Oyster Reef Ball Construction
2022-10-18 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-10-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-10-24 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.
Click here to register to volunteer!

29th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup
2022-10-19 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-20 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-21 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-22 07:00 - 19:00, 2022-10-23 07:00 - 19:00 | FL
Join Tampa Bay Watch and Audubon Florida for the 29th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup.
The goal is to remove hazardous monofilament line from mangrove shorelines. Monofilament or “mono,” is a fancy word for the commonly used plastic fishing line. It has great fishing utility, but can take over 600 years to break down and poses serious threats to birds and other wildlife. Improperly discarded mono and fishing gear leads to wildlife entanglement, accidental hooks, and ingestion.
This will be a self-led event, where participants will travel out to their designated location by personal boat/other watercraft any day between October 15-23 to target shorelines where cast line has been caught in the tree line. Volunteers will compile the recovered monofilament, to be collected, cleaned, and recycled.
There are a variety of sites in which to participate—all critical bird nesting habitat—throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee.

Click here to register to volunteer for this event.

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2022-10-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2022-10-26 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 <<<

Friends of Moccasin Lake Meeting
2022-10-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The Friends of Moccasin Lake believe that it is imperative that one of the last truly natural green spaces in the most developed county in Florida must be protected and maintained for current and future generations to visit, learn and celebrate what “Old Florida” used to look like.
We ask that you visit our magnificent Nature Park and enjoy some birding, hiking, or just sit and enjoy the sounds of nature that few places can offer in today’s ever changing and complicated world.
The Friends of Moccasin Lake is a 501C3 nonprofit organization.

Join Us
The Friends of Moccasin Lake need your help! We are advocates of Moccasin Lake Nature Park and would like to expand our membership to include you and your special skills, talents, and support.

Organic Gardening Series: Propagation
2022-10-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn where to source organic seeds, how to grow and plant them, and tips for propagation by cuttings!

Organically grown transplants for the garden can be difficult to find. You can grow your own and experiment with different varieties along the way. Learn where to source organic seeds, how to grow and plant them, and tips for propagation by cuttings.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please send special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

HISTORIC HOME TOURS & DEMONSTRATIONS
2022-10-22, 2022-10-29 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, located at 3010 31st Street South, features several historic and replica buildings that showcase life in West Central Florida circa 1880 -1920.
All Ages Welcome
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children

Historic Homes Tour – Every Saturday at 10 a.m.
Demonstrations – Every Saturday between 1 & 3 p.m.

Demonstration Schedule:

September 3: Rope making
September 10: Candle making
September 17: Print making
September 24: Laundry Day

Science Sprouts
2022-10-22 09:00 - 10:00, 2022-10-29 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.

FOR KIDS ONLY -Our Native, Solitary Bees
2022-10-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
For kids only! Learn about Florida’s native bees!

If you asked a child to show you a picture of a bee, most would automatically show you a honey bee. But do you know there are over 300 species of native bees in Florida? In this program, children will learn about the many kinds of native bees that are beneficial in the garden along with anatomy and interesting facts about native bees. They will gain a better understanding of pollination and learn about native bee habitats. The children will create their own bee hotel to hang outside their home. Sign up early for our brand new children’s program.
Class is limited to 15 children, ages 6-12. Fee $5 per child.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Orchid Mounting - Make & Take Workshop
2022-10-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A workshop demonstrating how to mount an orchid on wood or other found objects!

A workshop demonstrating how to mount an orchid on wood or other found objects – and you will make your own to take home! Learn about these beautiful epiphytes and how they can enhance your home and landscape. Registration and advance payment of $25 for materials.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Pumpkin Fest
2022-10-22 12:00 - 16:00, 2022-10-23 12:00 - 16:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Join us for our 7th Annual Pumpkin Fest!

Purchase pumpkins on site, $10 each. Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation Members receive their first pumpkin free!

Join us for a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and spooky activities from our returning sponsors Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscaping Association and County Farm Bureau.
Additional vendors will be on site with information and activities, and our Botanical Bounty Gift Shop will have seasonal items for sale.

Youth Citizen Science Training
2022-10-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
A science learning experience at the Florida Botanical Gardens!

Registration is required.

Event Activities & Information

Activities are open to the public, all ages are welcome. Boy & Girl Scouts will be able to take advantage of this opportunity to earn a Scouts merit badge.
We will meet at the Florida Botanical Gardens on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month to explore the different parts of nature and their interactions.
This event has an open window, from 1-4 PM, come for an hour or stay the full time! Activities will be instructor-led, by an accredited Merit Badge Counselor.
Sessions:Sunday, August 14th & August 28th
Sunday, September 11th & September 25th
Sunday, October 9th & October 23rd (Pumpkin Fest)
Contact our Educator for more information: flbgeducation@gmail.com.

Pasture & Grazing Management Seminar
2022-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Association, 6404 S County Road 39, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
Join us to learn management strategies that can help you utilize your pastures more efficiently.
Grazing is the most economical way to feed livestock.
Throughout this seminar, you will learn how to address soil fertility, weed management, and grazing management for your pastures! Whether you raise cattle, horses, goats, or other animals – pasture management is a key component to healthy animals and forage.
*Learn about the importance of soil fertility for your forages, as well as how to take soil samples.
*Do you have pasture weeds competing with more desirable forages for soil nutrients? We will cover strategies for managing pasture weeds.
*Is your stocking rate appropriate? Learn how this can affect the forage availability, forage utilization and animal performance.
This workshop will be held in person at the Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Association, 6404 S County Road 39, Plant City, FL 33567.
Registration will start at 5:30pm with the program starting at 6:00pm.
The $10 registration fee covers educational materials and supper. Registration is required.
Persons requiring special accommodations, per the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact Allie Williams at least 10 days prior to the event.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
For questions contact: Allie Williams at: 813-744-5519 Ext. 54119, allisonwilliams@ufl.edu
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Pumpkins on the Porch
2022-10-27 17:00 - 19:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us for this free, family-friendly Halloween event!
There will be arts and crafts, games, a costume contest, and a showing of “It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!”

Read more about it:
http://tampabaywatch.org/events/pumpkins-on-the-porch/

Reef ball installation at MacDill AFB
2022-10-28 09:00 - 14:00 | MacDill Air Force Base, 6801 S Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL, United States
This is a heavy project as we’ll be loading reef balls (200 pounds each) onto carts to be placed on the shoreline.
Reef balls stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion while creating habitat similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay. Read more about the significance of the project: https://tampabaywatch.org/restoration/oyster-communities/oyster-reef-balls/
Click here to register to volunteer for this project.

Home Composting
2022-10-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how you can compost at home!

Composting has significant environmental benefits and is easier than you might think! It happens very naturally and creates a useful soil amendment for your landscape plants and vegetable gardens. Join us for an in-person class to learn more about it!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Please send special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event. Refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before event.

Songbird Sunrise
2022-10-29 06:00 - 07:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Bring your coffee and favorite folding chair to join a quiet sunrise listening experience!

The event begins in total darkness to allow participants to hear the nighttime calls of nocturnal birds. As the sky lightens with the sun’s ascent, daytime birds begin their vocal greeting. Birds will be identified by their songs and calls by knowledgeable Preserve volunteer staff. This event encourages silence for optimal enjoyment of the natural environment.
Please arrive no later than what is listed below:
5:30 am start (arrive by 5:15, gate closes at 5:30)
The entrance gate will be closed after this time until the normal opening time of 7:00 am. Free. Open to the public.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Birds of Brooker Hike
2022-10-29 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: Space Exploration
2022-10-29 10:00 - 11:00 | 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!

October’s Theme: Space Exploration
When/Where: 10-11am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe
Cost: Included with Museum admission

Free with admission to the Museum.
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.

Boo! at the Bishop: A Trick or Treat Night at the Museum
2022-10-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Are you ready for a night at the Museum gathering candy at Boo! at the Bishop?! Join us and our community partners on Saturday, October 29 from 6pm-9pm for safe, family fun. You’ll leave with candy and plenty of memories! We’re so excited to host this annual event!
Costumes are encouraged, however we ask that they be family friendly. This event will take you through parts of the Museum while visiting tables for candy. Please bring a bag for candy collection. We will have elevator access available for those with strollers or who need assistance.

Where/When: The Bishop, Saturday, October 29, 6-9pm.
Cost: $7 per person, Children under 4 are free.
Registration>

Oyster Reef Ball Construction
2022-11-02 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.
Register to volunteer!
