Gardening with Mushrooms
2023-03-07 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens!
Not always nefarious, fungi in the garden can be used to help build soil, process compost and support plant health.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2022-08-03 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

The Seed
2023-03-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Event
One of plants most innovative reproductive strategies was the development of the seed. Not all plants produce seeds; this belongs only to the conifers and flowering plants. We will examine the history of the seed and its myriad of forms.
Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor
Recommended for adults and youth over 12
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Butterfly Gardening
2023-03-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This class will teach you how to attract and keep butterflies in your garden year round along with other pollinators and beneficial insects important to a healthy garden. We will talk about key nectar and host plants for Central Florida that you should plant in your yard. Participants will receive some seeds and a butterfly ID brochure after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Book Time at Brooker
2022-12-22 10:30 - 11:00 | 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

Talk Plants with Me
2023-02-09 11:30 - 12:30 | Online Event
Ask a Horticulture Agent Webinar!
Submit your questions to our Horticulture Agent for live Q&A. We will talk about hot topics in the plant world and may have a few guests join us along the way.
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.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Conserving Gopher Tortoises
2023-03-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Hammock Hall, 3010 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
The Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department present the annual Natural History Speaker Series (NHSS), a program that offers fascinating presentations on the natural and cultural history of Florida by individuals who are authorities in their fields.

Conserving Gopher Tortoises at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve presentation by Jeffrey M. Goessling PhD, Professor, Eckerd College

Have you ever walked the trails at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and seen a gopher tortoise in the sandy upland habitat? Do you wonder how they are able to survive there? Come and learn more about them as our speaker shares his knowledge along with his findings from ongoing research efforts.

Speaker Bio: Jeff Goessling grew up in the hills of Kentucky where he gained a fascination and appreciation for nature. He earned his B.S. at Thomas More College, his M.S. at Sam Houston State University, and his PhD in the biological sciences at Auburn University. In January 2018 he joined the faculty at Eckerd College. He currently studies and monitors the gopher tortoise population at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.

Botany Walk
2023-01-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
We will identify wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adult participants. 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.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Family Program: The Pursuit of Plastics
2023-03-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Let’s take a closer look at plastic pollution and how we can help!

Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County will conduct a class with a hands-on activity to teach participants about plastic pollution and the effects on the environment. Join us for some educational family fun!
Registration is required.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Sacred Waters
2023-03-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States

FAM Archaeology Kayak Experience
2023-03-11 07:30 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for an archaeology-focused paddle trip to an excavation site at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Join archaeologists and environmental specialists for a unique archaeology-focused paddling event. This is a one-of-a-kind event, featuring local experts who will guide your experience of the natural and cultural history of Weedon Island.
The trip begins with a paddle from Weedon Island’s fishing pier to Ross Island, a nearby island within the Preserve’s boundary. On Ross Island, participants will explore an archaeological site with Kendal Jackson, a PhD candidate with the University of South Florida who works on Ross Island as part of his doctorate research.
This trip will be led by Rachael Kangas, Director of the West Central division of The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), and Dr. Bob Austin with the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, Inc. (AWIARE). They will make stops along the way to discuss archaeological and historical aspects of the area. In addition, environmental specialists from ECOmersion will be on the water to interpret the Preserve’s natural areas and enhance participants’ understanding of estuaries.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Kayaks will be provided by ECOmersion. Those who prefer to use their own kayaks are welcome to do so, however, neither Sun Dolphin nor Pelican brand kayaks will be allowed.
Attendees will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the fishing pier/kayak launch located inside the Weedon Island Preserve. This kayak trip will be moderately strenuous and is not recommended for first-time paddlers.

Proceeds from this program go to support ECOmersion, AWIARE and FPAN
>>> REGISTER HERE

Wild Wings Bird Hike
2020-01-11 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Wild Wings –
Birds of Brooker Hike
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.
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 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.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wild-wings-birds-of-brooker-hike-tickets-53439990450?mc_cid=a4dbfdde6b&mc_eid=1cbba2e07b

Science Sprouts
2022-06-04 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.

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2022-11-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Riverview Pointe Preserve, Bradenton, FL, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Casually stroll through the beautiful Riverview Pointe Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment.
Suitable for all ages.
Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Field Trip to Eckerd College
2023-03-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711, United States
Join us as we take on Eckerd College’s campus for a morning of birding! You never know what you might see hanging around campus and the mangroves just on the other side of the canal.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Beginning Bird Walk
2023-02-11 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. If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19.
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 Megan Campbell at megan.campbell@tampaaudubon.org.

If you have not yet been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we respectfully request that you do not join us for this outing. Tampa Audubon reserves the right to cancel outings as necessary to respond to COVID-19. All participants must fill out the TAS Wellness Self-Certification: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GEGETVjrxTjthmKHpuDaMGIq_WdHLYKb/view?usp=sharing

Plant ID for Beginners
2023-03-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
If you’ve ever wondered how to figure out what plant is which, join this beginner plant ID class!
Not sure what that plant is in your backyard? New to Florida and unfamiliar with the new species? If you’ve ever wondered how to figure out what plant is which, join this beginner plant ID class!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Spring Break Camp
2023-03-13 - 2023-03-17 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Spend your spring break exploring the bay with us! Our one week pop-up camp is back, and this year campers 6 to 9 (TV location) and 6 to 10 ( DC location) can choose from two locations at the Tampa Bay Watch Auer Marine Education Center in Tierra Verde or the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier.
As usual, you can expect hands-on marine science labs, animal encounters, estuary exploration, and sea-inspired crafts and games! At the Auer Marine Education Center, the theme is Amazing Animal Adaptations and covers a new adaptation each day to keep things exciting. At the Discovery Center, join us for a creative week of Earth Art: Inspired by Nature!
Register a la carte for a single day, or sign up for the whole week to maximize the fun and learning. Registration for both locations opens January 9th, 2023 at 9:00 am. Please visit the following links for more information:
Auer Marine Education Center: https://tampabaywatch.org/education-main/spring-break-camp/
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center: tbwdiscoverycenter.org/summer-camp

Fort De Soto Field Trip
2023-03-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Spring at Fort De Soto offers a multitude of bird species migrating to their nesting grounds. What will we spot this year? Join us to find out!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Youth Bird Program
2023-03-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Spring migration has begun, and Florida is an important stopover site for many bird species! Learn about the challenges birds face on this great journey and how you can help.
Registration is required. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off program. Led by Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County.
Geared toward ages 7 – 11.
Additional Notes: This event will be held in our auditorium. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the main parking lot, and there is a 3-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Auditorium.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Precious Pollinators
2023-03-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn about pollinators, their favorite plants, and make your own bee box!
This program is offered in partnership between UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County, Palma Sola Botanical Park and the Manatee County Agricultural Museum Inc. This event is family friendly and open to all.
AGENDA:
6:30PM Garden Walk and Talk: Focus on pollinator friendly plants and how to incorporate pollinator friendly practices in your home garden. Led by Master Gardener Volunteers.
7:00PM Break
7:10PM State of Pollinators Presentation: Learn about our native pollinators from Residential Horticulture Agent, Alyssa Vinson.
7:40PM Make and Take Bee Boxes: Build and take home your very own bee box to provide safe habitat to our native bees.
8:00PM Adjourn
>>> REGISTER HERE

Rye Preserve Tour
2022-03-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.

Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Branch and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.
Register HERE!

Rye Preserve Tour
2022-12-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL, 34219, United States
Tour Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener!
Take a hike through upland habitats along the beautiful Rye Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants, natural history, and early settlement of the area.
Suitable for all ages.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Great American Cleanup
2023-03-18 09:00 - 12:00 | FL
Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to participate in the Great American Cleanup at three cleanup sites (Grandview Park, Coquina Key Park, and Maximo Park) in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful on Saturday, March 18 from 9 AM – 12 PM. The Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program which takes place annually during spring in an estimated 15,000 communities nationwide.
Register for Grandview Park
Register for Coquina Key Park
Register for Maximo Park

FAM Walking History Tour
2023-03-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided walking tour of the Weedon Island Preserve to learn about its aviation history.

St. Petersburg has a long and rich history of aviation, including the well-known first commercial flight in 1914. But in addition to this accomplishment, the Grand Central Airport that functioned on Weedon Island during the early 20th century also led to momentous firsts for flight in St. Pete. Join archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network for a guided tour of the Preserve to learn about the Island’s history with flight and visit historic sites.
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 ~2 miles. This hike will traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so participants must be able to manage these conditions. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum’s exhibits.
Proceeds from this program go to support FPAN in their archaeological mission.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Star Party
2023-03-18 18:30 - 22:30 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Enjoy a star party at the Preserve!

Join The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and St. Pete Astronomy Club for a Star Party! Observe the stars through telescopes and enjoy an evening at Brooker Creek Preserve after dark. Night hikes will be conducted as well along the .75 mile Ed Center Trail through the woods. Please bring a chair, water, insect repellent, and your own telescope if you have one.
As always, no pets, no smoking, & no alcohol. Meet at the main parking lot & please arrive between 6:30 and 7:00pm; as the gates will only be open during this time. A suggested donation of $3.00 per person is appreciated.
Questions: info@FriendsOfBrookerCreekPreserve.org or 727-934-2680
>>> REGISTER HERE
