Perico Preserve Tour
2023-01-28 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Perico Preserve, 11700 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Tour Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener!

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 at 9AM.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Weedon Walkabout
2023-01-07 09:00 - 23:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Join us for a guided tour of the trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve.

Explore the mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the Tower Boardwalk. This tour will include a visit to the Preserve’s 45 ft. tall Observation Tower for a 360 degree view of the area. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island. Total walk length will be just under 1 mile.
Attendees will meet inside the Cultural and Natural History Center for a short introduction before departing for the trails. This tour is recommended for adults and youth ages 7 and up.
Proceeds from this program go to the Friends of Weedon Island. The Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Become a Friend today!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Trying Out Tillandsias: A “Make and Take” Workshop
2023-02-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office, 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Learn about these amazing epiphytes that only require air and water to live!
Learn about these lovely epiphytes that only require air and water to live. This is a “make and take” workshop where you will create a palm boot planter using Tillandsia airplants. Bring wire cutters and pliers. $35 advance payment for materials due by February 7. Limited to 20 participants.
>>> REGISTER HERE

WILD WETLANDS HIKE
2023-02-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Come explore Florida’s natural wetland ecosystem and learn about the unique plants and animals that call this habitat home.
REGISTER HERE

'eARTh from Space’ with Nicole Stott, Astronaut & Artist
2023-02-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, United States
Join us for a special presentation and book signing with artist and astronaut, Nicole Scott!
Astronaut and artist Nicole Stott will give a special presentation for Brooker Creek Preserve on the impact of experiencing Earth as our home planet from space.
Nicole is an astronaut, aquanaut, artist, mom, and now author of her first book Back to Earth ~ What Life In Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet – And Our Mission To Protect It. When Nicole first saw Earth from space, she realized how interconnected we are and knew she had to help protect our planetary home. She knows we can overcome differences to address global issues, because she saw this every day on the International Space Station. Stott shares stories from her spaceflight and insights from scientists, activists, and changemakers working to solve our greatest environmental challenges. She is a veteran NASA Astronaut with two spaceflights and 104 days on both the International Space Station (ISS) and the Space Shuttle. She grew up in Clearwater and has personally witnessed the many changes of this area.
Nicole Stott will hold a book signing and autograph session at the event!
To reserve a book, please contact the Friends by phone or email. Give your name and number of books. Pay at the event, $23.00 (includes tax). Email info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org or call 727-934-2680.
Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve
>>> REGISTER HERE

Re-sodding Your Florida Lawn
2023-03-01 09:00 - 10:30 | Online Event
Learn how to prepare your yard to re-sod, how to lay the sod and take care of it for success.

WEDNESDAY, March 1, 2023- 9 am – 10:15 am – Hiring a contractor to re-sod your lawn is expensive and doing it yourself can be expensive and time consuming. Learn how yards should be prepared prior to re-sodding and how to properly lay the sod. Learn what amendments are recommended, how to irrigate new sod, when to fertilize new sod, and other tips for success. We will also introduce you to new water conservation irrigation technology.
Attending a workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted.
We will conduct this workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary – just click to join! ***Registrants will receive an emailed Zoom link to access the Webinar the day before the program. *If you do not receive the ZOOM link, please check your SPAM folder for an email from us. If no link is received, please contact Paula Staples at 813-744-5519 Ext 54142 for assistance.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

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

Wading Bird Walk
2023-03-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the trails.

Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of the most common wading birds at Weedon Island Preserve during a guided walk of the trails. This walk will take place during a low tide so participants will have the best chance for viewing wildlife that forage on the exposed tidal flats!
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 two miles. This hike may traverse uneven, natural paths or boardwalks so please prepare accordingly. Afterwards, attendees will return to the Center to complete an evaluation of the hike and explore the museum exhibits.
>>> REGISTER HERE

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

History of the Florida Keys
2023-03-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Hammock Hall, 3010 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
The Florida History Speaker Series is presented by the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement Committee. This program offers fascinating presentations on the cultural history of Florida by individuals who are authorities in their fields. It is cosponsored by the City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department.
History of the Florida Keys presentation by Brian Lane, Business Co-Owner, Sensing Nature
Although one of the most visited places, many people don’t know much about this region that tails from the southern tip of Florida. Join us as we travel back in time to learn about the human and environmental history of the Keys. What could the Keys mean in the future for residents, tourists, and wildlife?
Speaker Bio: As an ecologist, environmental educator, and business co-owner, Brian Lane shares his appreciation and understanding of the natural world through Sensing Nature’s interactive workshops, ethical ecotours, and educational nature products. He earned his B.S. from the University of Central Florida.
All ages welcome. Free admission.

Lower Green Swamp Invasive Plant Removal
2023-03-03 08:00 - 22:00 | Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, 3540 East Knights Griffin Road, Plant City, FL, 33567, United States
We are hosting a volunteer event to pull invasive plant species in honor of National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 28-March 4).
When: March 3rd, 8 AM – 10 PM
Where: Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve
3540 E Knights Griffin Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
Volunteers should plan on light maintenance to pull and cut invasive species from around the park. Dress to get messy and stay comfortable in the weather.
Park staff will be available on site to provide supplies and direction on how to detect and remove the invasive plants!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Jo's Extended Hike
2023-03-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Enjoy the beauty of the preserve on an Extended Hike for the more serious hiker. Jo will lead you on a 2-3 mile walk, exploring a variety of habitats, and the plants and animals we find there. We might have to pick our way around mudholes but the hike should not be strenuous, just wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Join us for this opportunity to hike longer in the beautiful weather!
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 in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

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.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

>>> REGISTER HERE

Tot Time
2023-01-06 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.

Every first and third Friday of each month, 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, and crafts that connect them to our environment. Activities are intended for youth aged 3-5.
This program will take place inside the Cultural and Natural History Center unless otherwise specified. Youth must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
Proceeds will support the Friends of Weedon Island, a non-profit organization that work to promotes education and conservation of the Weedon Island Preserve.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Scribbling Women in Florida
2023-03-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill – 31st Street S, 3130 31st Street S, St. Petersburg, FL, United States

Clearwater Audubon Society Bird Walk
2022-10-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
Take a guided hike on Moccasin Lake’s nature trail while seeking birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Meet in Moccasin Lake Parking Lot.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Composting Workshop
2023-03-04 08:30 - 09:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> REGISTRATION

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.

Native Plant Walk LLP
2023-02-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
This program is led by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson and Tina Patterson and supported by Tampa Audubon.
Come and learn about the real natural Florida and why it is so important to protect it during a plant walk at Lettuce Lake. The walks take place the first Saturday of the month, with no walks in July, August or December.
Meet in the visitor center for a short orientation slide show, then the walk is on the park’s boardwalk and nature trails.
Advance registration is required.
Things to know

Program is free, but the $2 per vehicle (up to eight people) park entry fee applies
Walk will last approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Expect to walk 1 mile
Maximum of 25 participants
For larger parties, please email Suncoast Native Plant Society’s Joel Jackson
Meet at the Visitor’s Center

Things to bring

Water
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
Hat, if needed

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2022-12-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join the Manatee County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on an educational stroll.
Casually stroll through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve and learn about Florida’s native plants and inhabitants of a coastal environment.
Suitable for all ages.
Meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the classroom) at 9AM.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Microirrigation Workshop
2023-03-04 09:30 - 11:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to save water when watering your garden.
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.)
>>> REGISTRATION

FAM Archaeology Hikes
2023-03-04 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 tour of an active archaeological site at the Weedon Island Preserve.

Professional archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) and the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE) will lead a hike out to an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve. Participants will learn about recent work at the site, research results, and local Indigenous history.
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 will be ~2 miles. This hike may 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 AWIARE and FPAN in their archaeological missions.
>>> MORNING REGISTRATION AFTERNOON REGISTRATION

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
2023-03-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only.
Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, and the use of non-potable water for irrigation. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one 45-55 gallon plastic food-grade barrel after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.).
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Reader's Club
2023-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Reader’s Club is back!
Join us for our first meeting, we’ll decide future meeting times and our reading list. This club is for a group of readers interested in discussing books, articles, or other pieces about nature and our environment. All readers welcome! Please bring title(s) that you would like to read and discuss with the club.
Please note that registration is required due to a limited amount of seats. Please meet in the Conference Room inside the Visitors Center. *Note that books will not be provided for you.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Birding at Cypress Point Park
2023-03-05 07:30 - 09:30 | Cypress Point Park, 5620 W Cypress Street, Tampa, FL, 33607, United States
Cypress Point Park is a neighborhood park whose famous winter residents are the Brown Boobies that roost on the offshore signs. It has a beach to study shorebirds at low tide and a grassy park for woodland birds. A bathroom is available at the parking lot. Paths and the beach are level; it would be best to wear water shoes for wading if necessary. Take Cypress Street west all the way to the end, then turn left and drive south pass the office buildings until you reach the entrance; you’ll have to turn right and drive west to reach the parking lot where we’ll meet. After the beach birding, you can walk the park, or drive to nearby Ben T. Davis Beach to look for more ducks and shorebirds.
Pre-registration is required. Contact trip leader Lilian Saul at: lily.saul@tampaaudubon.org to join.
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

Sunday Bird Hike
2023-01-08 08:00 - 09:30 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa to seek out the resident and visiting birds of Brooker. Beginners and all levels of birders welcome. Meet in the parking lot at 8:00 a.m.
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

Clearwater Audubon Society Meeting
2022-10-03 06:30 - 08:30 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
The local chapter of the National Audubon Society conducts field trips to Florida’s natural areas, supports local environmental education efforts and sponsors environmental educators to Audubon training centers. Everyone is welcome. clearwateraudubonsociety.org
DETAILS HERE

Tampa Bay Watch Summer Camps Registration
2023-03-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Join us this summer for an unforgettable camp experience immersed in the Tampa Bay estuary! Camp sessions are offered at both Tampa Bay Watch’s Estuary EDventures Summer Camp on Tierra Verde and Discovery Center Summer Camp on the St. Pete Pier. Each camp provides an opportunity for children to participate in a fun-filled, hands-on learning adventure focused on marine ecology. Under the guidance of our professional education staff, campers will participate in boating trips, snorkeling, exploring native habitats, and collecting unique species inhabiting the estuary. This is an experience that your child will not want to miss! Set your alarms, registration opens at 9 AM on March 6!
Click here for more information on Estuary EDventures summer camp.
Click here for more information on Discovery Center camp.
Click here to become a member of Tampa Bay Watch and take advantage of the membership discount.

Gardening with Mushrooms
2023-03-07 10:30 - 11:30 | 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
