Science Sprouts
2023-04-01 09:00 - 10:00, 2023-04-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2023-04-01 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
2023-04-01 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 <<<
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.

Saturday Guided Hike
2023-04-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-02 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-09 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 <<<
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!

Oyster shell project to restore 2D Island
2023-04-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Williams Park Boat Ramp
The project meeting location is Williams Park boat ramp, 9425 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578, which is next to the U.S. 41 bridge over the Alafia River. We will be installing an oyster shell bar which involves shoveling fossilized shell into mesh bags and transporting the bags via boat to lay on the shoreline of 2D Island. The goal of our efforts is to restore lost habitat by promoting new oyster growth, ultimately improving water quality and providing food sources and habitat for many species.
Click here to register for this project.

Microirrigation Workshop
2023-04-01 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 <<<
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.

Sea Turtle Awareness Day
2023-04-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL, 33767, United States
Celebrate Sea Turtle Awareness Day on April 1, 2023, at Clearwater Marine Aquarium from 10am through 3pm! The Sea Turtle Conservation Program at CMA will be preparing for sea turtle nesting season with nesting presentations, nest stake painting, custom Protect the Nest plaques, and so much more! We will also have many sea turtle conservation partners and CMA teams joining us with additional information to help protect sea turtles and their habitats. This event is included with your general admission at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Schedule of Activities:

11:40am – Performance by the “Semillas de mi Tierra” children’s Latin dance group.
12:15pm – Sea Turtle Nesting Presentation in the Atlantis Theater.
2:15pm – Sea Turtle Nesting Presentation in the Atlantis Theater.

>>> MORE INFO HERE <<<

Dragonflies of West Central Florida
2023-04-01 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
The Natural History of
Dragonflies of West Central Florida

Learn about our local dragonfly population, biology, and why they are an important part of our ecosystem. Presented by Paul Trunk. Geared towards an adult audience.
Stick around after the program for an optional dragonfly walk, and bring your binoculars if you have them!
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Wild About Nature Festival
2023-04-01 11:00 - 16:00 | Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, 400 Palmetto Avenue, Osprey, FL, 34229-0902, United States
Join us for a day of fun and outdoor adventure at the Wild About Nature Festival on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Reconnect with the great outdoors and help foster a love of nature in the next generation as you spend a day in the sun on the beautiful shores of Little Sarasota Bay at Bay Preserve. Families of all ages are encouraged to take part in this fun-filled day of nature-based education and exploration. The wide variety of activities include dip-netting, face painting, hula-hoop lessons, crafts, games, and SO MUCH MORE!
There will be live music and food trucks making this a guaranteed good time! Don’t miss out – mark your calendars TODAY!
This is a FREE family festival open to all. Registration is not required.

Friends of Brooker Creek Book Club
2023-04-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
info@friendsofbrookercreekpreserve.org

Clearwater Audubon Society Meeting
2023-04-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2023-04-03 18:30 - 20:00 | 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

Sunday Bird Hike
2023-04-02 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 <<<

Guided Hike Information
Volunteer Hike Guides will meet participants in the parking lot 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.

Book Time at Brooker
2023-04-06 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 <<<

Florida Ecosystems
2023-04-06 13:00 - 15:00 | 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
2023-04-07 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
2023-04-08 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

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2023-04-08 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 <<<
Please email special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.

Beginning Bird Walk
2023-04-08 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 <<<
Presented by the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

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
2023-04-10 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 <<<
NOTE: There is a non-refundable $5.00 registration fee per household for this workshop. Please be advised, if you or someone in your household has already attended this workshop or if you reside outside of Hillsborough County, you are not eligible to attend and your registration fee will not be refunded, nor is it transferrable to another party or workshop.
This workshop will be offered online via ZOOM. No additional software is required and only basic computer skills are necessary.
**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 Angie Maki (makia@hillsboroughcounty.org). If no link is received, please contact Angie at 813-744-5519 Ext. 54127 for assistance.
Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.
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 Lynn Barber, barberl@hillsboroughcounty.org or 813-744-5519 ext. 54105 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
For questions contact: Lynn Barber, 813-744-5519 ext. 54105
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.
