Sunday Bird Hike
2023-12-03 08:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods.
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. Beginners and all levels of birders welcome. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the parking lot 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.

Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot.

Cocoa & Constellations Night Hike
2023-12-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring your family and join our park rangers for a cool night drinking hot cocoa on the trails!
Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

VOGs and Eggnog
2023-12-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Give back to our Tampa Bay estuary with vertical oyster gardens (VOGs) while getting in the holiday spirit!

Want to give back to our local Tampa Bay estuary while getting in the holiday spirit? Join us to learn more about oysters and how they help Tampa Bay while making your very own vertical oyster garden (VOG)!
Participants who would like to hang a VOG from their personal pier or seawall will also have the opportunity to contribute to current oyster restoration efforts by enrolling in our new citizen science program. Holiday refreshments and activities will be provided. All ages are welcome!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: Parking is limited at the Preserve, so carpooling is strongly encouraged.

Holiday Nature Crafts & Music & Treats!
2023-12-02 12:00 - 15:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States

Children's Book Reading with the Author: Otto the Otter, A Big Surprise
2023-12-02 10:30 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join us for a special Children’s book reading with local author Linda Hansen!
Otto the Otter, A Big Surprise is a wonderful, engaging story for children 4 to 8 years old to learn about nature and the life cycle. This educational read is inspired by a true story and perfect for young readers. Join us to hear this beautiful story read by the author and illustrator. Children will have an opportunity to engage and ask questions after the reading.
Books will be available for purchase in the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Nature Store.
This youth program is geared toward ages 4 to 8. Registration is required. Please register just your child (children).
>>> 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 3-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium.
About the author/illustrator: Linda Hansen loves combining art and nature. After retiring, she finally has time to follow her creative passions. She is currently working in watercolor and is both the author and illustrator of this creative children’s book.

Tillandsia Wreath - Make & Take
2023-12-02 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Create a living wreath using Tillandsia plants!
Tillandsia Wreath “Make and Take” – Learn about these lovely epiphytes that only require air and water to live. This is a “make and take” workshop where you will create a living wreath using Tillandsia plants. Bring wire cutters and pliers if you have them. $40 per person.
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Snowfest
2023-12-02 09:00 - 14:00 | North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE., St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, United States
The holiday fun continues with Snowfest on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in North Straub Park. Enjoy toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more.
The $5 wristband includes all activities and can be purchased online or at any City recreation center through Friday, Dec. 1, at noon. Admission is free.
Click here to purchase wristbands online.

Naturalist Guided Tour
2023-12-02 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.
Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Open Archaeology Lab
2023-12-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn from professional archaeologists on how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Ever wonder what archaeologists do with all that stuff they dig up at archaeological sites once the fieldwork is finished? Join us for an open archaeology lab!
Learn from professional archaeologists with the West Central Region of the Florida Public Archaeology Network about how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed in the laboratory so they can be used to learn about the past. Participants will get the chance to sort through, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!
All ages are welcome to participate or observe, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All individuals planning to attend should be registered.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tot Time
2023-12-01 10:30 - 11:30, 2023-12-01 08:00 - 17:00 | 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.

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2023-11-30 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-11-23 15:30 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Book Time at Brooker
2023-11-30 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

Wading Bird Walk
2023-11-30 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.

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during 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!
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 and up. Youth must be supervised by an adult for the full duration of the program.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. The total hike length may be up to two miles. This hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum exhibits.
>>> 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!

Elemental Seasons Homeschool Class
2023-11-29 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-11-22 09:30 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join Ruth Glass as we study the seasons and traditional celebrations from around the world. Children will go on hikes, participate in celebrations of nature, and create nature art to take home.
Ages 5 yrs – 12 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Puddle Jumpers
2023-11-29 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-11-22 09:30 - 11:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Outdoor exploration and learning for children entering Pre-K. Dress for rain or shine!
Ages 3 yrs – 5 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2023-11-29, 2023-11-22 | 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 <<<

Nature's Air Purifiers
2023-11-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
For only pennies a day, houseplants will help beautify, purify and renew your stuffy studio, office or home by filtering out toxins, pollutants and the carbon dioxide we exhale and replaces them with fresh oxygen! Learn about NASA recommended air-purifying plants, how to responsibly care for them, and how to propagate them so you can share them with friends!
Participants will receive a couple of plants to keep or give as gifts for the upcoming holiday! Preregistration required.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Hukyu Bonsai Society Meeting
2023-11-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Learn the art and techniques of bonsai. Meets 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month from 10am to 2pm.
No meetings in May.
Learn more at facebook.com/hukyubonsaisociety

Edible Wilds Native Plant Hike
2023-11-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Learn all about edible plants! In this guided walk, you will be introduced to native plant identification, the medicinal uses of the plants (as applicable), and safety practices while foraging.
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Funky Fungi Hike
2023-11-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Enter the mysterious world of fungi! This hike will focus on the magic of mushrooms and lichens. Hand lens will be available to borrow. Don’t miss this special hike!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

FAMILY CAMPOUT
2023-11-24 - 2023-11-26 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Unwind after a busy Thanksgiving holiday by spending time outdoors with family and friends! The campground will offer a variety of free activities for guests from fun outdoor games and campfire programs to ranger led hikes. There is sure to be something for everyone!
All ages welcome (Adults must accompany minors)

>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Friday, November 24 to Saturday, November 25
Fri 1:00 PM – Midnight
Sat 12:01 AM – 11:00 AM
Saturday, November 25, to Sunday, November 26
Sat 1:00 PM – Midnight
Sun 12:01 AM – 11:00 AM

Sprouts Camp
2023-11-22 09:00 - 12:00, 2023-11-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Each day, the program includes a combination of nature stories, songs, games, crafts, and hikes to explore the outdoors. The goal is to nurture a child’s curiosity, help them acquire developmentally appropriate skills, and instill appreciation and respect for the natural world.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Turtle Camp
2023-11-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Explore the fascinating world of turtles with hands-on learning, hikes, and live animal encounters. Campers spend time on the trails studying gopher tortoises, box turtles, and aquatic species.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Aquacamp
2023-11-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Campers explore the many roles of water in ecosystems, learn about local watersheds and how people affect water resources such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Each day will include outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Campers will learn how they can help to keep local waterways clean.
Ages 5 yrs – 7 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
