Intro to Beekeeping
2024-07-07 10:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards
~ Session 1 of 3 ~
This program will introduce you to the basics of honey bees, their behavior, biology and the guiding principles of beekeeping.
Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
Why honey bees? In addition to the personal satisfaction of harvesting your own pure natural honey, many of our food staples would disappear without honey bees for pollination. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these under-appreciated workers pollinate 80 percent of our flowering crops, which constitute one-third of everything we eat. Hobbyist beekeepers play a vital role in keeping our honey bee population healthy.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Want to take the entire series?
Register for Part 2 on Sunday July 14th here!
Register for Part 3 on Sunday July 21st here!
Additional Notes: This program will be held in our auditorium. 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 auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.

Lionfish Dissection
2024-07-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Lionfish dissection in our classroom!
Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated to us.
For all ages! • 1 Hour
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom. All dissection guests must purchase a ticket to enter the classroom.
Multiple Dates:
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

2024 ECO Educator Workshop
2024-07-08 09:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-09 09:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-10 09:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-11 09:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-12 09:00 - 15:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
See what the training is all about in our two promo videos: Video 1 or Video 2
Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Teacher Training Workshop
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Pinellas County’s Natural Resources Agent has teamed up with St. Petersburg College, College of Education Professor to offer this nationally award-winning, week-long environmental education workshop for pre-service elementary & ESE education students, current elementary & ESE teachers, and non-formal educators. Note: Middle school educators are welcome to participate as well!
The aim of this workshop is to provide participants with tools and information to interpret the natural world and impart the need for resource conservation to their audience. Using local, state, and national curricula correlated to Florida Standards, participants will be given activities and resources to help foster environmental knowledge and good environmental stewardship in their students.
Each day will feature different environmental subjects and professional speakers will be brought in to provide background knowledge to participants. Workshop sessions will conclude with a reflection and an evaluation of the day’s activities. Certificates will be awarded for the completion of specific portions of the training as well as a final certificate of completion.
Curriculum taught each year is different, so if you have participated in the past, you can participate again for a whole new educational experience!
ECO Teacher Training Workshop at Brooker Creek Preserve
July 8-12, 2024
All classes will run from 9:00am – 3:30pm, doors open at 8:30am.
This year’s workshop will feature an amazing line-up of environmental education curriculum:
• Monday – Extreme Heat
• Tuesday – Keep Pinellas Beautiful and 4-H
• Wednesday – WEDU PBS Showcase
• Thursday – Discover Shorebirds
• Friday – Project Learning Tree Activity Collections
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Need component points? Details COMING SOON.
UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. At least 10 days prior to the event, contact Lara Milligan at 727-453-6905 or lara317@ufl.edu.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.
Questions? Contact Lara Milligan at 727-453-6905 or lara317@ufl.edu

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2024-07-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-07-17 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 <<<

Book Time at Brooker
2024-07-11 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-07-18 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

Bay Friendly Landscaping Workshop - on ZOOM
2024-07-11 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Learn how to redesign your yard for resiliency with low maintenance native landscape plants.

Learn to create a landscape that is beautiful and provides valuable ecosystem services in our Bay Friendly Landscaping class. This class will focus on selecting plants that are low maintenance and are adapted to the extreme conditions that we have here in Florida, including sandy soil, high winds, drought, and flooding. These will help protect Tampa Bay by reducing fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Proper plant selection can also help the environment by providing habitat for wildlife and reduce your costs associated with landscape maintenance. This class will be held on Zoom and the first 50 registrants who attend the class will be mailed a hard copy of the “Plant This, Not That” flip book to the address provided during registration. The Zoom link will be sent the day before the class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
PLEASE NOTE: There is no fee to attend this workshop.
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 such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop- ZOOM
2024-07-12 09:00 - 10:00 | ZOOM, United States
Get some help for a successful vegetable garden.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to grow vegetables with the convenience of a microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a vegetable microirrigation kit after attending this workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Participants can schedule a time/date to pick up the kit.
This workshop will be offered remotely through Zoom. You do not need additional software or more than basic computer skills to attend.

REGISTER HERE
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Birding by Bike
2024-07-13 | J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center, 10500 Wilderness Road, New Port Richey, FL, 34655, United States
Birding by Bike Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park
Meet 8:00 AM
Meet at Starkey Education Center
Contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com
Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips.
Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details.
Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours.

Beginning Bird Walk @ Lettuce Lake Park
2024-07-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Important! Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to the first 10 people who sign up. 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.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 9 am. We’ll walk the boardwalk or trails, depending on where the best birds are. We have binoculars to loan, and someone will have a spotting scope so you can get up really close and personal! Bring water and a snack.
RSVP to trip leader Jim Hengelbrok at jim.hengelbrok@tampaaudubon.org

Why Snakes are Cool!
2024-07-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Learn about Florida’s native snakes and get the chance to see some live animals up-close!

Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Florida is home to 46 native species of snakes, with most occuring in the central peninsula. And of those 46 species, only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present little danger when left alone. Herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich will teach participants about why snakes are cool, emphasizing Florida snake diversity, natural history, conservation, and snake safety.
At the end of the program a selection of live snakes will be available for viewing and handling if participants choose to do so — and we hope that you will!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services, 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.

Sleep In Saturday Hike
2024-07-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Spend Saturday afternoon with a Naturalist who will lead you on a family-friendly nature hike in the Preserve!
Explore the ecosystems and habitats of the Preserve with a volunteer hike guide.
Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Pioneer Nights
2024-07-13 18:00 - 22:00, 2024-07-20 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 <<<

Intro to Beekeeping
2024-07-14 10:30 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Introduction to Beekeeping:
A Hobby with Sweet Rewards
~ Session 2 of 3 ~

This program will cover what it takes to get started in this amazing hobby with a focus on the equipment and tools necessary for beekeeping. We will review the components of the “modern” bee hive, the tools used by beekeepers, and demystify the seemingly countless number of paraphernalia available for the hobbyist beekeeping.
In addition we will discuss the proper locations for beehives and explain Florida’s rules and guidelines.
Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Beekeepers Club
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Register for Part 3 on Sunday July 21st here!
Additional Notes: This program will be held in our auditorium. 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 auditorium. Follow signs to the auditorium.

Turf Therapy: Managing Your Turf and Your Expectations
2024-07-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension for an in-person, turf therapy session!
Is your turfgrass getting you down? We might have the solution. We will cover the main types of turfgrass appropriate for our area, appropriate care and management of not only our lawn, but also of our expectations of what a lawn can be in SW Florida.
>>> 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.

Work Day at Bell Creek Preserve
2024-07-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Bell Creek Preserve, 10940 McMullen Rd, Riverview, FL, 33569, United States
Suncoast Chapter provided a grant to buy native plants for the Bell Creek Preserve entrance and the Hillsborough County CELM (Conservation and Environmental Land Management) office, whose headquarters are located there. Master Gardener and Trail Cat volunteers have been cleaning up and removing invasive plants from the area. Suncoast members are invited to help with planting and maintenance.
A county waiver form will be signed at the event. Bring water bottle, gloves and personal tools.

Sensory Exploration in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-07-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Explore the five senses in a nature-focused way. Sensory Exploration is recommended for kids aged 5 and under. Click the “Register” button to secure your spot.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-07-17 10:30 - 11:30 | ZOOM, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how you can have healthy and attractive landscape beds while conserving water. This irrigation method not only conserves water, but is not limited by current water restrictions as is traditional in-ground irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
NOTE: You will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items after May 16th. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Tot Time
2024-07-19 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.

Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park
2024-07-20 07:00 - 17:00 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
Three for one fun at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village!
Celebrate at Pinewood (Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas, Heritage Village) every Third Saturday of the month.
At the Florida Botanical Gardens (Open 7 AM-5 PM):
Visit the new Majeed Discovery Garden, a 2+ acre addition, connecting children to nature. Our Children’s Garden Educator is hosting a variety of preschool and family programs in the Majeed Discovery Garden on topics like sustainability, sensory exploration, and more. Visit the Event Calendar on our website at www.flbgfoundation.org/events to view all of the programs offered in our Majeed Discovery Garden. For more information, visit www.flbgfoundation.org/childrensgarden.
At Creative Pinellas (Open 10 AM-5 PM):
Visit the Gallery at Creative Pinellas for two must-see exhibitions! Catch the 2024 Emerging Artist Exhibition before it ends on July 21st. Also on display is Threads of Nature: Art Inspired by the Florida Botanical Gardens, featuring works by the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild that capture nature’s beauty. Feeling inspired? Stop by our drawing room to unleash your inner artist. Free admission and fun for the whole family! For more information: www.creativepinellas.org.
At Heritage Village (Open 10 AM – 4 PM):
Explore the past at Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum! Step back in time and take a docent tour of select historic buildings, visit Pinellas County’s oldest structure, and peruse locally-made artisan gifts and souvenirs at the gift shop. Interested in learning more? The Heritage Village app features self-guided walking tours and archival photographs and information about your favorite Heritage Village buildings, historic figures, and artifacts! Download the app for free in your preferred mobile app store by searching “Heritage Village”. Heritage Village is free to visit, pet-friendly, and perfect for all ages! For more information: www.heritagevillagefl.org/

Hidden Wonders Nature Walk
2024-07-20 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.”
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.

Summer Celebration in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-07-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Free admission, free parking!
Join us for a Summer Celebration in the Majeed Discovery Garden on Saturday, July 20th from 10 AM-1 PM. This event will consist of a tea party while learning about the environment. There will be special activities led by our educator and community partners: Florida Farm Bureau, FNGLA, and the Pinellas County UF/IFAS Extension.
This event is a part of Third Saturdays at Pinewood, in partnership with Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village. For more information on their events, click here.

Sensory Sundays
2024-07-21 08:30 - 22:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Sensory Sundays with the Discovery Center!
For all ages! • 2 Hours
Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome!
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult while in the classroom
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Family Programming in the Majeed Discovery Garden
2024-07-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Majeed Discovery Garden, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33774, United States
Here Comes the Sun: Prepare for Summer and learn all about the power of the sun.

$25 for non-members and $20 for members for 4 people (includes any combo of kids and adults) and each additional child/adult is $5 for non-members and $3 for members.
Contact our Children’s Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
