Florida Ecosystems
2023-04-06 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Bishop Museum of Science ﻿and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL, 34205, United States
Homeschool Science Days combine hands-on explorations with themed adventures throughout The Bishop’s exhibitions, Planetarium, and Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. This month, encounter the plants and animals that live in our local environment.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE DAYS – FLORIDA ECOSYSTEMS

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
2023-04-07 10:00 - 17:00 | FL
After a hugely successful post-pandemic return to Clearwater Beach in Spring 2022, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival returns to bright and beautiful Clearwater Beach April 7 to 23, 2023! From architectural masterpieces created from Clearwater’s famous sugar sand to concerts, performers and daily entertainment, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival Presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater is an annual event attracting visitors from around the world. The festival returns to Clearwater Beach for its ninth and biggest year yet with the theme “Decades: A Blast from the Past!”
Due to the overwhelming success of previous Sugar Sand Festival events and the Easter holiday, this year’s festival will again stretch for 17 days which allows people more time to attend, to space out attendees and gives those visiting for Easter a chance to see this incredible and affordable festival.
General admission to the sculpture exhibit will be $14 per person and free for children 3 years old and younger. Discounted tickets for military personnel, police officers, firefighters, teachers and healthcare workers can be purchased for $10 each on “Frontline Fridays,” which are April 7, 14 and 21. These discounted tickets will be available at the gate only with proper identification. All other tickets can be purchased online at SugarSandFestival.com beginning in December 2022.
Each year, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival continues to grow in popularity and garner national attention. The 2022 event drew more than 200,000 visitors throughout its 17-day run. On Aug. 30, the festival received a 2022 Flagler Silver Award by Visit Florida in the category of Sustainable Tourism Marketing, in addition to numerous other awards. The festival continues to attract visitors from around the world.
About the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
Fourteen world-class artists craft elaborate sand sculptures from Clearwater’s internationally famous sugar sand. The works of art are on display in a 21,000-square-foot structure. More than 1,000 tons of Clearwater sand takes on a new life, bringing visitors on a “sandtastic” adventure. The festival is a joint effort between Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival, a 501(c)3 organization and the city of Clearwater.

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

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

Saturday Guided Hike
2023-04-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, 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 Weedon Island on this guided hike of the Preserve. Learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island. 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’s exhibits.
>>> 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

SPRING FESTIVAL
2023-04-08 10:00 - 15:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Celebrate spring by decorating pots and planting seeds! Learn how to grow your own spring garden. There will be gardening demonstrations, an Easter egg hunt for children of all ages, Easter egg dyeing, and fresh flowers to bring home!
Cost: FREE* | All ages welcome!
*Cash required to purchase tickets for some activities.

Birds of Prey
2023-04-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Meet the animal ambassadors of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve!
Several LIVE birds of prey will be used to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships, adaptations that ensure success as predators, and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. The basic natural history of each species is also discussed along with the impact of humans on their habitats and populations. Great for all ages!
>>> REGISTER HERE

Egg Day
2023-04-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL, 33785, United States
Join us for all things Eggs! We will be learning about many different animals and their eggs along with fun activities and pictures with different egg laying animals!

ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT
2023-04-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States
Being an adult doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the annual easter egg hunt tradition. In fact, it can be even more fun as a grownup! Join Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in an evening of easter egg hunting in the dark. A number of cool prizes will be offered such as passes to the preserve’s walking trails, gift baskets, and vouchers to local St. Petersburg shops and restaurants!
Register online and guarantee your spot.
Ages 18 and up
CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket.

Turtle Bioartifacts
2022-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Turtle Bioartifacts
And What They Can Teach Us

Examine turtle bioartifacts and learn about turtle biology and ecology!

Dive into turtle science 101 with local herpetologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich! This hands-on workshop will explore turtle bioartifacts (natural history objects) commonly found during nature forays. Numerous specimens of shells and skulls will allow us to learn about turtle anatomy and species diversity. We will also examine a variety of eggs and dissect gopher tortoise scat. Participants may also get to observe some of the Preserve’s resident gopher tortoises.
This workshop will take place outdoors, under the covered pavilion adjacent to the Cultural and Natural History Center. This program is recommended for ages 16+ and youth should be accompanied by an adult.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Weedon Island. Our Friends support the Weedon Island Preserve through education, preservation and protection of its habitats, ecology, and cultural history. Learn more about our Friends at https://friendsofweedonisland.org/.
>>> REGISTER HERE

Recycle Your Yard & Recycled Yard Art
2023-04-11 10:30 - 12:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
This fun and educational workshop will showcase what and how you can reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat!
This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only.
This fun and educational workshop will showcase what and how you can reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat! This includes plants and other items in your landscape and home. If you have a good sense of humor, love to reuse items in your home and landscape, want to become more creative, and enjoy seeing artistic yard treasures, this workshop is for you!
There will be several drawings for various pieces of recycled yard art during this workshop. If you are signed on to the Zoom workshop, your household’s name will be placed in a compost bucket and names will be drawn during the presentation to determine winners. Each winner will be announced after their name is selected. **Product pick-up will be at our office by scheduling an appointment with our Receptionist on/after April 14 at 813-744-5519. Pick up must be made within 30 days of the workshop – NO exceptions.
>>> REGISTER HERE

This or That? Trees!
2023-04-11 12:00 - 13:00 | ZOOM, United States
Inspired by the “This or That? A Beginner’s Guide to Commonly Misidentified Animals and Plants in Florida”, this presentation will feature key characteristics to differentiate between the common trees found in Pinellas County. Step up your naturalist skills by participating in this lunch-n-learn webinar.

Presented by Lara Milligan, Natural Resources Agent UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County

>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Wind Pollination: How and Why?
2023-04-12 14:00 - 15:00 | ZOOM, United States
Allergy season is upon us, and airborne pollen is likely to blame. Learn the truth about what species are responsible, what species are NOT and how plants have evolved to take advantage of this free pollination service.
Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor. Recommended for adults and youth over 12.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Photography Hike
2023-03-24 00:00 | FL
Hike the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way.
Hike the Preserve in search of that perfect shot! After a brief classroom session, enjoy a docent-guided hike of Weedon Island that highlights the seasonal features of the Preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors that will help participants capture the natural beauty of the area. This program provides great opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills.
This hike is ~2 miles in total length on a combination of boardwalks and unimproved, natural paths. This hike is is best suited for adults.
REGISTER HERE

Gardening with Native Plants
2023-04-13 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about native plants for your landscape and their benefits to our ecosystem.
Learn how to garden with native plants and select species that are native to Florida that match your site conditions. Natives provide ecological benefits important to a healthy garden such as habitat for wildlife and food for pollinators. We will talk about native wildflowers, perennials, shrubs and trees suitable for planting in Central Florida home landscapes.
>>> 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

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

Swallow-tailed Kites & Short-tailed Hawks
2023-04-13 14:30 - 15:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Conservation and Tracking
Swallow-tailed Kites & Short-tailed Hawks
Join us to learn about the tracking of swallow-tailed kites and short-tailed hawks by the Avian Research and Conservation Institute.
Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) and Short-tailed Hawks (Buteo brachyurus) are two of Florida’s rarest and most special raptor species. The Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI), based in Gainesville, FL, studies these raptors and tracks their movements and activity– including their presence at the Weedon Island Preserve! Join us for a presentation from Gina Kent of ARCI to hear about the latest conservation issues and status trends of these beautiful raptors.
Gina Kent has worked with ARCI since 2000 and is a Senior Conservation Scientist. She conducts bird surveys from small planes, boats around the Florida Keys, and climbs 100-foot-tall trees, while working with many Florida specialty birds including Crested Caracara, Swallow-tailed Kites, Snail Kites, Reddish Egrets, White-crowned Pigeons, and others. She is based in Florida but travels throughout the southeastern U.S. and internationally to research birds. Gina received an undergraduate degree in wildlife from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, and a master’s degree from the Georgia Southern University. Her graduate thesis was on Swallow-tailed Kite migration and stopover sites.
>>> REGISTER HERE

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

Migrating Birds Journey Home
2023-04-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33712, United States

Fort De Soto Field Trip
2023-04-15 08:00 - 10:00 | De Soto National Memorial Park, 8250 De Soto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 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!
This field trip will be capped at 30 participants.
>>> 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

Swallow-Tailed Kites & People Who Track Them
2023-04-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
The Story of Swallow-Tailed Kites
And the People Who Track Them
Swallow-tailed Kites that breed in North America spend most of their lives on the wing traveling over vast distances. It is a treacherous journey at a treacherous time for this neo-tropical species that breeds primarily in the southern states, with Florida being their primary breeding grounds. They are highly social birds with intricate lives and are among one of the most beautiful birds in the world. People have tracked them from the ground, from the water, from the air and with tracking devices to study their migratory patterns, their life cycles and their social habits.
Join Barbara Walker of the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for this enlightening, photographic enriched program and meet a live kite!
>>> REGISTER HERE
