Book Time at Brooker
2025-01-16 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-01-09 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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.
>>> MORE INFO <<<

Wading Birds Photography Tour
2025-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Search for wading birds along the coast of Weedon Island and learn wildlife photography techniques.

This tour is for photographers and bird enthusiasts of all skill levels. A brief classroom session before the tour will teach participants about the wading birds found at the Preserve, as well as nature photography techniques specific to the wildlife and seasonal variations of Weedon Island.
The total hike length will be between 1 to 2 miles on natural paths and boardwalks so please dress and prepare accordingly.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!
2025-01-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-08 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 <<<

Family Night Hike
2025-01-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring your family and join our park rangers for a monthly family night hike while enjoying some hot chocolate!
All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bug Investigations
2025-01-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join us for an exciting exploration into the world of bugs!
Ages 6 yrs +
Participants will become junior entomologists, discovering the fascinating lives of insects and other small creatures.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Plantapalooza III !
2025-01-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL, 33704, United States
Sunken Gardens is proud to host the third annual PLANTAPOLOOZA, a local botanical event dedicated exclusively to Florida native plants.
Originated by The Community Wildlife Corridor, this event seeks to connect the wildlife populations in our largest parks with backyard native gardens. Join us as we celebrate the importance and beauty of Florida’s native plants!
🌱 Browse unique native plants, garden décor, & more for sale by Tampa Bay area vendors.
🌱 Learn from local organizations who are working hard to protect Florida’s plants & pollinators.
🌱 Attend themed lectures by native plant experts.
🌱 Enjoy youth workshops and activities.
🌱 Take home free Florida native plant seedlings (while supplies last).
🌱 Enter for a chance to win a rain barrel from the City of St. Petersburg Water Resources Department (limited quantity).
🌿 Themed lectures:
“The Importance of Home Landscapes in Conservation” by Craig Huegel (Lead curator at USF Botanical Gardens, Author)
“Salt-Tolerant Native Plants” by Amanda Streets (Owner of Living Roots Eco Design & Native Nursery)
🪴 Featured vendors & organizations:
– Living Roots Eco Design & Plant Nursery
– Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society
– Art Stone Co.
– Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation
– Little Red Wagon Native Nursery
– Wise Hands Native Plant Landscaping
– Carnivorous Plants by Kenny Coogan
– All Along the Treeline natural soaps
– JP Charisma native plant grower
– Rock Creations by Christine
– Louise’s Healing Calendula Salve
– Florida Wildflower Foundation
– Take MAR
– UF-IFAS Extension
– Pinellas County Farm Bureau
– Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association
– City of St. Pete Water Resources
Beer, wine, and Italian fare by Carrabba’s will be available to purchase.
❗️Important details:
PLANTAPOLOOZA III is free with Gardens admission or membership.
NOTE: We will not be processing new memberships during this special event. This helps us expedite admissions in a timely manner. We appreciate your understanding.
***Parking is extremely limited due to our shared parking lot. We encourage guests to carpool, ride share, bike, or walk to this special event!***

Naturalist Guided Tour
2025-01-11 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-01-04 09:30 - 11:30 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Enjoy a guided tour to explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of the Weedon Island Preserve!
Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island. The total hike length will be between 1 to 2 miles and will traverse uneven, natural paths and boardwalks so please prepare accordingly.
This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Beginning Bird Walk at LLP
2025-01-11 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.
Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.
Entrance fee for park $2. Meet in the parking lot by the Visitor’s Center in Lettuce Lake Park at 8:30 a.m. 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 field trip leader, Jim Hengelbrok at jimhengelbrok@gmail.com

Morning Tree Walk with Will Moriaty
2025-01-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Join other Pinellas FNPS members for a morning tree walk with William Moriaty, who founded the Tampa Bay Reforestation and Environmental Effort (“T.R.E.E.”, now part of TakeMAR) 40 years ago. He and his group of volunteers have planted over 30,000 trees!
The tree walk will be held at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg.

Butterfly Garden Work Day
2025-01-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
No experience necessary. We will be weeding, pruning, spreading mulch, and learning about native plants!
Meet near the butterfly garden which is next to the education building at the end of the parking lot.
Join in for as many hours as you can.
Bring gloves if you have them – the park has some that volunteers can borrow.
Questions/RSVP to Tabatha Spence-Hall: volunteer@pinellasnativeplants.org

DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour
2025-01-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort DeSoto Park, 8250 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Guided tour through DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer!

Second Saturday of the month (November – May), at 9:00am
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.

>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Tour begins in the parking area of DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters into Riverview Pointe Preserve.
Special Accommodations:
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.

Volunteer Archaeology Lab
2025-01-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites!

Ages 12+

Join us in the Lab for a hands-on experience in archaeological discovery! Led by professional archaeologists from the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), this volunteer lab gives you the chance to sort, clean, and identify real artifacts uncovered at the Weedon Island Preserve. You’ll learn how archaeologists process materials for study and contribute to ongoing research about the people who once lived in this coastal region. No experience is necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
Who Can Participate:
This lab is open to adults and youth ages 12 and up. Youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire session.
Space is limited — registration is required.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of real archaeological work!

Friday, December 12 at 1:00 p.m. — Register today
Friday, January 9 at 1:00 p.m. — Register today

Request A Youth Lab:
If you’re part of a homeschool group and would like to schedule a youth-focused lab, please email westcentral@fpan.us to request a separate Lab session.

Meet your Forest: Tree & Fungi Walk and Talk
2025-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Trout Creek Wilderness Park, 12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, 33592, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a walk and talk about our local trees and fungi.
She will cover tree identification techniques, including using iNaturalist to document your findings. Be prepared to walk with closed toed shoes, water, hat etc. A map will be emailed to you the day prior with the exact meeting location. Be aware that the park has a $2 entry fee.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
>>> 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: VinsonA@HCFL.gov, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54106, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Botany Walk
2025-01-10 09:30 - 11:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Join James Stevenson to explore the fascinating plants found at Brooker Creek Preserve!
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. Led by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Specialist.
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. Meet in the Exhibit Hall.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Identifying the Snakes of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
2025-01-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Come join us as our speaker introduces the various species of snakes at the preserve and how you can identify them. Learn about these misunderstood creatures, their role in nature, and how you can safely enjoy viewing them.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2025-01-09 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 <<<

Florida Native Plant Gardening
2025-01-09 11:30 - 13:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Get in on the trend of gardening with natives!
Learn the countless ways native plants can delight and benefit you, your landscape and our native birds, bees and butterflies. We’ll start with the basics of how to choose the right plants for your landscape, where you can buy them and how to care for them.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Sunday Bird Hike
2025-01-05 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.
Come out for this “early morning” walk in the woods with Alexa, our awesome volunteer, 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.

Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot.

Astronomy Night
2025-01-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Family Night Hike
2025-01-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Bring the whole family for our monthly family night hike at Boyd Hill.
Explore the trials under the stars, discover nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy the wonders of nature together on this fun and educational adventure.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Holiday Lights in the Gardens 2024
2025-01-04 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.

Alligator Walk
2025-01-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Alligators have lived in Florida’s marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes for centuries. Anyone who lives in Florida knows where there is water, there most likely is an alligator! Learn all about this giant reptile while on a guided hike through the swamp!
Ages 18 yrs +
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bay Babies
2025-01-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Come join us with your young scientists!
Ages 3 – 6
This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session may include story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited.
Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
Children must have an accompanying adult in the classroom. Due to space constraints, only one adult per child is allowed.

Emerson Point Preserve Tour
2025-01-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
First Saturday of the month (December – April), at 9:00am
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.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
Meet at the first parking area on the RIGHT at the Observation Tower (not at the classroom).
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.

Birding on the Bay
2025-01-04 09:00 - 10:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Presents:
Birding on the Bay with the MFA

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience on the waters of Tampa Bay! This 75-minute guided boat tour offers a front-row seat to the fascinating bird species that call this vibrant ecosystem home. During the tour, we’ll visit a nearby bird sanctuary island, strategically timed to provide the best viewing opportunities for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
As we navigate the waters, your expert guide will share insightful details about the diverse bird species you’ll encounter, from elegant waders to soaring seabirds. With our prime location and optimal timing, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional views of these feathered residents as they go about their daily routines.
This tour is perfect for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the rich wildlife of Tampa Bay in a relaxed and educational setting.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
More Information

75 Minutes
$45 ($5 member discount offered)
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC.
Children under 3 free
November 2024 to February 2025

What to Bring
-You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/ or beverages.
-We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
-Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
-Sun protection is highly recommended.

Native Plant Walk at Lettuce Lake
2025-01-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33637, United States
Meet behind the Joel E. Jackson Nature Center in the Native Plant Garden for a walk on the paved trail and boardwalk with a representative of the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Learn what grows naturally in the hardwood swamp and how native plants benefit wildlife.
Walks are free but there is a $2 charge to enter the park. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.

Bird Walk at Boyd Hill
2025-01-04 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 <<<
