sustainable. Join us to learn how!
This lecture is presented by Kate Kaste, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, FFL Program Manager.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Bats
2025-10-14 14:00 - 15:00 | New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, United States
Humans need our beneficial flying friends, the Bats! Come learn more about bats at this educational seminar.
Worldwide there are more than 1,400 species of bats. That is about 20% of all mammal species.
Bats live everywhere on Earth, except in the most extreme deserts and polar regions. Bats consume insects, pollinate plants and disperse seeds. A single bat can eat up to its body weight in insects each night and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop on Zoom
2025-10-14 10:30 - 11:00 | ZOOM, United States
Join us for the Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, designed to help residents understand current water use guidelines.

This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents.
During this workshop, we will cover best practices for outdoor water use, including guidance on using and reprogramming irrigation controllers to conserve water effectively. You will learn how to protect our precious water resources while maintaining a healthy landscape.
>>> GET TICKETS

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

Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind
2025-10-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217, United States
Join the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) to discuss how to conserve water within your homes landscapes.
This presentation will teach you about how to maintain a healthy and happy landscape while conserving Florida’s waters.
REGISTER HERE

An Equal Opportunity Institution. 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 our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Online Permaculture Design Course
2025-10-12 11:00 - 14:00 | Online Event
Presenting the internationally recognized Grow Permaculture Full Online Permaculture Design Course with hands-on learning and mentoring.
Now more than ever, people have attention on creating more choices and resilience in their lives. We want healthy food, a clean environment, and security for us, our children and future generations. This course offers practical steps to achieving these things in your own life, regardless of your circumstances.
In this course you will learn:

How to apply permaculture techniques to design your life.
How to grow your own food abundantly and sustainably.
How to increase your own abundance and quality of life while helping to heal the planet.
How to create and deepen beneficial connections with nature and with other people.
How to create a career using permaculture.

We have gotten many requests to offer an online version from people whose schedules don’t match up with our in-person courses or who prefer to study online. This course can be studied at your own pace, with a focus on your own site design. Creating the opportunity for a participatory and hands-on experience is important to us, so we include practical exercises that you perform on your own site.
In addition we have live bi-weekly Q and A sessions and personal mentoring with instructors and you will be able to share your experience with instructors and other students via photos, essays or videos.
We have added some exciting learning modules to the online version and other extras, including units with experts covering various topics.
The course will address strategies for drylands, temperate, tropical and other climates based on the significant knowledge and experience of our instructors working in those climates and will also have bonus sections focused specifically on Florida/subtropical climate because of how unique the ecosystem is in Florida. Many of these techniques are very useful in multiple climates and we explain how and why.
Students will have an opportunity to self-test their knowledge, to join discussion groups with other students, to participate in question and answer sessions on Zoom (online video conference software) with instructors, and to get feedback from a personal mentor.
There are additional in-depth materials offered for each section of the course as well as a resource list where you can find more information on that topic and explore areas of interest more deeply.
Each student will complete a permaculture design of the site of their choice, working through it step-by-step to ensure you have an understanding of each step of the process. Upon successful completion of the course requirements, you will be awarded an internationally recognized certificate for the course.
For more information visit https://courses.growpermaculture.com/
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Hiking with Baby
2025-08-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Come out with your little one(s) to enjoy the preserve.
Meet other new and seasoned parents while bonding with your new family member.
Get outdoors and make new friends! It is good for your mental health and reduces stress.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Meet a Master Gardener
2025-10-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Stop in to talk all things plant-related, like attracting butterflies and birds to your garden and growing vegetables and herbs.
Feel free to bring samples or photos for plant identification or problem solving.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Feathers: Birds' Most Distinguishing Feature
2025-10-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Join ornithologist Alexa DeJoannis for a talk ALL about feathers!
Feathers are synonymous with birds: all birds have feathers, and only birds have feathers! To us hairy mammals, feathers seem exotic and beautiful. How do feathers accomplish multiple functions at one time?
Ornithologist Alexa DeJoannis gives a good grounding in the form and function of feathers, birds’ most distinguishing feature.
>>> 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).
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

Exhibit Treasures: A Scavenger Quest
2025-10-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Explore the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center’s exhibit gallery with a family-friendly scavenger quest!
This fun and educational indoor scavenger hunt will encourage visitors of all ages to explore the exhibits, artifacts, and displays while learning about the Preserve’s rich cultural and ecological heritage.
Recommended for ages 6+, youth must be accompanied by an adult.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2025-01-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer!

Second Saturday of the month (November – May), at 9:00am
Casually stroll through the beautiful Riverview Pointe Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment.
Suitable for all ages.

>> REGISTER HERE

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2025-01-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Ages 12+

Join us in the Lab for a hands-on experience in archaeological discovery! Led by professional archaeologists from the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), this volunteer lab gives you the chance to sort, clean, and identify real artifacts uncovered at the Weedon Island Preserve. You’ll learn how archaeologists process materials for study and contribute to ongoing research about the people who once lived in this coastal region. No experience is necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Who Can Participate:
This lab is open to adults and youth ages 12 and up. Youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire session.
Space is limited — registration is required.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of real archaeological work!

Friday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m. — Register today
Friday, January 9 at 1:00 p.m. — Register today

Request A Youth Lab:
If you’re part of a homeschool group and would like to schedule a youth-focused lab, please email westcentral@fpan.us to request a separate Lab session.
