Teacher Ecology Camp
2019-06-11 08:30 - 15:30, 2019-06-12 08:30 - 15:30, 2019-06-13 08:30 - 15:30, 2019-06-14 08:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | FL
June 10-14, 2019
St. Petersburg Audubon Society’s
Dr. Harold Albers Teacher Ecology Camp
Workshops for Teachers and Other Educators
Register with St. Petersburg Audubon Society
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Daily
3 Unique Workshops at Different Sites
Wkshp A: Lake Ecology – Mon & Tues
Wkshp B: Island Ecology – Wed
Wkshp C: Swamp Ecology – Th & Fri
Sign up for 1, 2, or all 3!
Teacher component points​ pre-approved in Pinellas County
New topics and discussions each workshop
Sensing Nature’s biologists Jeanne Murphy & Brian Lane facilitate and help instruct all 3 workshops​
Space limited
For More Information – Click Here

Skins and Skulls
2019-06-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Real animal skins and skulls (from animals that died in the wild or were accidentally killed on our roadways) are used to show how scientists study these “artifacts” to learn more about the living animal. Recommended for Families. Presented by James Stevenson, your local Extension Specialist .
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brooker-creek-preserve-environmental-education-center-1249569181

Air Potato Challenge - Leaf Beetles Available
2019-06-18 09:30 - 13:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Air Potato Challenge
– Leaf Beetles Available for the Public
Manatee County residents and public land managers are invited to come out to the Manatee County Agriculture and Extension office to learn more about the invasive air potato vine and a biological control, the potato leaf beetle. Receive a free supply of beetles for use on your property. The insects will only be available for pick-up during this event. For those who have registered, your beetles will be set aside for pick-up during the event. All others will be on a first-come-first served basis. Limited supply of beetles.
Air potato vine is one of Florida’s most problematic invasive plants. The air potato leaf beetle is a small but formidable enemy of this invasive plant.
Residents are encouraged to bring a cutting of air potato for confirmation.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-manatee-county-8304772301

Master Gardener Volunteer Training Meet & Greet
2019-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
What does it take to become a Manatee County Master Gardener? It takes special gardeners who wants to expand their Florida gardening knowledge and share it with the community. The Florida Master Gardener Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits the University of Florida/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida.
The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and in giving back to their communities. At this meet and greet you will learn about the training expectations, meet the instructor Alyssa Vinson, Residential Horticulture Extension Agent, and have an opportunity to ask questions. A brief tour of the educational gardens and greenhouse to follow the brief presentation.
Open to Manatee County residents only. The next Master Gardener Volunteer Training class begins on August 7, 2019.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-manatee-county-8304772301

Star Lab: Tales of the Night Sky
2019-06-20 11:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States

Rain Barrels for Summer
2019-06-22 11:00 - 12:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Rain Barrels for the Rainy Days of Summer
Conserve water and prevent stormwater runoff using rain barrels to water your plants in between rains.
After the class, you will have an opportunity to purchase a rain barrel at $30 (cash or check only) for a non-drilled, DIY barrel with basic parts included.
$5 Administrative fee. $8 day of class.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-manatee-county-8304772301

Free Educational Workshop
2019-06-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Formal and non-formal educators are invited to a workshop at the Tampa Bay
Watch Marine Education Center to learn new hands-on activities as well as
tactics to bring nature back to your classroom! This FREE educational
workshop will include example lesson plans as well as your own copy of
Project WILD and Aquatic WILD guide books. Reservations are required.
Space is limited.
Please e-mail amitchell@tampabaywatch.org[mailto:amitchell@tampabaywatch.org] to sign-up!

Off the Beaten Path
2019-06-23 09:00 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
A nature-based fundraising hike series!
Description: This series of four hikes will take place in beautiful areas tucked away within Brooker Creek Preserve in sites that are closed to the public. Our guide, Dr. Craig Huegel, a Wildlife Ecologist with St. Petersburg College, can identify everything, from the tiniest moss to the tallest tree including animal prints, bird calls, lichens, and more. He is full of stories and very patient in answering questions. The hikes will be not only educational, but a lot of fun as well! The hikes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and be about 3-4 hours long. Bring
water and lunch.
Cost: $80 donation for the series or $25 donation per hike. There is a 10% discount for members of Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.
Sites Off the Beaten Path:
Jan. 13, 2019 – Cypress Swamp Stomp – Located in the central part of the preserve, this site features orchids, ferns, and epiphytes. Plan to get wet, or maybe not, as we plunge into the depths of the swamp!
March 24, 2019 – Sandhill Scramble – The only true sandhills of Brooker Creek Preserve. This site is in the northern end of the preserve and will feature an abundance of spring wildflowers.
June 23, 2019 – Interior Wildlands – We will be in parts of the Preserve so remote that cell phones won’t work, areas so pretty you won’t believe you are in Pinellas County!
Sept. 22, 2019 – In Search of the Catesby’s Lily – Located in the eastern part of the preserve, we will search for the threatened Catesby’s Lily. In so doing, we will see a profusion of beautiful fall wildflowers in full bloom.
Reservations Required: Sign up early! Only 20 spots are open for these fabulous hikes off the beaten path!
Questions or to reserve your spot: fobcp@tampabay.rr.com or 727-934-2680.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brooker-creek-preserve-environmental-education-center-pinellas-county-extension-1249569181

Orchids & Epiphytes of Brooker Creek
2019-06-29 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brooker-creek-preserve-environmental-education-center-pinellas-county-extension-1249569181

One Giant Leap
2019-07-02 - 2019-07-31 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
We’re celebrating one of the greatest achievements in human history: when humans walked on the moon for the first time. Our special programming will help you relive that moment — or even introduce it to a younger generation!
The moon celebration starts at 6:30 p.m. June 26th when we partner with WEDU-PBS for a FREE special showing of Robert Stone’s “Chasing the Moon,” which includes previously overlooked and lost archival material that has never been seen by the public! (Ticket info)

Our celebration continues throughout July with:

“One Giant Leap,” a special 15-minute production by The Bishop’s own astronomy experts showing daily in The Planetarium July 2-31. (Included in admission.)
“To the Moon and Back – The Legacy of Apollo 11.” NASA’s Gary Dahlke will join us for our monthly think + drink / science program, which transforms The Planetarium into a forum of discussion where you can enjoy refreshments and learn about science in a relaxed, informal setting. Gary has worked in aerospace for nearly 30 years and has received NASA awards for his work on the Titan IV rocket program and the Space Shuttle’s solid rocket boosters. 7 p.m. July 10. Get Tickets Now
Smithsonian Channel’s “The Day We Walked on the Moon.” Witness this incredible day through stunning, remastered footage and interviews that take you behind the scenes and inside the spacecraft. July 20-27. (Included in admission.)

4th of July Fireworks
2019-07-04 20:00 - 22:00 | St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Celebrate Independence Day in St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront as part of the Annual 4th of July Celebration on Thursday, July 4.
Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. but can start as early as 8:30 p.m. and as late as 10 p.m. depending on weather.
This year’s celebration has a fun, new feature. Enjoy the fireworks to synchronized music that is accessible through an optional, free phone app called J&M Displays. The app works with iPhone and Android systems. The fireworks can also be enjoyed without music.

VIEWING: View the fireworks along Bayshore Drive from the following parks: Albert Whitted Park, North Straub Park, South Straub Park, North Shore Park, Elva Rouse Park and Flora Wylie Park.
PARKING: Parking garages, city lots and metered parking are available in downtown St. Petersburg. Visit www.stpete.org/parking for more information on available parking.

Admission is free and open to the public. The 4th of July Celebration is hosted by the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, contact the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department at 727-893-7441 or visit www.stpeteparksrec.org/events.

5TH OF JULY BEACH CLEANUP
2019-07-05 08:00 - 11:00 | FL
Keep Manatee Beautiful will celebrate Independence Day on July 4! Join us the day after the fun for a cleanup. July 5 is often considered one of the dirtiest days of the year at the beach.

Volunteers are needed to help pick up the litter and debris left behind. Just show up at Coquina Beach Bus Circle from 8 – 11 a.m. for the 5th of July Beach Cleanup. Please click here for more information.

We would to thank our partners, Manatee County, WSRZ 107.9 and Waste Pro, for helping with this beautification effort.

We look forward to seeing you on the 5th of July! If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks!

Angela Spears
(904) 535-8862
angela@angelaspearscomm.com

Habitats and Communities- Guided Hike
2019-07-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Discover the shady hammocks, pine flatwoods and forested wetlands of Brooker Creek Preserve, where you will learn how the natural communities of the Preserve are connected in much the same way as human communities. We will explore our connections to the natural areas near us, and learn the possible impacts we have on one another.
All ages are welcome. Children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and those younger than 6 may find this hike challenging.
Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We strongly suggest all hikers visit the restroom 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.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brooker-creek-preserve-environmental-education-center-pinellas-county-extension-1249569181

Lunch & Learn
2019-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
During Lunch & Learn, you bring a bag lunch and we supply plenty of food for thought!
Each program features a talk by our staff or a local expert focusing on things happening in The Bishop or a different aspect of the world.

July 10: “National Geographic Photo Ark — A Closer Look,” with Tiffany Birakis, Assistant Curator of Exhibits and Collections
$5

The Legacy of Apollo 11
2019-07-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States

Beginning Farmer Series: Fruitful Chickens
2019-07-11 18:00 - 19:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Beginning Farmer Series – Fruitful (or EGG-FUL) Chickens:
Hen Pecking your way to a profit
The facilitator will introduce the basics of growing healthy chickens for profit. Answers will be provided to important questions like, “What are the rules for keeping chickens, what should I consider when selecting a breed of chicken, why are my chickens not laying eggs, do I need a rooster, do I need a food handler’s license?” and more questions like these.
Pre-registration fee is $15 and includes light snacks, presentation handouts, and other publications and links to webpage resources. Registration fees do not include the EventBrite processing fees. If you wish to pay at the door, registration fee is $21.25; cash or check only.
Register here: https://egg_full_chickens.eventbrite.com

Dog Swim Day
2019-07-13 16:30 - 18:00 | FL
Spoil your dog with a day at the pool!
Owner must bring proof of dog’s vaccinations. Sorry, no human swimming permitted during Dog Swim Days.
Admission is $5 per dog.
DOG SWIM DAYS:
➜ Saturday, July 13 from 4:30 – 6 PM
Lake Vista Pool
1450 60th Ave. S.
➜ Saturday, August 17 from 9:30 – 11 AM
and 11:30 AM – 1 PM Fossil Park Pool
6739 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N.
www.stpeteparksrec.org | 727-893-7445

SAFETY HARBOR GARDENING CLUB
2019-07-17 09:30 - 12:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
There’s a lot to learn about gardening. This group presents educational
programs on a variety of gardening topics. For members, there are field
trips and other special programs. safetyharborgardenclub.weebly.com

Beginning Farmer Class: Small Farm Operation Business Plan
2019-07-18 18:00 - 19:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Beginning Farmer Class – Getting Busy:
Start Planning Your Small Farm Operation Business Plan!
The facilitator will discuss topics on how to prepare a business plan for a successful farming operation. Learn about the various business models for selling your product, why business planning is essential to successful farming, basics of budgets and record keeping, and create or expand your current farm business plan.
Pre-registration fee is $15 and includes business plan template, light snacks, presentation handouts, and other publications and links to webpage resources. Registration fees do not include the EventBrite processing fees. If you wish to pay at the door, registration fee is $21.25; cash or check only.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beginning-farmer-class-getting-busystart-planning-your-small-farm-operation-business-plan-tickets-58317592489?aff=ebapi

Only Rain Down the Drain
2019-07-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Only Rain Down the Drain: Adding Rain Gardens to Your Landscape
Join UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardeners for this class that will teach you how to treat rain as a resource in your landscape. You will learn about local water quality concerns, and how you can use rain barrels and rain gardens to turn your landscape into a valuable part of the stormwater treatment train.
All ages are welcome but this program is recommended for older adolescents and adults.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/only-rain-down-the-drain-tickets-59015477883

Orchid Mania
2019-07-20 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Orchid Mania – A Mounting “Make and Take” Workshop
Orchids grow well with the right support. This workshop demonstrates how to attach an orchid on wood, like how they grow in nature. You will leave with a beautiful orchid creation.
Learn about these epiphytes and how they can enhance your home and landscape.
Registration and advance payment of $20 for materials due by July 15.
Register online at https://orchid_mania.eventbrite.com or call the Extension Master Gardeners at (941) 722-4524.

For Kids Only: Mini Garden
2019-07-20 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
For Kids Only: Mini Garden Make It and Take It
To Register, click here.
FOR KIDS ONLY – Suggested ages 6-12
Miniature gardens, sometimes called fairy gardens, are loved by children and adults alike. In this workshop, children ages 6-12 will use their imagination to create mini gardens complete with plants, paths, and rivers as well as adding figurines, animals, dinosaurs and more to make the garden uniquely their own.
The workshop includes all materials needed to complete their garden. Advance fee is $5.00 per child to reserve a seat and cover the cost of materials.
Class is limited to 15 children.

The Day We Walked on the Moon
2019-07-20 10:30 - 11:00, 2019-07-21 10:30 - 11:00, 2019-07-22 10:30 - 11:00, 2019-07-23 10:30 - 11:00, 2019-07-24 10:30 - 11:00 | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
