Perico Preserve Tour
2024-11-24 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer.
Explore one of Manatee County’s newest preserves and learn about Florida’s native plants, how they benefit wildlife, and how they can be used in the home landscape. Learn about the wide variety of ecosystems on display and how the preserve was transformed into what it is today. Suitable for all ages.
Please meet at the pavilion right next to the parking lot.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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.

Specialty Dissections
2024-11-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Ages 12+ • 2 Hour
These events are limited to ages 12 and up due to its subject and the graphic nature of the dissection. Any child under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Spots are limited, so please register ahead of time. Check the calendar to see what dissection is coming up next!

Shark Dissection:
We welcome guests to explore the beauty and complexity of our ocean’s top predators during this 2 hour shark program and dissection. Through this educational event, we hope to foster respect and understanding of sharks and the important roles they play in our ecosystems. Classes are limited as we only use specimens that have been donated by marine research organizations.
Iguana Dissection:
Florida’s subtropical climate has allowed iguanas to survive and reproduce at a rapid rate. Through this hands-on dissection, you will learn more about the characteristics of this invasive species, as well as ways you can help protect Florida’s ecosystem from these creatures.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Hands-on squid dissection!
2024-11-24 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
What makes a mollusc a mollusc? During this hands-on squid dissection, you’ll find out! Participants will learn about the wide variety of molluscs found in our region and what sets them apart from other animals. This program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

FALL BREAK CAMPS
2024-11-25 - 2024-11-27 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
The adventure awaits! Campers will discover nature and wildlife, exercise creativity, all while learning to care for our environment. Camps take place when Pinellas County’s schools are on break. See information below for ways to create amazing memories for your child. Fee assistance and discount options may be available. Free lunches are available to campers during summer camp. Lunches are not provided during fall, winter, and spring camps. For more information, please contact (727) 893-7326.
Registration is first come, first served.
Learn more

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2024-11-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-04 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
2024-11-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-12-05 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

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2024-11-28 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-12-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
Ages 7 yrs – 11 yrs
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Lionfish dissection in our classroom!
2024-11-29 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-11-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
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.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Holiday Lights in the Gardens 2024
2024-11-29 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-30 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-01 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-02 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-03 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-04 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-05 17:30 - 21:30, 2024-12-06 17:30 - 21:30 | Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL, 33778, United States
This winter fundraiser runs from Friday, November 29th, 2024-Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 5:30-9:30 PM nightly.
There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, with kids 12 and under free.
The Florida Botanical Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages. The opening of our new Majeed Discovery Garden will take this already awesome event to the next level. You won’t want to miss it! Interested in being a sponsor? See the information below.
Kids Activities
There will be free kids activities in the Majeed Discovery Garden every Sunday and Thursday evening throughout the month of December.
Participate in this community event while enjoying the twinkling lights. Learn more about volunteering here: www.flbgfoundation.org/volunteer.

Get Outside Hike
2024-11-30 19:30 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Enjoy a nice walk after your meals with your family. Instead of walking around stores spending money, walk around the Preserve and receive the gift of Nature.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Irrigation Design 101
2024-12-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system.
Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, as he discusses the basics of great irrigation design. Learn helpful information for installing your new or retrofitted in-ground irrigation system!
This class satisfies the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or Brian Rigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled and registered attendees will be notified.

Patio Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom
2024-12-03 10:30 - 11:30 | ZOOM, United States
Learn how to grow plants with the convenience of a patio microirrigation kit.
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to grow plants with the convenience of a patio microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one patio microirrigation kit after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
NOTE: If you attend on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist at 813-744-5519 to come in and pick up your items. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

Winter Wonders with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
2024-12-04 11:00 - 12:00 | East Lake Library, 4125 E Lake Road, Palm Harbor
Winter Wonders with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Discover the joys of winter gardening in Florida, with an FFL Educator! We will explore the importance of choosing native and drought-resistant plants that not only beautify your garden but also support and attract local wildlife throughout the winter months. Also, learn about migrating birds that call Florida home during this magnificent season and how to provide for them.
Register Here

Weedon Island BioBlitz 2024!
2024-12-05 09:30 - 14:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a fun filled day of exploration, science, and nature!
Families with youth will become Weedon Island Explorers and Scientists as we learn about our environment and take to the trails to see what we can find! No experience necessary. All you need is a smartphone, your family, and the spirit of adventure (sunscreen and bug spray is also recommended)!
We will be tracking our observations under the project “Weedon Island BioBlitz 2024!” in the free iNaturalist app. Haven’t used iNat before? No problem! We will guide everyone through the process of using the app in the morning.
This biological survey allows us to see what plants, animals, and fungi exist within our environment at this moment of time. We can use this data to see how things change day to day, season to season, or throughout the years.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Agenda

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Introduction and INaturalist Demonstration

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Morning BioBlitz Session

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Lunch Break

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Hurricane Impact Discussion

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Afternoon BioBlitz Session

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Reflection & Wrap Up

Ground Covers - Plants That Work
2024-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about ground covers you can use in place of turfgrass.
Join Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, as she presents how landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend in landscape practices because once they are established, these plants will need little or no water. Learn noteworthy plants, site considerations, and management of these plants.
This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
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.

Tot Time
2024-12-06 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.

Health Benefits of Therapy Gardens and Indoor Plants
2024-12-06 12:00 - 13:30 | ZOOM, United States
Florida-Friendly Friday:
Health Benefits of Therapy Gardens and Indoor Plants
Learn about the health benefits plants can have in your everyday life.
The fast pace of everyday life can be stressful. Why don’t you take a moment for yourself and learn how you can find tranquility through indoor plants and therapy gardens? Join an FFL Educator, where she will teach you about the benefits of houseplants, indoor gardens, and therapy gardens to help you find serenity and peace of mind.
Register Here

Bird Walk at Boyd Hill
2024-12-07 08:00 - 09:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join the St. Petersburg Audubon Society for a birdwatching hike at Boyd Hill, where you’ll spot a variety of native species while learning about their habits and habitats.
Perfect for bird enthusiasts of all levels! Binoculars are available for loan.
All ages welcome with a registered adult.

>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
