Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2024-06-15 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | 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.”
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.
Additional Notes: Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Please note that it takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom before you begin as there are no facilities along the trail.

Hurricane Preparedness Expo
2024-06-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, 2450 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL, 33765, United States
Now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

FREE prefilled sandbags will be available and provided on-site (Limit 10 per vehicle)
FREE Hurricane Kits
FREE lunch provided by Salvation Army
Get flood barrier tips
Evacuation zone lookup
Flood zone lookup
Alert Pinellas Registration

Gear up and get prepared to conquer the storm and Touch-a-Truck!
Exhibitors include:

Civil Air Patrol
Salvation Army
Red Cross
Humane Society of Pinellas
Suncoast Animal League

Why Snakes are Cool
2024-06-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn why snakes are cool and the important ecological roles they play!
There are 46 native species of snakes in Florida and most occur in the central peninsula. Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present little danger when left alone. Local herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich (Heinrich Ecological Services) will present on why snakes are cool, emphasizing Florida snake diversity, natural history, conservation, and snake safety.
A selection of LIVE snakes will be available for viewing and handling if participants choose to do so (we hope that you will). *This program is recommended for adults and children 7+
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium or “Butterfly Room”.
*Please note this will be an hour long educational PowerPoint presentation with an opportunity to handle snakes at the very end. If your child cannot sit through the entire presentation, please bring them out of the room to avoid disruption of the program, and as a courtesy to those that are here to learn. We appreciate your cooperation, and thank you in advance.
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This program is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

Speaker Bio: George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services (www.heinrichecologicalservices.com), is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust (www.ftct.org).

Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Boat Tour
2024-06-15 16:30 - 20:30 | Egmont Key State Park, H6RQ+43, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711, United States
Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour by boat with
Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges
Saturday June 15th 2024, 4:30-8:30pm (rain date Sunday June 16 or Sat June 22)
Reservations and prepayment required
Join us for our eleventh annual tour of the Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour with a stop at the Ft Dade ruins, Lighthouse, and hopefully a Black Skimmer colony. The Egmont Key Ferry will take us around the south tip of Egmont Key to see the areas where birds are nesting. (These areas are not accessible by foot and only seen by visitors with boats). The chicks from our Laughing gulls, Royal terns, & Sandwich terns should be out on the beaches exploring. Brown Pelicans, White ibis, and American Oystercatchers can also nest on the islands.
Space is limited and this event sells out quickly.
Send your reservation to TampaBayRefuges@msn.com Wait for confirmation then send payment via credit card on Paypal or mail.
Credit card on Paypal: www.tampabayrefuges.org click Get Involved, then Donate. Enter One-Time and the amount, then click Donate with Debit or Credit Card and follow instructions.
Your space will be secure based on first come first served basis AND receipt of payment. You will receive a confirmation email for your payment.
Mail: FTBNWR, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782
Cost:
Members of Friends of the Tampa Bay NWR $35 each (includes tip for boat crew)
Individual Guests or non-members $50 each. You will receive a 1-year individual membership.
Family of 2 guests or non-members $95. You will receive a 1-year family membership. Additional family members add $35 ea.
Make checks payable to Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782.
Reservations and Payment must be received by Friday June 7.
Questions: call Barb Howard at 727 512-4914 or email TampaBayRefuges@msn.com

Pioneer Nights
2024-06-15 18:00 - 22:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire, and s’mores, pioneer style.
Ages 6 yrs – 13 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2024-06-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-26 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 <<<

Orchid Care Academy II: Orchid Problem Solving
2024-06-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A series of cultivation secrets!
Part 2 of a 4 part series on orchids! 2. Orchid Problem Solving: Recognize the pests, diseases, and cultural mistakes with orchids and how to treat them. Bring in your problem plant to get specific advice from Master Gardener Volunteers !
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Special Accommodations:
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.

Groundbreaking Groundcovers -Virtual
2024-06-19 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-06-25 12:00 - 14:00 | ZOOM, United States
Unearth the secrets of low-maintenance beauty!
Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about the wide array of groundcover options available for Florida landscapes. Topics will include plant selection, site preparation and maintenance. Be prepared to break ground on your new landscape with this class from our experts. This class is virtual. Attendees will receive the Zoom link in their email prior to class.
Choose from 3 dates:

Thursday, April 4 at 12pm
Wednesday, June 19 at 12pm
Tuesday, June 25 at 12pm

>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Hillsborough River State Park
2024-06-20 09:30 - 15:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Hillsborough River State Park.
Ages 7 yrs – 13 yrs
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Book Time at Brooker
2024-06-20 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-06-27 10:30 - 11:30 | 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.
Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center building. We will start promptly at 10:30am. Follow signs to the Exhibit Hall.
REGISTER HERE

Silent Sentinels
2024-06-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Online Event
Learn about long-lived trees!
Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about long lived trees, their history, cultural significance and how we can manage for their care in urban environments.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
Special Accommodations:
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.

Pollinator Promenade Youth Hike
2024-06-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Celebrate Pollinator Week with us by strolling through the Preserve searching for local pollinators! We’ll identify native pollinators we see along our route, learn why they are so important, and actions we can take to help them thrive! Geared towards ages 7 to 11.
This youth program is geared toward ages 7 to 11. Registration is required.
Space is limited and this program will cap at 20 participants. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tot Time
2024-06-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Families of pre-school aged children are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at the Weedon Island Preserve. Families will be treated to rhymes, stories, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are intended for youth aged 3-5.
Parents or guardians only need to register the youth(s) attending, but must accompany them for the duration of the program. This program will take place inside the Cultural and Natural History Center unless otherwise specified.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2024-06-21 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!

Learn how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed for study in this volunteer lab that is led by professional archaeologists with the West Central chapter of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Participants will help sort through, clean, and identify artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites so they can be used by researchers to learn about the past.
This event is best suited for adults; children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is limited so registration is required!
If you have a homeschool group that would like to participate, please email westcentral@fpan.us to set up a separate lab time to accomodate your students.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Birds of Prey
2024-06-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Meet the animal ambassadors of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve!
Several LIVE birds of prey will be used to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships, adaptations that ensure success as predators, and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. The basic natural history of each species is also discussed along with the impact of humans on their habitats and populations. Great for all ages!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Coffeepot Bayou Bird Colony on the Discovery Eco-Tour Boat
2024-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | FL
We have reserved Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Eco-Tour boat from the St. Petersburg Pier for an evening field trip to Coffeepot Bayou. Board the boat at the pier area at 6-6:15. We leave the dock at 6:30 and return by 8 at dusk. We travel across Old Tampa Bay to Coffeepot Bayou Bird Island and watch nesting colonial waterbirds up close. Nesting birds include Brown Pelicans, Anhingas, cormorants, and all the herons and egrets, including threatened Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Herons, and Reddish Egrets, Tricolored Herons, plus Roseate Spoonbills.
Cost $25/person.

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.

Reservations required as boat space is limited. Leader Ann Paul president@tampaaudubon.org 813/624-3149.

Sustainable Living: Compost & Summer Garden Strategies
2024-06-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join local gardening experts for some summer tips on gardening in our region.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Herpetology Camp
2024-06-24 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles. Through up-close encounters with a variety of animals, such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards, and snakes, campers learn about ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Water Bath Canning 101: Jams and Jellies
2024-06-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to make homemade jams and jellies.
This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind making jams and jellies, and a food tasting.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at:
(813) 744-5519
**The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations, suh as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Joshua Payne at: joshuapayne@ufl.edu or 813 744-5519 x 54136, at least 1 week in advance.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

Native Plant Garden Maintenance
2024-06-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.

Garden work includes planting, weeding and trimming, as needed.
There is a $2 admission to the park which Suncoast can cover if you request ahead of time. Park in the lot by the Visitor Center and the garden is behind the building.
Bring water, gloves and personal tools.
Garden Wish List: donations accepted:
swamp milkweed, tropical sage, goldenrod, wild petunia, silkgrass or other small(er) flowering plants.
Contact Tina Patterson for more information and to let her know that you will be coming. mablepatterson@hotmail.com or call or text 305-298-6381 and leave a name and message.

Common Landscape Issues in Community Associations
2024-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Online Event
A Florida-Friendly approach to resolving common issues in the landscape
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!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the Z00M link, please check your SPAM folder for an email with the link. If no link is received, please contact Michael Masucci, masuccim@ufl.edu or at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54142 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
This webinar will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Orchid Care Academy III: Potting & Propagation
2024-06-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A series of cultivation secrets!
Part 3 of a 4 part series on orchids! 3. Potting and Propagation: Learn the ins and outs of dividing and potting orchids plus tips for mounting plants and displaying their beautiful blooms.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Special Accommodations:
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.

Booker Creek Nature Preserve
2024-06-27 09:30 - 15:30 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Booker Creek Nature Preserve.
Ages 7 yrs – 13 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
