Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.0, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Bay Soundings Tampa Bay's Science and Nature News Journal ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://baysoundings.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Top Ten Tips for a Green Fourth of July  ](https://baysoundings.com/top-ten-tips-for-a-green-fourth-of-july/) - A milestone as major as America’s 250th anniversary deserves an unforgettable, multi-day celebration—but it shouldn't come at the expense of our planet. Let's honor our future by keeping this holiday weekend green. Here are 10 ways to celebrate sustainably for the next 250 years and beyond: Watch out for birds. If you’re planning a trip - [Future of the Region Awards announced; Ed Sherwood, Hillsborough TPO take top honors](https://baysoundings.com/future-of-the-region-awards-announced-ed-sherwood-hillsborough-tpo-take-top-honors/) - The 32nd annual Future of the Region Awards recognized outstanding projects and programs that exemplify regional leadership in categories that are open to local governments, businesses and non-profits. Once again, an environmentalist has earned the Herman Goldner Award for Regional Leadership, the top honor presented to an individual at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s - [Community Members asked to share their Flood Experiences for the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan](https://baysoundings.com/community-members-asked-to-share-their-flood-experiences-for-the-tampa-bay-coastal-master-plan/) - Residents across the Tampa Bay area are asked to share their flood experiences and concerns to help inform the inaugural Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan. An initiative of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, the Coastal Master Plan is a regional flood resilience plan that will catalyze efforts to reduce flood risks for Tampa Bay’s - [Education key to preventing stormwater pollution](https://baysoundings.com/education-key-to-preventing-stormwater-pollution/) - Across the state, more than 76,000 stormwater ponds are woven into Florida neighborhoods, often as the focal point of waterfront homes. Yet beneath their serene surfaces, some of these ponds are struggling. Many are overloaded with excess nutrients, fueling algal blooms and degrading water quality. At the same time, rapid urban development is sending more - [Innovation is focus of 2026 Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Summit](https://baysoundings.com/innovation-is-focus-of-2026-tampa-bay-regional-resiliency-summit/) - The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) and its Regional Resiliency Coalition will be hosting the sixth Regional Resiliency Summit on May 14 and 15 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort. This year’s event will focus on advancing innovative solutions in mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable growth. The Summit will bring together experts from across the state - [Innovation Showcase highlights cutting-edge solutions](https://baysoundings.com/innovation-showcase-highlights-cutting-edge-solutions/) - The first-ever Innovation Showcase will be a highlight of the 2026 Regional Resiliency Summit hosted by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Regional Resiliency Coalition on May 14 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The showcase will feature cutting-edge solutions that are transforming how communities in the region approach resilience. Each participant will present a - [Innovation Showcase at Resilency Summit](https://baysoundings.com/innovation-showcase-at-resilency-summit/) - The Innovation Showcase is a new prestnation at the 2026 Resiliency Summit hosted by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Regional Resiliency Coalition. The showcase will highlight cutting-edge solutions that are transforming how communities in the region approach resilience. Each participant will present a brief video overview of their technology in the main ballroom beginning - [Restoring the Manatee River, one oyster reef pot at a time ](https://baysoundings.com/restoring-the-manatee-river-one-oyster-reef-pot-at-a-time/) - Damon Moore is known for setting audacious goals. His first was a self-described “hair-brained scheme” to restore Mariposa Key. Then, working as a restoration ecologist for Manatee County, he directed the transformation of what had been 150 acres of abandoned farmland to low-salinity habitats specifically created to support snook at Robinson Preserve. Now, as founder - [Native landscapes can help restore Florida’s biodiversity](https://baysoundings.com/native-landscapes-can-help-restore-floridas-biodiversity/) - As gardeners across Tampa Bay contemplate replacing their cold-damaged plants or landscaping with new plants amidst the ongoing drought , Johanna Freeman has some advice: go native. A scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in Gainesville specializing in terrestrial ecosystems, Freeman notes that native plants in backyards can imitate the wild places - [Student Visionaries to Showcase Future of Tampa Bay’s Resilience at 2026 Design Challenge](https://baysoundings.com/student-visionaries-to-showcase-future-of-tampa-bays-resilience-at-2026-design-challenge/) - The next generation of planners and designers will converge at the University of South Florida to present bold solutions for the region’s environmental future. The 2026 Tampa Bay Resilience Design Challenge Final Showcase will take place from 1:00 PM to 4:00 pm on April 1 at the Marshall Student Center. It’s hosted by the USF Hospitality - [eDNA deployed in the Everglades could help track invasive species in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/edna-deployed-in-the-everglades-could-help-track-invasive-species-in-tampa-bay/) - Environmental DNA, or eDNA, which allows early detection of invasive species by monitoring cellular material (like skin or feces) that organisms shed, is now being deployed in the Everglades to track two species that have also been documented in the Tampa Bay region. The Asian swamp eel and the bullseye snakehead are invasive, air-breathing predators that live in the - [Bird populations are plummeting but citizen-scientists can help](https://baysoundings.com/bird-populations-are-plummeting-but-citizen-scientists-can-help/) - Scientists estimate that North American bird populations have declined by nearly 3 billion since 1970. While it would be difficult for Tampa Bay residents to make a meaningful impact on birds like the eastern meadowlark, nearly anyone can be a lifeline for the birds fighting to survive here. Habitat loss – as humans move into spaces - [PFAS have nothing on Diamonds](https://baysoundings.com/diamonds-have-nothing-on-pfas/) - From a lab experiment gone wrong to a secret government operation, how forever chemicals went from revolutionary invention to pervasive menace. By Jessica Sirois Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have been making headlines as evidence of their health and environmental impact mounts. What many people don’t know is that their - [Call for entries: 2026 Future of the Region Awards](https://baysoundings.com/call-for-entries-2026-future-of-the-region-awards/) - Last year, environmental leaders and programs swept the stage at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) 31st Future of the Region Award, including awards to Manatee County’s Charlie Hunsicker, the cities of Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, and Pasco County. This year, the awards ceremony will be held as part of the Regional Resiliency Summit - [Gulf Coast Trail to connect Pinellas to Naples](https://baysoundings.com/gulf-coast-trail-to-connect-pinellas-to-naples/) - You can’t walk, run or bike it just yet, but ambitious plans to link Tampa Bay with Naples are well on their way to being realized. The 420-mile Florida Gulf Coast Trail will be one of the longest continuous trails in Florida, linking seven counties and 52 rural, urban and suburban communities, including Hillsborough and - [Freezing temperatures, ongoing drought increase risk of wildfires this spring](https://baysoundings.com/29322-2/) - If all those dead brown branches and leaves in your yard are making you unhappy, just be glad you’re not Chris Reed, who leads the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s land management section. He’s in charge of 162,000 “fire-dependent” acres, most of which were impacted by January’s historic cold weather and all of which are - [Feeling stressed? Help yourself by stepping into the shade of trees](https://baysoundings.com/feeling-stressed-help-yourself-by-stepping-into-the-shade-of-trees/) - Have you ever considered a walk in a tree-shaded park to relieve stress? If you have, you’re hardly alone, according to new University of Florida research. The study shows that spending time in tree-filled spaces — like parks or wooded areas — can be a powerful way to calm the mind. “For the average stressed - [MarineQuest & St. Pete Science Festival return on Feb. 7](https://baysoundings.com/marinequest-st-pete-science-festival-return-on-feb-7/) - Tampa Bay’s biggest science events of the year geared to kids of all ages are scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 10am-4pm, in downtown St. Petersburg. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute opens its doors for the 31st annual MarineQuest, the one day each year the public can explore - [Avoiding PFAS: Easier said than done](https://baysoundings.com/avoiding-pfas-easier-said-than-done/) - First, the good news: most Tampa Bay residents don’t need to worry about PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their drinking water. Tampa Bay Water’s ongoing tests show that its drinking water meets even the stringent new EPA regulations in nearly every case. But that doesn’t mean you should lower your guard. PFAS, commonly referred - [Potentially dangerous levels of PFAS found in surface waters, fish and sediment across the Tampa Bay region](https://baysoundings.com/potentially-dangerous-levels-of-pfass-found-in-surface-waters-fish-and-sediment-across-the-tampa-bay-region/) - Like DDT when it was first introduced in the 1930s, PFAS were originally considered miracle products. They made fire-fighting foam more effective, prevented food from sticking to cookware, enabled water- and stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, and extended the wear time of lipstick and mascara. But like DDT, researchers are uncovering the dangers of PFAS long - [Community Wildlife Corridor celebrates with fourth annual Plantapolooza](https://baysoundings.com/community-wildlife-corridor-celebrates-with-fourth-annual-plantapolooza/) - Chad Hardy didn’t intend to give away thousands of native plants every year during Plantapolooza. It started as a party for his friends to celebrate cleaning up after Hurricane Ian. “I had about 50 native plants that I thought I’d sell for a dollar to pay for the pots and soil,” he recalled. “I didn’t - [Corridor Compatible Communities guidelines work in urban settings too](https://baysoundings.com/corridor-compatible-communities-guidelines-work-in-urban-settings-too/) - The new Design Guidelines for Corridor Compatible Communities outline best practices for developing new communities near the 18-million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor to support the habitats and connectivity needed to protect Florida’s wildlife. While focused on large master-planned communities, guidelines in the 153-page book can also be applied to urban areas, even those as developed as - [Florida Birding and Nature Festival rescheduled for spring](https://baysoundings.com/florida-birding-and-nature-festival-rescheduled-for-spring/) - The 2024 hurricane season, which devastated natural lands across the Tampa Bay region, had a silver lining for the Florida Birding & Nature Festival (FBNF). Although past events were held in October to coincide with fall migration, a new spring schedule, which occurs before hurricane season, will now allow participants to see even more migratory - [Charlie Hunsicker: In the right place at the right time  ](https://baysoundings.com/charlie-hunsicker-in-the-right-place-at-the-right-time/) - Charlie Hunsicker built his career on being in the right place at the right time – and everyone in Tampa Bay has benefited. Now the director of natural resources for Manatee County, Hunsicker earned the 2025 Herman W. Goldner Award, the highest award bestowed on an individual for regional leadership at the Future of the - [Tampa Bay Water explores new water sources as region’s population grows](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-water-explores-new-water-sources-as-regions-population-grows/) - Tampa Bay Water (TBW) is evaluating a series of proposals that would provide water for the anticipated half-million new residents who are expected to move into the region by 2043. An estimated 38 million gallons of water per day (mgd) must be available to meet that demand, with approximately 10 to 20 mgd needed by - [Extension “boots on the ground” addresses natural resource challenges](https://baysoundings.com/extension-boots-on-the-ground-addresses-natural-resource-challenges/) - While classes in canning are still a staple at county Extension offices across Florida, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) now focuses more strongly on natural resources. With offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties including Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus in the Tampa Bay region, the programs - [The original snowbirds return to Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/the-original-snowbirds-return-to-tampa-bay/) - American white pelicans are clearly related to our native brown pelican, but their enormous size, stark-white plumage and tendency to travel in large flocks make them a show-stopper for nearly everyone who sees them when they return to Tampa Bay in the late fall. Weighing up to 30 pounds with wingspans extending up to nine - [Save lives: Participate in the 32nd Annual Fishing Line Cleanup](https://baysoundings.com/save-lives-participate-in-the-32nd-annual-fishing-line-cleanup/) - Fishing line is the leading cause of death for Florida pelicans, and causes thousands more deaths among birds across Tampa Bay annually. You can make a difference by joining Tampa Bay Watch (TBW) and Audubon Florida for the 32nd Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup, October 18 to 26, or leading a cleanup at a pond - [Courtney Campbell Causeway construction may offer a “once in a generation opportunity” to restore Old Tampa Bay ](https://baysoundings.com/courtney-campbell-causeway-construction-may-offer-a-once-in-a-generation-opportunity-to-restore-old-tampa-bay/) - As the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) considers expanding the Courtney Campbell Causeway, environmental leaders are calling for a design that would increase tidal circulation in Old Tampa Bay. Long recognized as Tampa Bay’s “problem child,” Old Tampa Bay has less seagrass than ever before. “The causeways restrict tidal flow allowing nutrients from a highly - [Agency on Bay and Coastal Management celebrates 40 years](https://baysoundings.com/agency-on-bay-and-coastal-management-celebrates-40-years/) - Forty years ago, following concerted efforts by residents troubled as water quality in Tampa Bay steadily declined, the Agency on Bay Management was officially created as part of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC). Now known as the Agency on Bay and Coastal Management (ABCM) to reflect a more regional impact, the Agency celebrated - [Seven-foot sawfish returned to Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/seven-foot-sawfish-returned-to-tampa-bay/) - Cameras whirred as Tonya Wiley directed the rescue of a seven-foot smalltooth sawfish from a pond off Bishop Harbor. However, saving that animal has been a long time coming for both the endangered species and the founder of Havenworth Coastal Conservation. Like hundreds of today’s marine biologists, Wiley decided she wanted to work with sharks - [BEE the Difference: How You Can Protect Native Bees Through Fall and Winter](https://baysoundings.com/bee-the-difference-how-you-can-protect-native-bees-through-fall-and-winter/) - Story and photography by Laura Zurro Most conversations about saving bees focus on honey bees. But Florida is home to more than 300 species of native bees, each playing a unique role in pollinating the plants that feed our ecosystems — and us. Sadly, their numbers are dwindling. A 2025 report from NatureServe and the - [Ecosphere invited to join the United Nation’s Race to Resilience](https://baysoundings.com/ecosphere-invited-to-join-the-united-nations-race-to-resilience/) - A local not-for-profit organization has been invited to join the United Nations’ Race to Resilience (R2R), an international initiative with 1,762 members in 139 countries working together to strengthen communities with the goal of protecting four billion people by 2030. Ecosphere Restoration Institute, founded by Tom Ries in 2003, is also one of the few - [BEE ready: sign up now for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census](https://baysoundings.com/bee-ready-sign-up-now-for-the-great-southeast-pollinator-census/) - Across the country, beekeepers are reporting “catastrophic” honeybee colony losses. Closer to home, a Florida expert on native bees has noted either a decline in bees or changes in bloom cycles that would impact pollinators. You don’t need to be an expert scientist to help determine how pollinators are faring in your yard or community, - [Welcome Florida's Native Bees Into Your Yard](https://baysoundings.com/welcome-floridas-native-bees-into-your-yard/) - Florida is home to more than 300 of the 4,000 bee species found across North America -- including 29 species found nowhere else in the world. Unlike the highly social but non-native honey bees that live in hives, most native bees live solitary lives, and the majority of them nest in the ground. Story and - [Egmont Key: Stories from Eyewitnesses to History ](https://baysoundings.com/egmont-key-stories-from-eyewitnesses-to-history/) - I admit, I expected to enjoy Egmont Key: Stories from Eyewitnesses to History even before I opened it. Florida history is a personal passion, and Egmont Key is one of my favorite places in the world. Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Egmont Key has been inhabited for more than 300 years, and has - [By the numbers: A short version of Egmont’s history](https://baysoundings.com/by-the-numbers-a-short-version-of-egmonts-history/) - 1757: Don Francisco Maria Celi surveys the island before sailing up the Hillsborough River. 1763: Egmont is named in honor of John Perceval, the second earl of Egmont. 1848: The first lighthouse on Egmont is completed at a cost of $6,250 and becomes the only lighthouse between the panhandle and Key West. 1849: The predecessor - [MART aims to make it easier to permit habitat restoration](https://baysoundings.com/mart-aims-to-make-it-easier-to-permit-habitat-restoration/) - A new initiative aims to make permitting easier for living shorelines and other nature-based solutions that provide a range of benefits to people and habitats. Nature-based solutions are considered a key strategy in advancing community resilience, a critical component in the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s (TBRPC) Regional Resiliency Action Plan, and an essential element - [Become a ghost-trap buster in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/become-a-ghost-trap-buster-in-tampa-bay/) - A team of ghost-busters is targeting derelict crab traps in Tampa to obliterate derelict crab traps that continue to capture wildlife long after they’ve been abandoned. "No one is checking on the traps, nobody is releasing the crabs, no one is taking the crabs. The traps are just sitting there trapping marine life without any - [Rooted in Resilience: The Role of Trees in Hurricane Preparedness](https://baysoundings.com/rooted-in-resilience-the-role-of-trees-in-hurricane-preparedness/) - Hurricane season officially began on June 1st, and as people around Tampa Bay prepare mentally and physically for the months ahead, it's time to reassess the region’s most undervalued assets: trees. While often seen as hazards during high winds, trees can be powerful allies in disaster resilience when properly chosen and managed. Community assets are - [Welcome summer with a rain garden](https://baysoundings.com/welcome-summer-with-a-rain-garden/) - For most Tampa Bay residents, protecting our lakes, streams and bay from stormwater pollution means changing bad habits like over-fertilizing, blowing leaf and lawn litter into storm drains, or not scooping poop behind our pets. But some homeowners can take that commitment a step further and start capturing rain before it turns into stormwater, either - [Celebrate Arbor Day with small flowering trees](https://baysoundings.com/celebrate-arbor-day-with-small-flowering-trees/) - By Vicki Parsons When most people think of trees, they think of majestic live oaks that tower over neighborhoods, bringing welcome shade for residents and providing food and shelter for wildlife. Even though their majestic size means they don’t work for many yards, that doesn’t mean homeowners should give up on planting trees. Amanda Marek - [Local group plans updates to marine science curricula; online resources available to all](https://baysoundings.com/local-group-plans-updates-to-marine-science-curricula-online-resources-available-to-all/) - Veronica Morejon never intended to create Breach the Surface, an initiative that supports science teachers in public schools. “I was doing a research project on microplastic pollution at the St. Petersburg College STEM Center and ended up getting a mini-grant from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to do outreach on their harmful effects,” Morejon said. - [Celebrate Stormwater Stewardship Month in May](https://baysoundings.com/celebrate-stormwater-stewardship-month-in-may/) - Stormwater runoff is the largest single source of pollution in Tampa Bay – but it’s also the place where each of us can make a difference. The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC), in collaboration with UF/IFAS and local governments across the region, created Stormwater Stewardship Month, a month-long education campaign to raise awareness about - [Environmental leaders and programs take top honors at the Future of the Region Awards](https://baysoundings.com/environmental-leaders-and-programs-take-top-honors-at-the-future-of-the-region-awards/) - Environmental leaders and programs swept the stage at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s 31st annual Future of the Region Awards at the Regional Resiliency Summit. The TBRPC’s most prestigious honor, the Herman Goldner Award for Regional Leadership, went to Charlie Hunsicker, director of Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department, who has been working to protect - [Wildlife Foundation grant to fund nature-based plan for flood adaptation ](https://baysoundings.com/wildlife-foundation-grant-to-fund-nature-based-plan-for-flood-adaptation/) - A $1.99 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will allow the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) to develop a Coastal Master Plan that helps to prepare the region’s most vulnerable communities for climate change and associated flooding by emphasizing nature-based solutions. More than 100 people attended the launch workshop held May - [Rain Barrels Boost Backyard Conservation](https://baysoundings.com/rain-barrels-boost-backyard-conservation/) - In the best of all possible worlds, a fairy could wave a magic wand and repair all the damage done to Florida’s delicate ecosystems when governments and developers drained wetlands for farms and homes. That’s not likely to happen — but there is something nearly every homeowner can do to make a difference in their - [2025 Resiliency Summit: From Recovery to Resilience](https://baysoundings.com/2025-resiliency-summit-from-recovery-to-resilience/) - “From Recovery to Resilience” is the theme of the fifth annual Regional Resiliency Summit, which will be hosted by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and its Regional Resiliency Coalition on May 15 and 16 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort. Registration is open until Friday, May 9. The plenary speaker is Aris Papadopoulos, founder of - [Apollo Beach hatchery could release up to a million fish per year](https://baysoundings.com/apollo-beach-hatchery-could-release-up-to-a-million-fish-per-year/) - Any fisherman will tell you that getting out on the water doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll come home with fish. It takes knowledge, the right tackle and patience. The same is true for successfully releasing fish from a hatchery. It takes expertise, sophisticated equipment, and patience to build a 10,000-square-foot hatchery and then to know how - [Celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day with “tort-ally” awesome events](https://baysoundings.com/celebrate-gopher-tortoise-day-with-tort-ally-awesome-events/) - Gopher Tortoise Day, created to increase awareness of the long-lived gentle reptiles who are considered to be threatened in Florida, is April 10. Weedon Island Nature Preserve will celebrate with two events, beginning with a gopher tortoise investigation station on Thursday, along with games, activities and crafts. On Saturday, join environmental educator George Heinrich on - [Managers call for tweaking targets as Old Tampa Bay nears tipping point](https://baysoundings.com/managers-call-for-tweaking-targets-as-old-tampa-bay-nears-tipping-point/) - Old Tampa Bay, the segment north of the Gandy Bridge between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, has long been the region’s “problem child.” More than half of the seagrasses lost across Tampa Bay since 2016 vanished from Old Tampa Bay, and the latest report shows that seagrass acreage is at its lowest level in more than - [Tampa Bay Conservancy expands with new preserves, new opportunity for professional consultant](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-conservancy-expands-with-new-preserves-new-opportunity-for-professional-consultant/) - When Roger and Sally Adams reached out to the Tampa Bay Conservancy (TBC) to donate land for a nature preserve in honor of an influential teacher, the volunteer-led not-for-profit was able to help them establish the Troy Samuel Cumming Nature Preserve, its first property in Citrus County. And then, Rene Wiesner Brown, the group’s vice - [Restored springs play a critical role in ecosystems](https://baysoundings.com/restored-springs-play-a-critical-role-in-ecosystems/) - Abundant springs providing clean, fresh water to Indigenous peoples and European settlers fueled the Tampa Bay region’s growth for centuries. More recently, some springs, like Ulele, which was once the source of Tampa’s drinking water, had been buried underground and piped to the Hillsborough River until it was restored in 2014. Purity Springs, which the - [Planting a Refuge for Wildlife: Updated and back in print](https://baysoundings.com/planting-a-refuge-for-wildlife-updated-and-back-in-print/) - By Vicki Parsons Many years ago, when creating a landscape for wildlife wasn’t considered all that important, I was given the first book I’d ever seen on why and how our suburban yards could be transformed into habitats for the critters I love. More than 20 years later, the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida - [Creature Feature: Tufted titmouse](https://baysoundings.com/creature-feature-tufted-titmouse/) - Even if you’re not a birdwatcher, you’re probably familiar with the distinctive “dee-da, dee-da, dee-da” call of the tufted titmouse. Closely related to the Carolina chickadees that are beginning to move south into Hillsborough County, the titmice are tiny birds with huge voices commonly heard across most of the eastern US, including the Tampa Bay - [MarineQuest and the St. Petersburg Science Festival: Meet the scientists working to save our oceans](https://baysoundings.com/marinequest-and-the-st-petersburg-science-festival-meet-the-scientists-working-to-save-our-oceans/) - MarineQuest is an opportunity to meet the scientists at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). It’s held in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Science Festival, where participants can meet scientists from the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science, the National Oceanic and - [Stormscaping: Enjoy ecosystem benefits with careful planning](https://baysoundings.com/stormscaping-enjoy-ecosystem-benefits-with-careful-planning/) - As homeowners across Tampa Bay dig out from three hurricanes in a row, Emily Fournier sees a trend that could be nearly as damaging to the region’s ecosystems. “People are looking at their trees and cutting them down, even if they’re still healthy because they see the damage in their neighbors’ yards,” said Fournier, owner - [Celebrate Arbor Day Across Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/celebrate-arbor-day-across-tampa-bay/) - Local governments across the region are joining together to celebrate Arbor Day Across Tampa Bay, highlighting the importance of trees to residents and ecosystems. A package of marketing materials and messages that allows local governments to promote Arbor Day on social media was developed by representatives from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties and the cities - [Day-long event brings together "thinkers and doers" in wake of 2024 hurricanes](https://baysoundings.com/day-long-event-brings-together-thinkers-and-doers-in-wake-of-2024-hurricanes/) - A day-long event that recapped the successes, challenges and lessons learned from the 2024 trifecta of hurricanes brought together experts from academia, local emergency managers and elected officials. Hosted by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC), the University of South Florida (USF) and the Patel Family Foundation, the event featured U.S. Representative Kathy Castor - [Living shorelines a bright spot after 2024 Hurricane Season](https://baysoundings.com/living-shorelines-a-bright-spot-after-2024-hurricane-season/) - As the Tampa Bay region slowly but surely rebuilds infrastructure ranging from beaches to the baseball stadium, one bright spot stands out. Living shorelines, even in locations with the highest wave energy, generally came through all three 2024 hurricanes with minimal damage. “We were surprised at how well the living shorelines we’ve assessed so far - [Paddler-Friendly Boat Parade Planned for Dec. 22](https://baysoundings.com/paddler-friendly-boat-parade-planned-for-dec-22/) - Picture yourself in a boat on a river, paddling the Hillsborough River at night, surrounded by twinkling holiday lights and joyful noise made by dozens of fellow paddlers gliding across the water, while spectators shout greetings from shore. That’s what you can experience during the 24th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on the Hillsborough River, Tampa - [Uniquely Florida, the Osceola Turkey](https://baysoundings.com/uniquely-florida-the-osceola-turkey/) - As you think about roasting that giant, dome-shaped turkey for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, here is the “skinny” on Florida’s native turkeys - a distant relation to the bird the pilgrims ate, and even more distant from the farm-bred variety. Florida is home to two of the five wild turkey subspecies in the United States, - [Could a Magic Jet Ski reduce red tide?](https://baysoundings.com/could-a-magic-jet-ski-reduce-red-tide/) - Dave Tomasko doesn’t usually joke about red tide in Sarasota Bay, but he can’t help but smile about the so-called Magic Jet Ski that’s been permitted to patrol Sarasota Bay during the next red tide outbreak. “While the name is something we embrace as being self-deprecating, the science and engineering behind the proposed activity are - [No Scrap Left Behind: Getting to Zero Food Waste  ](https://baysoundings.com/no-scrap-left-behind-getting-to-zero-food-waste/) - By Vicki Parsons It seemed very appropriate to read a book about food waste in the dark on a laptop with a fading battery during Hurricane Milton. Families on Facebook were asking for food, water or ice, and police were manning gas stations to keep order. The things we take for granted – refrigerators full - [Manatee Viewing Center becomes top-rated destination](https://baysoundings.com/manatee-viewing-center-becomes-top-rated-destination/) - Top: Photo Courtesy TECO. By Vicki Parsons When I first visited TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center in the late 1980s, there was only a platform at the edge of the water where visitors could safely watch the gentle giants relaxing in warm water flowing from the power station to a discharge canal. Thirty years later, when - [George Henderson Memorial scheduled for Nov. 2](https://baysoundings.com/george-henderson-memorial-scheduled-for-nov-2/) - George Henderson, an outspoken advocate for Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, passed away peacefully on Aug. 21. Although he had retired several times, he was a fixture at meetings where his 50 years of experience were enormously valuable as the region continues to face the dual pressures of development and climate change. ““When - [When can we go back in the water?](https://baysoundings.com/when-can-we-go-back-in-the-water/) - By Erica Moulton As we recover from yet another massive hurricane hitting our communities, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about when it’s safe to visit our beaches or play in our waters again. Separate from the issues of avoiding neighborhoods where people are still struggling to rebuild, and the potential dangers of debris on - [Florida Birding and Nature Festival set for October](https://baysoundings.com/florida-birding-and-nature-festival-set-for-october/) - The four-day 2024 Florida Birding and Nature Festival will feature field trips, boat excursions, seminars by experts, nationally renowned keynote speakers and a free nature expo. New this year is an expanded nature expo featuring activities for kids, including fishing workshops and a bird show from Earthquest featuring hawks, owls, vultures, falcons and eagles. The - [Opinion Piece: Amendment 2 goes too far](https://baysoundings.com/opinion-piece-amendment-2-goes-too-far/) - By Clay Henderson At first glance, Amendment 2 granting Floridians a constitutional right to fish and hunt is a positive step forward. Put on the November ballot by a nearly unanimous vote of the Florida Legislature, the amendment “definitely protects” the right to fish and hunt and “preserve Florida’s rich traditions.” As an avid angler, - [Duette Preserve: 33 square miles of wilderness in a fast-growing region](https://baysoundings.com/duette-preserve-33-square-miles-of-wilderness-in-a-fast-growing-region/) - The first sign that Duette Preserve in northern Manatee County is not just another preserve is literally a sign: a mile-marker just inside the entrance gate. At more than 21,000 acres – about 33 square miles – Duette spans dual creeks that form the headwaters of the Manatee River and sweeps across multiple habitats, from - [Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Anoles (But Didn't Know Enough to Ask)](https://baysoundings.com/everything-ever-wanted-know-anoles-didnt-know-enough-ask/) - Native green anole populations are shrinking, as invasive Cuban brown anole populations grow. Planting trees and high shrubs so that the native anoles can hang in out higher places than the invasives will help rebuild populations yard-by-yard. - [Helping kids to change the planet](https://baysoundings.com/helping-kids-to-change-the-planet/) - As bird nesting season settles down for the year, the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay is ramping up with a new project aimed at budding environmentalists. I Can Change the Planet, a book illustrated by wildlife artist Samantha Dormio in traditional watercolor, targets children ages 5 to 12 with specific behaviors that can make a - [“Nutrient fingerprints” help researchers track pollution](https://baysoundings.com/nutrient-fingerprints-help-researchers-track-pollution/) - With multiple sources of pollutants spilling into Tampa Bay – but limited funding to address them all – it’s critical that bay managers identify the most important causes of contamination so we all get the biggest bang for our bucks. Two researchers, one from the University of South Florida and another from Florida International University - [Elevate Treasure Island: “Now is the time to plan”](https://baysoundings.com/elevate-treasure-island-now-is-the-time-to-plan/) - After decades of a “no fill” policy, the City of Treasure Island has proposed significant changes to regulations that would help address sea level rise. Not only will the proposed regulations allow fill but, as currently drafted, they will require it when a home or business is substantially remodeled or rebuilt after a hurricane. The - [Audubon celebrates new islands in its Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries System](https://baysoundings.com/audubon-celebrates-new-islands-in-its-florida-coastal-islands-sanctuaries-system/) - A generous donation from Mahaffey Management, LLC, adds three mangrove spoil islands to the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries System and brings the total number of islands up to 28. The islands, spread across Tampa and Sarasota bays, host thousands of breeding pairs of 29 species - among the largest and most diverse coastal bird populations - [Managing Stormwater: The human impact on urban water cycles](https://baysoundings.com/stormwater-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-leading-cause-of-pollution-in-tampa-bay/) - By Lara Milligan, Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent I would be willing to bet that if I asked you to draw the water cycle, it would include some trees, perhaps mountains or hills, a beautiful river, some farmland, and maybe even some snow, depending upon where you come from. After all, this is how we - [Florida Young Birders Club Takes Flight](https://baysoundings.com/florida-young-birders-club-takes-flight/) - Story and images by Jim McGinityMost birders had some sort of “spark bird” or encounter that ignited their interest. For me, it was hearing a strange sound in the backyard. I borrowed my dad’s giant Navy binoculars and chased the elusive sound all around the neighborhood. It turned out to be a house wren and - [Agency on Bay Management Expands ](https://baysoundings.com/agency-on-bay-management-expands/) - For more than 50 years, the Agency on Bay Management (ABM) and its predecessor organizations have led the effort that transformed a bay in distress into an international success story. Now, with the growing recognition that Tampa Bay is not alone in facing the cumulative challenges of climate change and rapid population growth, the agency - [“Poop Sleuthers” chase down sources of fecal pathogens](https://baysoundings.com/poop-sleuthers-chase-down-sources-of-fecal-pathogens/) - Across the state, beaches close when high levels of fecal bacteria are found. Beyond the general “ick” factor, poop poses risks to human health in terms of disease-causing pathogens, including salmonella and noroviruses, plus it carries high levels of nutrients that can cause environmental damage. But not all poop is created equal, and it’s not - [New report quantifies the impact of nutrients on in-shore red tide blooms](https://baysoundings.com/new-report-quantifies-the-impact-of-nutrients-on-in-shore-red-tide-blooms/) - By Dave Tomasko, director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Progam I recently received notification that a manuscript my co-authors and I produced was accepted for publication in the upcoming issue of the peer-reviewed scientific journal “Florida Scientist.” The title of the paper is “An evaluation of the relationships between the duration of red tide (Karenia - [Future of the Region Awards Recognize Initiatives across Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/future-of-the-region-awards-recognize-initiatives-across-tampa-bay/) - The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) recognized 13 notable initiatives and one individual at its 30th annual Future of the Region Awards, held as part of its fourth Regional Resiliency Summit at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. “The significance of innovative planning for our communities has never been more important than it is today,” said - [Regional Resiliency Summit Scheduled for May 9 & 10](https://baysoundings.com/regional-resiliency-summit-scheduled-for-may-9-10/) - The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and its Regional Resiliency Coalition will be hosting the fourth Regional Resiliency Summit on May 9 and 10 at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. This year’s event is a celebration of five years of collaboration. Wide-ranging topics addressed by experts from across the state will include presentations on how - [Florida Panthers Confirmed in Hillsborough County](https://baysoundings.com/florida-panthers-confirmed-in-hillsborough-county/) - We’ve been hearing the rumors for years – someone spotted an elusive Florida panther in Hillsborough County, far north of their typical range in the Everglades. Hillsborough County Environmental Lands Division Manager Ross Dickerson recalls taking a cast from a footprint in Wolf Branch Creek Nature Preserve in 2003 that the Florida Fish and Wildlife - [Waste Disposal goes High-Tech in Tampa](https://baysoundings.com/waste-disposal-goes-high-tech-in-tampa/) - Farmers have been composting waste materials for centuries to turn them back into nutrients for their crops. Still, new technologies like biodigesters are helping everyday homeowners take the concept even further. Tampa residents can apply for one at no charge, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Along with 80-gallon composting - [Charting the Course for Tampa Bay's Recovery](https://baysoundings.com/charting-the-course-for-tampa-bays-recovery/) - An estuary in distress just two decades ago -- its shorelines and waters ravaged by dredging and pollution -- Tampa Bay has waged a remarkable comeback, thanks in large part to a group of individuals who banded together 20 years ago to form the Agency on Bay Management. No group before or since has had - [By the Numbers: Saving water adds up](https://baysoundings.com/by-the-numbers-saving-water-adds-up/) - A years-long drought, coupled with a rapidly increasing population, is stretching water supplies across the region. Watering restrictions are in place, and plans to expand water sources are being considered. However, conservation is still a key to saving money on utility bills and saving us all from investing in new sources of water. Retrofitting aging - [A new hobby: keeping old hobbies out of landfills](https://baysoundings.com/a-new-hobby-keeping-old-hobbies-out-of-landfills/) - Every hobbyist knows the feeling: “I love this beautiful fill-in-the-blank, I must have one in every color, size and shape.” For Stephanie Christou, an ah-hah moment happened when she spent $200 on the paper flowers she used to create custom greeting cards and realized she needed to do something different. So, as the long-time owner - [TBEP issues “State of the Bay” report ](https://baysoundings.com/tbep-issues-state-of-the-bay-report/) - First the good news: Water quality across Tampa Bay is meeting or exceeding targets for clarity, and some critical habitats – including oyster bars, mangroves, and coastal uplands – are likely to meet the aggressive goals set for 2030. Then the bad news: Seagrass, the single most important habitat in the estuary and the “elephant - [Bob McConnell: Science-based initiatives led to long-lasting benefits for the entire Tampa Bay region ](https://baysoundings.com/bob-mcconnell-science-based-initiatives-led-to-long-lasting-benefits-for-the-entire-tampa-bay-region/) - By Shawn Jones Bob McConnell’s 23-year career at Tampa Bay Water left an indelible mark on the Tampa Bay region. Bob passed on November 14, 2023 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Despite this battle, he maintained multiple efforts working with partners across the region to protect water resources in Tampa - [Treasures of Tampa Bay: Weedon Island](https://baysoundings.com/treasures-of-tampa-bay-weedon-island/) - When you’re strolling along peaceful boardwalks or paddling serene canoe trails at Weedon Island Preserve, it’s difficult to imagine its tumultuous past – and how lucky we are to have preserved this small slice of paradise. At 3,700 acres preserved within the bustling Gandy corridor, Weedon Island’s strategic location has made it a mecca for - [Conservation is a Centerpiece of Tampa Bay Water's Masterplan](https://baysoundings.com/conservation-is-a-centerpiece-of-tampa-bay-waters-masterplan/) - A penny saved may be a penny earned, but a gallon of water saved will equal nearly ten gallons of water over the next 10 years. A new long-term master plan for Tampa Bay Water (TBW) will be considered in December 2018 with the potential to include conservation and enhancements to current facilities rather than - [Designing With Nature: An Overview of Regenerative Stormwater Conveyances](https://baysoundings.com/designing-with-nature-an-overview-of-regenerative-stormwater-conveyances/) - By: Gillian Palino In the ever-growing pursuit of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, regenerative stormwater conveyances (RSCs) have emerged as a promising strategy for managing stormwater runoff. These innovative systems not only address water quality issues but also contribute to the restoration of ecosystems and the promotion of biodiversity. In this article, we will delve - [Eat the Weeds: Foraging for food in your own backyard](https://baysoundings.com/eat-the-weeds-foraging-for-food-in-your-own-backyard/) - I always decide how much I like a book by how many Post-Its I’ve used to mark pages with important information. "Green Deane" Jordan’s new book, Eat the Weeds: A Forager’s Guide to Identifying and Harvesting 274 Wild Foods, had more than a dozen fluorescent tags in just a few hours – and that was - [TBRPC wins million-dollar grant to fund development of Climate Action Plan](https://baysoundings.com/million-dollar-grant-to-fund-development-of-climate-action-plan/) - Severe weather events and climate-related challenges increase public health concerns, negatively impact the environment, and deteriorate local infrastructure. In response to these pressing issues, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) has secured nearly $1 million in non-competitive grant funding. This funding, awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August of this year under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) - [“Forgotten Zones” Pose Challenges, Promise Rewards](https://baysoundings.com/forgotten-zones-pose-challenges-promise-rewards/) - It happens in the best of neighborhoods – the “forgotten zone” that stretches between you and your neighbors. This typically narrow area is usually ignored by homeowners on both sides, but working together, you can save water, improve the health of your landscapes, increase habitat for pollinators, and expand your gardens. If both neighbors have - [Tampa Bay's Science and Nature News Journal](https://baysoundings.com/bay-soundings-2/) - [Audubon's Volunteer of the Year "didn't even know the award existed"](https://baysoundings.com/audubons-volunteer-of-the-year-didnt-even-know-the-award-existed/) - Almost everyone who wins a major award expresses their total surprise at the honor, but Wendy Meehan was even more shocked than most when she won Audubon Florida’s Volunteer of the Year Award at the statewide convention held last month in St. Petersburg. “Birding is always such a pleasure and I learn so much – - [USF to lead $3.2-million grant for system to forecast and mitigate sargassum ](https://baysoundings.com/usf-to-lead-3-2-million-grant-for-system-to-forecast-and-mitigate-sargassum/) - News reports earlier this summer predicted that Florida’s beaches would be overwhelmed by a stinky rotten mass of seaweed as a 5,000-mile floating bloom of sargassum macroalgae appeared to be headed to our shores. Luckily, the massive bloom dissipated for unknown reasons. But tracking sargassum is critical to Florida’s tourism, and scientists at the USF - [Port Tampa Bay Proposes Giant Recycling Project](https://baysoundings.com/port-tampa-bay-proposes-giant-recycling-project/) - As giant cranes are building a new eight-lane span of the Howard Frankland bridge in Old Tampa Bay, an artificial island just east of the bridge in Hillsborough Bay is known globally as a significant bird nesting site. Called 2D, it was originally built between 1978 and 1982 as a spoil island to store the - [You Can Help Prevent Extinctions by Protecting Critical Habitat](https://baysoundings.com/you-can-help-prevent-extinctions-by-protecting-critical-habitat/) - The news is incredibly sad. Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed removing 23 species from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to extinction. Unlike success stories including bald eagles, humpback whales and gray wolves, this “removal” means that the animals are considered extinct and never to be seen again. By Ann - [Pinellas County’s Focus on Green Infrastructure to Increase Sustainability and Resilience ](https://baysoundings.com/pinellas-countys-focus-on-green-infrastructure-to-increase-sustainability-and-resilience/) - The Resilient Pinellas Action Plan, released in June, has identified a number of initiatives for the County to undertake to make our community more sustainable and resilient, including increasing our use of green infrastructure practices. Pinellas County has been making strides toward green infrastructure programs and projects since the implementation of its Stormwater Manual in - [Ecosphere Celebrates 20th Anniversary](https://baysoundings.com/ecosphere-celebrates-20th-anniversary/) - Tom Ries didn’t set out to create one of the most successful regional environmental non-profits in the nation. He’d been working for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and then as a partner with the environmental consulting firm Scheda Ecological Associates for over 20 years when one of Scheda’s first development clients asked for - [SPC STEM Center Becomes Destination Campus](https://baysoundings.com/spc-stem-center-becomes-destination-campus/) - What started as a mostly underwater 50-acre site complete with falling-down homes and derelict boats has become a destination campus for marine biologists, environmental students and citizen scientists from across the region. St. Petersburg College’s Bay Pines STEM Center encompasses a mosaic of habitats from a deep lagoon to a high-and-dry peninsula that hosts a - [Kayak Fishing in Mobbly Bayou Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/kayak-fishing-in-mobbly-bayou-preserve/) - The sun hung high in the sky. I felt its warmth as I prepared for an exciting afternoon at a kayak fishing workshop at Mobbly Bayou Preserve, hosted by The Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers. I had eagerly signed up to learn the art of kayak fishing firsthand, and even though rain was on the forecast, - [Eagle Watchers Wanted!](https://baysoundings.com/eagle-watchers-wanted/) - Birders across Tampa Bay are already gearing up for bald eagle nesting season in Florida, which officially kicked off on Oct. 1. Highlighting the need for “eyes on the ground,” a fight that day between two eagles in Gibsonton ended up with one bird seriously injured. “Eagles are very territorial birds, and this is the - [Florida Birding and Nature Festival Returns](https://baysoundings.com/florida-birding-and-nature-festival-returns-in-october/) - The four-day Florida Birding and Nature Festival will feature field trips, boat excursions, seminars by experts, nationally renowned keynote speakers and a free nature expo. The event will be held Oct. 12-15 at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Road, in Apollo Beach (adjacent to the Manatee Viewing Center). The festival coincides with the - [Tampa Bay Estuary Generates Billions in Economic Impacts, Ecosystem Services](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-estuary-generates-billions-in-economic-impacts-ecosystem-services/) - Tampa Bay’s natural resources provide more than just beautiful scenery and outstanding recreational opportunities. A healthy Tampa Bay is a primary economic driver for the region, according to a new report from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP). Economic output generated by Tampa Bay is more than - [Get Outside! Two Local Organizations Offer Grants to Schools, Environmental Groups   ](https://baysoundings.com/get-outside-two-local-organizations-offer-grants-to-schools-environmental-groups/) - The Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District have both kicked off grant programs for 2023-2024 that offer funding for schools and other organizations involved in environmental education and restoration. TBEP Bay Mini-Grants can be used for a wide variety of community-led environmental education and restoration projects, including rain garden installation, - [USF Library's Special Collections Highlight history to impact future decisions](https://baysoundings.com/usf-librarys-special-collections-highlight-history-to-impact-future-decisions/) - When a trio of flamingos landed at the Naval Air Station Key West in 2015, managers sprung into action, chasing the big birds away from their airfields to avoid collisions that could be disastrous for both the planes and the birds. There wasn’t any reason not to chase them off because they were considered non-native - [The carnage must be contained: fishing line is a leading cause of death for Florida pelicans](https://baysoundings.com/the-carnage-must-be-contained-fishing-line-is-leading-cause-of-death-for-florida-pelicans/) - Carnage has become commonplace in Florida – using the word in this context is not an exaggeration. And while none of it happens intentionally, we see it every day, everywhere fishermen and birds, especially brown pelicans, cross “paths” on the water – and the birds get accidentally caught in line, by hooks and fishing gear. - [Low-interest Loans Help Homeowners Prepare for Climate Change](https://baysoundings.com/low-interest-loans-help-homeowners-prepare-for-climate-change/) - When most people think about resilience in the face of climate change, they’re concerned about how to survive a strong hurricane. Doug Coward worries about how people will deal with rising temperatures, particularly those with low and moderate incomes who often live in homes that aren’t energy efficient. And heat, it turns out, kills more - [Researchers Tag Two Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish Inside Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/researchers-tag-two-endangered-smalltooth-sawfish-inside-tampa-bay/) - By Tonya Wiley Two more sawfish have been tagged and released in Tampa Bay as part of a long-running initiative by the Havenworth Conservation Center (HCC). The report came in on Tuesday, May 9: someone saw two tiny sawfish inside Tampa Bay (tiny for sawfish is about two feet since adults can reach up to - [Business Leaders Band Together to Mitigate Stormwater Pollution](https://baysoundings.com/business-leaders-band-together-to-mitigate-stormwater-pollution/) - Business leaders in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are banding together to address water quality efforts as part of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper’s (TBWK) Clean Water Endorsement Program that recognizes businesses that initiate projects to mitigate the impacts of stormwater pollution. “Clean water is essential to our economy in Tampa Bay,” said Tampa Bay Waterkeeper Board Chair - [Beau Williams -- Restoring Seagrasses from a Land-Based Farm](https://baysoundings.com/beau-williams-restoring-seagrasses-from-a-land-based-farm/) - With thousands of acres of seagrasses dying in estuaries across the state, resource managers are desperately searching for innovative ways to restore the critically important habitat. Ground zero in that effort may be a renovated fish farm located just east of Tampa, where a team led by Beau Williams at AquaTech Eco Consultants is developing - [Bringing Oysters Back to Oyster River -- and Beyond](https://baysoundings.com/bringing-oysters-back-to-oyster-river-and-beyond/) - The Oyster River doesn’t show up on current maps, but Damon Moore hopes that a waterway once so full of the sought-after shellfish that its reputation rivaled Apalachicola with the connoisseurs of its time can be at least partially restored. Moore isn’t focused on food, though, he wants to improve water quality and habitat values - [Jane Goodall: Still Working to Change the World](https://baysoundings.com/jane-goodall-still-working-to-change-the-world/) - Dr. Jane Goodall may be most well known for her insights into chimpanzees’ skills and culture, which changed the way the world thought about humankind’s closest living relatives. Her life changed in 1986, though, when she attended a conference on the state of chimpanzees, including the many threats to their survival. “I walked in as - [Seagrass Losses Challenge Decades-Old Paradigm](https://baysoundings.com/seagrass-losses-challenge-decades-old-paradigm/) - The paradigm that made Tampa Bay an international success story for nearly three decades appears to be changing. More than 30% of the bay’s seagrasses have been lost since 2016, with acreage in Old Tampa Bay at the lowest level ever recorded. Throughout the bay, seagrasses declined by 11,599 acres of seagrasses from the high - [New App Makes Florida-Friendly Landscaping Even Easier](https://baysoundings.com/new-app-makes-florida-friendly-landscaping-even-easier/) - If you’ve been thinking about updating your landscaping this spring, check out a new app from the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program before you start digging. The free app, which can be customized by ZIP code, recommends plants by type, shape, flower color, their need for sun or shade, and Florida native status. An initiative of the - [It's not just bling, it's a band](https://baysoundings.com/its-not-just-bling-its-a-band/) - That beautiful bird sporting a colorful anklet isn’t just wearing bright bling. It’s part of a centuries-old effort to track birds that’s become more important than ever as their populations and habitat around the world shrink. It’s particularly important in the Tampa Bay region, which is a hot spot for migrating birds flying through on - [Third Annual Resiliency Summit Focuses on Actionable Strategies, Ecosystems](https://baysoundings.com/third-annual-resiliency-summit-focuses-on-actionable-strategies-ecosystems/) - The third annual Tampa Bay Resiliency Leadership Summit, scheduled for May 4 and 5, 2023, at the Hilton Resort in Clearwater Beach, will bring diverse experts from across the state and nation together with local leaders to focus on actionable resiliency strategies. Hosted by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) and its Regional Resiliency - [MOSI hosts Tampa Bay Water Day](https://baysoundings.com/mosi-hosts-tampa-bay-water-day/) - Join more than 30 organizations from across the region to learn more about water at MOSI’s second annual Tampa Bay Water Days on Saturday, March 25th from 10am-3pm, made possible with grants from Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) and Tampa Bay Water. The free event for families, students, and members of the public focuses - [Floridians need a constitutional right to clean water](https://baysoundings.com/floridians-need-a-constitutional-right-to-clean-water/) - By Joseph Bonasia, chair of the Florida Rights of Nature Network Red tide is again plaguing southwest Florida from Pinellas to Collier counties. No one should be surprised. It’s a naturally occurring phenomenon, and from 1878 to 1994 there were 64 months of red tide documented in Florida. However, from 1994 to now – just - [SWIM Celebrates 35 Years](https://baysoundings.com/swim-celebrates-35-years-of-restoring-tampa-bay/) - Few restoration initiatives have made this much difference in just 35 years: 384 projects to improve water quality, creating 15,596 acres of habitat that drains 230,725 acres of watershed. SWIM – the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District’s) Surface Water Improvement and Management program – started small but has become a major player in Tampa - [Science fun in the Sun: Back and Better Than Ever!](https://baysoundings.com/the-st-pete-science-festival-back-and-better-than-ever/) - The St. Petersburg Science Festival returns on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg Campus. The free annual event includes interactive exhibits highlighting the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and math. MarineQuest, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute’s annual event held at the - [Eagle Eyes on Eagle Nests](https://baysoundings.com/eagle-eyes-on-eagle-nests/) - It all started when Louise Roy saw the bald eagles nesting at Honeymoon Island nearly 10 years ago. Today, the 74-year-old great-grandmother of seven has rescued hundreds of raptors, serves as Audubon’s EagleWatch coordinator for Pinellas County, and monitors 10 nests of her own, including her favorite where Major and Margie are raising their family - [Model Shoreline Ordinance Plans for Future Protection and Habitat Restoration](https://baysoundings.com/model-shoreline-ordinance-plans-for-future-protection-and-habitat-restoration/) - Protecting shorelines from rising waters, driven by changing sea levels and tidally influenced flooding, will be both more important and more challenging going forward. A new model ordinance template, developed by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) with funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, identifies shoreline protection strategies to support community flood - [Bird Flu: What Backyard Birders Need to Know](https://baysoundings.com/bird-flu-what-backyard-birders-need-to-know/) - As the highly pathogenic avian influenza – also known as bird flu – sweeps through Florida, experts aren’t yet recommending that backyard birders pull in their feeders to prevent the spread of the dread disease among their beloved songbirds. “There’s no official recommendation to take down feeders,” said Mark Cunningham, diagnostic veterinarian manager for the - [Revisiting the Paradigm: Climate Change Forces Managers to Review a 20-Year-Old Model](https://baysoundings.com/revisiting-the-paradigm-climate-change-forces-managers-to-review-a-20-year-old-model/) - “That goal recognizes that we can’t fully replace all habitat lost since the 1950s,” explains Doug Robison, senior scientist at Environmental Science Associates who also helped write Habitat Master Plans for the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) in both 1996 and 2010. “It also recognizes that proportions are important because different species are dependent upon - [Ambitious Habitat Plan Focuses on Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/ambitious-habitat-plan-focuses-on-wildlife/) - The Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s 1996 goal of restoring 38,000 acres of seagrasses -- equal to 95% of what was growing in the 1950s -- may still be the most ambitious ever set, but the goals outlined in the 2020 Habitat Master Plan come close. And while the seagrass goal was originally developed based on - [Corridor Connects Past With Present and Future](https://baysoundings.com/corridor-connects-past-with-present-and-future/) - Sometimes, the best-laid plans turn out even better than anyone involved would ever have expected. For instance, nobody envisioned that the spoil islands created when shipping channels were dredged across shallow bay bottom would become internationally important bird nesting sites. And the grand plan certainly didn't extend to protecting the vast majority of Tampa Bay's - [Fall-Out: Air Pollution Looms as #1 Threat to Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/fall-out-air-pollution-looms-as-1-threat-to-tampa-bay/) - By Victoria Parsons Bay Soundings 2004 Chicken Little was partially right. The sky isn’t falling – but contaminants coming from the sky have become a critical concern in Tampa Bay. Once considered to be a small part of the pollution pie, atmospheric deposition is now known to be a major source of contaminants, contributing from - [Past & Future Meet at Weedon Island](https://baysoundings.com/past-future-meet-at-weedon-island/) - The first residents of Weedon Island might not recognize their prehistoric coastal community, but they'd probably still feel very comfortable. A stone's throw from busy Gandy Boulevard, Weedon Island Preserve almost seems part of another world. Much of the land remains the same: mangroves line peaceful bayous, salt marshes rise from the bay and merge - [Nitrogen Consortium Morphs to a New Level](https://baysoundings.com/nitrogen-consortium-morphs-to-a-new-level/) - The cooperative effort that helped bay managers “hold the line” on nitrogen loading in Tampa Bay over the last decade is moving into its next stage, morphing from a volunteer initiative to become one of the nation’s largest nitrogen management groups.While the new rules are complicated, the results of previous efforts are clear: working together, - [Monitoring the Bay's Vital Signs:
Tampa Bay among world's best-studied estuaries](https://baysoundings.com/monitoring-the-bays-vital-signstampa-bay-among-worlds-best-studied-estuaries/) - Like scientists seeking to unravel the mysteries of deep space to understand what lies beyond, a growing number of super-sleuths are turning their attention and sophisticated instruments on Tampa Bay. Already one of the world's best-studied estuaries, the bay's significance as a laboratory for marine research is growing. New monitoring efforts are expected to uncover - [Welcome to Tampa Bay Soundings](https://baysoundings.com/welcome-to-tampa-bay-soundings/) - It doesn't take an artist to appreciate fine art, and you don't have to live on the water or own a boat to be enchanted by Tampa Bay. Florida's largest open-water estuary is a recreational paradise, a haven and nursery for fish and wildlife, and a bustling seaport serving skyscraper-size ships from distant lands. It's - [“Step-by-Step” to a Native Yard](https://baysoundings.com/step-by-step-to-a-native-landscape/) - When a Google search for “native plants” returns nearly 700 million links, you know it’s a hot topic. But before Floridians start down that road, you need to know that growing natives in Florida isn’t the same as the rest of the country. “A Step-by-Step Guide to a Florida Native Yard,” by Ginny Stibolt and - [The Real Cost of Fertilizer](https://baysoundings.com/the-real-cost-of-fertilizer/) - By Victoria Parsons From a perfectly straight-forward perspective, lawn fertilizer in Florida is a pretty good value. For about $25, the average homeowner can sprinkle enough nutrients, pesticides and weed killer to keep their lawn bright green and weed-free for several months. The real price tag is much higher. In fact, that $25 worth of - [Red Tide "As Predictable as the Weather"](https://baysoundings.com/red-tide-as-predictable-as-the-weather/) - By Victoria Parsons If a senior scientist with unlimited power had set the stage for showing human beings how little we know about red tide, he probably would have created scenarios like those we’ve seen off the west coast of Florida over the last two years. n 2005, one of the worst outbreaks ever began - [Tampa Bay Bucks Global Trend Toward Ocean Acidification](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-bucks-global-trend-toward-ocean-acidification/) - For more than 30 years, restoring seagrasses in Tampa Bay has been a primary focus for bay managers. Seagrasses provide critically important habitat for countless creatures, from the manatees that graze upon them to the snook and redfish that shelter in them until they are large enough to avoid predators. They also serve as a - [Top Tampa Bay Hiking Spots](https://baysoundings.com/top-tampa-bay-hiking-spots/) - An abundance of natural areas across the Tampa Bay watershed offer countless trails for hiking enthusiasts. Many popular maintained trails can be found at state, county and city parks. Also, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has public lands that offer many outstanding trails which are open to the public. Prime hiking time is from - [Profile: Roger Johansson’s front-row seat for Tampa Bay’s recovery](https://baysoundings.com/profile-roger-johanssons-front-row-seat-for-tampa-bays-recovery/) - [printfriendly]Few people have had the front-row seat Roger Johansson has enjoyed as Tampa Bay was transformed from a smelly cesspool to an estuary brimming with life — both as a scientist and as a researcher whose responsibilities required as much time on the water as in a lab. He was on the Bay even before - [Waging War on Invaders](https://baysoundings.com/waging-war-on-invaders/) - Although giant snakes and poisonous frogs may terrify the average homeowner, the species that cause the worst nightmares for land managers can be found in backyards across the region. That bush that sports thousands of bright red berries right around Christmas? It’s probably Brazilian pepper, one of the most aggressive pests in Florida. It now - [Hummingbirds in Florida: If you plant it, they will come](https://baysoundings.com/hummingbirds-in-florida-if-you-plant-it-they-will-come/) - While some Floridians may never see a hummingbird, Steve Backes almost always has them in his Valrico yard. A female rufous is above; lower left is a young male Ruby-throated. All Photos by Steve Backes.[/su_pullquote] If we’re lucky enough to have had it happen, most Floridians clearly remember the first time we saw a hummingbird. - [Tampa Bay Rivers and Bays Ideal for Exploring by Kayak](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-rivers-and-bays-ideal-for-exploring-by-kayak/) - By Marcia Biggs. Published August 2013 If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you’re missing out if you have not taken the time to explore our beautiful rivers, bays and coastal areas in a kayak. An abundance of natural beauty lies in wait for those who take this opportunity to get up close (but - [Hidden Gems of Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/hidden-gems-tampa-bay/) - Ask just about anyone in the Tampa Bay area to name their favorite park and inevitably the list will include Fort De Soto County Park, and Honeymoon Island and Hillsborough River State Parks. By Nanette O’Hara with contributions from Marcia Biggs and Maya Burke; Published January 2015 These would be outstanding outdoor recreation sites anywhere - [Top 5 spots to watch Migrating birds](https://baysoundings.com/top-5-spots-watch-birds-october-november/) - With a location smack in the middle of migrating birds’ trek to Central and South America from their summer nesting grounds, Tampa Bay hosts birds seldom seen in other parts of the country. The birds stop at local beaches and wildlife preserves to rest and refuel over a season that extends from October to early - [Se7en Wetlands Wins for Water, Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/se7en-wetlands-wins-for-water-wildlife/) - Why would a nature lover want to visit a wastewater treatment plant? If you’re asking about Se7en Wetlands in Mulberry, it’s because of the birds, bobcats and butterflies – along with lots of alligators, frogs and turtles. In fact, it has so many birds that it’s become an e-bird hotspot with 120 species documented in - [Egmont Key: Protecting the Tampa Bay region for nearly 250 years](https://baysoundings.com/egmont-key-protecting-the-tampa-bay-region-for-nearly-250-years/) - When most people think of barrier islands, popular beaches like Honeymoon, Caladesi, Anna Maria or Sanibel immediately spring to mind. Egmont Key, the historic island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, is somewhat of an anomaly but still meets the definition of a barrier island in terms of protecting the mainland from storm surge. In - [Toxic “hot spot” becomes top priority for restoration, redevelopment, recreation in urban setting](https://baysoundings.com/toxic-hot-spot-becomes-top-priority-for-restoration-redevelopment-recreation-in-urban-setting/) - To paraphrase Charles Dickens, it is the best of places and it is the worst of places. Located at the northeastern tip of Hillsborough Bay, McKay Bay is one of the most important areas for migrating birds, with wide mudflats and oyster bars surrounded by lush mangrove forests. It’s also a “hot spot” for toxic - [Living shorelines provide habitat, protect inland areas](https://baysoundings.com/living-shorelines-provide-habitat-protect-inland-areas/) - Like estuaries themselves, shorelines are relatively small places within a much larger body of water, but they can be ranked as among the most productive areas in the world. In their natural form, estuarine shorelines overflow with habitat that wildlife depends upon, from mangroves and marsh grasses to wrack lines that provide forage for birds - [A new way to look at litter](https://baysoundings.com/a-new-way-to-look-at-litter/) - A grant from the EPA is allowing the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to build a two-pronged approach to collecting trash and developing proactive litter prevention programs. - [Piney Point: Back from the Brink?](https://baysoundings.com/piney-point-phosphate-plant/) - Piney Point: Back from the Brink? Bay managers hope they're prepared for the 2002 hurricane season. Harsh lessons lead to changes. While other people pray for rain, Sam Zamani and Phil Coram are hoping Central Florida's years-long drought continues, at least for a little longer. Charged with cleaning up more than a billion gallons of - [Tampa Bay's Problem Child Gets Extra Attention](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bays-problem-child-gets-extra-attention/) - Tampa Bay Estuary Program celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a series of events, including a travelling display of photos from the "Tampa Bay: 20/20" photo contest. St. Petersburg resident Peter Lousberg took top honors with this stunning image of an egret returning to its evening roost at Fort DeSoto Park. The photo is - [Excess stormwater creates wastewater problems](https://baysoundings.com/excess-stormwater-creates-wastewater-problems/) - When more than 15 inches of rain fell on the Tampa Bay region over a two-week period last summer, the entire three-county area was inundated. Roads flooded, creeks and ponds overflowed, and wastewater backed up into streets and was ultimately released into surface waters. The wastewater releases made headlines and angered citizens, but the images - [Researchers Target Pyrodinium Blooms with Shellfish](https://baysoundings.com/researchers-target-pyrodinium-blooms-with-shellfish/) - Could large-scale oyster bar or clam restoration change the tide in Old Tampa Bay? Almost every summer since 2000, an alga named Pyrodinium has stained Old Tampa Bay with a reddish hue. Similar to Florida Red Tide (Karenia brevis) currently threatening Pinellas beaches, Pyrodinium produces potent toxins that can pose a health risk to humans - [Seagrass Loss Poses Challenges, Opportunities ](https://baysoundings.com/seagrass-loss-poses-challenges-opportunities/) - Our car was heading north as we were gazing at the waters of Tampa Bay, “Take one last look, kids. If we come back, it will be a long time from now.” Those were Dad’s words to all of us as we left the exciting Paradise our family had discovered on our first visit to - [Researchers Look at Ways to Control Red Tide](https://baysoundings.com/researchers-look-at-ways-to-control-red-tide/) - While most research on red tide is focused on what causes it and how to track its path, new funding sources are making it possible for investigators to take a deeper look at actually controlling red tide. A team with researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Fish and Wildlife - [At Sixty, Silent Spring Still Inspires](https://baysoundings.com/at-sixty-silent-spring-still-inspires/) - One gorgeous March afternoon, I am sitting with my students next to a large pond on Eckerd College’s bayside campus. A gentle breeze is blowing, stirring up sparkles on the pond and wafting through the branches of the oak tree above. A question I’ve just asked about our assigned reading hangs in the air. The - [Study Aims to Calculate Economic Benefit of Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/study-aims-to-calculate-economic-benefit-of-tampa-bay/) - Above, Capt. Dave Chouinard fights a tarpon in the clear waters just off Anna Maria Island. How much is Tampa Bay worth to the region that bears its name? The new study looks at the economic benefits of Tampa Bay, from heavy industry to eco-tourism. Obviously, ports, tourism and waterfront real estate add billions to - [USF Project Helps Build Water-Smart Neighborhoods](https://baysoundings.com/usf-project-helps-build-water-smart-neighborhoods/) - Top photo: A restored drainage pond has become the center of its neighborhood – for people and for wildlife. Below: Ryan Locicero demonstrates how the rain garden at Young Middle School works. Photos Victoria Parsons What do water quality and community building have in common? In East Tampa, an older and economically disadvantaged community, a - [Lack of Tidal Flow Killing Mangroves Around the World](https://baysoundings.com/lack-of-tidal-flow-killing-mangroves-around-the-world/) - From the shore, the mangrove forest at the mouth of the Alafia River looks lush and healthy. Beyond that edge, however, aerial images show a different picture. Deep inside the forest, where tidal flows have been blocked for decades, an area of dead trees is slowly but surely spreading. And it’s not just the mangroves - [Researchers Reach Out for Help in Counting Horseshoe Crabs](https://baysoundings.com/researchers-reach-out-for-help-in-counting-horseshoe-crabs/) - At first glance, sharks and horseshoe crabs have almost nothing in common. Horseshoe crabs – actually more closely related to spiders than crabs – don’t even have teeth and certainly aren’t the top predators of the ocean. On the other hand, both sharks and horseshoe crabs are considered “dinosaurs of the deep” because they evolved - [Mangrove Watch - Coming to a Shore Near You](https://baysoundings.com/mangrove-watch-coming-to-a-shore-near-you/) - By Marcia Biggs At Saint Leo University, William Ellis's biology students are up to their knees in work – literally. Like modern-day adventurers, they slog along the Tampa Bay shoreline combating mosquitoes and scorching sun as they take GPS-enabled video and still images and record data of the mangrove forests. The lucky ones are in - [Wildlife flocks to man-made beach at Egmont Key](https://baysoundings.com/wildlife-flocks-to-man-made-beach-at-egmont-key/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe To the surprise of some and the delight of virtually all, sand placed at the northwest corner of Egmont Key two years ago not only is stalling erosion of the historic barrier island, it's also proving quite popular with wildlife. Nesting birds and sea turtles flocked to the new beach this - [Wildlife Summit works to save injured animals in Pinellas](https://baysoundings.com/wildlife-summit-works-to-save-injured-animals-in-pinellas/) - When most people hear SPCA, they probably think puppies – not pelicans and possums. But that perception could change in Pinellas County where the SPCA Tampa Bay is spearheading an effort to coordinate wildlife rescue organizations across the county. “A little more than a year ago we set some key initiatives for Pinellas County and - [Living Laboratory Opens at Stewart Middle School](https://baysoundings.com/living-laboratory-opens-at-stewart-middle-school/) - A strip of riverfront once covered in invasive plants has been transformed to a living laboratory by students from Stewart Middle School in a collaborative effort with public and private partners Located just north of downtown Tampa on the banks of the Hillsborough River, Stewart is a magnet school for science, engineering and technology, with - [Mini-Grants Make a Difference](https://baysoundings.com/mini-grants-make-a-difference/) - From removing invasive plants on remote islands or placing oyster domes in underwater ecosystems to helping restore wetlands at local schools, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Bay Mini-Grants are making a difference in our communities. [su_pullquote align="right"]Top photo: Oyster reef domes were installed at MacDill Air Force Base in Hillsborough County using Mini-Grant funds.[/su_pullquote]More than - [Capturing Stormwater Can Take Innovation, Imagination](https://baysoundings.com/capturing-stormwater-can-take-innovation-imagination/) - To paraphrase Rodney Dangerfield, stormwater don’t get no respect. It’s just rain mixed with the stuff from our yards and a little trash from the street that runs down a storm drain. Of course, it’s not a bad thing, so long as it’s treated before it enters water we might drink or swim in. The - [Vote Yes on 1](https://baysoundings.com/vote-yes-on-1/) - The Agency on Bay Management has joined dozens of organizations across the state, endorsing Amendment 1 on the November ballot. The amendment would restore the funding that has made Florida a national leader in protecting environmentally sensitive lands. The amendment would not raise taxes to purchase and manage conservation lands. Officially known as the Florida - [Planning for sea level rise](https://baysoundings.com/planning-sea-level-rise/) - With sea level rise, it’s no longer a question of if; it’s a question of how high and how fast. Arming coastal communities in the Tampa Bay area with practical strategies and decision-making tools to withstand the effects of sea level rise is the focus of the ONE BAY Resilient Communities Working Group. Convened by - [BASIS 6 looks at emerging trends in restoration of Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/basis-6-looks-at-emerging-trends-in-restoration-of-tampa-bay/) - Teamwork ­­— from professional scientists and researchers to activists and politicians — helped transform Tampa Bay from a nearly lifeless body of water to one of the only urban estuaries in the world where water quality is improving. Sharing the science that propelled the amazing recovery (see story pages 8 and 9) has been the - [TBEP to receive $2 million from gulf oil spill fines](https://baysoundings.com/tbep-to-receive-2-million-from-gulf-oil-spill-fines/) - The Tampa Bay Estuary Program will receive $2 million to support environmental improvements throughout the bay watershed, as part of the first allocation of oil spill fines distributed by the federal Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. Phase 1 grants are funded by Clean Water Act fines imposed on TransOcean and other companies associated with the - [Once thought impossible, Tampa Bay leads nation in environmental recovery](https://baysoundings.com/once-thought-impossible-tampa-bay-leads-nation-in-environmental-recovery/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe Above: Dramatic improvements in water quality have allowed seagrasses to rebound to levels not seen since the 1950s. Tampa Bay now harbors more than 40,295 acres of seagrasses, exceeding a goal of 38,000 acres baywide set in 1995 by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Photo by Jimmy White, jimmyWhitePhoto.com. The discussions - [Region plans for sea level rise](https://baysoundings.com/region-plans-for-sea-level-rise/) - Top: Data from the St. Petersburg tidal gauge, online since 1946, was incorporated into international projections to create locally adjusted predictions for the region. Photo courtesy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration." The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council has accepted recommendations on sea level rise endorsed by a group of the area’s most prominent scientists and - [Putting it in perspective: Scientists speak out on sewage](https://baysoundings.com/putting-it-in-perspective-scientists-speak-out-on-sewage/) - When headlines this summer warned that extreme high rainfall had forced cities and counties to release untreated or partially treated wastewater into Tampa Bay and its tributaries, bay managers were surprisingly silent. From a public perspective, raw sewage is a horrifying concept, conjuring up images of people afflicted with terrible diseases and seagrasses dying by - [Unique partnership protects nesting birds in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/unique-partnership-protects-nesting-birds-in-tampa-bay/) - Top: A colony of royal terns nests on a dredged material management area in Hillsborough Bay. Photo courtesy Audubon Florida. Running the state’s busiest port and protecting some of the world’s most important bird nesting areas may seem like totally separate goals but that’s what the Migratory Bird Protection Implementation Committee (MBPIC) does every bird - [Ancient Ritual: Summer brings the magic and mystery of sea turtle nesting to our beaches](https://baysoundings.com/ancient-ritual-summer-brings-the-magic-and-mystery-of-sea-turtle-nesting-to-our-beaches/) - By Marcia Biggs Florida’s snowbirds may have packed up and headed north, but another invasion is now heading to our beaches. Each year starting in early May, sea turtles lumber ashore in the dark of night to lay their eggs in a ritual powered by millions of years of primordial instinct. It is a magical - [Sustainability expert Jon Butts walks the walk](https://baysoundings.com/sustainability-expert-jon-butts-walks-the-walk/) - By Victoria Parsons Some sustainability experts sit in air-conditioned offices and make wise recommendations about how governments, big business and academia can minimize their environmental footprints. Jon Butts, host of WMNF’s Sustainable Living show since 2005, works a 57-acre farm focused on minimizing pollutants like fertilizer and pesticides. Solar panels top his barn and home - [Learning Gate Bioblitz brings students together with scientists](https://baysoundings.com/learning-gate-bioblitz-brings-students-together-with-scientists/) - Top: Students examine lettuce plants for pests with help from experts at the Learning Gate Bioblitz. Photos by Victoria Parsons By Helena Rodriguez and Anna Slean Dozens of students and parents – even more than the most optimistic organizers had expected – turned out for the first-ever Learning Gate Bioblitz on April 9th at the - [Grass really is ‘greener’ on other side of street in community experiment](https://baysoundings.com/grass-really-is-greener-on-other-side-of-street-in-community-experiment/) - Homes in Norman, OK, development with green infrastructure retained more nutrients than the half that were conventionally built Reprinted with permission from Bay Journal By Rona Kobell Developer Richard McKown shows a group where his Trailwoods home development is within the watershed. Half the neighborhood was built with green techniques, and half with traditional storm - [Coyotes evolve with humans – even in urban settings](https://baysoundings.com/coyotes-evolve-with-humans-even-in-urban-settings/) - Top: Coyotes are found in every Florida county although they're more likely to be heard than seen. Photo courtesy Adobe Stock. Families who have lost pets to the growing number of coyotes living in the Tampa Bay region certainly won’t appreciate this book, but others will discover that it’s a fascinating tale about an incredibly - [Rating systems help county, city planners set sustainability goals](https://baysoundings.com/rating-systems-help-county-city-planners-set-sustainability-goals/) - By Marcia Biggs A recent report published by the World Bank identified Tampa Bay as one of the ten coastal metropolitan areas most vulnerable to sea level rise and subsequent flooding in the world. Addressing that vulnerability is a key concern for Pinellas County. A new project underway at the Cross Bayou Canal may serve - [Piney Point Enters a New Chapter](https://baysoundings.com/piney-point-enters-a-new-chapter/) - Piney Point, the abandoned phosphate plant that has dumped more than a billion gallons of contaminated water into Tampa Bay over a 60-year period, may finally be turning the corner. “This is the final chapter,” said John Coates, program manager for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Mining and Mitigation Program. “This is the closure - [There’s No Place Like Home for a Wildlife Refuge ](https://baysoundings.com/theres-no-place-like-home-for-a-wildlife-refuge/) - A majority of Floridians support protecting natural habitats and reforestation policies, but did you know that your own backyard can be a wildlife refuge? Imagine stepping outside and hearing the beautiful songs of an indigo bunting or watching a ruby-throated hummingbird buzz around your yard. It takes planning but with the right plants and a - [Exploring The Wrack Line: Uncover a World Most People Miss](https://baysoundings.com/exploring-the-wrack-line-uncover-a-world-most-people-miss/) - “Dr. Beach” rates beaches around the world based on 50 separate criteria including the color of their sand (pinkish white is best), the smell (rotting seagrass is stinky), and debris (even the natural stuff is bad). Although several Tampa Bay beaches have been rated as among the best in the world, they’re not always the - [New waterfront STEM center to open this summer](https://baysoundings.com/new-waterfront-stem-center-to-open-this-summer/) - The new STEM facility is located between Bay Pines Veteran's Hospital and Madeira Beach Elementary School. Construction should be complete later this summer. Photo by Victoria Parsons A new facility scheduled to open this summer promises to benefit both Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg College (SPC) students – as well as citizen-scientists across the region. - [Protecting coastal habitats helps mitigate climate change](https://baysoundings.com/protecting-coastal-habitats-helps-mitigate-climate-change/) - "Blue carbon" or coastal habitats may sequester significantly more carbon dioxide than forests. Coastal wetlands have long been recognized for their wildlife values, their vital role in water quality, and their significance in protecting our built environmental during storm events. Scientists, however, have recently begun to document another critically important value: their ability to absorb - [Registration opens for Birding and Nature Festival](https://baysoundings.com/registration-opens-birding-nature-festival/) - Now that we’ve all survived the long Fourth of July holiday, it’s time to start looking forward to the best month of all in Florida – October. The kids are back in school and the temperatures are starting to drop so outdoors is enjoyable again and birds are migrating through Tampa Bay on their way - [Red Tide app allows citizen-scientists to help document its spread](https://baysoundings.com/red-tide-app-allows-citizen-scientists-help-document-spread/) - Even with Red Tide showing up only in background levels along Florida’s coast, maintaining a close watch as water continues to warm up will be critical. A new smartphone app from Mote Marine Laboratory allows users to report when and where they experience respiratory irritation or see discolored water or dead fish — all potential - [Call for Divers:  Annual tournament aims to reduce Gulf lionfish population](https://baysoundings.com/call-divers-annual-tournament-aims-reduce-gulf-lionfish-population/) - The invasive fish may be beautiful, but it’s not a friend to the marine ecosystem By Marcia Biggs The annual Lionfish Safari sponsored by Pinellas County-based Reef Monitoring, Inc. is changing venues this year, but organizer Sean Patterson still expects it to be one of the largest lionfish hunts in the state. Set for September - [Celebrate National Estuaries Week!](https://baysoundings.com/celebrate-national-estuaries-week/) - Now that Hurricane Irma has left us (mostly) standing and our yards (hopefully) cleared, it’s time to celebrate National Estuaries Day with events across the Tampa Bay region: Two volunteer workdays will be held in Manatee County, sponsored jointly by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Manatee County's Parks and Natural - [Artificial Reefs Create Habitat in Once-Barren Canals](https://baysoundings.com/artificial-reefs-create-habitat-barren-canals/) - If you build it, they will come. Beginning decades ago, thousands of acres in Florida were transformed with dredge-and-fill operations that created canals to maximize waterfront development. These canals provide homeowners with easy water access to our diverse waterways, but the docks, bulkheads and seawalls don't provide the same habitat values and water quality benefits - [Pocket Gophers – Little-Known Animals Play Important Role in Ecosystem ](https://baysoundings.com/pocket-gophers-little-known-animals-play-important-role-ecosystem/) - Most people in Florida have never seen – or even heard – of pocket gophers, but these incredibly cute animals play an important role in our state’s ecosystems. Slightly larger than a guinea pig, pocket gophers prefer long-leaf pine habitats. They dig tunnels – some up to 500 feet long – which aerate tree roots and make - [Oysters, Oysters Everywhere -- But Still Hard to Harvest](https://baysoundings.com/oysters-oysters-everywhere-still-hard-harvest/) - It’s nearly Thanksgiving and all across the country, people’s thoughts are turning to food. For long-time Floridians, that means oysters – oyster stew, oyster stuffing and oysters Rockefeller. For Peter Clark and the team at Tampa Bay Watch, Thanksgiving brings the opportunity to plant habitat for thousands of oysters – not for human consumption but - [New Tampa Bay Site Tracks Birds with Nanotags](https://baysoundings.com/new-tampa-bay-site-tracks-birds-nanotags/) - Scientists first began tracking bird migrations in 1803 when John James Audubon tied a string around the leg of a bird before it flew south for the winter – and saw it again when the bird returned the next summer. Scientists still use tags, now metal bands in various colors with coded identifications, to identify - [Irma Creates More Than Just Land-Based Debris](https://baysoundings.com/irma-creates-just-land-based-debris/) - Along with the more visible debris on the side of the road, our waterways were not spared Hurricane Irma’s impacts -- strong winds and waves destroyed boats in our sensitive coastal habitats. Boats all over the state were torn from their moorings and tossed far and wide. Many were simply abandoned to become an especially - [Endangered Sawfish Slowly Return to Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/endangered-sawfish-slowly-return-tampa-bay/) - by Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation Smalltooth sawfish -- a nearly iconic subject of fishing photos over the last two centuries -- may be making a comeback in Tampa Bay. Five have been reported in recent months in locations ranging from Anna Maria north to Honeymoon and in the Manatee River. “They’re still very rare, - [Mini-Grants Make a Major Difference](https://baysoundings.com/mini-grants-make-major-difference/) - Oyster reef domes were installed at MacDill Air Force Base in Hillsborough County using Mini-Grant funds. Photos courtesy Tampa Bay Estuary Program This year, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is providing nearly $80,000 to 20 community groups for education, pollution prevention and restoration projects that benefit the bay. Funds for the Bay Mini-Grants come from - ["Aunting" of the Common Moorhen](https://baysoundings.com/aunting-common-moorhen/) - By Ernie Franke, Chairman of Wetlands Committee of The Shores of Long Bayou What is it about moorhens that makes them so interesting to watch? It isn’t their majestic shape, because they resemble black barnyard chickens with vivid red frontal crests and yellow beaks, much like candy corn seen at Halloween. It isn’t the way - [Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge Extends to Include Watershed](https://baysoundings.com/hillsborough-100-conservation-challenge-extends-include-watershed/) - After a successful inaugural year, the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge is reaching beyond county lines and opening the challenge to any group or business in the Tampa Bay watershed. The Challenge was created by the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District to involve more urban and suburban residents in community agriculture and water protection projects - [Tampa Bay Water Surveys Residents for Thoughts on Future Supplies](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-water-surveys-residents-thoughts-future-supplies/) - We think of water as something we expect to appear when we turn a faucet, but that is only because of the incredibly complex system behind our simple action. Wells and pumps, reservoirs, and desalination plants work together with massive treatment facilities in a connected network that has taken Tampa Bay Water, the region’s water - [Suncoast Compost Helps Residents, Businesses Recycle Food Waste](https://baysoundings.com/suncoast-compost-helps-residents-businesses-recycle-food-waste/) - We all know that composting is good for the environment. It recycles nutrients, captures excess carbon, reduces demand for space in landfills, and makes sandy soil healthier. Done, incorrectly, however, it can be major-league messy, incredibly stinky and attract bugs. It also requires space that people who live in apartments or condominiums may not have. - [2018 Community Water-Wise Awards Program Applications Available](https://baysoundings.com/2018-community-water-wise-awards-program-applications-available/) - By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscapingtm Agent After all the rain this week, it's probably hard to remember that May is usually a dry month when people who have planted drought-tolerant landscapes are rejoicing in their wise decision, while their neighbors are running sprinklers that may use up to half of their water bill. It’s also - [Terra Ceia Proves that Restoration Works](https://baysoundings.com/terra-ceia-proves-that-restoration-works/) - Just about the time Bay Soundings published its first edition – in April 2004 – what was then the region’s largest restoration project was underway at Terra Ceia. Heavy equipment was knocking down acres and acres of Australian pine and Brazilian pepper trees, sculpting new shorelines to replace mosquito ditches, digging new ponds and opening - [Taking a New Look at Hard Bottoms](https://baysoundings.com/new-research-shows-hard-bottom-habitat-even-important-expected/) - Although Tampa Bay doesn’t have colorful, high-relief coral reefs like the Florida Keys, it does have areas of fossilized corals, limestone outcroppings, rubble and artificial reefs, collectively known as “hard bottom.” In fact, research from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is showing these rare habitats may serve as a critically important stop-off - [Local Experts to Highlight Dangers of Single-Use Plastic](https://baysoundings.com/local-experts-highlight-dangers-single-use-plastic/) - By Victoria Parsons Plastic debris -- including disposable bags and water bottles -- is becoming an issue in Tampa Bay and around the world. A group of local experts will present to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Agency on Bay Management Thursday morning to discuss options on minimizing the use -- and inappropriate disposal -- - [Sherwood Tackles New Challenges as head of TBEP](https://baysoundings.com/sherwood-tackles-new-challenges-as-head-of-tbep/) - To the typical estuarine manager, Ed Sherwood has one of the best jobs in the world. As the new director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, he presides over an agency that has accomplished the ambitious goal set in 1995 – restoring 38,000 acres of seagrasses to near 1950s level. Tampa Bay also is enviable - [TBEP's Mini-Grant Deadline Set for Sept. 17](https://baysoundings.com/tbeps-mini-grant-deadline-set-for-sept-17/) - Got a great idea to help restore Tampa Bay or its watershed, but just need a little bit of help? Now is the time to apply for a Mini-Grant from the Tampa Bay Estuary program which will help local community groups – from schools and scouts to neighborhood associations – make a difference in Tampa - [Shell Key Management Plan Up for Discussion](https://baysoundings.com/shell-key-management-plan-up-for-discussion/) - If you’ve never seen Shell Key, it’s hard to believe that this piece of paradise still exists in the state’s most densely populated county. The 1800-acre preserve features one of the county's largest undeveloped islands, as well as numerous mangrove islands and expansive seagrass beds. Ecological protection within the preserve is critical to support the biologically - [Natural History Featured in New Exhibit at Tampa Bay History Center](https://baysoundings.com/natural-history-featured-in-new-exhibit-at-tampa-bay-history-center/) - When most people think of history in Tampa Bay, they envision Ponce de Leon searching for the fountain of youth, pirates burying treasures, and enormous cigar factories surrounded by neighborhoods of shotgun homes. A new exhibit opening at the Tampa Bay History Center brings an innovative vision to that history - literally a bird's eye - [Moving Upstream: Conceptual Plans for 7,300 Acres in the Little Manatee River Watershed Unveiled](https://baysoundings.com/moving-upstream-conceptual-plans-for-7300-acres-in-the-little-manatee-river-watershed-unveiled/) - With most of the shoreline along Tampa Bay either developed or restored, planners are looking upstream to protect tidal tributaries and provide higher ground for critical habitats as sea level rise continues to affect the region. An important step in addressing that long-term trend is the development of a conceptual plan for nearly 7,400 publicly - [Beyond the Hype: How Solar Works in the Real World](https://baysoundings.com/15978-2/) - Experts offer important information before you sign a contract for solar panels. - [Wildcrafting: Benefiting from Florida’s Bountiful Native Harvests](https://baysoundings.com/wildcrafting-benefiting-floridas-bountiful-native-harvests/) - By Willow LaMonte With summer camping season in full swing, we thought it would be fun to learn more about wild plants that are edible – including some that are medicinal – growing in Florida. Sheris and Jason Patten of Seffner are long-time wildcrafters who are raising their four-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter with the - [Flights of Fancy Florida Birding & Nature Festival Returns for 7th Season](https://baysoundings.com/flights-fancy-florida-birding-nature-festival-returns-7th-season/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe In terms of sheer numbers - with more than 300 recorded bird species and 120 species of butterflies - the Tampa Bay region provides a dizzying opportunity to train your binoculars on winged creatures. Lucky spectators will get a ringside seat at the 7th Annual Florida Birding & Nature Festival in - [Protect Magical Outback Key](https://baysoundings.com/protect-magical-outback-key/) - Walk with me. It’s almost dawn. You park at the far end of the Fort De Soto Park north beach parking lot. Make sure you have your water shoes on and prepare to get your pants wet. Cross a short channel of water, about 25 feet wide, and you’ve come to the magical Outback Key. - [Robinson Preserve Transformed to Host Juvenile Snook](https://baysoundings.com/robinson-preserve-transformed-to-host-juvenile-snook/) - Most restoration projects in the Tampa Bay region are designed to do just that – restore natural systems that had been damaged by humans over the decades. Manatee County is taking a different tack at the second phase of enhancements at Robinson Preserve, one of the county’s most popular parks. Instead of trying to rebuild - [Bay Mini-Grants Make Tampa Bay Better](https://baysoundings.com/bay-mini-grants-make-tampa-bay-better/) - The Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Community Advisory Committee has selected a diverse group of organizations and projects for the 2019 Bay Mini-Grant slate. Funded through the Tampa Bay license plate – also known as the Tarpon Tag – the projects help restore Tampa Bay and build awareness of the issues facing the estuary. Awards include: The - [Henningsen Retires after 31 Years](https://baysoundings.com/henningsen-retires-after-31-years/) - Asking Brandt Henningsen about his favorite project is like asking a mom about her favorite child. Rock Ponds, of course, because it’s the largest. Or maybe Cockroach Bay Preserve, which included 17 phases over 21 years. But what about Clam Bayou, another decades-long effort in an urban setting? Or the long-term master plan for 7,000 - [Kracker Ave Restoration Thought to Be First of its Kind, Former Fish Farm property offers innovative opportunities](https://baysoundings.com/kracker-restoration-thought-to-be-first-of-its-kind/) - Above: Proposed habitat enhancements at a former fish farm in Hillsborough County, the left shows an aerial view of the former fish farm property and the right is the proposed habitat improvement plans. What do you do when you have reclaimed water nationally recognized for its quality in a county where low-salinity habitats have been - [Florida Leads Nation in Invasive Insects Captured at its Border](https://baysoundings.com/florida-leads-nation-in-invasive-insects-captured-at-its-border/) - The hedgehog grain aphid, which has caused millions of dollars worth of damage in other states, has been intercepted at Florida's agricultural stations but not in the wild. UF, Partners Asking for Help Identifying Them When most people think of invasive species, first things that come to mind are pythons and Brazilian pepper. The Florida - [Living Shorelines Become "Edutainment"](https://baysoundings.com/living-shorelines-become-edutainment/) - Above: The new living shoreline in Safety Harbor replaces an older seawall with areas that already are attracting wildlife. When we first started writing about living shorelines, the focus was on the pragmatic: a more environmentally friendly way to protect shorelines from erosion. As people have become accustomed to living shorelines instead of seawalls in - [Seagrass Acreage Down But Still Meets Goal](https://baysoundings.com/seagrass-acreage-down-but-still-meets-goal/) - Despite heavy rains causing multiple sewage overflows in 2015 and 2016, Tampa Bay continued to exceed goals for seagrass acreage re-establishment when measured in late 2017 and early 2018. Across the bay, seagrasses declined by 2.4%, or 1,104 acres, although the total acreage of 40,652 still exceeded the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s ambitious goal of - [Microplastics Everywhere in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/microplastics-everywhere-in-tampa-bay/) - At less than an eighth of an inch, microplastics are practically invisible to the naked eye – but have been found in every water sample analyzed for microplastics in Tampa Bay over the last two years. The most recent data (not yet published in a peer-reviewed journal) also shows that nine of 10 manatees who - [Lost Coast Works to Revive Tampa Bay’s Oysters](https://baysoundings.com/lost-coast-works-to-revive-tampa-bays-oysters/) - Brian and Lindsay Rosegger hope that someday Terra Ceia oysters will have the same reputation for quality that long-time Floridians remember from their Apalachicola bivalves. Owners of Lost Coast Oyster Company, they placed thousands of baby oysters in custom-designed pods off Terra Ceia in October. If all goes as planned, they’ll be available in St. - [Marvelous Mud](https://baysoundings.com/marvelous-mud/) - “Ewwww!” “Yuck — it’s icky, squishy and smelly!” “Cool. Can we take off our shoes and play in it?” These are the typical comments I get the first time I take kids out to the estuarine mud flats for a lesson on the web of life. Scientists refer to it as the “intertidal benthic layer.” - [State of Florida Takes Steps to Prevent Another Piney Point](https://baysoundings.com/state-of-florida-takes-steps-to-prevent-another-piney-point/) - Water Disposal Efforts Continue at Piney Point As state officials work to prevent another Piney Point from occurring, efforts to cope with 1.2 billion gallons of toxic wastewater continue at the abandoned fertilizer plant that has been called one of the biggest threats ever to Florida's environment. Up to 1.67 million gallons per day of - [new state rule strengthening financial assurances from phosphate companies](https://baysoundings.com/point_counterpoint/) - Will a new state rule strengthening financial assurances from phosphate companies adequately protect Florida taxpayers from another Piney Point? In summary: When Mulberry Corporation abandoned two phosphate plants in 2001, at Piney Point on Tampa Bay and a sister facility in Mulberry, state taxpayers were left holding the tab for a $160-million cleanup – one - [A Day At Cockroach Bay](https://baysoundings.com/a-day-at-cockroach-bay/) - A Day At Cockroach Bay By Dakin and Megan White We weren’t sure exactly what to expect when we first heard about a field trip to Cockroach Bay. We had been learning about estuaries and why they are important in our science class at Kingswood Elementary School – but cockroaches??? We learned a lot of - [Love Is In The Air](https://baysoundings.com/love-is-in-the-air/) - But There’s Danger On The Ground Even their names invoke romance: great blue herons, snowy egrets, glossy ibis and roseate spoonbills. And as the weather warms, approximately 50,000 pairs of shore and wading birds are expected to find love in the air near Tampa Bay. Once they mate and build a nest, though, they’ll face - [Stunning Yards Are Florida-Friendly Too](https://baysoundings.com/stunning-yards-are-florida-friendly-too/) - The hot pink blooms of a mandevilla contrast with deep emerald-green foliage spilling over a wooden mailbox. Nearby, brilliant blue blooms on a plumbago seem to reflect the color of the sky and complement the sunshine-yellow flowers of gold mound lantana. In another sun-drenched garden, butterflies hover over the rich purple blooms of perennial salvia - [Everglades Success Story Probably Won’t be Repeated in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/everglades-success-story-probably-wont-be-repeated-in-tampa-bay/) - The stunning reversal of mercury levels in the Everglades probably won’t be repeated in the Tampa Bay region, according to Tom Atkeson, mercury coordinator for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. On the other hand, levels in Tampa Bay and its tributaries were never so high that the state imposed a blanket “no consumption” recommendation - [Join the Ghostbusters!](https://baysoundings.com/join-the-ghostbusters/) - Recruits Sought for November Event If you have a shallow-draft boat, now’s your chance to become a ghostbuster. After a small group of volunteers pulled more than 100 abandoned crab traps – or ghost traps -- from Tampa Bay one day last spring, organizers scheduled a larger event for Saturday, November 20. “We’ll get steering - [What They're Reading](https://baysoundings.com/what-theyre-reading/) - There’s something about summer that has us clamoring for a cool spot in the shade and the company of a good book. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the high seas or merely to revel in nature’s beauty and drama, ample choices abound. Bay Soundings asked a few of its readers to share their favorites. Hammock - [Good Mates](https://baysoundings.com/good-mates/) - Even before the FDEP began its Clean Marina program in the early 1990s, environmental managers in Pinellas County had already recognized the potential for public-private partnerships and created the Good Mate program. When Clean Marina was established, Good Mate was wrapped into the statewide initiative. “The marine industry here has been very involved,” says Gene - [Outdoor Afro Opens New Doors for Black People](https://baysoundings.com/outdoor-afro-opens-new-doors-for-black-people/) - Nature is my escape, my reset, and my passion. Whenever I am in a community outdoors and connecting Black folks to nature, I am most happy and at peace. While I do this work of connecting Black people to nature in a variety of capacities, being an Outdoor Afro volunteer leader for the past seven - [Future Corridors initiative looks at conservation, 'countryside'](https://baysoundings.com/future-corridors-initiative-looks-at-conservation-countryside/) - By Victoria Parsons The fastest route between two points may be a straight line, but a new focus at the Florida Department of Transportation is looking beyond that adage to protect important environmental lands. The Future Corridors planning initiative, coming to Tampa Bay later this year, looks at innovative ways to move people and cargo - [Eckerd students push limits on aquatic toxicity research](https://baysoundings.com/eckerd-students-push-limits-on-aquatic-toxicity-research/) - Top photo courtesy Eckerd College. Along with freshwater fish and coral larva, Eckerd students looked at the impact of shampoo ingredients on Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode that mimics life processes of more advanced species. When Eckerd alumni and cosmetic chemist Autumn Blum decided to create a new line of eco-conscious skincare products, she selected ingredients - [Book Review: Environmental books for kids, recommended by kids](https://baysoundings.com/book-review-environmental-books-for-kids-recommended-by-kids/) - We usually do adult book reviews, but thought we’d try something new with this issue and look at environmentally oriented books through the eyes of talented youth who obviously enjoy reading. The Rainstick, A Fable by Sandra Chisholm Robinson (40 pages) Book Review by Mary Grace Hull (age 11) The story takes you to a - [Fertilizer 101: Education campaigns focus on water quality](https://baysoundings.com/fertilizer-101-2/) - Just 10 years ago, few homeowners recognized the link between a lush green lawn and the sick green ponds in their neighborhoods. That’s changing, particularly in Florida, where education programs directed at homeowners are beginning to pay big dividends for water quality in nearby ponds, rivers and Tampa Bay. “We still have a long way - [THINK eARTh: The Tampa Bay I want to inherit](https://baysoundings.com/think-earth-the-tampa-bay-i-want-to-inherit/) - CAlling all youth to get creative about climate change messages By Sigrid Tidmore In some ways, young people appreciate living in Tampa Bay even more than their parents. Just go to the beach. Who looks like they’re having the most fun? Children of all ages thrive in our fragile environmental playground, but its very existence - [Water quality in Tampa Bay gets green lights, again](https://baysoundings.com/water-quality-in-tampa-bay-gets-green-lights-again-2/) - A new tracking model takes the TBEP's familiar "Green, Yellow, Red" format a step further with more colors and enhanced graphics that highlight specific locations within the bay. For the third straight year, all major segments of Tampa Bay met water quality goals in 2014. This marks the first time since monitoring began that water - [Central Pinellas a century ago: Lowering lakes to raise agriculture](https://baysoundings.com/central-pinellas-a-century-ago-lowering-lakes-to-raise-agriculture/) - By James Anthony Schnur A quick glance at any Florida map reveals the obvious: Pinellas County occupies a peninsula along peninsular Florida. However, a closer examination of the terrain illustrates a fact that few people realize, including residents of Pinellas County’s most populous city: St. Petersburg sits entirely upon a number of islands separated from - [Pilot program re-creates low-salinity habitat](https://baysoundings.com/pilot-program-re-creates-low-salinity-habitat/) - Once upon a time, when Florida panthers and black bears still freely roamed the Tampa Bay watershed, more than 300 creeks and rivers supplied the estuary with fresh water, creating low-salinity habitats that supported the vast majority of fish species as well as a multitude of birds and other wildlife. As the region developed though, - [News Briefs, Fall 2015](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-fall-2015/) - Florida Audubon purchases Terra Ceia Bird Island With state conservation land purchases still at a low level, the Florida Audubon Society has purchased one of the most important bird rookeries in the Tampa Bay area. Terra Ceia Little Bird Island is only two acres large, but its dense mangrove forests provide nesting habitat for 14 - [Bird Watching with Benefits](https://baysoundings.com/bird-watching-with-benefits-3/) - Everyone likes watching birds, but some birders get extra benefits. Audubon Florida’s citizen-scientist programs create win-win opportunities for both the birds and the people who watch them. "Anybody who loves birds wants to protect them." –Cheryl Merz, Audubon Florida's Citizen Scientist Volunteer of the Year “It’s the neatest thing in the world,” says Gabe Vargo, a - [Rock Ponds working toward new record](https://baysoundings.com/rock-ponds-working-toward-new-record/) - More than 400 volunteers are expected to set a record for planting marsh grasses at the single largest parcel in a 20-mile stretch of restored coastal ecosystems along Tampa Bay’s eastern shore. The event begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Rock Ponds, located just north of the Manatee County line and south - [Rock Ponds sets record for planting](https://baysoundings.com/rock-ponds-sets-record-for-planting/) - More than 400 volunteers set a new record for planting marsh grasses at the single largest parcel in a 20-mile stretch of restored coastal ecosystems along Tampa Bay’s eastern shore late last year at the Rock Ponds site, located just north of the Manatee County line and south of Cockroach Bay. Top: Ross Dickerson, manager - [Enjoy the ride](https://baysoundings.com/enjoy-the-ride/) - Explore the various habitats and view wildlife around Tampa Bay on these top-rated bicycle trails By Marcia Biggs With the opening of the Pinellas section of the Courtney Campbell Trail last summer, the Tampa Bay area is rapidly becoming a destination for cycling enthusiasts. The long-awaited 9.5-mile span offers the exceptional experience of crossing Upper - [Are populations of America's rarest heron declining?](https://baysoundings.com/are-populations-of-americas-rarest-heron-declining/) - Audubon to help track populations with FWC grant By Ann Paul & Mark Rachal, Audubon Florida’s Coastal Islands Sanctuaries Like many of Florida’s iconic birds, populations of reddish egrets (Egretta rufescens) were nearly wiped out during the late 1800s when hunters relentlessly collected them for the lucrative plume trade. By the beginning of the 20th - [Hogs Gone Wild - Experts Say Feral Pig Problem Here to Stay](https://baysoundings.com/hogs-gone-wild-experts-say-feral-pig-problem-here-to-stay/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe The wild pigs wreaking havoc on preserves around Tampa Bay aren’t native to Florida – but they’ve been here so long they think they own the place. We have Christopher Columbus, Hernando DeSoto and other pork-smitten early settlers to thank for that. European hogs arrived by boat centuries ago, and they - [Fighting Fire with Fire](https://baysoundings.com/fighting-fire-with-fire/) - By Victoria Parsons John DeWolfe fights fires for a living. Sometimes he fights a more important, albeit less visible, battle –– helping prevent wildfires with prescribed burns. “A lot of people think fire is fire, but that’s because they’ve never seen a wildfire,” says DeWolfe, a forest ranger with the Florida Division of Forestry based - [The Life We Overlook](https://baysoundings.com/22793-2/) - Above: A tube anemone waits for a tasty morsel to drift by its hiding spot near Egmont Key. By Jimmy White The most productive parts of Tampa Bay are areas where sunlight penetrates the water far enough to reach the bottom and allow seagrasses to grow. A diverse cross-section of plants and animals exist in - [Dive In. The Water's Great!](https://baysoundings.com/dive-in-the-waters-great/) - Tampa Bay may not rank with the Florida Keys or the Cayman Islands as an international dive destination, but improvements in water quality over the last 20 years have made the bay in our backyard a great place to spend a day. With an average depth of just 12 feet, Tampa Bay is an easy - [Bird Stewards Protect Beach-Nesting Birds](https://baysoundings.com/bird-stewards-protect-beach-nesting-birds/) - Holiday weekends at Fort De Soto County Park typically mean wall-to-wall people on the beach adjacent to the nature preserve protected by bird stewards. A ground-breaking bird steward program started by St. Petersburg Audubon more than a decade ago is expanding to important shorebird nesting areas across Florida. (Learn more about being a bird steward - [Adopt-A-Pond](https://baysoundings.com/adopt-a-pond/) - by Ernie Franke Opportunity Knocks at Your Front Door Most of us, at some point in our lives, have wondered just how much difference we can make in the world. That’s what happened with the pond just outside my front door at The Shores of Long Bayou in St. Petersburg. Although I call it “my - [Mining Tampa Bay for a Glimpse of What Used to Be](https://baysoundings.com/mining-tampa-bay-for-a-glimpse-of-what-used-to-be/) - By E.D. EstevezMote Marine Laboratory No one alive today can truly appreciate how diverse, productive, and clean, places like Tampa Bay once were. As past conditions become even more remote with time we run the risk of setting our restoration and protection standards too low. This happens through an erosional process afflicting social values and - [Seagrass Protection at Cockroach Bay Yields Diverging Proposals](https://baysoundings.com/seagrass-protection-at-cockroach-bay-yields-diverging-proposals/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe A task force of boaters, environmentalists and government officials is pushing ahead to advance one of five options for a “pole and troll” zone in Little Cockroach Bay, despite opposition from three government agencies. All five options would require either shrinking the existing manatee protection area or providing higher-speed access corridors - [A Deeper Look at Seagrasses](https://baysoundings.com/a-deeper-look-at-seagrasses/) - By Victoria Parsons Around the world, Tampa Bay is earning accolades as one of the few – if not the only estuaries where seagrasses are rebounding even as populations in adjacent watersheds boom. Florida’s largest open-water estuary, Tampa Bay is recognized as the comeback kid who battled back from the brink, thanks to the grit - [Welcome to FAQE](https://baysoundings.com/welcome-to-faqe/) - Our goal has always been to create science-based content written for readers who aren't scientists, That can be challenging so we've started an FAQE -- Frequently Asked Questions about Estuaries -- to explain terms that might not be fully clear in the context of a news article. - [Tampa Bay Water Supply](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-water-supply/) - by Victoria Parsons As 1997 dawned in Tampa Bay, nearly two million people relied primarily upon the Floridan Aquifer for their drinking water. Increased water use in the rapidly growing region – combined with an ongoing drought – resulted in shrinking lakes, vanishing wetlands, dried-up wells, a surplus of sinkholes and finger-pointing between local governments - [SCOOP THAT POOP](https://baysoundings.com/scoop-that-poop/) - Every little pile adds up — but everybody can do their part to prevent “poo-llution.” About a half-million dogs in the Tampa Bay region produce about 125 tons of poop per day – and only about 40% of it is picked up. That leaves about 50 tons of poop on the ground to wash into - [Water Quality Playbook Drives Smart Decisions](https://baysoundings.com/water-quality-playbook-drives-smart-decisions/) - The Playbook is already starting to pay back in Sarasota County. The Community Playbook for Healthy Waters, published by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation in November 2021, has already exceeded its authors’ expectations both locally and nationally, helping communities address water quality issues on multiple levels. The most significant impact is Sarasota County’s commitment to - [The grass is not greener when it’s artificial turf](https://baysoundings.com/the-grass-is-not-greener-when-its-artificial-turf/) - If the thought of an environmentally friendly lawn that needs no maintenance sounds appealing, you need to talk to Jason Kruse, associate professor of turfgrass management at the University of Florida. Not only is artificial turf not environmentally friendly, but surface temperatures on it have been measured as high as 160 degrees, creating a heat - [The Science is in](https://baysoundings.com/the-science-is-in/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe Around the globe and here in Florida, the question mark is being dropped from discussions about global warming. Lingering skepticism was further eroded when the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report in February. The IPCC calls global warming “unequivocal” and “very likely” (more than 90% - [Is Solar a Good Choice for Your House?](https://baysoundings.com/is-solar-a-good-choice-for-your-house/) - With the 30% tax credit on solar installations expiring on Dec. 31, there’s a lot of hype in the air about taking advantage of the credit before it’s gone. The best advice from solar expert John Sherwin, senior research engineer at the University of Central Florida’s Florida Solar Energy Center: Slow down and make sure - [Protect Blue Carbon](https://baysoundings.com/protect-blue-carbon/) - Blue carbon -- when greenhouse gases are captured by coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses -- can play a critical role in protecting against climate change. - [Could "blue carbon" change the tide?](https://baysoundings.com/could-blue-carbon-change-the-tide/) - Top Photo by Caroline Rogers, USGS. Scientists have been detailing the benefits of healthy estuaries for decades – protecting shorelines from erosion and storms, improving water quality, providing vital habitat for economically valuable fish and marine species, and boosting local tourism. A new study underway in Tampa Bay focuses on yet another benefit: buffering both - [Seagrasses get the attention but benthos make a difference](https://baysoundings.com/seagrasses-get-the-attention-but-benthos-make-a-difference/) - 20-year EPC monitoring study shows benthic index improvement By Marcia Biggs A heady seabreeze is blowing in from the Gulf on a steamy morning in August. After stowing a half dozen large coolers filled with ice, and boxes of sampling jars, shovels, sifters, plastic bags and gloves, a crew of three heads out into Tampa - [Delaney Creek stormwater system targeted for makeover](https://baysoundings.com/delaney-creek-stormwater-system-targeted-for-makeover/) - by Victoria Parsons With stormwater ranked as an important source of contaminants to Tampa Bay, local governments most often focus on affordable ways to capture stormwater before it escapes into larger rivers or the bay itself. That’s not necessarily the case in the Delaney Creek watershed, an area about 10 square miles located east of - [Frogs Share Critical Messages With Attentive Listeners](https://baysoundings.com/frogs-share-critical-messages-with-attentive-listeners/) - By Victoria Parsons - Bay Soundings 2004 The frog that goes jug-a-rum jug-a-rum in the night may be trying to tell you something. In fact, trained listeners across the Tampa Bay region are learning to tell bullfrogs from cricket frogs so scientists can assess the health of local ecosystems. “Frogs are very good indicators because - [Schultz Preserve Spices Up The Kitchen](https://baysoundings.com/schultz-preserve-spices-up-the-kitchen/) - Nothing else in Tampa Bay quite compares to the view from atop a mound at the Fred and Idah Schultz Preserve at Port Redwing. To the west, a bald eagle perches on a dead tree, watching the bay for its next meal. Closer inland, a flock of white pelicans rests in a sheltered cove. Along - [Florida Birding Festival Returns Oct. 20-23](https://baysoundings.com/florida-birding-festival-returns-oct-20-23/) - Back and better than ever, the Florida Birding and Nature Festival is scheduled for October 20 through October 22 at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Suncoast Youth Conservation Center at 6650 Dickman Rd in Apollo Beach, near the Manatee Viewing Center. Field trips and hikes to the region's top birding spots will feature expert - [Newman Branch Restoration Gears Up](https://baysoundings.com/newman-branch-restoration-gears-up/) - Stagnant ponds, remnants of an old tropical fish farm on Tampa Bay, will be getting a new lease on life as part of a restoration project at Newman Branch Creek in southern Hillsborough County. The project was hatched when a nonprofit group approached TECO about repairing impacted coastland the utility purchased decades ago as a - [Ocean Allies Take On Single-Use Plastics](https://baysoundings.com/ocean-allies-take-on-single-use-plastics/) - Sheri Heilman was appalled when she came back to Florida after visiting her vineyard in Oregon in 2019. “Out there, they are so much ahead of us that when I came home and there were styrofoam cups all over my kitchen, I knew we had to do better. My office manager and I threw them - [New Video Highlights Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges ](https://baysoundings.com/new-video-highlights-tampa-bay-national-wildlife-refuges/) - Some of the most spectacular sites in Tampa Bay are difficult to reach or are protected from human activity. That’s why the Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges created a video that shows the amazing birds on Egmont Key and the seven mangrove islands that are off limits to the public year-round. “Nobody - [Agencies Making Living Shorelines Easier to Build](https://baysoundings.com/agencies-making-living-shorelines-easier-to-build/) - Living shorelines are critical to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s (TBEP) ambitious habitat master plan. In the face of sea level rise and development, coastal properties become more and more valuable – for both economic and environmental reasons. The master plan focuses on taking advantage of all potential sites for restoration as those coastal - [Shipping Channel to be Widened, Deepened; Dredged Material Planned for Beneficial Uses](https://baysoundings.com/shipping-channel-to-be-widened-deepeneddredged-material-planned-for-beneficial-uses/) - Most of us never see it or even realize that the 42-mile Tampa shipping channel is an economic artery for the region. In a bay that averages just 11 feet deep, Port Tampa Bay and Port Manatee would never be able to host the modern ships that provide an estimated $22 billion to our economy - [FDOT moving ahead with new solution to stormwater pollution](https://baysoundings.com/fdot-moving-ahead-new-solution-stormwater-pollution/) - Image courtesy ESA. Map depicts current seagrass abundance in the section of Old Tampa Bay. Work on a “look-around” solution to water quality continues at the Florida Department of Transportation where nearly all necessary permits have been completed for a 239-foot bridge that will enhance tidal flow to the bay section north of the Courtney - [“Wrappings” that never go out of season](https://baysoundings.com/wrappings-never-go-season/) - You may have noticed more manatees, dolphins and sea turtles driving around our roads. Not in the strictest sense, of course, but adorning our city and county street sweepers, box trucks, vans and more. Wrapping presents is something most of us are working on now, and wrapping vehicles is done in the same vein. Instead - [TBEP's CCMP Sets Priorities through 2027](https://baysoundings.com/tbeps-ccmp-sets-priorities-2027/) - After two years, dozens of meetings and hundreds of comments from people including resource managers, agency representatives, scientists and citizens, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program has released the third edition of its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The CCMP, also known as “Charting the Course,” details the successes of the past 20 years and sets - [By the Numbers: Fertilizer Doesn’t Add Up](https://baysoundings.com/by-the-numbers-fertilizer-doesnt-add-up/) - Tampa Bay is healthier than it’s been since the 1970s because local governments and businesses have invested over $2.5 billion to clean up the pollution caused by excess nitrogen -- stopping about 530 tons of nitrogen from entering Tampa Bay since the 1990s. But a small proportion of the region’s population still using residential fertilizer - [Taxes for Environmental Lands Pay Off ](https://baysoundings.com/taxes-for-environmental-lands-pay-off/) - As Polk and Pasco counties consider extending or resuming property tax increases to purchase environmental lands, Manatee County scored a major win earlier this year with the purchase of Rattlesnake Key, once proposed as a 911-acre resort with a cruise port just south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The county partnered with the state to - [Turning Back the Clock on 1950s Technology](https://baysoundings.com/turning-back-the-clock-on-1950s-technology/) - If you’ve ever looked out the window of an airplane flying into Tampa International, you may have noticed the strange checkerboard patterns on bayside mangrove forests. It’s not aliens designing a field where they can land their spacecraft—it’s bygone technology from the 1950s. The plan then was to control mosquitoes by digging ditches through mangrove - [UT Students Tag Team Shark Bite Research](https://baysoundings.com/ut-students-tag-team-shark-bite-research/) - Since August, a team from the University of Tampa has been trolling the waters of Tampa Bay, intentionally sticking their hands into the mouths of sharks. “[The first time], I was actually more scared of the bacteria in their mouths; each shark has a different personality so some are spunky and like to bite, others - [USF lab brings international experience back to Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/usf-lab-brings-international-experience-back-to-tampa-bay/) - It’s strange to think that people living in Southeast Asia and the Amazon rainforest might know more about a lab based at the University of South Florida than Tampa Bay residents, but that’s what happened with the Watershed Sustainability Lab (WSL). “Most of the research we’ve done is international but we’re working on more local - [2022 Seagrass Survey: Bigger, Better, Faster](https://baysoundings.com/2022-seagrass-survey-bigger-better-faster/) - While sports fans eagerly await results from the Super Bowl, the Stanley Cup or the World Series, the results of the 2022 seagrass survey are even more important to bay managers. With good winter weather, 90% of the images covering the 80,000 acres of seagrass habitat from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor were captured by - [Man-made floating islands help reduce pollution](https://baysoundings.com/man-made-floating-islands-help-reduce-pollution/) - Buy land, said Will Rogers in 1930. “They’re not making any more of it.” That’s changing in Tampa Bay’s watershed, where counties and citizens are banding together to build new land – floating islands that help clean up pollution and protect water resources. As a side benefit, they even provide habitat for wildlife, including nesting - [Urban stream: Not always an oxymoron](https://baysoundings.com/urban-stream-not-always-an-oxymoron/) - The concept of an "urban stream" might seem like an oxymoron, but restoration efforts across the state are proving that naturalized streams provide significant benefits even in densely populated settings. For example, at Joe's Creek in St. Petersburg and Phillipe Creek in Sarasota steep ditches are being restored to recreate meandering streams that improve both - [Butterflies Need Our Help, Expert Says](https://baysoundings.com/butterflies-need-help-expert-says/) - Butterfly expert Dr. Marc Minno’s message is alarming. “We are losing caterpillars and butterflies in Florida. Five or six specific to Florida are threatened or endangered. Three butterflies unique to Florida have gone extinct. Twenty or so other species are in peril. They are rapidly disappearing. We are losing some of our biological treasures.” By - [Dead Owls Spur Action on Rodenticides](https://baysoundings.com/dead-owls-spur-action/) - It all started when a great horned owlet named Huey was found dead after falling from a nest in Phillipe Park in Safety Harbor. His parents, Emily and Oliver, had successfully nested in what was known as the “Owl Tree'' for at least seven years, attracting photographers from across the state. Then Emily died, - [Taking the Long View: Looking Back 50 years](https://baysoundings.com/taking-the-long-view-looking-back-50-years/) - As we face seemingly insurmountable problems in the world and our state, it’s worth looking back at how far we’ve come in the last 50 years. By Ann Paul After World War II, Americans embraced a great future with an expanding economy and a positive outlook on creating a better life for themselves and their - [Resilient Ready Initiatives Take Innovative Approach to Sea-Level Rise](https://baysoundings.com/resilient-ready-initiatives-take-innovative-approach-to-sea-level-rise/) - Tampa Bay is on the frontline of global sea-level rise, but it’s not just our world-renowned beaches at risk. Three neighborhoods selected to be part of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s (TBRPC) Resilient Ready Tampa Bay planning project show how differently sea level rise will impact an inland site and a community at the - [Check out state parks at your nearby library](https://baysoundings.com/check-out-state-parks-at-your-nearby-library/) - A partnership between Florida State Parks and public libraries means that you can check out state parks for free, plus the libraries are celebrating Oceans of Possibilities for their summer reading programs. Anyone with a library card can borrow a pass to most of the state’s 170 parks and get in for free. Locally, that - [Top Tips for a Green Fourth of July](https://baysoundings.com/top-10-tips-for-a-green-fourth-of-july/) - With the Fourth falling on a long holiday weekend, it’s even more important that our celebrations are environmentally friendly. Skip the disposable plastic. Use glass or paper cups and plates, and bamboo utensils. If you must use plastic, check the bottom for the “recycle” seal to make sure they can go in - [Living Shorelines Survive -- and Thrive -- Through Hurricane Irma](https://baysoundings.com/living-shorelines-survive-thrive-hurricane-irma/) - When Hurricane Irma swept across Florida, living shorelines generally protected uplands as well as or better than concrete seawalls or bulkheads. “Concrete may look stronger, but if water gets over or under it – then it’s likely to collapse,” notes Tom Ries, a partner in ESA Scheda and member of the Tampa Bay Living Shorelines - [Neighborhood Pond Becomes an Oasis in East Tampa Neighborhood](https://baysoundings.com/neighborhood-pond-becomes-an-oasis-in-east-tampa-neighborhood/) - Like many stormwater ponds in crowded urban neighborhoods, the Lucy Dell Community Pond - [MacDill Wages War on Stormwater Pollution](https://baysoundings.com/macdill-wages-war-on-stormwater-pollution/) - [printfriendly]The year was 1939. War was raging across Europe and US officials feared that Nazi submarines could attack shipments of war goods to England. Of particular concern were oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico, carrying fuel from refineries in Texas and Louisiana. To help protect them, MacDill Air Force Base was constructed, with hundreds - [New stormwater manual expands options for developers](https://baysoundings.com/new-stormwater-manual-expands-options-for-developers/) - [printfriendly] It’s somewhat ironic that the most densely developed county in Florida also will soon have the most forward-thinking stormwater rules, but it makes perfect sense to Kelli Hammer Levy, Pinellas County’s natural resources division manager. “Redevelopment is harder than development so we needed to make our regulations more flexible and offer developers more options - [Stormwater Education Takes A New Tack](https://baysoundings.com/stormwater-education-grants-take-new-tack/) - The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Florida Department of Transportation are now accepting applications to fund stormwater education from governments and organizations in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. “In the past, we’ve haven’t specified target audiences for these funds,” said Alana Todd, environmental planner for the TBRPC. “This year, we’re asking applicants to focus - [Stand up for stormwater ponds](https://baysoundings.com/stand-up-for-stormwater-ponds/) - Monitoring water quality in man-made lakes -- also known as stormwater retention ponds -- is critical to preventing water pollution. - [Boating Accidents Show We are in Deep Water](https://baysoundings.com/boating-accidents-show-we-are-in-deep-water/) - Florida is the boating capital of the country. Unfortunately, it also leads the nation in boating accidents, death and property damage. And the numbers are growing. In 2020, the number of accidents increased 26.3%, the number of deaths increased 25.1%, and the number of injuries increased 24.7% over 2019. The Coast Guard counted 5,265 - [Regional Resilience Cohort Works Toward Local Solutions](https://baysoundings.com/regional-resilience-cohort-works-toward-local-solutions/) - How do you solve a problem if you do not know where to start? Many local governments are simply overwhelmed, especially when it comes to a daunting issue like enhancing resilience in the face of climate change. Enter Audubon Florida, Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) and the University of South Florida (USF). They’ve joined with - [Real-Life Spider-Man Debunks Myths about Arachnids](https://baysoundings.com/real-life-spider-man-debunks-myths-about-arachnids/) - You could call Louis Coticchio Spider-Man but you’re more likely to find him crawling under houses than climbing up skyscrapers. He’s a man with a mission: debunking the myth that brown recluse spiders in Florida cause horrifically painful bites that necrotize into life-threatening wounds. “In the first place, only about 100 recluse spiders were verified - [Local Leaders Organize Resiliency Summit:Residents Asked for Input to Set Priorities](https://baysoundings.com/local-leaders-organize-resiliency-summitresidents-asked-for-input-to-set-priorities/) - Local, state and regional leaders will meet on April 5 and 6 at the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Leadership Summit to discuss progress, challenges, and the path forward to implement the draft Regional Resilience Action Plan. Created in 2018 as part of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC), the Resiliency Coalition includes 32 city - [What’s Your Watershed Address?](https://baysoundings.com/whats-your-watershed-address/) - Story originally published in Fall, 2004 Whether you know it or not, you live in a watershed. From very large systems – like the Mississippi River that extends across 31 states and parts of Canada to small basins like Buckhorn Creek in Brandon – a watershed is simply the area that drains into a common - [Survey Shows Most Floridians Support protecting Natural Lands](https://baysoundings.com/most-floridians-support-protecting-natural-lands/) - While partisan politics may divide Floridians on many topics, nearly two-thirds of residents on both sides of the political aisle say that more action is needed to protect the state’s environment, and they strongly support taxpayer-funded initiatives that protect natural lands and endangered species. “It was a little surprising but not entirely,” said Stephen Neely, - [The Wildest Place in Pinellas County](https://baysoundings.com/the-wildest-place-in-pinellas-county/) - It’s known as the wildest place in Pinellas County. It might also be the quietest. It’s one of the few places out of earshot of traffic. By J. Scott Angle The Brooker Creek Preserve can change your relationship to the natural world—or create one, if your life is all cars, buildings, parking lots - [Mayors’ “Save Our Bay” Challenge Kicks Off with Vertical Oyster Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/mayors-save-our-bay-challenge-kicks-off-with-vertical-oyster-gardens/) - The Mayor's "Save Our Bay" campaign kicks off with residents from Oldsmar and Safety Harbor building Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) to hang from the city-owed piers and residential docks. - [Native Plants on Outback Key Create Haven for Birds](https://baysoundings.com/native-plants-on-outback-key-create-haven-for-birds/) - Native plants naturally recruited to Outback Key provide food and shelter for many species of endangered or threatened birds. - [Sharing the Water with Sharks](https://baysoundings.com/sharing-the-water-with-sharks/) - Experts offer tips on co-existing with one of earth’s oldest predators — Reprinted 2004 with permission from www.floridamarine.org. Who will ever forget the story of eight-year-old Jessie Arbogast trying to escape the grip of a 7-foot-long, 250-pound bull shark? The shark attack near Pensacola in July 2001 made national headlines. For months to follow, shark - [Timeless Designs Meld Inside with Outdoors](https://baysoundings.com/timeless-designs-meld-inside-with-outdoors/) - By Victoria Parsons Bay Soundings 2004 Most Floridians recognize Dr. John Gorrie as the man who invented air-conditioning to keep his malaria patients cool. Far fewer people realize that architect Paul Rudolph was the man who made sliding glass doors a fixture in almost every Florida home. While Rudolph is best known for edifices like - [Putting a LID on Stormwater Runoff](https://baysoundings.com/putting-a-lid-on-stormwater-runoff/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe Bay Soundings 2004 Benjamin Franklin nailed it – almost: The only things certain in life are death and taxes – unless you live along the coast, where residential communities spring up out of the ground faster than chinch bugs in July. New development is a fact of life, but site design - [Irrigation Goes High-Tech](https://baysoundings.com/irrigation-goes-high-tech/) - By Victoria Parsons Bay Soundings 2004 It’s not the Jetson’s just yet, but new technology in irrigation may make automatic sprinklers truly automatic. Instead of sprinklers clicking on twice a week because that’s when they’re allowed to run, imagine a controller with a satellite link to a weather station that determines if the lawn really - [Reflecting on a Rich Legacy](https://baysoundings.com/reflecting-on-a-rich-legacy/) - Local Conservation Hero Retires from Audubon after 31 Years of Service By Mary Kelley Hoppe Bay Soundings 2004 Rich Paul retired in December after 31 years of service to the National Audubon Society, including two decades as guardian of Tampa Bay’s coastal island sanctuaries, which host some 50,000 pairs of nesting birds each spring. Bay - [Hybrids Worth the Hype](https://baysoundings.com/hybrids-worth-the-hype/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe Bay Soundings 2004 Welcome to the new world: high-performance cars with cleaner emissions, sleek digital displays tucked under the windshield peddling speed and fuel efficiency data, and motors so quiet you have to remind yourself they’re running. Demand for new hybrid cars, combining smaller gas engines with electric motors that re-charge - [Behind the curtain and at the controls: Gene Farley](https://baysoundings.com/behind-the-curtain-and-at-the-controls-gene-farley/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe Bay Soundings 2004 The wizard of oz operates out of a one-story flat-top compound on the Brooksville campus of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The only hint of the goings-on inside is the roof-top satellite dish trained to the heavens, continuously downloading weather data. It’s been an unusually busy season - [More Commuters Considering Choices](https://baysoundings.com/more-commuters-considering-choices/) - Bay Soundings 2004 Next time you’re stuck in a typical Tampa Bay traffic jam, stop and consider the choices. Auto emissions have become a major source of pollution in Tampa Bay, and commuting can be expensive, time-consuming and stressful. Still, the vast majority of Tampa Bay residents drive to work alone, spending an average of - [Down the Road: Florida Leading Nation in Hydrogen Development](https://baysoundings.com/down-the-road-florida-leading-nation-in-hydrogen-development/) - By Victoria Parsons Bay Soundings 2004 Most of us are still years away from pulling into a fueling station and topping off a tank of hydrogen, but Florida is at the leading edge of developing the technology needed to turn the most abundant element in the universe into a clean fuel source. By weight, hydrogen - [California Study Raises Concern in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/california-study-raises-concern-in-tampa-bay/) - Bay Soundings 2004 Headlines across the country blared dire warnings when a new study showed that air pollution – even at levels that meet federal standards -- causes permanent damage to children’s lungs and may result in complications later in life. But what does a Southern California study mean in Tampa Bay? “Our pollution levels - [Down on the Farm](https://baysoundings.com/20480-2/) - From cattle to caviar: Things aren’t what they used to be down on the Florida farm. Bay Soundings 2004 On a 200-acre ranch not far from the asphalt ribbon of I-75 in Sarasota, Mote Marine Laboratory is preparing to harvest crops of caviar from farm-bred sturgeon. Banking on a steady stream of technological advances, Mote - [Tampa Bay Nursery for “Perfect Predators”](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-nursery-for-perfect-predators/) - By Kristin Thoms Bay Soundings 2004 You may not see them, but they are there - lurking in the watery depths elusive and stealth-like, often passing by unnoticed. Their senses are among the most well developed in the animal kingdom, which is why some call them the “perfect predator”… and Tampa Bay is their nursery. - [Clean Marinas are Good for Business](https://baysoundings.com/clean-marinas-are-good-for-business/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe and Victoria Parsons Bay Soundings 2004 It’s the waterfront equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and an increasing number of marinas are vying for it. So far, 86 marinas have earned Florida’s Clean Marina designation; another 213 have requested assistance, and dozens of those are completing action plans. While - [Out of Africa](https://baysoundings.com/out-of-africa/) - Hitching a Ride on North African Dust Plumes By Mary Kelley Hoppe Bay Soundings 2004 Hurricanes aren’t the only thing that barrel across the Atlantic toward Florida. Giant dust storms rising out of the Saharan desert blow an estimated billion tons of dust out of Africa each year; about half of that eventually reaches the - [Tracking Sea Turtles A Labor of Love](https://baysoundings.com/tracking-sea-turtles-a-labor-of-love/) - By Victoria Parsons Summer 2004 The sun is just barely peeping over the horizon when Glenn Harman gets to work. Barefoot and wearing shorts and a tee shirt, he climbs on a bright yellow ATV and begins the 30-mile trek he makes seven days a week from May through October. As director of animal care - [Saving A Myth](https://baysoundings.com/saving-a-myth/) - Jules Verne would be hard-pressed to create such an intriguing, yet awkward-looking creature. With its shark body, nearly flat underside and hedge trimmer-looking nose, the sawfish evokes feelings of adventure and mystery. But like Verne’s Nautilus submarine in “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” this mysterious creature is in danger of disappearing forever. Different Time, Different - [Flights of Fancy](https://baysoundings.com/flights-of-fancy/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe Summer 2004 In terms of sheer numbers — with more than 300 recorded bird species and 120 species of butterflies — the Tampa Bay region provides a dizzying opportunity to train your binoculars on winged creatures. Lucky spectators will get a ringside seat at the 7th Annual Florida Birding & Nature - [Family Ties: Son of Greek Immigrants Comes from Proud Line of Seafarers](https://baysoundings.com/family-ties-son-of-greek-immigrants-comes-from-proud-line-of-seafarers/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe Summer 2004 Business is booming at Tampa Bayside Marina on a sun-drenched afternoon when I pay my first visit. Mike Emmanuel’s door is propped open to the salt air and a steady stream of co-workers and friends. A worn leather couch beckons, guests linger in the breezeway and an hour melts - [Fishing Guides Provide Extra Eyes on the Bay](https://baysoundings.com/fishing-guides-provide-extra-eyes-on-the-bay/) - By Mary Kelley Hoppe Summer 2004 Just as neighborhood watches have helped reduce crime on land, a new program that partners professional fishing guides with law enforcement officers at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission promises to help protect the bay’s natural resources. “Nobody can afford a government big enough to solve every problem, - [Three Cheers for Volunteers](https://baysoundings.com/three-cheers-for-volunteers/) - Bob Minthorn and Sue Croley Summer 2004 Bob Minthorn learned the hard way never to leave a meeting early. He couldn’t stay to the end of a town hall assembly following the 1988 phosphoric acid spill in the Alafia River and it wasn’t until the - [Commercial Crabber Calls For Tighter Rules on Harvests](https://baysoundings.com/commercial-crabber-calls-for-tighter-rules-on-harvests/) - Bay Soundings 2004 Blue crab harvests have dramatically declined over the past several years, from about 17 million pounds in 1998 to 5.5 million pounds in 2002. While harvests increased in 2003, I believe it was directly related to above-average rainfall last year because “Beautiful Swimmers” require brackish water teaming with detritus. These increases may - [Pelican Island](https://baysoundings.com/pelican-island/) - Tiny but tenacious, America’s first wildlife refuge battles back By Mary Kelley Hoppe Summer 2004 Blink and you might miss this small but mighty spit of land that is the birthplace of America’s national wildlife refuge system. Nestled in the Indian River Lagoon just north of Vero Beach, Pelican Island gives no hint of the - [Point/Counterpoint: Relocating Gopher Tortoises](https://baysoundings.com/point-counterpoint-relocating-gopher-tortoises/) - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently authorized a deviation from its guidelines for relocating gopher tortoises because of high demand at available gopher tortoise recipient sites. Some conservationists are now calling for the state-listed species to be added to the Endangered Species Act to earn federal protections before it goes locally extinct. The - [Wanting it to all go away](https://baysoundings.com/wanting-it-to-all-go-away/) - We all want the disaster and controversy around Piney Point to go away. For many of us in the Tampa Bay area, Piney Point has been a heavy load we’ve been carrying for decades. By Lindsay Cross The emergency discharge of 215 million gallons of polluted water from the Piney Point phosphate facility into Tampa - [Feeding Pelicans Can be Deadly for the Birds](https://baysoundings.com/feeding-pelicans-can-be-deadly-for-the-birds/) - A cloud of pelicans circling fishermen and begging for bait or leftovers from their filleted fish is an iconic scene across Florida. Unfortunately, it also can be a worst-case scenario for the birds, says Ann Paul, president of the Tampa Audubon Society (TAS). First, pelicans were not designed by nature to eat the bare bones - [Save the birds -- and the children and the cats](https://baysoundings.com/save-the-birds-and-the-children-and-the-cats/) - Outdoor cats, even well-fed pets, kill billions of birds every year, while endangering themselves and humans, particularly children., - [Hi-Res Maps on the Drawing Board](https://baysoundings.com/hi-res-maps-on-the-drawing-board/) - The upper left shot shows a low-resolution image of Looe Key, a reef off the Florida Keys that is one of the nation’s most popular dive locations. The upper right shows a high-resolution image that highlights the differences in elevations. Topographic images courtesy of USGS. Divers often say that we know more about the surface - [Can a Switch to Natural Gas Help Tampa Bay?](https://baysoundings.com/can-a-switch-to-natural-gas-help-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] TECO has 600 megawatts of solar power either in place or planned. This array , with the Big Bend plant in the background, will provide 20 mg that will power about 3,300 homes. Photos courtesy TECO. As discussions continue about the sources of nutrients fueling red tide and blue-green algae along Florida’s coastal waters, - [Clear Sky Tampa Bay focuses on resilience after hurricanes](https://baysoundings.com/clear-sky-tampa-bay-focuses-on-resilience-after-hurricanes/) - We all know that solar power is good — it’s renewable, doesn’t cause air pollution, and doesn’t use fossil fuels that drive climate change. More recently, some researchers are saying that it’s well on its way to becoming less expensive to generate solar power than to build and operate traditional coal- or gas-fueled plants. A - [FWS biologist puts boots on the ground in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/fws-biologist-puts-boots-on-the-ground-in-tampa-bay/) - Tiffany Lane, a native of Riverview, joins the FWS coastal programs team based in Tampa Bay. - [Two sawfish tagged in Tampa Bay area!](https://baysoundings.com/two-sawfish-tagged-in-tampa-bay-area/) - Two newborn smalltooth sawfish found near Redington Beach have been tagged and released but researchers still have questions about the endangered species in the Tampa Bay area. - [Fire: “Our number one management tool”](https://baysoundings.com/the-number-one-management-tool-fire/) - To the average Floridian, fires appear to be devastating forces, demolishing forests and destroying all wildlife in their erratic paths. Chris Reed has a totally different opinion. “Fires are our number one management tool,” he says. “Done regularly, they’re very safe and very effective.” The manager of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s land management - [Create a "Pond in a Jar"](https://baysoundings.com/create-a-pond-in-a-jar/) - Aquariums can be beautiful pieces of living art but they are also a lot of work. Wouldn’t it be great if we could bring beautiful natural environments indoors without the extra chores? The wild places that we love take care of themselves. That’s because a healthy ecosystem is perfectly balanced to keep itself going. If - [Tranquility greets the OLLI-USF hikers at Lake Dan Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/tranquility-greets-the-olli-usf-hikers-at-lake-dan-nature-preserve/) - We took off in small groups from the parking area of Lake Dan Nature Preserve in northwestern Hillsborough County near Odessa. A short walk later, as the trail takes a turn, we were rewarded with a view of a tranquil lake filled with birds and other wildlife. The boardwalk over the marshy lake with its - [Getting Lost with John Muir](https://baysoundings.com/getting-lost-with-john-muir/) - John Muir, who founded the Sierra Club, ended up at Cedar Key at the conclusion of 1,000-mile walk from Kentucky. He got lost -- more than once -- but getting lost brings its own knowledge even today. - [Circle B Bar Preserve Never Fails to Delight](https://baysoundings.com/circle-b-bar-preserve-never-fails-to-delight-olli-usf-hikers/) - Nature is so abundant at Circle B Bar Preserve in Lakeland, Fla. that you only need to stand still and wildlife comes to you. At our OLLI Outdoors recent outing, the birds we identified included a wide diversity of wading birds, waterfowl, ospreys and even bald eagles. One of the delights of sharing this preserve - [Living Shorelines Protect Nesting Birds](https://baysoundings.com/living-shorelines-protect-nesting-birds/) - Living shorelines at the Richard T. Paul Alafia Banks Bird Sanctuary protect critical habitat from erosion. - [A new organization emerges to support Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves](https://baysoundings.com/a-new-organization-emerges-to-support-tampa-bay-aquatic-preserves/) - A new organization created to enhance protection and increase awareness of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves is currently recruiting charter members to support the 380,000 acres of preserves bordering Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties. Formally established in December 2020, the Friends of Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves is a 501(c)3 created to maximize recreational, social and - [Planning for red tide can mitigate impacts more effectively](https://baysoundings.com/planning-for-red-tide-can-mitigate-impacts-more-effectively/) - Floridians should plan for harmful algal blooms in much the same way they prepare for hurricanes, says Jennifer Shafer, co-executive director of the Science and Environmental Council of Southwest Florida. We can hope they won’t occur but having a plan in place will help minimize the impact of the toxic algea. Red tide — officially - [FWC postpones action on terrapins](https://baysoundings.com/fwc-postpones-action-on-terrapins/) - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation "kicked the can down the road" on terrapin protection at its May 2021 meeting, said George Heinrich, executive director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust, - ["Water Wars" end with victory for regional ecosystems](https://baysoundings.com/water-wars-end-with-victory-for-regional-ecosystems/) - As the sun rises on another hot, bright day in the midst of our annual dry season, Tampa Bay residents can look at water differently than we did just 25 years ago. In 1976, the region was in the midst of "water wars" that pitted cities and counties against each other. Most of our water - [Changing the world, one child at a time ](https://baysoundings.com/changing-the-world-one-child-at-a-time/) - “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth,” wrote Rachel Carson in 1956, “find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” - [Living fossils featured at nature festival](https://baysoundings.com/living-fossils-featured-at-nature-festival/) - Berylnna Heres, a research associate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is tasked with recruiting and training “citizen scientists” to survey and tag nesting horseshoe crabs. It is a tall task, and not solely because Florida has 1,400 miles of coastline to cover. The expressionless horseshoe crab, resembling a crawling batting helmet, is - [Crested Caracaras Rebound in Florida](https://baysoundings.com/crested-caracaras-rebound-in-florida/) - Ornithologist Adam Kent has studied birds throughout the world. He was Florida’s first scrub-jay conservation coordinator and assessed sites for the Great Florida Birding Trail. He’s even helped identify a new species, the Nava’s Wren, in Mexico. So, as much as he loves all birds, there’s one he finds particularly “cool.” The crested caracara. By - [Hillsborough Unanimously Approves Summer Fertilizer Ban](https://baysoundings.com/hillsborough-to-consider-summer-fertilizer-ban/) - The time is right for Hillsborough County to pass an ordinance that effectively controls fertilizer applications during the summer rainy season, says Commissioner Mariella Smith. “We’ve had a summer of red tide with tons of dead fish, Bayshore Boulevard stinking from their odor, and heartbreaking devastation for fishermen,” she said. “There’s a real feeling of - [A Bridge Over Troubled Water](https://baysoundings.com/a-bridge-over-troubled-water/) - Old Tampa Bay – the bay segment north of the Gandy Bridge where tidal circulation is restricted – has long been considered “the problem child.” While seagrass acreage declined throughout southwest Florida, the most significant losses in Tampa Bay were in Old Tampa Bay. More than 4,041 acres were lost in Old Tampa Bay between - [Different Angles to Trout Creek Conservation Park](https://baysoundings.com/different-angles-to-trout-creek-conservation-park/) - Look up, look down, try viewing nature from a different angle. That was the challenge given to OLLI-USF’s Better Composition for Outdoor Photography class at their field trip to Trout Creek Conservation Park located in Hillsborough County northeast of Tampa. Story by Diane White, images by Donna McGrew, Sheryl Long and Diane White Using the - [Beyond the Beaten Path to the Beach](https://baysoundings.com/beyond-the-beaten-path-to-the-beach-new-partnership-aims-to-increase-ecotourism/) - Visitors from all over the world come to Pinellas County to bask on its beautiful beaches. But Pat DePlasco and Stephanie Lawler-Ellington want them to look beyond the white sand and sparkling waters to learn more about what makes the county really special. “Most visitors focus on the coastline, but we’d like them to know - [Coyotes in Florida are Here to Stay](https://baysoundings.com/coyotes-in-florida-are-here-to-stay/) - Coyotes are here to stay in Florida. Learn more about these fascinating creatures and how they've adapted to living in even the most urban settings, at the Florida Birding and Nature Festival, Oct. 15 to 17, 2021. - [Florida Critical to Swallow-Tailed Kites Survival](https://baysoundings.com/florida-critical-to-swallow-tailed-kites-survival/) - Aloft, the swallow-tailed kite is the embodiment of grace and beauty. The streamlined black and white raptor effortlessly swoops and circles, as if performing an aerial dance. Birding authority Kenn Kaufman puts it perfectly: the “swallow-tailed kite is a joy to watch.” Yet for all its elegance, this is one rugged bird. By Joe Guidry - [Saving Florida’s Endangered Plants Requires Different Strategies](https://baysoundings.com/saving-floridas-endangered-plants-requires-different-strategies/) - Florida ziziphus may be the Jurassic Park of the plant kingdom. When botanists first described it in 1955, they thought the scrubby-looking plant with inch-long thorns was extinct. It was “rediscovered” on the Lake Wales Ridge in 1987 and is now considered to be one of the rarest and most imperiled plants in the state. - [Different Angles to Trout Creek Conservation Park](https://baysoundings.com/different-angles-to-trout-creek-conservation-park-2/) - Trout Creek Park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and offers multiple opportunities for photographers as well as hikers, bikers, kayakers and picnicers. - [Scroll Down the Manatee County Ballot to have a Voice in Environmental Lands Management](https://baysoundings.com/scroll-down-the-manatee-county-ballot-to-have-a-voice-in-environmental-lands-management/) - Manatee County voters will have a voice on how best to preserve and manage environmental lands. Scroll down the ballot to find this citizen-led initiative which would raise up to $5 million per year to purchase and manage environmental lands – at a cost of less than $3 a month for the average household. “Even - [Ready, Set, Garden!](https://baysoundings.com/ready-set-garden/) - For all the people who rushed out and started planting food after the shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in April, it’s time to start again! Food shortages aren’t as apparent now, but wildfires in California are going to cause prices to skyrocket on your favorite vegetables that thrive in winter gardens here. Very few - [One Water plan breaks down traditional "silos"](https://baysoundings.com/one-water-plan-breaks-down-traditional-silos/) - Hillsborough County will have a greener future with a new focus on low-impact development and sustainable infrastructure outlined in a leading-edge document that will become part of its comprehensive plan that directs development in unincorporated areas. Called One Water, it rethinks traditional "silos" that separate potable, wastewater, stormwater and reclaimed water to look at the - [Discover new skills, no matter your age](https://baysoundings.com/discover-new-skills-no-matter-your-age/) - It was a hot and humid afternoon. Not exactly the best time for a hike in the woods, but we were intrigued by the opportunity to join the husband-and-wife team of John and Kit McGee of the Environmental Team at the Hillsborough River Wilderness Park. John, who earned a B.A. in environmental policy from Eckerd - [Ann Paul Retires But Isn't Leaving](https://baysoundings.com/ann-paul-retires-but-isnt-leaving/) - Even before she finished unpacking after her move to Tampa, Ann Paul had called Florida Audubon to sign up as a volunteer. Her first assignment: a hot and sweaty job planting cordgrass to prevent erosion on Bird Key. Then, as a reward, the team was invited to visit the nesting colonies. “We went into a - [Project Phoenix 2.0 Focuses on Small Businesses](https://baysoundings.com/project-phoenix-2-0-focuses-on-small-businesses/) - Just as Hurricane Isaias swept past Florida causing only minimal damage, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council released Phoenix Project 2.0, a look at how a Category 5 hurricane would impact small business in Tampa Bay -- and what can be done now to avoid those impacts. TBRPC estimates that as many as 40% of - [Tegus Sighted in St. Petersburg](https://baysoundings.com/tegus-targeted-in-south-st-petersburg/) - While residents in south Hillsborough County may be accustomed to seeing five-foot tegus wandering their neighborhoods, it’s a new occurrence for people in St. Petersburg. Five of the lizard-like animals have been captured so far, but at least two are still at large and “there may be many more,” writes Dan Quinn, who is coordinating - [Raptor Rescue Center Opens in Riverview](https://baysoundings.com/raptor-rescue-center-opens-in-riverview/) - Like a phoenix, Tampa Bay’s first full-fledged rescue and rehabilitation center for raptors is rising from an abandoned fish farm in Riverview. With the closest facilities now located in Fort Myers and Maitland, it’s a long-needed resource for raptors like eagles, owls, ospreys and hawks, said Nancy Murrah, president of the Raptor Center of Tampa - [Weaving the Past with the Present: A trip down the Hillsborough River ](https://baysoundings.com/weaving-the-past-with-the-present-a-trip-down-the-hillsborough-river/) - Calling Kevin McCarthy’s latest offering a “guidebook” doesn’t begin to cover the scope of this wonderfully informative view of the Hillsborough River. Of course, it’s a great guide to take if you’re planning a trip down the historical waterway, but it’s so much more than that. Dr. McCarthy details Florida’s geologic evolution, early peoples, and its struggles with the first - [Hydraulic carving mimics Mother Nature -- but in weeks, not decades](https://baysoundings.com/hydraulic-carving-mimics-mother-nature-but-in-weeks-not-decades/) - It’s almost impossible to believe that the meandering stream gently flowing through a peaceful valley just didn’t exist this time last year. Stallion Hammock at the Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve in southeastern Hillsborough County had been a series of deep pits separated by towering mounds of left-over dirt. Strip-mined for phosphate in the 1960s - [Tampa Bay Brings Home Fourth Iron Eyes Cody Award](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-brings-home-fourth-iron-eyes-cody-award/) - Kenny Rodgers would definitely fold up and walk away from this gamble: One local chapter earns the top award from a national organization four times in the last 10 years. But he’d be leaving money on the table if the organization in question is Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, which just brought home its fourth Iron - [FWC to consider devices to reduce diamondback terrapin deaths](https://baysoundings.com/fwc-to-consider-devices-to-reduce-diamondback-terrapin-deaths/) - It’s been a long 14 years for George Heinrich, a field biologist specializing in reptiles and founder of Heinrich Ecological Services in St. Petersburg. It was 2006 when he first asked the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to require bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) on crab pots to reduce mortality rates of diamondback terrapins. - [Money Really Does Grow on Trees](https://baysoundings.com/money-really-does-grow-on-trees/) - At least in the Lower Green Swamp Preserve, where Hillsborough County will collect more than a million dollars over the next 10 years. It gets complicated quickly, but those trees have become part of a “carbon bank” in a process that includes: A team of experts verifying the trees’ ability to capture the carbon dioxide - [PORTS® Makes Bay Navigation Safer](https://baysoundings.com/ports-makes-bay-navigation-safer/) - Terry Fluke doesn’t hesitate when asked about the importance of PORTS®, Tampa Bay’s Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System. “It’s mission-critical for our members,” says the executive director of the Tampa Bay Harbor Pilots Association, the group charged with piloting ships in and out of Tampa Bay. PORTS® transmits real-time data on weather conditions to harbor pilots - [Climate Walk Shines a Different Light on Sea Level Rise](https://baysoundings.com/climate-walk-shines-a-different-light-on-sea-level-rise/) - Sea-level rise looks just a little different from the top of the observation tower at Weedon Island Preserve. When scientists predict a 2- to 8-foot rise in sea level over the next 80 years, it’s easy to see the impact from 50 feet up. To the south, just visible past a lush mangrove forest, is - [Sign up now to save lives this summer!](https://baysoundings.com/sign-up-now-to-save-lives-this-summer/) - A small program once run by volunteers from St. Petersburg Audubon Society has morphed into the nation’s largest campaign to protect beach-nesting birds from human activity. Now part of Audubon Florida, hundreds of bird stewards will be needed this summer at St. Petersburg Beach, Fort DeSoto, Three Rooker Island and Indian Shores or Indian Rocks - [Open Science = Better Science = Healthier Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/open-science-better-science-healthier-tampa-bay/) - For centuries, scientists shared their research on paper or through letter exchanges. They didn’t have a choice, but it created bottlenecks in the advancement of knowledge. Open science today, on the other hand, leverages technology to provide an improved framework for scientific discovery, collaboration and sharing. It’s transparent and accessible to any interested - [Port Tampa Bay Proposes 63-Acre Expansion](https://baysoundings.com/port-tampa-bay-proposes-63-acre-expansion/) - While plans for a 63-acre dredge-and-fill project at Port Tampa Bay (PTB) are not yet finalized, bay managers are questioning its viability in terms of both immediate impacts and long-term sustainability. If built as proposed, the expansion would include more than a mile of hardened bulkhead with seven berths where oceangoing vessels can dock to - [Living Shorelines Suitability Model Features Easy-To-Follow Decision Tree](https://baysoundings.com/living-shorelines-suitability-model-features-easy-to-follow-decision-tree/) - Living shorelines, an eco-friendly alternative to seawalls, use a strategic combination of plants, stones, sand and offshore structures or oyster beds to reduce wave energy and prevent erosion. Ongoing research shows that they function as highly productive habitat and provide as much -- if not more -- protection than seawalls. The challenge is matching the - [Could Tiny Thrips Change Florida's Landscape?](https://baysoundings.com/could-tiny-thrips-change-floridas-landscape/) - Hopes are high that tiny thrips could help in the fight against Brazilian pepper trees - [Celebrating 20 Years and Nearly $2 Million in Mini-Grants](https://baysoundings.com/celebrating-20-years-and-nearly-2-million-in-mini-grants/) - Seventeen community-led bay improvement projects receive $67,000 from Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Guided by neighborhood associations, educators and citizen-scientists, the program's award-winning Bay Mini-Grant Fund embarks on another decade of restoration in Tampa Bay. Over the last 20 years, more than $1.8 million dollars in grant funding has gone to community-based restoration and improvement projects - [Volunteers Needed for Critically Important Research](https://baysoundings.com/volunteers-needed-for-critically-important-research/) - If you’ve ever thought about traveling to an exotic foreign location to be part of a critically important research project, George Heinrich has just the trip for you. A field biologist and environmental educator, Heinrich is looking for citizen-scientists to assist with documenting populations of the threatened gopher tortoise. The good news -- it’s happening - [Take a Trip on the Wild Side -- Without Going Very Far](https://baysoundings.com/take-a-trip-on-the-wild-side-without-going-very-far/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"][/su_pullquote] Naturalists looking for diverse ecosystems couldn’t find a better package than the 120-acre Fred and Ida Schulz Preserve in Ruskin. From uplands covered in pines and palms to mangrove forests rimming a series of wetlands that deepen into protected estuaries with artificial reefs, it’s all here in one short hike or kayak - [Tampa Bay: 1757 to Present](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-1757-to-present/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"][/su_pullquote] As bay managers working with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program wrap up the 2020 version of the Habitat Master Plan, we thought it would be interesting to go back and look at changes in Tampa Bay over the past 200 or so years. The original habitat master plan focused on “restoring the - [UT Professor Targets Deadly Frog Fungus with Vaccine](https://baysoundings.com/ut-professor-targets-deadly-frog-fungus-with-vaccine/) - Exposing frogs to dead fungus works as a vaccine to protect them from future infections. - [What's the Difference Between...](https://baysoundings.com/whats-the-difference-between/) - A new book makes it easy to tell the difference between similar species by pointing out the factors that make them easy to tell apart. - [Paying for Solar Power](https://baysoundings.com/paying-for-solar-power/) - Financing solar power is usually just an afterthought -- but it shouldn't be. - [Florida Birding and Nature Festival -- Field Trips Filling Up Fast](https://baysoundings.com/florida-birding-and-nature-festival-field-trips-filling-up-fast/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align='right'] Pelagic birds, like this white-tailed tropicbird, will be the topic of a Saturday afternoon seminar at the Florida Birding and Nature Fest. [/su_pullquote] For most of us, the biggest challenge at the Birding and Nature Festival will be deciding which event to attend during the jam-packed four-day expo. Serious birders, of course, - [Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Boca Ciega Bay Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-of-boca-ciega-bay-preserve/) - Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve’s 50th anniversary celebration will on Thursday, Sept. 19. It will be an opportunity to interact and explore actual activities that happen in the aquatic preserve including a virtual tour of the preserve, and to meet the people who made it happen then and now. - [Local Natural Resources Agent Takes on National Role](https://baysoundings.com/local-natural-resources-agent-takes-on-national-role/) - [printfriendly] When Lara Milligan takes the reins as president of the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) in January 2020, her top priorities include increasing membership and awareness of an organization few people have heard of. “Our members include extension agents in every state – although by far, Florida has more members than - [Gus Muench Leaves Legacy That Changed Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/gus-muench-leaves-legacy-that-changed-tampa-bay/) - Approaching from a boat on the Little Manatee River, it's easy to tell where Gus Muench lives. Float past lot after lot lined with bare concrete seawall, and the mangroves flourishing outside his home clearly show that Muench is not your average Floridian. A commercial crabber for 25 years, Muench was a driving force behind - [Giving our bays “the finger”: digging up the dirt on the history of local dredging](https://baysoundings.com/dredging/) - [printfriendly] Humans living along coastal areas have reshaped the contours of land and water since the earliest civilizations. Although Dutch efforts to drain lands and create polders over the past millennium are the best known to those of us who learned about windmills in elementary school, reclamation efforts extend far beyond the growth of the - [Murals Highlight Stormdrains](https://baysoundings.com/murals-highlight-stormdrains/) - [su_pullquote align='right'] Stormdrain mural in Pinellas Park. Photo provided by City of Pinellas Park.[/su_pullquote] Is it art? Is it education? These murals are both. Stormdrains -- those holes on the side of the road where water runs when it rains -- connect nearly every neighborhood in the region almost directly to the bay or nearby - [Historical Novel Set in St. Pete Intrigues Readers](https://baysoundings.com/historical-novel-set-in-st-pete-intrigues-readers/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= 'right'] Above: Tulley Walker's home on Walker's Key, now known as the Indian mound at Cockroach Bay. [/su_pullquote] There’s something very special about a great book set in a location a reader knows and loves. Walker’s Key – still known as the Indian mound at Cockroach Bay – is just that - [Sewer-Sniffing Dogs Search Out Human Waste](https://baysoundings.com/sewer-sniffing-dogs-search-out-human-waste/) - [printfriendly] We’ve all heard amazing stories about search-and-rescue dogs finding people in burning buildings or snowy mountains. But how about sewer-sniffing pups like Kush and Remi who visited St. Petersburg earlier this year to track down high levels of human waste washing into Tampa Bay? Part of the team at Environmental Canine Services, the dogs - [Money Does Grow on Trees!](https://baysoundings.com/money-does-grow-on-trees/) - [printfriendly]How much can a tree planted in the middle of Florida’s most densely populated county be worth? A lot more than most people think, says Lara Miller, natural resource agent for Pinellas County Extension. A University of Florida forestry graduate, Miller was searching for a way to make the average homeowner realize that even one - [Region's First Conservation Cemetery Opens in Trinity](https://baysoundings.com/regions-first-conservation-cemetery-opens-trinity/) - Heartwood Preserve is more than a montage of spectacular wildflowers, towering trees and wide paths that invite a serene stroll. It is the region's first "conservation cemetery," where human remains are interred naturally, part of a growing trend away from traditional burials in favor of eco-friendly gravesites. Heartwood Preserve is the brainchild of Laura Starkey - [Pinellas County "Walks the Walk"](https://baysoundings.com/pinellascountywalksthewalk/) - Pinellas County is "walking the walk" to help control stormwater runoff. - [Subsistence Fishing: Good for People, Ecosystems?](https://baysoundings.com/subsistence-fishing-good-for-people-ecosystems/) - The impact of subsidence fishing -- where fishermen depend upon their catch as a primary source of food -- hasn't been studied in the Tampa Bay region until now. - [Floodplain Management Saves Pinellas Residents Big Bucks](https://baysoundings.com/floodplain-management-saves-pinellas-residents-big-bucks/) - Most people don’t think about flooding until there’s a big storm heading their way, but Pinellas County residents will save more than $5 million this year on their flood insurance premiums because its floodplain management team has earned a great rating for its proactive flood risk reduction program. - [Restoring the Wood Stork Watershed And (Serendipitously) the Mary-Jane Memorial Bridge](https://baysoundings.com/restoring-the-wood-stork-watershed-and-serendipitously-the-mary-jane-memorial-bridge/) - [printfriendly][su_divider align='right'] [/su_divider] Serendipity -- “the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way,” – usually follows an unexpected path. The Shores of Long Bayou Homeowners Association (HOA) volunteers didn’t even know they needed a bridge when they started clearing invasive trees from their property. But we’re getting ahead - [Tampa Bay Watch Celebrates 25 Years with New Location at St. Pete Pier](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-watch-celebrates-25-years-with-new-location-at-st-pete-pier/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align='right'] An exhibit hall and classrooms, along with a "wet" classroom shown in a rendering from the city of St. Petersburg, are part of Tampa Bay Watch's Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier. Rendering courtesy of City of St. Petersburg. [/su_pullquote] What do you do 25 years after founding a not-for-profit in - [Build a House for Native Bees](https://baysoundings.com/build-a-house-for-native-bees/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align=right] Bumblebees are native to Florida but not seen as often as European honeybees. [/su_pullquote] Honey bees get all the credit for pollinating our food crops but native bees are as important – maybe more important since European bees are threatened with multiple diseases. Florida has more than 300 types of native bees - [Robin Lewis: A Retrospective on a Bay Champion](https://baysoundings.com/robin-lewis-a-retrospective-on-a-bay-champion/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"]Robin Lewis was known for sharing strong opinions about protecting natural resources. Photo of Robin courtesy University of South Florida Oral History Project. [/su_pullquote] [su_spacer] There are people you can’t forget and there are people you shouldn’t forget. Sometimes they are one and the same. That is the case with Robin Lewis. - [New SWIM Leader Looks to Future](https://baysoundings.com/new-swim-leader-looks-to-future/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] [/su_pullquote] New SWIM Leader Will VanGelder started life as the black sheep in a high-achieving family. His father, a Korean War veteran, was a dean at the University of Florida when he grew up in Gainesville. But instead of following that academic tradition, he often found himself deciding between getting to school - [24 Local Governments Join Region’s First-Ever Resiliency Coalition](https://baysoundings.com/24-local-governments-join-regions-first-ever-resiliency-coalition/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"][/su_pullquote] What does it take to get five county commissions plus nearly 20 cities to agree upon controversial topics like sea level rise and climate change and join the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition? The coalition’s future efforts will be based in strong science, with a technical advisory committee including some of the - [Watergoats gobble up trash in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/watergoats-gobble-trash-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"][/su_pullquote] What’s the difference between a billy goat and a Watergoat? Watergoats are far more effective at “digesting” common litter including plastic bottles and aluminum cans. An underwater net held in place with stainless steel connected to buoys, Watergoats are anchored on land near major drainage outfalls where they can capture an average - [Tampa Bay Estuary Program awarded $1.5 million funding from RESTORE Act to support five local projects for coastal restoration and resilience](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-estuary-program-awarded-1-5-million-funding-from-restore-act-to-support-five-local-projects-for-coastal-restoration-and-resilience/) - BREAKING NEWS -- We'll post more on individual projects over the next few months! Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) has been awarded $1.5 million to support projects with local government partners that will restore coastal habitats, improve stormwater quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The money comes by way of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, which administers - [Birding and Nature Festival Scheduled for Oct. 11 to 14](https://baysoundings.com/birding-and-nature-festival-scheduled-for-oct-11-to-14/) - [printfriendly] Sign Up Early for the Trips You Want For anyone who likes to be outdoors with experts sharing their knowledge of the wilderness, the Florida Birding and Nature Festival is like letting a kid loose in a candy store. Participants – mostly in groups of less than 20 people – can tour west-central Florida’s best-protected - [Awards from Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Bode Well for Future](https://baysoundings.com/awards-tampa-bay-regional-planning-council-bode-well-future/) - The winners of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Future of the Region awards, representing the partnerships and innovations that have made Tampa Bay one of the most-improved estuaries in the world, promise an even brighter future for the region. Three environmental awards recognize steadfast efforts to protect our water resources using the latest technologies and - [Klinkenberg's Latest Book "Like a Reunion of Old Friends"](https://baysoundings.com/klinkenbergs-latest-book-like-reunion-old-friends/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align='right'][/su_pullquote] I grew up about 10 years before and 100 miles south of Jeff Klinkenberg to a family who had originally arrived in Key West on a China clipper. Plus, I’ve spent most of my adult life looking forward to Klink’s columns in the Tampa Bay Times. Given that background, Klink’s new book, - [Journalism Students Investigate Lead in Local Water](https://baysoundings.com/journalism-students-investigate-lead-local-water/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Above: Academy Prep students visit the Oceanographic Recent Center at USF St. Petersburg to learn more about the process for water testing the samples they gathered in their homes. Photo Credit: Neighborhood News Bureau. [/su_pullquote] When most people think of lead in drinking water, Flint, Michigan comes to mind. Those very high - [City of Tampa Targets a Baffling Question](https://baysoundings.com/city-tampa-targets-baffling-question/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align='right'][/su_pullquote] An ongoing study in the City of Tampa seeks to improve the effectiveness of a commonly used tool for trapping stormwater debris before it reaches Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough River. The study, a joint effort of the city's stormwater managers and University of South Florida researchers, is documenting yard waste, trash - [Reddish Egrets Post Population Growth, But Caution Still Needed](https://baysoundings.com/reddish-egrets-post-population-growth-caution-still-needed/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align='right'][/su_pullquote] While many birds have outrageous courting rituals with elaborate dances, the reddish egret dances for its dinner. With extraordinarily long legs and a 4-foot wingspan, the reddish egret stalks its prey in an unforgettable foraging routine. It locates prey —mostly small fish—by sight and dashes after them, zig-zagging as it runs through - [Greening Retires from TBEP, Takes On New Challenges](https://baysoundings.com/greening-retires-tbep-takes-new-challenges/) - [printfriendly] What does the girl who grew up wanting to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Eugenie Clark (aka the Shark Lady) do when she retires? Just like Clark, she keeps working – but as a volunteer for coastal management programs across the country rather than for a paycheck in Tampa Bay. Holly Greening, the - [Waterkeeper Alliance Opens Branch in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/waterkeeper-alliance-opens-branch-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] Why would Tampa Bay, one of the world's most successful waterway restoration efforts, need yet another watchdog? For Tampa Bay Waterkeeper Andy Hayslip, the focus isn’t as much about keeping an eye out for polluters as it is on engaging new people and organizations that haven’t been part of the bay’s decades-long restoration. “There’s - [Low-Interest Loans Boost Sustainability for Working-Class Families](https://baysoundings.com/low-interest-loans-boost-sustainability-working-class-families/) - [printfriendly] For low- or moderate- income homeowners, improving the energy efficiency of their homes can be a chicken-and-egg issue. Their water and power bills are higher than they should be, so they can’t afford to install insulation, high-efficiency windows or water-saving fixtures – creating a vicious circle that can be nearly impossible to escape. A - [Raptor Rescue Facility Planned for Hillsborough County](https://baysoundings.com/raptor-rescue-facility-planned-hillsborough-county/) - What happens when a bald eagle is hurt in Tampa Bay -- but no one is there to help it? Hopefully, someone knows to call Nancy Murrah, a certified wildlife rehabilitator, and she picks it up. If there’s room, she drives it to Maitland where Florida Audubon operates the closest rehabilitation center with cages suitable - [Renovations Promise Brighter Future for Cooper's Bayou](https://baysoundings.com/renovations-promise-brighter-future-coopers-bayou/) - One of the most ecologically valuable parcels of land in the region – a mosaic of tidal wetlands surrounding the old Clearwater Christian College – is undergoing major renovations. The changes bode well for the segment of Tampa Bay that is sometimes called its “problem child.” Nearly completely surrounded by urban land uses, Old Tampa - [Jan Platt: The Young Girl and the Sea](https://baysoundings.com/jan-platt-the-young-girl-and-the-sea/) - [printfriendly] Last week, Tampa Bay lost environmental pioneer, Jan Platt. The Tampa Bay you see now may not have been possible without the efforts of this visionary woman. As we all remember Jan and reflect on her influence, we wanted to bring back an article that we wrote about her a few years ago. We - [Plastic by the numbers](https://baysoundings.com/plastic-by-the-numbers/) - 8 miillion Tons of plastic that ended up in the ocean from coastal counties in 2010. 1 of 6 Plastic bottles recycled. 165% The amount plastic has increased between 1969 and 2009. (Overall, however, paper, metal, glass, and beverage container litter has decreased by 74.4%.) 90% In Tampa Bay, nearly all of the microplastics - [Many Questions Remain on Oil Drilling](https://baysoundings.com/many-questions-remain-oil-drilling/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align = "right"] Types of offshore oil and gas structures, further described at end of article. Figure courtesy of NOAA. [/su_pullquote] Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Identifies Top Ten Concerns By Suzanne Cooper Over the past year there has been a great deal of discussion about state legislators allowing the Governor and Cabinet - [USF Scientist Tracks Dirt Path to Sustainable Future](https://baysoundings.com/usf-scientist-tracks-dirt-path-sustainable-future/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]USF professor Christine Wells demonstrates the soil-testing equipment in his on-campus laboratory. Worldwide nearly 8 million square miles of land have been identified as damaged or degraded. Photos by Julie Busch. By Kurt Loft Christian Wells uses a lot of dirty words in talking about his passion. Top soil erosion, organic matter, acidification, - [Highlights of the IPCC 4th Assessment](https://baysoundings.com/highlights-ipcc-4th-assessment/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"][/su_pullquote] Following are highlights of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment draft report, released in February, which builds upon new and more comprehensive data and research over the past six years. Evidence of human impact “Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from increases in - [Nature Makes Us Nicer](https://baysoundings.com/nature-makes-us-nicer/) - [printfriendly] A new study from the University of Rochester indicates that just looking at nature scenes or having living plants in a laboratory setting makes people more caring, community-oriented, and generous. The findings highlight the importance of creating green spaces in cities to build a stronger sense of community among residents. The study also suggests - [Hillsborough Wins One of 12 Grants to Improve Recycling](https://baysoundings.com/hillsborough-wins-one-12-grants-improve-recycling/) - [printfriendly] Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful has won a $10,000 “Recycle on the Go” grant from Nestlé Waters North America in a partnership with Keep America Beautiful. The funds will help tackle public space recycling at four major Hillsborough County park facilities with 75,000 visitors per year. The sites chosen are Northdale, Shimberg, Ed Radice Sports - [Scientists Warn of Persistent Dead Zones](https://baysoundings.com/scientists-warn-persistent-dead-zones/) - [printfriendly] Healing low-oxygen aquatic “dead zones” will be trickier than previously imagined, according to scientists speaking at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. That’s because the low oxygen levels that make it impossible for most organisms to survive also kill a bacteria crucial to removing nitrogen from the water. - [FWC Approves Rule to Allow Peregrine Falcons for Falconry](https://baysoundings.com/fwc-approves-rule-allow-peregrine-falcons-falconry/) - [printfriendly] The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will allow falconers to take peregrine falcons with up to five permits issued annually in a random drawing with priority given to Florida residents. Peregrines were removed from the endangered species list in 1999 and scientists estimate there are at least 3,100 breeding pairs in - [UF Research Examines How Common Pesticide Mixes May Affect Be Die-Offs](https://baysoundings.com/uf-research-examines-common-pesticide-mixes-may-affect-die-offs/) - [printfriendly] Researchers have investigated possible reasons ranging from hive-infecting mites to cell phone-tower radiation since reports of widespread bee die-offs began October 2006. They have yet to pinpoint the cause of colony collapse disorder — most likely because there isn’t just one, say University of Florida researchers. The mysterious die-offs are likely a result of - [Groundwater Seep Meter is Ready for Prime Time](https://baysoundings.com/groundwater-seep-meter-ready-prime-time/) - [printfriendly] Groundwater can be an important source of associated contaminants in coastal waters and estuaries – but it’s difficult to track submarine groundwater discharge. Working with Dr. Paul Lee and SDII Engineering of Tampa, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has developed a new instrument to help estimate groundwater flow beneath surface water bodies. The - [White Ibis Threatened by Loss of Habitat](https://baysoundings.com/white-ibis-threatened-loss-habitat/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] White ibis may travel up to 20 miles inland from their coastal nests because their chicks must have food from freshwater rivers or ponds. Lawn pests are also a favorite food. [/su_pullquote] Few sights in suburbia cause quite the commotion that occurs when newcomers see their first flock of white ibis. The - [What's Up with the Water?](https://baysoundings.com/whats-up-with-the-water/) - [printfriendly] There’s hope on the horizon as El Niño is expected to strengthen, bringing unseasonably heavy rain to Florida during the typically dry winter months. If it fails to materialize, though, Tampa Bay may be in for its worst drought ever because the region’s lakes, rivers and aquifers are only slightly above where they were - [Shark Appeal](https://baysoundings.com/shark-appeal/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] [/su_pullquote] By Mary Kelley Hoppe [su_tabs class="my-custom-tabs"] [su_tab title="Shark Sleuths"] Dan Huber studies the jaws of a great white shark with the methodical mien of a mechanical engineer who can’t rest until he knows how things work. Carl Luer hunts for a tiny molecule in shark cells that one day may - [TBEP Receives National Award for Reducing Nitrogen Pollution](https://baysoundings.com/tbep-receives-national-award-reducing-nitrogen-pollution/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] Photo courtesy of TBEP. Tampa Bay's Nitrogen Management Consortium won CERF's 2017 Coastal Stewardship Award. [/su_pullquote] A public-private partnership created by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to reduce nitrogen pollution has received the inaugural Coastal Stewardship Award from the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF). CERF noted that Tampa Bay's Nitrogen - [Climate Change 101](https://baysoundings.com/climate-change-101/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] [/su_pullquote] [su_tabs] [su_tab title="FAQ" anchor ="First"] A Conversation with Dr. Meg Lowman- Originally published Fall 2007 as part of our Climate Change & Florida's Future: Feeling the heat series. Q: Are greenhouse gases increasing? A: Concentrations of carbon dioxide, or CO2, (the predominant greenhouse gas) have increased from 280 parts-per-million (ppm) - [Safety Harbor Waterfront Park Habitat Restoration a Model of Success](https://baysoundings.com/safety-harbor-waterfront-park-habitat-restoration-model-success/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] Aerial view of Safety Harbor's Waterfront Park, taken shortly after the February 25 planting event. Photo provided by City of Safety Harbor [/su_pullquote] By Marcia Biggs SAFETY HARBOR - On the northwest shore of Old Tampa Bay, Safety Harbor’s Waterfront Park with its new scenic boardwalk is a favorite for sunset strollers. - [See the underwater wonderland in Tampa Bay with just a mask and snorkel](https://baysoundings.com/see-underwater-wonderland-tampa-bay-just-mask-snorkle/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Photos by Nanette O'Hara [/su_pullquote] [su_carousel source="media: 10012,10011,10010,10009,10008,10007,10006,10005,10004,10003,10002,10001,10000,9999" link="image" target="blank" width="700" height="700" responsive="no" items="1" autoplay="0"] By Nanette O’Hara Tampa Bay may not have the razzle-dazzle brilliance of a Caribbean coral reef, but plenty of aquatic treasures can be found beneath its surface. Let’s don a virtual mask and snorkel and take a look. - [Cooling our Concrete Cities](https://baysoundings.com/cooling-concrete-cities/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] [/su_pullquote] By Mary Kelley Hoppe Reducing our Carbon Footprint As debate shifts from whether global warming is real to how to cut heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, people are quick to point a finger at the usual suspects: industrial smokestacks and gas-guzzling SUVs. But these sources alone, while significant, pale in comparison to - [PROFILE: Retired marine biologist looks at 40 years in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/profile-retired-marine-biologist-looks-40-years-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"][/su_pullquote] As far back as Socrates, the Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, elders have been complaining about the next generation’s problems with work ethics, authority and manners. Wayne Price, who retired earlier this year after teaching marine biology at the University of Tampa for 40 years, respectfully - [Fishing Guides Provide Extra Eyes on the Bay](https://baysoundings.com/fishing-guides-provide-extra-eyes-bay/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] A 2000 square foot gill net that completely filled two 25-foot FWC patrol vessels was retrieved off Pass-A-Grill in April with hundreds of dead fish including shark, cobia, pompano, mackerel and lady fish. [/su_pullquote] By Victoria Parsons Just as neighborhood watches have helped reduce crime on land, a new program that - [Pinellas County to get new manatee protection signs](https://baysoundings.com/pinellas-county-get-new-manatee-protection-signs/) - [printfriendly] Even after a controversial federal decision to downgrade manatees from endangered to threatened, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is moving ahead to protect the state’s official mammal with new zones in eastern Pinellas County. FWC has begun work to repair, clean and install waterway markers for existing boating safety and newly established - [Editors Desk- Spring 2007](https://baysoundings.com/editors-desk-spring-2007/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] [/su_pullquote] It’s hard to believe – even for us – but it’s been nearly five years since Bay Soundings published its inaugural edition in the summer of 2002. Much has changed over that time, but much remains the same. Created to promote conservation and inspire increased public interest in the region’s - [Catch the Drip!](https://baysoundings.com/catch-the-drip/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"][/su_pullquote] Lynn Barber at the Hillsborough County Extension dreamed up a way to safely capture air-conditioning condensate for use on newly installed plants. “You don’t want to connect a hose directly to the condensate outlet because if it backs up, it overflows inside the house,” she notes. “I hung a funnel from the - [Editors Desk- SWIM Legacy is Tampa Bay’s Gain](https://baysoundings.com/editors-desk-swim-legacy-tampa-bays-gain/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"][/su_pullquote] 1987 was a banner year for Tampa Bay. Twenty years ago, legislators created the state’s Surface Water Improvement and Management Program, known as SWIM. The legislation directed badly needed funding to the task of repairing lakes and bays marred by decades of pollution and wetland destruction. Tampa Bay, designated as a - [A Slice of Old Florida Preserved in Midst of Suburbia](https://baysoundings.com/slice-old-florida-preserved-midst-suburbia/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Conservancy. Trail in the Myron and Helen Gibbons Nature Preserve. [/su_pullquote] by Victoria Parsons Sandwiched in suburbia – just around the corner from one of the region’s fastest-growing developments and nestled next-door to a driving range — is a slice of old Florida. Spanish moss drapes ancient oaks, palmettos - [Don Whyte: Greening the Vision of Development](https://baysoundings.com/don-whyte-greening-vision-development/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align ="right"]Photo: Don Whyte[/su_pullquote] Some developers count their handiwork in buildings. Don Whyte measures success in bicycle racks. On a recent tour of FishHawk Ranch, Whyte whisked visitors by a school where bike racks were filled to overflowing. “Where in the world can you see that in a community today,” said the 53-year-old - [Where the Boys Are](https://baysoundings.com/where-the-boys-are/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory. King, was outfitted with a satellite transmitter before being released from a successful 11 month rehabilitation. [/su_pullquote] Researchers Enjoy a Rare Opportunity to Track Male Turtles By Victoria Parsons [su_tabs class="my-custom-tabs"] [su_tab title="Following the boys around"] When talk turns to sea turtles, most of - [Black Skimmer Update](https://baysoundings.com/black-skimmer-update/) - First the good news: according to Lorraine Margeson, black skimmer are nesting on Fort DeSoto Beach for the first time in decades. Then two chunks of bad news: stewards are desperately needed to protect the baby birds from beachgoers, and scientists say they will never be able to pinpoint the cause of death for last - [Clean Marinas are Good for Business](https://baysoundings.com/clean-marinas-good-business/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Top: Oblique Aerial provided by NOAA.[/su_pullquote] By Mary Kelley Hoppe and Victoria Parsons [su_tabs class="my-custom-tabs"] [su_tab title="Clean Marinas"] It's the waterfront equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and an increasing number of marinas are vying for it. So far, 86 marinas have earned Florida's Clean Marina designation; another 213 have requested - [Region at a Crossroad: Designing Tomorrow's Transportation Today.](https://baysoundings.com/transportation-crossroad/) - Beginning with a 14-acres site at E.G. Simmons Park, the SWIM (Surface Water Improvement and Management) program restored more than 2000 acres as part of the first concerted effort to restore critical fisheries and wildlife habitat lost to development. - [SWIM Program Marks 20 Years Restoring Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/swim-program-marks-20-years-restoring-tampa-bay/) - Beginning with a 14-acres site at E.G. Simmons Park, the SWIM (Surface Water Improvement and Management) program restored more than 2000 acres as part of the first concerted effort to restore critical fisheries and wildlife habitat lost to development. - [High Resolution Map of Tampa Bay Now Available](https://baysoundings.com/high-resolution-map-tampa-bay-now-available/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] Topobathymetric map of Tampa Bay, produced by USGS. [/su_pullquote] The latest data product of the multidisciplinary U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Tampa Bay Study is a new topobathymetric map that merges topographic (land elevation) and bathymetric (water depth) data into a high-resolution image of Tampa Bay and adjacent watersheds. With a spatial resolution - [Feeding Pelicans Can Kill the Birds](https://baysoundings.com/feeding-pelicans-can-kill-birds/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"][/su_pullquote] It’s an iconic sight at almost every dock in Florida – fishermen celebrating a successful day on the water by sharing fish carcasses with pelicans that fly in for a free dinner. The only problem: it can be deadly for the pelicans. “Pelicans are not physically designed to eat the naked bones - [Tracking Sea Turtles A Labor of Love](https://baysoundings.com/tracking-sea-turtles-labor-love/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] Photo courtesy of Pinellas County Park Department. A loggerhead sea turtle camouflages her eggs by scattering sand over the nest at Fort De Soto. [/su_pullquote] Written by Victoria Parsons. The sun is just barely peeping over the horizon when Glenn Harman gets to work. Barefoot and wearing shorts and a tee shirt, he - [Group Tells Retailers: No More Cypress Mulch](https://baysoundings.com/group-tells-retailers-no-cypress-mulch/) - The Sierra Club is calling on major national retailers to stop selling cypress mulch to help stop the needless destruction of cypress forests that provide critical habitat and act as a storm buff3rs during hurricanes. - [Florida Wildlife Federation Recognizes Mosaic for Fiddler’s Cove](https://baysoundings.com/florida-wildlife-federation-recognizes-mosaic-fiddlers-cove/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"][/su_pullquote] Florida Wildlife Federation has named Mosaic Coastal Education Center at Fiddler’s Cove as the Conservation Educator of the Year for 2007. Approximately 800 children are involved with programs at the restored coastal habitat, including a hands-on environmental curriculum, FCAT review and motivational program. “Learning is not a spectator sport – we - [Pasco Acquires Conservation Lands](https://baysoundings.com/pasco-acquires-conservation-lands/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"][/su_pullquote] Pasco County recently completed its first two conservation purchases under the county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP). The contiguous parcels, a 111-acre tract located on the Pithlachascotee River north of State Road 52 and an adjacent 11-acre parcel, will form the Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve. Part of the Quail - [Progress Energy Florida Kicks Off Conservation Initiative](https://baysoundings.com/progress-energy-florida-kicks-off-conservation-initiative/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"][/su_pullquote] While more expensive energy alternatives are grabbing headlines, a new campaign from Progress Energy focuses on simple, low-cost suggestions for customers to reduce energy use and to save money on their energy bills. “Energy efficiency plays a vital role in addressing Florida’s future energy needs, and it is part of our balanced - [FWC Asks Anglers to Report Tagged Snook and Seatrout](https://baysoundings.com/fwc-asks-anglers-report-tagged-snook-seatrout/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"][/su_pullquote] Biologists at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) are asking Tampa Bay anglers to report tagged snook and spotted seatrout. Anglers who catch tagged fish are asked to release the fish unharmed, if possible. A total of 60 fish, 30 snook and 30 seatrout, - [Hillsborough River Blueway Renamed for Alan Wright](https://baysoundings.com/hillsborough-river-blueway-renamed-alan-wright/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align = "right"][/su_pullquote] The section of the Hillsborough River running through the city of Tampa will now be known as the Alan Wright Hillsborough River Blueway. Nicknamed “Mr. River” for his longstanding commitment to protecting the Hillsborough River, Wright is a planner with the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission and staff to the - [Hurricanes May Help Florida’s Coral Reefs](https://baysoundings.com/hurricanes-may-help-floridas-coral-reefs/) - A study from the University of Miami indicates that high wind speeds during tropical storms cools water temperate rs enough to promote rapid and extensive recovery of bleached coral stressed by warm water. - [](https://baysoundings.com/king-tides-provide-peak-future-sea-level-rise/) - King tides may not be the all-seeing crystal ball that predicts our future, but scientists recognize them as an important way to visualize how sea level rise is likely to affect our coastlines. King tides are extremely high tides that occur twice a year when the earth and moon align on one side of the - [UT team takes a closer look at why hammerhead sharks have hammerheads](https://baysoundings.com/ut-team-takes-closer-look-hammerhead-sharks-hammerheads/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Photos Courtesy University of Tampa “Hammerheads are really strange,” said Haley Amplo, a marine science-biology major with a minor in chemistry at the University of Tampa. “They have a wing strapped to their face. Why would they have that?” Until this study, scientists had focused on sensory benefits from the hammerhead’s cephalofoil or - [Three Cheers for Volunteers: Bob Minthorn and Sue Croley](https://baysoundings.com/three-cheers-volunteers-bob-minthorn-sue-croley/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] Photo: Nanette Holland, Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Bob Minthorn and Sue Croley haul Brazilian pepper limbs to the shredder at a recent Give a Day for the Bay at Sun City Heritage Park in Ruskin. [/su_pullquote] Bob Minthorn learned the hard way never to leave a meeting early. He couldn't stay - [Port Manatee Project Earns Top Honors](https://baysoundings.com/port-manatee-project-earns-top-honors/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align = "right"] A $7 million makeover of this 60-acre spoil island near Port Manatee earned a Future of the Region Award from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. The island is now a bird sanctuary. [/su_pullquote] The transformation of a 60-acre spoil island into a bird sanctuary garnered top honors from the Tampa - [From Tampa Bay with Love](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-love/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"] Photo courtesy The Florida Aquarium. Placing transplanted coral sections back in living reefs is a time-consuming process, with four divers each spending 70 minutes under water to attach 88 coral fragments. Each is numbered and will be monitored for growth. [/su_pullquote] Florida Aquarium, UF’s Tropical Aquaculture Lab Growing Coral to Restore Reefs - [Ghostbusters Returning To Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/ghostbusters-returning-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] Ghostbusting Group. Photo provided by Tampa Bay Watch. [/su_pullquote] A pilot program this spring was so successful that the ghostbusters are planning a return trip in the fall to clean up abandoned crab traps - or ghost traps - that litter the floor of Tampa Bay, many still killing creatures including crabs, - [Orphaned Otter Thriving in New Home](https://baysoundings.com/orphaned-otter-thriving-new-home/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align = "right"] Photos Provided by The Clearwater Marine Aquarium [/su_pullquote] Found on the side of the road near one of the busiest intersections in Pinellas County, Charlie, the orphaned otter pup is now thriving at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. "He arrived here thin, dehydrated and weighing only three pounds, but he's grown steadily," - [Future of Florida Farming May Be Rising in Dover](https://baysoundings.com/future-florida-farming-may-rising-dover/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] Photo by Victoria Parsons. Tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries and herbs are grown intensively and without pesticides on the Parke Family HydroFarm in Dover. [/su_pullquote] by Victoria Parsons The future of farming in an increasingly urbanized region may be rising on a small tract of land outside Dover. Instead of field-grown crops that - [PROFILE: Captain Wade Osborne is Angling for Conservation](https://baysoundings.com/profile-captain-wade-osborne-angling-conservation/) - Professional fishing guide Captain Wade Osborne is not shy about talking tough on conservation, whether it's killing bull sharks or cutting through seagrass beds at Cockroach Bay to reach prime fishing grounds faster. - [Florida’s Endangered Sawfish Gain International Protection](https://baysoundings.com/floridas-endangered-sawfish-gain-international-protection/) - Small-tooth sawfish- the first fish characterized as endangered- gained additional protection from an international body. - [Pole and Troll Proposal for Little Cockroach Bay Gains Momentum](https://baysoundings.com/pole-troll-proposal-little-cockroach-bay-gains-momentum/) - Up to 15,000 "prop scars" crosscross Little Cockroach Bay as boasters speed trough shallow waters to some of the region's best fishing grounds. The 2007 proposal ultimately failed but other efforts to protect the seagrasses continue. - [Volunteers Needed for Skyway Project](https://baysoundings.com/volunteers-needed-skyway-project/) - [printfriendly [su_pullquote align = "right"] [/su_pullquote] Fishing on the Skyway Pier has long been legendary, with fishermen from around the world visiting Tampa Bay for a chance to catch everything from tarpon and shark to grouper, sea bass and mackerel. Now, bay managers are hoping to make it legendary as a pilot project to protect - [Florida Forever ... and Ever](https://baysoundings.com/florida-forever-ever/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align = "right"] John Garrison [/su_pullquote] By John Garrison What do Brooker Creek Preserve, the Alafia River Corridor and Wall Springs Park have in common? Besides being some of the Bay area’s most beloved open spaces, there’s this: each was preserved as a public park using funds from the Florida Forever program. Generally - [As Officials Propose Ban on Alcohol, Dogs at Shell Key Preserve, Budget Axe Falls on Enforcement](https://baysoundings.com/officials-propose-ban-alcohol-dogs-shell-key-preserve-budget-axe-falls-enforcement/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align= "right"] Photo provided by Pinellas County. Shell Key Preserve is Pinellas County’s largest undeveloped barrier island and one of the state’s most important areas for beach-nesting and wintering shorebirds. A revised management plan aims to tame boating crowds on the island by banning alcohol and pets. [/su_pullquote] Steady increases in weekend and - [Tampa Bay Seagrasses Continue to Surpass Recovery Goal](https://baysoundings.com/tampa-bay-seagrasses-continue-to-surpass-recovery-goal/) - [su_slider source="media: 8701,8702,8703,8704,8705,8706,8707,8708,8709" link="image" target="blank" width="880" height="500" title="no" pages="no"] [printfriendly] Seagrasses in Tampa Bay increased by more than 1,360 acres, or nearly 3.3%, since 2014, adding to the record-breaking gains reported two years ago, according to survey results released in early February. Overall, seagrasses cover 41,655 acres of bay bottom, a number that continues to - [No boat, no problem! Top 3 fishing piers in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/no-boat-no-problem-top-3-fishing-piers-in-tampa-bay/) - 1. Tampa Bay has some of the best places to fish in the state – even if you never set foot on a boat. Landlubbers can cast a line from dozens of beaches or bridges (watch for other fishermen and learn the best times and baits from them) as well as multiple piers where - [River Board Celebrates 30 Years](https://baysoundings.com/river-board-celebrates-30-years/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Top: The foresight of the River Board is apparent from this aerial shot showing the Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River. Photo courtesy City of Tampa.[/su_pullquote] The year was 1986. Tampa City Center, completed three years earlier, had been the tallest building in the state until the Bank of America building opened earlier that - [Workshops target fisheries professionals](https://baysoundings.com/workshops-target-fisheries-professionals/) - Two half-day workshops for natural resource professionals, law enforcement officers and other people who interact with anglers are planned as a partnership between Florida Sea Grant, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Topics will include: FWC Fisheries Management and state rule updates Introduction to the Gulf - [News Briefs, Spring 2012](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-spring-2012/) - [printfriendly] Kill-A-Watt Tracks Energy Use Through its Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project, Pinellas County Extension is promoting a new gadget that aims to get citizens more energy conscious and eco-friendly. The Kill-A-Watt™ Energy Monitor is a simple tool used to see how much energy the devices in a home are actually using, whether they are on - [Nature Preserve is “Best-Kept Secret” in South Tampa](https://baysoundings.com/nature-preserve-is-best-kept-secret-in-south-tampa/) - “Best-kept secrets” in exclusive south Tampa tend to be upscale restaurants or sophisticated boutiques. For nature lovers, hikers and bikers, however, the MacDill 48 is a nearly unknown wilderness area in one of the region’s most densely developed neighborhoods. The 48-acre site, located off MacDill Avenue just south of Interbay Boulevard, encompasses oak hammocks, pine - [Wanted: Recipes for Elephant!](https://baysoundings.com/wanted-recipes-for-elephant/) - [printfriendly] By Suzanne Cooper You’ve heard the quip about tackling insurmountable tasks: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” That’s the idea behind nitrogen management in the Tampa Bay watershed. Most people — even our local leaders – don’t necessarily find it to be a particularly interesting topic, but controlling nitrogen - [Southwest Florida Gears Up for "Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity"](https://baysoundings.com/southwest-florida-gears-up-for-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity/) - [printfriendly] National Estuary Programs across southwest Florida are gearing up to help facilitate the development of a comprehensive regional environmental restoration plan, investing fines paid by BP for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in what could be the most significant restoration initiative ever in the Gulf of Mexico. No one knows how much money - [Slip-Sliding Away: Erosion Wiping Out Critical Coastal Habitat](https://baysoundings.com/slip-sliding-away-erosion-wiping-out-critical-coastal-habitat/) - By Victoria Parsons It's a common sight on the beaches bordering Tampa Bay — gently sloping sand that rises abruptly to form a bluff a few feet from the water's edge. In almost every case, it's a sign of rapid erosion created when waves and ship wakes wash the sand away. Protecting the bay's beaches - [Rainwater Harvesting – Eco-Smart and Cost-Effective](https://baysoundings.com/rainwater-harvesting-eco-smart-and-cost-effective/) - [printfriendly] Harvesting rainwater in cisterns is a lot like collecting sunshine in solar panels. The technology exists to pull a home totally "off the grid" but the cost – and a long payback period – make it economically unfeasible for most of us. On the other hand, installing a cistern to capture rainwater for use - [From Pasture to Prairie: Pasco Restoration Project Breaks New Ground](https://baysoundings.com/from-pasture-to-prairie-pasco-restoration-project-breaks-new-ground/) - [printfriendly] At first glance, Jumping Gully Preserve looks just the way it should. Sandhill cranes stroll majestically through grassy meadows sweeping across gently rolling hills. Wild turkeys are nearly invisible in the scrub under low-growing oaks while wading birds stalk their prey in the ephemeral ponds of a dry lake bed. Sandy mounds on higher - [Despite Recession, Census Shows Big Gains in Conservation by Land Trusts](https://baysoundings.com/despite-recession-census-shows-big-gains-in-conservation-by-land-trusts/) - [printfriendly] By Mary Kelley Hoppe The first census of land trusts in five years shows big gains in land conservation by private trusts across the U.S., with 10 million new acres conserved from 2005 to 2010. Florida land trusts contributed to this success, reporting an increase of 98%, or 170,779 acres of protected land, over - [Simple Aquascaping of Your Retention Pond Using Native Plants](https://baysoundings.com/simple-aquascaping-of-your-retention-pond-using-native-plants/) - [printfriendly] By Ernie Franke Someone recently called for advice on beautifying the retention pond next to her home. As I was discussing a few options I realized that she was trying to get it all down in notes. I also had a difficult time transferring the vision of what it could look like. It occurred - [Tarpon Tag Sales Benefit Bay Mini-Grants](https://baysoundings.com/tarpon-tag-sales-benefit-bay-mini-grants/) - [printfriendly] More than $1.5 million in Bay Mini-Grants have been awarded to community groups across Tampa Bay since the program was established in 1998 with funds raised through the sale of the Tampa Bay Estuary specialty license tag — most commonly known as the "Tarpon Tag." The Tarpon Tag is the only marine tag where - [Air Pollution Tops Other Sources of Contamination in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/air-pollution-tops-other-sources-of-contamination-in-tampa-bay/) - More than half the nitrogen entering Tampa Bay is coming from air pollution, primarily from cars and power plants, according to important research conducted by a regional team of scientists. The recently completed research, called the Bay Region Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (BRACE), compiles data from a landmark multi-year study that involved scientists from the U.S. - [Look at Alternatives Before Using Synthetic Chemical Pesticides](https://baysoundings.com/look-at-alternatives-before-using-synthetic-chemical-pesticides/) - [printfriendly] By Pam Brown As residents of Florida, we enjoy wonderful weather almost year-round. But our moderate winter weather and the hot, wet, humid summers conspire to support many insect, bacterial and fungal pests that can damage our landscapes and our homes. There are many pesticides on the market that promise to help rid us - [Regional Report Card Highlights Impacts to Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/regional-report-card-highlights-impacts-to-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] By Victoria Parsons Tampa Bay — the region — made national news when the American Society of Civil Engineers gave it a C for infrastructure, one of the best grades given so far in an ongoing report card. So what does that mean for Tampa Bay, the body of water? About the same, concludes - [Algae: The Good, the Bad and the Possibilities](https://baysoundings.com/algae-the-good-the-bad-and-the-possibilities/) - [printfriendly]By Victoria Parsons. Although often invisible to the naked eye and frequently vilified for the problems they cause, algae may be the most important critters in the world. “The oxygen in every second breath we take comes from algae,” says Alina Corcoran, head of the harmful algal blooms research subsection at the Florida Fish and - [Make a Worm a Home!](https://baysoundings.com/make-a-worm-a-home/) - [printfriendly]By Barbara Fincher. Kids across Hillsborough County have an amazing opportunity to kick up their recycling skills! You know those blue and green recycling bins everyone has laying around? They’re not going to be used anymore, but you can turn yours into recycling bins where worms eat your garbage – and then you can grow - [Master Naturalists Help Protect Natural Resources](https://baysoundings.com/master-naturalists-help-protect-natural-resources/) - [printfriendly]By Victoria Parsons. [easy-media med="664" size="250,250" align="right" mark="gallery-EIbax1"]My New Year’s resolutions almost always have something to do with spending more time outside and learning something new. If you’re like me, now is the time to take a look at Master Naturalist programs offered across the region. The courses, offered in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties, - [Probing the Deep](https://baysoundings.com/probing-the-deep/) - [printfriendly] From the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, cutting-edge research by Ocean Team scientists is gaining international acclaim. In the days and months following one of the nation's worst environmental disasters, scientists from the University of South Florida made national headlines for their response and ongoing - [Out of Sight, Out of Mind — Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks](https://baysoundings.com/out-of-sight-out-of-mind-underground-petroleum-storage-tanks/) - [printfriendly] By Sonia C. Lavina With the state continuing to face difficult economic times, legislators must decide on even more budget reductions. Environmental protection is usually an easy target for budget cuts, especially underground petroleum storage tanks (USTs) because they are out of sight. "People don't think much about this, but there are tanks with - [News Briefs, Winter 2012](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-winter-2012/) - [printfriendly] District Sets New Deadlines for Community Education Grants Applications will be available April 1 for the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Community Education Grant program, which offers reimbursement up to $7,500 to help create hands-on, educational experiences that lead to the conservation and protection of Florida's water resources. Individuals, community groups, volunteers, government and - [News Briefs, Spring 2013](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-spring-2013/) - [printfriendly] BP Trial Continues: Local Groups Look at Restoration Efforts A federal judge has refused to grant a motion releasing BP from charges of gross negligence meaning the oil company could be liable for fines of nearly $20 billion following the 2010 oil spill that killed 11 employees and dumped more than four billion gallons - [News Briefs, Fall 2013](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-fall-2013/) - [printfriendly]Pocket Ranger App Now Covers Beaches The Florida Park Service has updated its Pocket Ranger app for smartphones to include every public beach access point in Florida, in addition to information about its 171 state parks and trails. The app provides a comprehensive list of beach access points in each county, and the amenities each - [News Briefs, Winter 2014](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-winter-2014/) - [printfriendly]Tampa Bay Water Announces 2013 Water-Wise Winners Six homeowners from across the region were recognized with 2013 Community Water-Wise Awards for best landscaping designs using Florida-Friendly principles. Applicants completed a brief online description of his or her yard along with a photo, then each entry was evaluated and scored on-site by a local Florida-Friendly Landscaping - [News Briefs, Spring 2014](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-spring-2014/) - [printfriendly]Payback on Water Star Homes Less than Three Years New research compiled by the Florida Water Star program shows that new homes with efficient indoor fixtures and irrigation systems with increased mulched areas pay for themselves in just 2.7 years – then provide annual savings of $852 after that. Water-Smart fixtures indoors use approximately 20% - [News Briefs, Fall 2014](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-fall-2014/) - [printfriendly] NOAA grant helps region prepare for sea level rise A $100,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council will help the region prepare for sea level rise. Part of the Coastal Resilience Networks (CRest) program, the grant will leverage the existing ONE BAY: Livable Communities Working - [News Briefs, Winter 2015](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-winter-2015/) - [printfriendly] [su_frame align="left"][/su_frame] USGS asks citizen-scientists for help tracking coastal changes Sometimes even the most powerful computers can’t do a job as well as the human brain. That’s the case with aerial photographs taken by the U.S. Geological Survey to track changes in coastal conditions after storm events. A new crowdsourcing application called “iCoast — - [Brandt Henningsen: Restoring our Natural Legacy](https://baysoundings.com/brandt-henningsen-restoring-our-natural-legacy/) - [printfriendly] Profile: By Mary Kelley Hoppe The quiet mangrove coves and lush marshes rimming Cockroach Bay Preserve near Ruskin in southern Hillsborough County give no hint of the decades-long transformation there. Lands once used for farming and mined for shell used as road base now harbor freshwater and tidal lagoons and uplands teeming with wildlife. - [Teaching the Three “Ts” — Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapin](https://baysoundings.com/teaching-the-three-ts-turtles-tortoises-and-terrapin/) - [printfriendly] It was love at first sight. George Heinrich was just five years old when his father brought home an eastern box turtle. It escaped shortly afterwards, but Heinrich was already hooked on learning more about the ancient animals that are largely unchanged since the days of dinosaurs. Today he’s a field biologist and environmental - [Water Atlas — Detailed Data for Scientists of All Ages](https://baysoundings.com/water-atlas-detailed-data-for-scientists-of-all-ages/) - [printfriendly] From kids to senior scientists, researchers in Tampa Bay depend upon the Water Atlas for the most up-to-date and in-depth data available on ecosystems in the region. Developed by the Florida Center for Design + Research at the University of South Florida in partnership with Hillsborough County, the Water Atlas now includes data from - [Community Education Programs Engage Adults](https://baysoundings.com/community-education-programs-engage-adults/) - [printfriendly] Twelve community education grants, designed to actively engage adults in water-related issues, have been awarded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Six grants in the Tampa Bay region include: $5000 to the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association to create and distribute 300 soil-test kits through Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. The - [Citizen Scientists Step Up to Help](https://baysoundings.com/citizen-scientists-step-up-to-help/) - [printfriendly] By Victoria Parsons More and more kids are realizing that the natural resources and wildlife in their neighborhoods are threatened by development, pollution and climate change. Instead of waiting for someone else to fix the problem, they’re stepping up to the plate and becoming citizen-scientists who track changes in their yards and nearby nature - [TBRPC Celebrates 50 Years of Regional Leadership](https://baysoundings.com/tbrpc-celebrates-50-years-of-regional-leadership/) - [printfriendly] By Suzanne Cooper On September 12, 1961, St. Petersburg Mayor Herman Goldner made a bold statement to his peers throughout the Tampa Bay area, declaring that “It is time for us to plan together on a regional basis.” He challenged a group of elected officials from Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota and St. Petersburg to begin - [Hey, Kids! This is Earth Calling. Are you Listening?](https://baysoundings.com/hey-kids-this-is-earth-calling-are-you-listening/) - [printfriendly] By Avalon Theisen Habitat loss, pollution, homeless animals…and kids can't do anything to make a difference. Right? Wrong! Kids can definitely improve our world, even our very own Tampa Bay. Let me share some of what I do. Using the websitewww.ConserveItForward.com, I support three non-profit groups that 1) help people get safe drinking water - [Summer Camps Boost Knowledge for Young Citizen Scientists](https://baysoundings.com/summer-camps-boost-knowledge-for-young-citizen-scientists/) - [printfriendly] The stereotypical scientist toiling alone couldn’t be further from the truth for most researchers – particularly those working to understand and improve local ecosystems. Summer camps are the perfect opportunity for budding scientists who want to learn more about Tampa Bay and its watershed. Organizations across the region host summer camps to introduce budding - [Pounds to Ounces: The Zero Waste Project](https://baysoundings.com/pounds-to-ounces-the-zero-waste-project/) - [printfriendly] By Avalon Theisen Do you know how much waste leaves your house every day and goes to landfills or incinerators? Kids, like adults, may not think too much about the amount of trash we produce — or where it goes when we throw it “away.” You’d be surprised at how quickly it adds up - [Allen Burdett: 45 Years Protecting Florida's Natural Spaces](https://baysoundings.com/allen-burdett-45-years-protecting-floridas-natural-spaces/) - [printfriendly] Profile When 16-year-old Allen Burdett came home with a diamond back rattlesnake, instead of throwing them both out, his mom sent him to the library to get a book on snakes. They kept the snake for six years, in a garage that sometimes housed hundreds of reptiles ranging from gentle garter snakes to an - [Erica Moulton: Making Science Fun](https://baysoundings.com/profile-erica-moulton-making-science-fun/) - [printfriendly] Profile It's not often that skills a fifth-grader can master directly translate to the success of a deep-sea research mission – unless they're applied to building underwater ROVs, or remotely operated vehicles. That's what makes teaching kids about ROVs so appealing to Erica Moulton, a St. Petersburg native and long-time environmental science teacher at - [Pedal Power: Biking to Work Helps Protect the Bay](https://baysoundings.com/pedal-power-biking-to-work-helps-protect-the-bay/) - [printfriendly] By Nanette O'Hara In September 2010, Larry Meadows made a commitment to get in shape. With little time to exercise, the 43-year-old St. Petersburg resident took a friend's advice and decided to try riding a bike to his job with Raymond James Financial in the Feather Sound area of central Pinellas. By September 2011, - [Inner-City Kids Learn to Love the Great Outdoors](https://baysoundings.com/inner-city-kids-learn-to-love-the-great-outdoors/) - [printfriendly] By Victoria Parsons Can inner-city kids learn to love the outdoors? Absolutely, says Rocky Milburn, chairman of Tampa Bay Sierra Club's Inner-City Outings (ICO) program. "Kids who come face to face with the wilderness learn to love it — and then they learn to protect it," says Milborn, a former Eagle Scout who shares - [Rebuilding Tampa Bay from the Bottom Up](https://baysoundings.com/rebuilding-tampa-bay-from-the-bottom-up/) - [printfriendly] By Sonia C. Lavina I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I signed up to help Tampa Bay Watch and a team of about 40 employees from the Mosaic Company install an oyster shell bar along the shoreline of the Schultz Nature Preserve on Hillsborough Bay near Gibsonton. I had heard about - [Love Hurts! Some Nature Photographers Get too Close](https://baysoundings.com/love-hurts-some-nature-photographers-get-too-close/) - [printfriendly] By Ann Paul and Mark Rachal, Audubon Florida The Tampa Bay region supports some of the largest and most important waterbird nesting colonies in the state. We have bustling tree islands full of brown pelicans and impossibly pink roseate spoonbills, plus herons, egrets, white ibis, and wood storks raising their young. In other places, - [Perils of Plastic](https://baysoundings.com/perils-of-plastic/) - [printfriendly] By Sigrid Tidmore When our nonprofit organization, Community Stepping Stones, won a Tampa Bay Estuary Program mini-grant 18 months ago, we embarked upon an adventure that has literally changed our lives. Our students participate in an after-school program for at-risk teens in Sulphur Springs. Located on the Hillsborough River, our campus is at the - [Profile: Meet Jim Igler, Super Volunteer](https://baysoundings.com/profile-meet-jim-igler-super-volunteer/) - If you’ve ever volunteered to help improve Tampa Bay’s ecosystems, you’ve probably met Jim Igler. He’s the guy who has a near-perfect attendance record at the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Give a Day for the Bay events. Or you may have seen him pulling abandoned crab traps with Tampa Bay Watch, or cleaning up underwater - [Project Aims to Improve Water Quality in Old Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/project-aims-to-improve-water-quality-in-old-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] By Marcia Biggs SAFETY HARBOR — One can hardly find a more cerebral place on Tampa Bay than Safety Harbor. Here along the upper northwest shore of Old Tampa Bay, mangroves create refuges for a variety of shorebirds and other marine creatures. Pelicans fly above the pier where fishermen cast lines and nets in - [You Can Help Save the Frogs](https://baysoundings.com/you-can-help-save-the-frogs/) - [printfriendly] By Avalon Theisen When you think of a frog, what comes to mind? Slimy? Hopping? Fly-eating? Green? Well, those things may describe some frogs, but did you know that frogs represent so much more? In fact, frogs represent the health of the environment, both locally and globally. Think about a kitchen sponge. When you - [Spring-Breakers Help Restore Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/spring-breakers-help-restore-tampa-bay/) - Not all college students on break come to Florida for the beaches and parties. Ten students from Ohio State University (OSU) recently spent their spring break helping the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP) program with habitat restoration work. During their one-week experience, students cleaned trash from remote shorelines and removed exotic plants such as Brazilian - [Urban Oasis for Manatees Under Construction](https://baysoundings.com/urban-oasis-for-manatees-under-construction/) - [printfriendly]Just north of downtown Tampa, crystal-clear water still flows from the original source of the city’s freshwater supply. Nearly forgotten for 50 years, Ulele Spring had been moved across the street from its original location, then dammed in a concrete structure with its freshwater flow forced into an underground iron pipe as the city grew - [Environmental Regulations Return Billions to Taxpayers](https://baysoundings.com/environmental-regulations-return-billions-to-taxpayers/) - [printfriendly]By Tom Ash. Open practically any newspaper and you’ll probably read something about how environmental regulations are stifling economic growth. Our legislators and other government officials would like us to believe that environmental regulations are so burdensome that they take a tremendous toll on our economy, cost us jobs, and actually detract from our overall - [Profile: Tom Ries Wins National Award](https://baysoundings.com/profile-tom-ries-wins-national-award/) - [printfriendly]Some people are lucky enough to win the lottery and spend the rest of their lives doing whatever makes them happiest. Other people are even luckier – they spend their careers doing exactly what they want to do when they retire. Tom Ries is a perfect example of the second category. He earns a living - [Transforming Your Landscape](https://baysoundings.com/transforming-your-landscape/) - [printfriendly]By Willow LaMonte. Long-time Florida gardeners know that October is the start of the best growing season for many plants including vegetables, perennials and trees. A fresh crop of books introduces even newbies to the joys of growing in Florida. Organic Methods for Vegetable Gardening in Florida, by Ginny Stibolt and Melissa Contreras, University Press - [USF Study Looks at Disconnect between Scientists and Citizens](https://baysoundings.com/usf-study-looks-at-disconnect-between-scientists-and-citizens/) - [printfriendly]Just how deep is the disconnect between climate scientists and the citizenry who are most likely to be affected by climate change in the Tampa Bay region? A new study now underway at the University of South Florida, with funding from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, aims to answer that - [Grow a Modern 'Victory Garden'](https://baysoundings.com/grow-a-modern-victory-garden/) - [printfriendly] By Avalon Theisen Victory gardens were planted in World Wars I and II to supply fresh food at home because so much food was being sent to soldiers overseas. As the gardens grew, so did the people’s morale. Everyone was proud because they were doing something important for themselves and their communities. Even though - [Planned Highway Becomes Haven for Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/planned-highway-becomes-haven-for-wildlife/) - [printfriendly] If all had gone as planned, Honore Avenue would be a bustling six-lane highway running south from Manatee County to Englewood. Instead, the 2.5 mile section just south of busy Fruitville Road is a two-lane road bordered by bioswales and punctuated with roundabouts that accommodate nearly as much traffic as a four-lane highway. Not - [Stand Up for Florida Water & Land Legacy Now](https://baysoundings.com/stand-up-for-florida-water-land-legacy-now/) - [printfriendly] By Pegeen Hanrahan, P.E. We're all familiar with one spot or another in Florida that used to be untouched, and is now nearly untouchable. Our untouched natural areas make Florida the place we love, and we must leave a legacy for future generations that will continue to support strong tourism businesses and nature-based recreational - [Profile: Suzanne Cooper](https://baysoundings.com/profile-suzanne-cooper/) - [printfriendly]Her Best-Laid Plans Turn Out Even Better Like many kids who grew up in Florida, Suzanne Cooper always wanted to be a marine biologist. Luckily for Tampa Bay, she ended up earning a master’s degree in botany and then became a planner who has directed the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Agency on Bay Management - [Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Brings Home Top Honors](https://baysoundings.com/keep-tampa-bay-beautiful-brings-home-top-honors/) - [printfriendly] Three first-place awards – including the top honor from one of the nation’s most prestigious non-profits – set a new standard for Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, the Hillsborough County affiliate for Keep America Beautiful. The local organization was recognized as the nation’s top affiliate in three separate areas: Overall achievement in educating and engaging - [Photographers Flock to Fort DeSoto](https://baysoundings.com/photographers-flock-to-fort-desoto/) - [printfriendly]By Nanette O’Hara You can find them almost any day, stationed at East Beach before dawn waiting for the sun to cast a scarlet halo over the Skyway Bridge or following “Big Red,” an iconic, taller-than-average reddish egret as he prospects for juicy minnows and crustaceans in the tidal pools. They are the platoon of - [Ranger Yearns for More Time Outside](https://baysoundings.com/ranger-yearns-for-more-time-outside/) - [printfriendly]Pete Krulder had no idea what he was getting into when he signed up for a job as a ranger at Honeymoon Island State Park. “I applied on a lark,” he says. “I always loved the outdoors – fishing, boating, hiking, and camping – so thought it would be a great place to work.” Now - [Erosion Jeopardizes Egmont Key](https://baysoundings.com/erosion-jeopardizes-egmont-key/) - In 1905, when Teddy Roosevelt named Passage Key one of the first National Wildlife Refuges, it was a lush island with a freshwater lake that provided critical habitat for more than 100 species of birds. Today, all that remains is a sandbar near the mouth of Tampa Bay. While it’s not likely that the nearby - [Little Manatee River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/little-manatee-river-state-park/) - [printfriendly]Occasionally we all need mental health days, and I’ve found the best cure for stress is a long nature walk with my little dog, Belle. Recently, during a particularly challenging period at work, I decided to drive out of the city to clear my mind. We were meandering down US 301, a few miles south - [Mark Rachal: Audubon sanctuary manager](https://baysoundings.com/mark-rachal-audubon-sanctuary-manager/) - [printfriendly] Growing up in Chicago, Mark Rachal wanted to be a zookeeper. About 25 years later, he’s manager of Florida Audubon’s Coastal Island Sanctuaries, including islands named the state’s most important bird colony by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and designated as a globally important site by the National Audubon Society. Along the way, - [Profile: There’s something about Mary](https://baysoundings.com/theres-something-about-mary/) - [printfriendly] Tampa Bay’s Mary Mangiapia becomes the first woman to through-kayak 1,500 miles around Florida By Marcia Biggs When the 300-mile Everglades Challenge sea kayak race from St. Petersburg to Key Largo was cancelled in early March due to extreme weather conditions, it didn’t stop Mary Mangiapia. A few days later, with clear skies and - [Women science stars: from biology to big bang – why did you become a scientist?](https://baysoundings.com/women-science-stars-from-biology-to-big-bang-why-did-you-become-a-scientist/) - [printfriendly]By Sigrid Tidmore It’s easy to understand why kids grow up and want to be movie stars, athletes or rock stars. But when today’s women environmental scientists began their careers — not only wasn’t it glamorous — most people didn't know why it should matter. In fact, before 2000, girls were commonly expected to be - [Women science stars: from biology to big bang — why did you become a scientist?](https://baysoundings.com/women-science-stars-from-biology-to-big-bang-why-did-you-become-a-scientist-2/) - [printfriendly]By Sigrid Tidmore It’s easy to understand why kids grow up and want to be movie stars, athletes or rock stars. But when today’s women environmental scientists began their careers – not only wasn’t it glamorous – most people didn’t even know why it should matter. In fact, before 2000, girls were commonly expected to be “bad at science.” - [Waves of water bringing tides of tourists](https://baysoundings.com/waves-of-water-bringing-tides-of-tourists/) - [printfriendly]The connection between our natural environment and the tourist pipeline By James Anthony Schnur Florida’s lengthy coastline and abundant estuaries have shaped the “visitor experience” since the earliest days of commercial tourism in our state. Generations of Florida’s tourists have enjoyed water activities from today’s Winter the dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or Snooty - [Profile: Boston transportation expert chosen to lead Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council](https://baysoundings.com/profile-boston-transportation-expert-chosen-to-lead-tampa-bay-regional-planning-council/) - [printfriendly]After an extensive nation-wide search, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council has selected Sean Sullivan as its new director. “The TBRPC has found a unique and different leader who is highly accomplished. He is a proven expert in transportation matters which will be helpful in this region,” said Commissioner Victor Crist, former chair of the - [Profile: Manny Pumariega may be retired but he hasn’t slowed down](https://baysoundings.com/profile-manny-pumariega-may-be-retired-but-he-hasnt-slowed-down/) - [printfriendly]Anybody who knows Manny Pumariega won’t be a bit surprised to hear that retirement hasn’t slowed him down even a little bit. In fact, he says he’s running harder than ever – but now he’s golfing, travelling and spending more time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning - [Scalloping: A fun and tasty treat for the whole family](https://baysoundings.com/scalloping-a-fun-and-tasty-treat-for-the-whole-family/) - [printfriendly]It’s early morning as we meet our boat captain at the Old Homosassa public dock. With a smile and a hearty “Good Morning,” he instructs our family to step carefully onto the boat, helping us on board with our dive gear in tow. We introduce ourselves to another smiling family who will be joining the day’s - [Women science stars: from biology to big bang –why did you become a scientist? (Part 3 of 3)](https://baysoundings.com/women-science-stars-from-biology-to-big-bang-why-did-you-become-a-scientist-part-3-of-3/) - [printfriendly] By Sigrid Tidmore It’s easy to understand why kids grow up and want to be movie stars, athletes or rock stars. But when today’s women environmental scientists began their careers — not only wasn’t it glamorous — most people didn’t even know why it should matter. In fact, before 2000, girls were commonly expected - [Five “Volunteers of the Year” set record for Give A Day for the Bay](https://baysoundings.com/five-volunteers-of-the-year-set-record-for-give-a-day-for-the-bay/) - [printfriendly] It’s an impressive accomplishment when a volunteer attends every one of the half-dozen Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) workdays held each year – which makes it truly amazing when five volunteers attend all six of the "Give A Day For The Bay" 2015-2016 events. “We’ve been doing Give a Days for at least 15 - [Jumping into the Deep End of the Florida Political Pool: The Early Years](https://baysoundings.com/jumping-into-the-deep-end-of-the-florida-political-pool-the-early-years/) - [printfriendly] By Jim Schnur The relationship between politics and access to navigable waterways and potable water resources has shaped Florida for centuries. During the early years, Spanish conquistadors and missionaries made first contacts with indigenous populations where water met land. In time, early settlements at St. Augustine and Pensacola hugged the saltwater coastline near artesian - [Sean Sullivan takes reins at TBPRC](https://baysoundings.com/sean-sullivan-takes-reins-at-tbrpc/) - [printfriendly]By Victoria Parsons [su_pullquote align="right"]Top: Protecting water and habitat have always been important to Sean Sullivan and his wife, Jan, who have owned a cabin on the Ossipee Reservoir in New Hampshire for more than 20 years. Photo courtesy Sean Sullivan.[/su_pullquote] Some people might wonder how a transportation expert from Boston can coordinate environmental protection - [Shinn’s Escapades Enlighten, Entertain](https://baysoundings.com/shinns-escapades-enlighten-entertain/) - [printfriendly]The first time I ever heard Gene Shinn’s name was in 1995 when he published a report in a journal called Applied and Environmental Microbiology showing how quickly raw sewage flowed from a Key Largo septic tank to an adjacent canal and out to nearby coral reefs. That’s not on my normal reading list, but - [Seasons of Salt](https://baysoundings.com/seasons-of-salt/) - [printfriendly]Salinity zones support diverse wildlife [easy-media med="1216" size="300,400" align="right"]Those of us who enjoy being outdoors on bay area waterways have noticed that the seasonal shifts in flora and fauna aren’t limited to the landside areas – river populations change as well. In northern climates, snow is the “white stuff” usually associated with seasonal change, but in healthy - [“Giant” Restoration is Prototype for Tampa Bay Mangroves](https://baysoundings.com/giant-restoration-is-prototype-for-tampa-bay-mangroves/) - [printfriendly]For decades, Giant's Fishing Camp in Ruskin attracted people from across the country looking for great fishing, fabulous food and a laid-back lifestyle. Al Tomaini and Jeanie Smith – self-billed as the “World’s Strangest Married Couple” because he was more than eight feet tall and she was less than three – established the camp as - [The State of Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/the-state-of-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly]While development pressures continue and new threats loom, Tampa Bay remains one of the nation’s environmental success stories. After decades of abuse and neglect, Tampa Bay began its road to recovery in 1980 when the city of Tampa replaced an aging sewage treatment plant with an advanced wastewater treatment facility, halting the flow of barely - [“Illegal Weed” Causes Ecological Damage](https://baysoundings.com/illegal-weed-causes-ecological-damage/) - [printfriendly]Nope, we’re not talking about the weed on the ballot later this year – we’re talking about weeds, leaves and lawn clippings that become illegal when they’re swept or blown into storm drains. “Storm drains in Florida aren’t connected to sanitary sewer facilities or treatment plants, so whatever goes into them goes straight to the - [Could Ferry Pose Ecological Risk?](https://baysoundings.com/could-ferry-pose-ecological-risk/) - [su_pullquote align="right"]Top photo: The restoration of the Schultz Preserve allowed SWIM to re-create the original estuarine habitat that had been covered with dredged material in the 1960s. It’s one of the few projects of its kind in the nation.[/su_pullquote][printfriendly]A high-speed ferry linking south Hillsborough County with MacDill Air Force Base certainly has the potential for - [Business growth benefits ecosystems in Palmetto](https://baysoundings.com/business-growth-benefits-ecosystems-in-palmetto/) - [printfriendly]By law, community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) are business-oriented organizations charged with bringing jobs into inner cities and other economically challenged areas. But that doesn’t mean they’re not environmentally friendly, at least in Palmetto, where city leaders created a successful prototype and are now planning the state’s largest low-impact development along Tenth Street. “Palmetto had never - [Researchers document bay’s economic impact on region](https://baysoundings.com/researchers-document-bays-economic-impact-on-region/) - [printfriendly]Researchers are taking two separate tacks to highlight the value of a healthy Tampa Bay. The most recently completed study, undertaken by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council with funding from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, shows that nearly one of every two jobs in the Tampa Bay watershed is influenced by the bay. Perhaps - [Roof-top technology has far-reaching impacts](https://baysoundings.com/roof-top-technology-has-far-reaching-impacts/) - [printfriendly]Peter Clark, executive director of Tampa Bay Watch, is torn between the benefits of solar power. [easy-media med="4599" align="right" size="300,300"]Is it a cost-effective way to save up to 85% of the organization’s annual electrical consumption, so that more funds can be dedicated to restoring Tampa Bay? Or is it more important that Tampa Bay Watch - [Green Jobs: The What, The Where, The Why](https://baysoundings.com/green-jobs-the-what-the-where-the-why/) - [printfriendly] By Scott M. Deitche “Green jobs” have been the buzzword in economic development for a few years now. From politicians who envision millions of green jobs to naysayers declaring they don’t exist, it’s tough to know how much of an impact green jobs have had on our economy. It’s even harder if you’re thinking - [New Florida Atlas Inspires, Educates and Entertains](https://baysoundings.com/new-florida-atlas-inspires-educates-and-entertains/) - [printfriendly] By Victoria Parsons If you're looking for a spectacular coffee table book with gorgeous images of the flora and fauna that make our state so unique, the Atlas of Florida's Natural Heritage will fit the bill perfectly. But if you're looking for a wealth of knowledge in an easy-to-understand document covering Florida's diverse ecosystems, - [Estuary Program Awards $81,000 in Community Grants](https://baysoundings.com/estuary-program-awards-81000-in-community-grants/) - [printfriendly] The Tampa Bay Estuary Program has awarded 21 community groups a total of $81,000 for projects that directly involve citizens in restoring and improving Tampa Bay. More than 30 applications were received for the program. Recipients by county include: Hillsborough County Community Stepping Stones, $4,940 for their "One Waterway – One Tampa Bay" program - [Museum in the Sea: The state’s newest underwater archaeological preserve lies in Tampa Bay near Egmont Key](https://baysoundings.com/museum-in-the-sea-the-states-newest-underwater-archaeological-preserve-lies-in-tampa-bay-near-egmont-key/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Top photo courtesy of the Florida Aquarium [/su_pullquote] By Marcia Biggs After nine years of work, the USS Narcissus, a Civil War era tugboat-turned-warship that sank off the north end of Egmont Key, has become the state’s 12th underwater archaeological preserve. In a dedication ceremony held earlier this year at the Florida Aquarium, - [SolarReady Florida promotes renewable energy options](https://baysoundings.com/solarready-florida-promotes-renewable-energy-options/) - [printfriendly]St. Petersburg holds the Guinness Book of World Records for 768 days of sunshine in a row, but even Germany has more solar panels than the Sunshine State. A new initiative, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy and coordinated by both the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and its counterpart in Southwest Florida, aims - [Transplanted seagrasses thriving in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/transplanted-seagrasses-thriving-in-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly]In spite of technological advances, sometimes the best tool for the job turns out to be the simplest. Case in point is the long-term success of transplanting seagrasses using contraptions made of cafeteria trays and pool floats originally created in the mid-1980s when the Courtney Campbell Causeway was widened. “We haven’t found anything that works - [Urban agriculture grows up in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/urban-agriculture-grows-up-in-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly]Tampa Bay is becoming a leader in the national trend toward organic agriculture, which uses no chemical fertilizers or pesticides on food that is typically sold or consumed locally. Meet some of the people who are sharing their knowledge about food sustainability that benefits our region’s ecosystem. If anyone in the world has good reason - [Reef Monitoring](https://baysoundings.com/reef-monitoring/) - [printfriendly]A non-profit organization relies on an army of underwater volunteers to help safeguard local marine species By Marcia Biggs [su_pullquote align="right"]Top photo by Marcia Biggs Heyward Mathews pulls aboard a larval light trap that was set the previous night at an artificial reef off Clearwater. Monica Lara, right, will later work with biology students to - [Piping plovers flock to local beaches](https://baysoundings.com/piping-plovers-flock-local-beaches/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Top photo by Danny Sauvageau. Banded piping plovers can be seen on many beaches in the Tampa Bay region.[/su_pullquote] It’s easy to understand why beach-nesting birds get all the attention. What could need protection more than a baby bird that looks like a fluffball on legs running across a sandy beach with no - [Street sweepers: "The first defense against pollution”](https://baysoundings.com/street-sweepers-first-defense-pollution/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]The city's full-time street-sweeping crew includes (left to right) Croskey, Antonio Tambone and Larry Roberts. (A fourth job was open at the time of the photo.) Photo by Victoria Parsons.[/su_pullquote] Riding high above the road at just seven miles per hour in a street sweeper, it’s easy for Jessie Croskey to identify homeowners - [Setting the standard: St. Petersburg aims to be a national model for waterfront stewardship](https://baysoundings.com/setting-standard-st-petersburg-aims-national-model-waterfront-stewardship/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Top photo courtesy St. Petersburg Planning and Economic Development Department.[/su_pullquote] High-profile amenities like the pier capture more headlines but the most important legacy in St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront master plan may be the city’s focus on stewardship of the waterfront environment. “Every meeting we’ve had, stewardship has been a critical concern for residents,” - [Are we going back to the future for our drinking water?](https://baysoundings.com/going-back-future-drinking-water/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Top photo provided by Southwest Florida Water Management District[/su_pullquote] Aquifer storage and recovery — or ASR — was a promising technology for storing water in the early 1980s. Water injected into the aquifer during rainy season stayed in place so it could be recovered during dry season and droughts. While it does require - [Mote research finds aquaponic fish, veggies worth their salt](https://baysoundings.com/mote-research-finds-aquaponic-fish-veggies-worth-salt/) - [printfriendly] By Hayley Rutger Saltwater fish and gourmet veggies pair up nicely on the dinner table, but their happiest marriage might be in eco-friendly farming. Mote Aquaculture Park — Mote’s sustainable fish farming facility in eastern Sarasota County — launched a pioneering project last Fall to advance marine aquaponics: farming seafood while using the wastewater - [Red tide: the opportunistic omnivore keeps scientists busy](https://baysoundings.com/red-tide-opportunistic-omnivore-keeps-scientists-busy/) - [printfriendly] First the good news: Red tide feeds on nutrients released from land, so management actions that reduce inshore pollution will likely diminish the duration and strength of the toxic blooms. Then the bad news: The organism that causes red tides feeds on a multitude of sources, including many that cannot be controlled with current - [A hospital like no other](https://baysoundings.com/hospital-like/) - [printfriendly] [su_pullquote align="right"]Top photo courtesy of TECO Manatee Viewing Center [/su_pullquote] By Sigrid Tidmore Something out of the ordinary For the record, this was no ordinary patient. It was a male manatee that had ventured into a red tide bloom to feed and had been poisoned after eating contaminated sea grasses. This manatee was one - [News Briefs, Spring 2015](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-spring-2015/) - [printfriendly] Environmental initiatives sweep Future of the Region awards program A series of environmentally oriented projects took top honors at the 23rd annual Future of the Region awards program coordinated by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. The most prestigious honor, the Charles A. McIntosh Jr. award, went to Water Works Park developed by the - [Game Time: A new approach to planning for resilient infrastructure in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/game-time-a-new-approach-to-planning-for-resilient-infrastructure-in-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] By Karen Langbehn A pilot program — one of only three in the nation — put elected officials, planners and emergency managers in the driver’s seat to create long-range plans for climate change, specifically, adaptation to sea level rise and extreme heat. Created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sector outreach programs division, - [News Briefs — Winter, 2016](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-winter-2016/) - EPC to publish Guide to Artificial Reefs More than 60 species of fish— including the ever-popular gag grouper, mangrove snapper, snook and tarpon — use artificial reefs in Tampa Bay. A new initiative wants to help fishermen become citizen-scientists who can track the success of the reefs, and then guide potential new development in the - [Out-of-the-box mitigation efforts may include a bridge not a stormwater pond](https://baysoundings.com/out-of-the-box-mitigation-efforts-may-include-a-bridge-not-a-stormwater-pond/) - [printfriendly] Stormwater retention ponds have been the easy alternative for developers ever since stormwater treatment rules were enacted in the mid-1980s. As parts of the region are redeveloped, though, ponds that require large amounts of space are no longer first choice for reducing nutrient loads in stormwater. Legislation passed in 2012 encourages FDOT to look - [News Briefs — Spring, Summer 2016](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-spring-summer-2016/) - [printfriendly] Fish return to restored bay in just months Scientists from the Southwest Florida Water Management District began seeing dramatically increased diversity in species of fish just months after the Hunters Cove Revegetation Pilot Project was complete. Working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, scientists conducted fish surveys in January of the fenced - [News Briefs — Fall 2016](https://baysoundings.com/news-briefs-fall-2016/) - [printfriendly] Heather Young joins TBRPC, ABM Heather Young, a marine scientist specializing in coastal management issues, has joined the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council as environmental planner and staff to the Agency on Bay Management. She earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and most recently served as climate adaptation specialist - [#LoveTampaBay premieres: Get ready to share the love](https://baysoundings.com/lovetampabay-premieres-get-ready-to-share-the-love/) - [printfriendly] The Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s new social sharing campaign to promote the beauty and value of Tampa Bay is set to launch in late October. #LoveTampaBay seeks to inspire each of us to DO MORE to protect the bay that sustains and unites our region, LEARN MORE about how we depend upon a healthy - [Transects track long-term changes in coastal habitats](https://baysoundings.com/transects-track-long-term-changes-in-coastal-habitats/) - [printfriendly]From a boat on the bay it’s hard to visualize their importance, but five new transects are an early warning signal for bay managers concerned about the effects of sea level rise on coastal habitats. [su_pullquote align="right"]Top: Running an average of 600 feet long and about 20 feet wide, the transects are designed to track - [New Handbook Looks at Impact of Climate Change on Habitats](https://baysoundings.com/new-handbook-looks-at-impact-of-climate-change-on-habitats/) - [printfriendly]Most reports on climate change look at impacts to man-made structures like homes, causeways and bridges, but a new handbook published through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Ready Estuaries Program highlights initiatives underway to protect the diverse habitats along the Gulf of Mexico. Written by Lindsay Cross, environmental science and policy manager at the - [State of the Bay](https://baysoundings.com/state-of-the-bay/) - [printfriendly]The Agency on Bay Management presents the 2013 “State of Tampa Bay” report reviewing accomplishments of its members over the last year. As the natural resources committee of the Tampa Bay Regional Council, ABM remains the primary community organization focusing on the protection and management of the Tampa Bay estuary. Established in 1985, its members - [New Rules Aim to Stop Invasive Species in Ballast Water](https://baysoundings.com/new-rules-aim-to-stop-invasive-species-in-ballast-water/) - [printfriendly] Nearly a century after the first documented introduction of an alien species via ballast water, national and international agencies are finally firming up new regulations to reduce the potential for other invasive species to be transferred. Three distinct organizations — the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Maritime Organization - [ONE WATERWAY ONE TAMPA BAY At-Risk Teens Interpret Waterway Connectivity](https://baysoundings.com/one-waterway-one-tampa-bay-at-risk-teens-interpret-waterway-connectivity/) - [printfriendly] By Sigrid Tidmore Estuary field science came alive for a group of Sulphur Springs teens when they decided to create a mural about how our daily lives impact Tampa Bay’s estuaries and waterways. One Waterway One Tampa Bay, a 12-by-8-foot portable, mosaic mural and art installation made entirely of plastic refuse, made its debut - [How Does Tampa Bay Stack Up](https://baysoundings.com/how-does-tampa-bay-stack-up/) - [printfriendly] By Victoria Parsons With the national organization Restore America’s Estuaries (R.A.E.) hosting its sixth annual conference at the Tampa Convention Center Oct. 20 to 25, we thought it would be a good time to see how Tampa Bay stacks up against other estuaries around the country. On nearly every measure – from water quality - [1,000-Mile Trek Through Florida Tracks Corridor for Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/1000-mile-trek-through-florida-tracks-corridor-for-wildlife/) - [printfriendly] A team of intrepid explorers embarked on an ambitious journey through Florida January 17 to call attention to the need for a functional wildlife corridor up the Florida peninsula. Their goal: 1,000 miles in 100 days. Bear biologist Joe Guthrie, conservationist Mallory Lykes Dimmit and photojournalist Carlton Ward Jr. are making their way from - [Letters to Editor: Love Hurts](https://baysoundings.com/letters-to-editor-love-hurts/) - [printfriendly][su_quote style="1"] Dear Ann Paul, I enjoyed your article Love Hurts in Bay Soundings. I have observed these “those rules do not apply to me” types on our trips to 3 Rooker Bar and at our postings of the Beach Nesting Bird sites in Pinellas County. Nature photographers take wonderful pictures and most are respectful, but - [New Computer Model Right on Target](https://baysoundings.com/new-computer-model-right-on-target/) - [printfriendly][easy-media med="1822" size="360,300" align="left"]A hundred years ago, Mark Twain famously decried “lies, damned lies and statistics” promulgated by politicians. Modern writers might add “computer models” to that list of unbelievable forecasts – until they take a closer look at the U.S. Geological Survey’s predictions for Superstorm Sandy and its documented impact on the mid-Atlantic Coast. As - [Help Make Bay Soundings Even Better!](https://baysoundings.com/help-make-bay-soundings-even-better/) - [printfriendly]We’ve been working with an incredible editorial advisory board for the last 12 years that has helped shaped our coverage since our first issue in April 2002. Their support and insights have ensured that we cover the stories and topics most important to the people who have made Tampa Bay one of the only urban - [Letters to the Editor](https://baysoundings.com/letters-to-the-editor/) - [printfriendly] Dear Editor: I recently read your article describing the study on the efficacy of fertilizer bans. As a landscape contractor, horticulturalist, and ornamental pest control operator, I really try to do what is best for our community and our bay. As you well know, the research and agreement amongst the "experts" is contentious to - [Gentle Giants Need Clean Water Too](https://baysoundings.com/gentle-giants-need-clean-water-too/) - [printfriendly]For anyone in Florida who needs another reason to think twice about how they treat their landscape – manatees may be drinking the fertilizers and pesticides applied to keep your lawn lush and green. The gentle giants live in salt water and eat mainly seagrass, but require fresh water to drink. At dry times of - [TBEP Mini-Grant deadline Oct. 1](https://baysoundings.com/tbep-mini-grant-deadline-oct-1/) - [printfriendly]Bay Mini-Grants, funded through the sale of “Tarpon Tag” automobile license plates through the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, are designed to help local citizen groups and organizations create projects that protect or restore Tampa Bay while involving the local community. Deadline for the 2015-2016 is Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. Most grants are limited to - [Best Florida books—How many have you read recently?](https://baysoundings.com/best-florida-books-many-read-recently/) - [printfriendly] By Victoria Parsons [su_custom_gallery source="media: 5357,5356,5355,5354" width="200" height="360"] As you settle in for a cold winter weekend and wonder about something new to read, reconsider “new” and check out this list of favorite Florida books from Jeff Klinkenberg, one of my favorite Florida writers. “I didn’t want an ‘English professor’ list,” says Klinkenberg, who - [Great Books Make Great Gifts](https://baysoundings.com/great-books-make-great-gifts/) - [printfriendly] By Victoria Parsons If you’ve always wanted to be one of those people who finish their holiday shopping before Thanksgiving, consider these books for the people on your list. I know I’d be delighted to see any of them under my tree! The Bird-Watcher’s Bible When National Geographic offered to send me a copy - [White Pelicans are Show-Stoppers in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/white-pelicans-are-show-stoppers-in-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly] The white pelicans are clearly related to our native brown pelican, but their enormous size, stark-white plumage and tendency to travel in large flocks makes them a show-stopper for nearly everyone who sees them. Weighing up to 30 pounds with wingspans extending up to nine feet, white pelicans are among the largest birds native - [New Year's Resolutions to Help our Planet](https://baysoundings.com/new-years-resolutions-to-help-our-planet/) - [printfriendly] By Victoria Parsons If you've already given up on all those admirable resolutions to lose weight, exercise more and eat less junk food, consider making new resolutions that will help get our planet into better shape. Here are three books that take in-depth looks at the issues and then offer suggestions on ways you - ["Snowbirds" Defend Their Feathered Friends](https://baysoundings.com/snowbirds-defend-their-feathered-friends/) - [printfriendly] Like the snowbirds they never expected to become, Margaret and Steve Santangelo return to the same beach every winter. And like their feathered friends, who often nest in colonies to protect each other from predators, the Santangelos spend their winters defending the birds at Fort DeSoto Park. But rather than fighting off larger birds - [SPOTLIGHT: SRI St. Petersburg](https://baysoundings.com/spotlight-sri-st-petersburg/) - [printfriendly] SRI St. Petersburg is accelerating technology R&D in ocean science, marine technology and port security with cutting-edge technologies that have applications far beyond these realms. Experts in chemical sensing, optical imaging and engineering, the group specializes in the study of surface and subsurface marine environments. Among the high-performance chemical sensors being developed here are - [Marine Might: Tampa Bay's Oceanographic and Marine Science Sector Blazing Trails, Boosting Economic Development](https://baysoundings.com/marine-might-tampa-bays-oceanographic-and-marine-science-sector-blazing-trails-boosting-economic-development/) - [printfriendly] By Mary Kelley Hoppe From creating underwater sensors that can detect explosives on ships entering U.S. harbors to adapting marine technologies for space exploration and medical diagnostics, a cluster of businesses, agencies and organizations in St. Petersburg have propelled the Tampa Bay region to the vanguard of marine research and technology. And its impact - [Fly-Fishing Hooks Angler](https://baysoundings.com/fly-fishing-hooks-angler/) - [printfriendly]By Nanette O'Hara. I admit it. I was among the hordes of people attracted to fly fishing after seeing the movie "A River Runs Through It." I watched a very young Brad Pitt arcing that line gracefully over the Blackfoot River and thought to myself, "That's really beautiful. I'd like to do that." Me and - [Kittiwake Death a Wake-Up Call](https://baysoundings.com/kittiwake-death-a-wake-up-call/) - [printfriendly]Sometimes it takes a tragedy to change the way things have always been done. It started last winter when two kittiwakes – Arctic birds seldom seen in Florida – showed up at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Birders from across the state flocked to the pier to see a “lifer” without trekking through - [Discovering the Indian Mounds of Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/discovering-the-indian-mounds-of-tampa-bay/) - [printfriendly]By Marcia Biggs For those who enjoy exploring the past, the shores surrounding Tampa Bay are rich with Native American history. Three cultures were known to have inhabited the area as far back as the 5th century BC – Manasota, Weeden Island and Safety Harbor. A highly publicized 40-foot canoe discovered on Weedon Island in ## Pages - [](https://baysoundings.com/) - Featured Latest Articles view all latest articles Archives VIsit Story archive - [Subscribe](https://baysoundings.com/subscribe/) - STAY UP TO DATE with environmental news! Bay Soundings articles are published weekly and each month subscribers will receive an email newsletter with links to the latest stories. Thank you to our loyal readers who have enjoyed Bay Soundings for the past 20 years. We look forward to bringing you exciting new content! Dive in! 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Bay Soundings chronicles the news and issues affecting the bay, while profiling the people, places and creatures that make it so compelling. Talk Back We welcome letters to the editor on topics covered in Bay Soundings as well as - [Glossary](https://baysoundings.com/glossary/) - AllAEFHIMNPSTWAAlgaeChlorophyll-containing organisms that range from microscopic and unicellular (single-celled) to very large and multicellular.EEcosystemThe biotic community and its abiotic environment.Endangered speciesA plant or animal that is in immediate danger of becoming extinct and needs protection to survive.Erode (erosion)The wearing away of the land by the action of water, ice or wind.EstuaryA partially closed coastal body - [All Posts](https://baysoundings.com/all-posts/) - [Legacy Archives](https://baysoundings.com/legacy-archives-2/) - 2013 Issues Winter 2013 Spring 2013 2012 Issues Winter 2012 Spring 2012 Fall 2012 2011 Issues Winter 2011 Spring 2011 Summer 2011 Fall 2011 2010 Issues Winter 2010 Spring 2010 Summer 2010 Fall 2010 2009 Issues Winter 2009 Spring 2009 Summer 2009 Fall 2009 2008 Issues Winter 2008 Spring 2008 Summer 2008 Fall 2008 2007 - [Our Sponsors](https://baysoundings.com/our-sponsors/) - A BIG THANKS! To these sponsors for making Bay Soundings possible — with our deepest appreciation for your commitment to celebrating and preserving Florida's largest open-water estuary. Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Tampa Bay Estuary Program Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven If you or your company would like information on becoming a sponsor of - [Coming Soon](https://baysoundings.com/coming-soon/) - I'm working on something amazing!But don't worry, I'll back soon. ## Posts - [](https://baysoundings.com/seedprod/21460/) - Maintenance Mode This site is currently under going scheduled maintenance.Please check back soon. ## Venues - [Lowry Park Boat Ramp,](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lowry-park-boat-ramp/) - [Suncoast Conservation Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/suncoast-conservation-center-2/) - [Carrollwood Cultural Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/carrollwood-cultural-center/) - [Lake Apopka](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lake-apopka/) - [Myakka River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/myakka-river-state-park-3/) - [Florida Gulf Coast University](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-gulf-coast-university/) - [Tampa Garden Club](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tampa-garden-club-2/) - [Crews Lake Wilderness Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/crews-lake-wilderness-park/) - [Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/werner-boyce-salt-springs-state-park/) - [Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden](https://baysoundings.com/venue/jackson-heights-bethesda-community-garden/) - [Martin Luther King Jr Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/martin-luther-king-jr-center/) - [Apollo Beach Park and Recreation Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/apollo-beach-park-and-recreation-center/) - [Cockroach Creek Greenway](https://baysoundings.com/venue/cockroach-creek-greenway/) - [Lake Seminole Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lake-seminole-park/) - [Key Vista Nature Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/key-vista-nature-park/) - [Hugh Embry Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/hugh-embry-library/) - [Daniel A Cannon Memorial Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/daniel-a-cannon-memorial-library/) - [The Nectary](https://baysoundings.com/venue/the-nectary/) - [To Be Determined](https://baysoundings.com/venue/to-be-determined/) - [Canterbury Farms Nursery & Garden Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/canterbury-farms-nursery-garden-center/) - [Centennial Park Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/centennial-park-library/) - [Pasco County Extension Office](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pasco-county-extension-office/) - [Starkey Ranch Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/starkey-ranch-library/) - [New Port Richey Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/new-port-richey-library/) - [Regency Park Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/regency-park-library/) - [Zephyrhills Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/zephyrhills-public-library/) - [UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension - One Stop Shop](https://baysoundings.com/venue/uf-ifas-pasco-county-extension-one-stop-shop/) - [Land O'Lakes Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/land-olakes-library/) - [Hudson Regional Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/hudson-library/) - [New River Branch Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/new-river-branch-library/) - [Trout Creek Wilderness Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/trout-creek-wilderness-park/) - [Lakewood United Church of Christ](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lakewood-united-church-of-christ/) - [Plant City Recreation & Parks](https://baysoundings.com/venue/plant-city-recreation-parks/) - [Walter Fuller Pool](https://baysoundings.com/venue/walter-fuller-pool/) - [Cearwater Public Works Complex](https://baysoundings.com/venue/cearwater-public-works-complex/) - [Countryside Recreation Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/countryside-recreation-center/) - [Clearwater Countryside Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-countryside-library/) - [Carrollwood Village Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/carrollwood-village-park/) - [Folly Farms Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/folly-farms-nature-preserve/) - [Roosevelt Wetlands](https://baysoundings.com/venue/roosevelt-wetlands/) - [Palmetto Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/palmetto-library/) - [Lakewood Ranch Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lakewood-ranch-library/) - [Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom](https://baysoundings.com/venue/boyd-hill-nature-preserve-2/) - Classroom - Lake Maggiore Environmental Education - [Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/blackwater-creek-nature-preserve/) - [Sunken Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/venue/sunken-gardens/) - [Upper Tampa Bay Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/upper-tampa-bay-park/) - [Lettuce Lake Conservation Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lettuce-lake-park/) - [Upham Beach](https://baysoundings.com/venue/upham-beach/) - [Fort DeSoto Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/fort-desoto-park/) - [Emerson Point Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/emerson-point-preserve/) - [Perico Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/perico-preserve-2/) - [South Manatee Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/south-manatee-library/) - [Museum of Fine Arts](https://baysoundings.com/venue/museum-of-fine-arts/) - [Boyd Hill - Pioneer Settlement](https://baysoundings.com/venue/boyd-hill-pioneer-settlement/) - [Fishhawk Creek Nature Preserve North](https://baysoundings.com/venue/fishhawk-creek-nature-preserve-north/) - [John S. Taylor Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/john-s-taylor-park/) - [John Chestnut Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/john-chestnut-park/) - [USF Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/usf-library/) - [University of South Florida](https://baysoundings.com/venue/university-of-south-florida/) - [E.G. Simmons Conservation Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/e-g-simmons-conservation-park-2/) - [Stalk and Vine on 39](https://baysoundings.com/venue/stalk-and-vine-on-39/) - [Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Office](https://baysoundings.com/venue/manatee-county-agriculture-and-extension-office/) - [Tampa Bay History Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tampa-bay-history-center/) - [BHPS Osprey's Roost](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bhps-ospreys-roost-2/) - [Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/venue/majeed-discovery-garden/) - [Bell Creek Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bell-creek-preserve/) - [Gandy Beach](https://baysoundings.com/venue/gandy-bach/) - [Clearwater Historical Society](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-historical-society/) - [RumFish Beach Resort](https://baysoundings.com/venue/rumfish-beach-resort/) - [Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex](https://baysoundings.com/venue/joe-dimaggio-sports-complex/) - [Entrepreneur Collaborative Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/entrepreneur-collaborative-center/) - [East Community Library @ SPC](https://baysoundings.com/venue/east-community-library-spc/) - [Mahaffey Theater](https://baysoundings.com/venue/mahaffey-theater/) - [Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia](https://baysoundings.com/venue/celebration-hall-at-st-anastasia/) - [Triple Creek](https://baysoundings.com/venue/triple-creek/) - [Lena Road Landfill](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lena-road-landfill/) - [Lake Belleview](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lake-belleview/) - [BHPS Osprey's Roost](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bhps-ospreys-roost/) - [R.O.C. Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/r-o-c-park/) - [Manatee County Island Branch Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/manatee-county-island-branch-library/) - [Canterbury School of Florida](https://baysoundings.com/venue/canterbury-school-of-florida/) - [Palma Sola Botanical Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/palma-sola-botanical-park/) - [Raptor Center of Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/venue/raptor-center-of-tampa-bay/) - [St. Pete Beach Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/st-pete-beach-public-library/) - [Walter Fuller Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/walter-fuller-park/) - [Seaside Seabird Sanctuary](https://baysoundings.com/venue/seaside-seabird-sanctuary/) - [Green Bench Brewing](https://baysoundings.com/venue/green-bench-brewing/) - [Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast](https://baysoundings.com/venue/conservation-foundation-of-the-gulf-coast/) - [Eckerd College](https://baysoundings.com/venue/eckerd-college/) - [Cypress Point Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/cypress-point-park/) - [Hammock Hall](https://baysoundings.com/venue/hammock-hall/) - [Chester Ochs 4-H Educational Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/chester-ochs-4-h-educational-center/) - [Bahia Beach Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bahia-beach-nature-preserve-2/) - [Mote Marine & Aquarium](https://baysoundings.com/venue/mote-marine-aquarium-3/) - [War Veterans Memorial Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/war-veterans-memorial-park/) - [Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/upper-tampa-bay-conservation-park/) - [2D Island](https://baysoundings.com/venue/2d-island/) - [Lassing Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lassing-park/) - [Williams Park Boat Ramp](https://baysoundings.com/venue/williams-park-boat-ramp/) - [Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant](https://baysoundings.com/venue/riverhouse-waterfront-restaurant/) - [The Friends Trail](https://baysoundings.com/venue/the-friends-trail/) - [Pinellas County Public Works Clearwater](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pinellas-county-public-works-clearwater/) - [Suncoast Youth Conservation Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/suncoast-youth-conservation-center/) - [Sunshine Multi-Service Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/sunshine-multi-service-center/) - [Hillsborough County Cattlemen's Association](https://baysoundings.com/venue/hillsborough-county-cattlemens-association/) - [Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/alafia-scrub-nature-preserve/) - [Davis Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/davis-park/) - [Tropicana Field](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tropicana-field/) - [Largo Central Park Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/largo-central-park-nature-preserve/) - [UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Office](https://baysoundings.com/venue/uf-ifas-extension-sarasota-county-office/) - [Violet Cury Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/violet-cury-preserve-2/) - [Eagle Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/eagle-lake-park/) - [TASCO](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tasco/) - [Sarasota Audubon Nature Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/sarasota-audubon-nature-center/) - [Blue Pagoda](https://baysoundings.com/venue/blue-pagoda/) - [Sunnyhill Recreation Area](https://baysoundings.com/venue/sunnyhill-recreation-area/) - [Morningside Recreation Complex](https://baysoundings.com/venue/morningside-recreation-complex/) - [Land O' Lakes Heritage Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/land-o-lakes-heritage-park-2/) - [Saddle Creek Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/saddle-creek-park/) - [UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County](https://baysoundings.com/venue/ufifas-extension-hillsborough-county/) - [ROBINSON PRESERVE](https://baysoundings.com/venue/robinson-preserve-2/) - [Rye Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/rye-preserve-2/) - [Florida Botanical Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-botanical-gardens-2/) - [Ochs 4H Community Garden](https://baysoundings.com/venue/ochs-4h-community-garden/) - [Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lake-maggiore-environmental-education-center/) - [St. Pete Beach](https://baysoundings.com/venue/st-pete-beach/) - [Azalea Recreation Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/azalea-recreation-center/) - [Florida Botanical Gardens -Wedding Garden](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-botanical-gardens-wedding-garden/) - [Clearwater Solid Waste Complex - Campbell](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-solid-waste-complex-campbell/) - [Coquina Beach](https://baysoundings.com/venue/coquina-beach/) - [Online Event](https://baysoundings.com/venue/online-event/) - [Florida Learning Garden](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-learning-garden/) - [Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Environmental Education Center at Reed Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/keep-tampa-bay-beautiful-environmental-education-center-at-reed-park/) - [Water Works Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/water-works-park/) - [Sarasota Audubon Society Nature Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/sarasota-audubon-society-nature-center/) - [Veterans Memorial Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/veterans-memorial-park/) - [ZOOM](https://baysoundings.com/venue/zoom-2/) - [Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/camp-bayou-2/) - [IN YOUR HOME](https://baysoundings.com/venue/in-your-home/) - [Bethune Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bethune-park/) - [Anclote Key State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/anclote-key-state-park/) - [U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters](https://baysoundings.com/venue/u-s-coast-guard-auxiliary-flotilla-11-1-headquarters/) - [Cypress Run Golf Club](https://baysoundings.com/venue/cypress-run-golf-club/) - [Tenoroc Public Use Area](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tenoroc-public-use-area/) - [Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area](https://baysoundings.com/venue/babcock-webb-wildlife-management-area-2/) - [Se7en Wetlands Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/se7en-wetlands-park/) - [Edward Medard Conservation Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/edward-medard-conservation-park/) - [Johnson Preserve at Braden River](https://baysoundings.com/venue/johnson-preserve-at-braden-river/) - [Anna Maria Bayfront Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/anna-maria-bayfront-park/) - [Johnson Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/johnson-preserve/) - [Ringling College of Art and Design](https://baysoundings.com/venue/ringling-college-of-art-and-design/) - [Grandview Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/grandview-park/) - [T. Mabry Carlton Reserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/t-mabry-carlton-reserve/) - [Crystal River Preserve State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/crystal-river-preserve-state-park/) - [Tom Bennett Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tom-bennett-park/) - [Hillsborough County Extension](https://baysoundings.com/venue/hillsborough-county-extension-2/) - [Bruton Memorial Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bruton-memorial-library/) - [UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension](https://baysoundings.com/venue/ufifas-manatee-county-extension-2/) - [Starkey Environmental Education Building](https://baysoundings.com/venue/starkey-environmental-education-building/) - [Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/cockroach-bay-preserve-state-park-2/) - [St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club](https://baysoundings.com/venue/st-petersburg-shuffleboard-club/) - [Hilton Carillon Park Hotel](https://baysoundings.com/venue/hilton-carillon-park-hotel/) - [North Tampa Branch Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/north-tampa-branch-library/) - [Seminole Heights Branch Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/seminole-heights-branch-library/) - [Temple Terrace Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/temple-terrace-public-library/) - [Charles J. Fendig Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/charles-j-fendig-public-library/) - [Austin Davis Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/austin-davis-public-library/) - [Seffner-Mango Branch Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/seffner-mango-branch-library/) - [Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/jimmie-b-keel-regional-library/) - [Lutz Branch Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lutz-branch-library/) - [Town 'N Country Regional Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/town-n-country-regional-public-library/) - [North Straub Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/north-straub-park/) - [22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, USA](https://baysoundings.com/venue/22nd-ave-s-st-petersburg-fl-usa/) - [Concordia Village](https://baysoundings.com/venue/concordia-village/) - [Egmont Key State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/egmont-key-state-park/) - [Land O' Lakes Heritage Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/land-o-lakes-heritage-park/) - [KENDRICK AUDITORIUM](https://baysoundings.com/venue/kendrick-auditorium/) - [Spectrum Field,](https://baysoundings.com/venue/spectrum-field/) - [Fort Harrison](https://baysoundings.com/venue/fort-harrison/) - [Crescent Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/crescent-lake-park/) - [Bishop Museum of Science and Nature](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bishop-museum-of-science-and-nature/) - [St. Petersburg](https://baysoundings.com/venue/st-petersburg/) - [Clearwater MLK Jr. Neighborhood Center Coalition](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-mlk-jr-neighborhood-center-coalition/) - [Bradenton Area Convention Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bradenton-area-convention-center/) - [Clearwater Community Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-community-gardens/) - [TradeWinds Island Resort Pavilion](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tradewinds-island-resort-pavilion/) - [Florida](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-2/) - [EG Simmons Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/eg-simmons-park/) - [Grassy Point Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/grassy-point-preserve/) - [Leffis Key](https://baysoundings.com/venue/leffis-key/) - [Ken Thompson Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/ken-thompson-park/) - [Felts Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/felts-preserve/) - [J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/j-b-starkey-wilderness-park-education-center/) - [Riverview Pointe Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/riverview-pointe-preserve/) - [Clearwater Marine Aquarium](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-marine-aquarium/) - [Bartlett Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bartlett-park/) - [Neal Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/neal-preserve/) - [Manatee Public Beach](https://baysoundings.com/venue/manatee-public-beach/) - [Albert Whitted Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/albert-whitted-park/) - [College of Marine Science](https://baysoundings.com/venue/college-of-marine-science/) - [Pinellas Pioneer Settlement](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pinellas-pioneer-settlement/) - [The Ft. Harrison](https://baysoundings.com/venue/the-ft-harrison/) - [Lake Chautauqua Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lake-chautauqua-park/) - [Palma Sola Botanical Garden](https://baysoundings.com/venue/palma-sola-botanical-garden/) - [Clam Bayou Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clam-bayou-nature-preserve/) - [Safety Harbor Waterfront Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/safety-harbor-waterfront-park-2/) - [FISH Cortez, Florida](https://baysoundings.com/venue/fish-cortez-florida-2/) - [Manatee County Utility Department](https://baysoundings.com/venue/manatee-county-utility-department-3/) - [SPC Gibbs Campus](https://baysoundings.com/venue/spc-gibbs-campus-2/) - [Manatee County Fair](https://baysoundings.com/venue/manatee-county-fair-2/) - [Hillsborough Community College SouthShore Campus](https://baysoundings.com/venue/hillsborough-community-college-southshore-campus/) - [Vaughn Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/vaughn-center/) - [Largo Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/largo-library/) - [Via the Internet](https://baysoundings.com/venue/via-the-internet/) - [Cliff Stephens Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/cliff-stephens-park/) - [Pier 60 Clearwater Beach](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pier-60-clearwater-beach/) - [Turtle Cove Marina](https://baysoundings.com/venue/turtle-cove-marina/) - [Hammock Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/hammock-park/) - [Clearwater East Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-east-library/) - [Stetson University College of Law](https://baysoundings.com/venue/stetson-university-college-of-law/) - [Mirror Lake Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/mirror-lake-library/) - [Clearwater Main Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-main-library/) - [Freedom Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/freedom-lake-park/) - [Child’s Park Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/childs-park-library/) - [The Manatee Viewing Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/the-manatee-viewing-center/) - [Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lemon-bay-park-and-environmental-center/) - [The ArtLofts](https://baysoundings.com/venue/the-artlofts/) - [Rotary Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/rotary-park/) - [Lake Parker Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lake-parker-park/) - [Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge](https://baysoundings.com/venue/merritt-island-national-wildlife-refuge/) - [Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/moccasin-lake-nature-park-2/) - Open: Thurs., Fri., & Sat.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.: noon-4 p.m. Closed all city holidays Days and times are subject to change. Free admission - [Crest Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/crest-lake-park/) - Closed from 9:00 PM until 6:00 AM - [USF St. Petersburg University Student Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/usf-st-petersburg-university-student-center/) - [Flagler College](https://baysoundings.com/venue/flagler-college/) - [Audubon Center for Birds of Prey](https://baysoundings.com/venue/audubon-center-for-birds-of-prey/) - [John Chesnut Sr. Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/john-chesnut-sr-park/) - [Circle-B-Bar Reserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/circle-bar-b/) - [Al Lopez Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/al-lopez-park/) - [Itchepassa Wetlands](https://baysoundings.com/venue/itchepassa-wetlands/) - [A.L. Anderson Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/a-l-anderson-park/) - [Shell Key Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/shell-key-preserve/) - [Nature's Food Patch, Patchworks Community Room](https://baysoundings.com/venue/natures-food-patch-patchworks-community-room/) - [Gulf Beaches Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/gulf-beaches-library/) - [Dunedin Community Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/dunedin-community-center/) - [SPC Tarpon Springs Campus Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/spc-tarpon-springs-campus-library/) - [Pinellas County Animal Services](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pinellas-county-animal-services/) - [St. Petersburg Water Resources Department](https://baysoundings.com/venue/st-petersburg-water-resources-department/) - [Clearwater Garden Club](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-garden-club/) - [Pinellas Park Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pinellas-park-library/) - [Safety Harbor Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/safety-harbor-library/) - [Pinellas Park Community gARTen](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pinellas-park-community-garten/) - [Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tampa-bay-watch-marine-education-center/) - [Clayton Hall](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clayton-hall/) - [Home Depot- Port Richey](https://baysoundings.com/venue/home-depot-port-richey/) - [UF/GCREC](https://baysoundings.com/venue/ufgcrec/) - [Braden River Library ](https://baysoundings.com/venue/braden-river-library/) - [Island Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/island-library/) - [Lakewood Ranch Townhall](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lakewood-ranch-townhall/) - [Long Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/long-center/) - [Kapok Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/kapok-park/) - [Rocky Bluff Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/rocky-bluff-library/) - [Chinsegut Conservation Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/chinsegut-conservation-center/) - [Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lower-green-swamp-nature-preserve/) - [Little Manatee River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/little-manatee-river-state-park/) - [De Soto National Memorial Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/de-soto-national-memorial-park/) - [Dell Holmes Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/dell-holmes-park/) - [St Petersburg Sailing Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/st-petersburg-sailing-center/) - [Neem Tree Farms](https://baysoundings.com/venue/neem-tree-farms/) - [Philippe Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/philippe-park/) - [Aging Well Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/aging-well-center/) - [Boyd Hill - 31st Street S](https://baysoundings.com/venue/boyd-hill-31st-street-s/) - [USF Patel Center Auditorium](https://baysoundings.com/venue/usf-patel-center-auditorium/) - [Pinellas County Heritage Village](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pinellas-county-heritage-village/) - [Manatee County Fair Grounds](https://baysoundings.com/venue/manatee-county-fair-grounds/) - [Manatee County Utility Department](https://baysoundings.com/venue/manatee-county-utility-department/) - [USF Botanical Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/venue/usf-botanical-gardens/) - [FWRI/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute](https://baysoundings.com/venue/fwrifish-and-wildlife-research-institute/) - [Wilcox Nursery & Landscape](https://baysoundings.com/venue/wilcox-nursery-landscape/) - [Land O’ Lakes Community Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/land-o-lakes-community-center-2/) - [Barbara S. Ponce Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/barbara-s-ponce-library/) - [Rock Ponds ](https://baysoundings.com/venue/rock-ponds/) - [MacDill Air Force Base ](https://baysoundings.com/venue/macdill-air-force-base-5/) - [Honeymoon Island](https://baysoundings.com/venue/honeymoon-island/) - [Oyster Bar Restoration Project](https://baysoundings.com/venue/oyster-bar-restoration-project-3/) - [Tampa Bay Watch](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tampa-bay-watch/) - [Rowlett Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/rowlett-park/) - [UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County](https://baysoundings.com/venue/ufifas-extension/) - [Lake Frances Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lake-frances-nature-preserve/) - [Honeymoon Island State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/honeymoon-island-state-park/) - [Port Manatee ](https://baysoundings.com/venue/port-manatee/) - [Lutz Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lutz-library/) - [Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/jan-kaminis-platt-regional-library/) - [SouthShore Regional Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/southshore-regional-library/) - [Bloomingdale Regional Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bloomingdale-regional-library/) - [Riverview Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/riverview-library/) - [Seminole Heights Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/seminole-heights-library/) - [Port Tampa City Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/port-tampa-city-library/) - [Temple Terrace Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/temple-terrace-library/) - [Charles Fendig Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/charles-fendig-library/) - [Town and County Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/town-and-county-library/) - [Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/upper-tampa-bay-regional-library/) - [Seffner-Mango Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/seffner-mango-library/) - [New Tampa Regional Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/new-tampa-regional-library/) - [James E Grey Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/james-e-grey-preserve/) - [S Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier](https://baysoundings.com/venue/s-sunshine-skyway-fishing-pier/) - [First United Methodist Church](https://baysoundings.com/venue/first-united-methodist-church/) - [Felt's Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/felts-preserve-2/) - [Cedar Key](https://baysoundings.com/venue/cedar-key/) - [Flatwoods Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/flatwoods-park/) - [Bayfront Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/bayfront-park/) - [Starkey Park Educational Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/starkey-park-educational-center/) - [Gulfport Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/gulfport-public-library/) - [Oldsmar Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/oldsmar-public-library/) - [East Lake Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/east-lake-library/) - [Clearwater Harbor Marina](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-harbor-marina/) - [Walter Fuller Recreation Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/walter-fuller-recreation-center/) - [Around The Bend Nature Tours](https://baysoundings.com/venue/around-the-bend-nature-tours/) - [Terra Ceia Preserve State Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/terra-ceia-preserve-state-park/) - [Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-keys-eco-discovery-center/) - [Siesta Public Beach](https://baysoundings.com/venue/siesta-public-beach/) - [Mandarin HIde](https://baysoundings.com/venue/mandarin-hide/) - [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-commission/) - [Dunedin Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/dunedin-public-library/) - [Clearwater Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/clearwater-public-library/) - [Sweetwater Kayaks](https://baysoundings.com/venue/sweetwater-kayaks/) - [Florida Aquarium](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-aquarium/) - [Stanley Environmental Educational Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/stanley-environmental-educational-center/) - [Coffeepot Bayou](https://baysoundings.com/venue/coffeepot-bayou/) - [Weeki Wachee Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/weeki-wachee-preserve/) - [Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tampa-bay-regional-planning-council/) - [Tampa Bay Estuary Program](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tampa-bay-estuary-program/) - [Lowry Park Zoo](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lowry-park-zoo/) - [Twin Lakes Subdivision](https://baysoundings.com/venue/twin-lakes-subdivision/) - [Cypress Creek Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/cypress-creek-nature-preserve/) - [South Florida Museum](https://baysoundings.com/venue/south-florida-museum/) - Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday - [Carillon Wellness Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/carillon-wellness-center/) - [Florida State Fairgrounds](https://baysoundings.com/venue/florida-state-fairgrounds/) - [Sawgrass Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/sawgrass-lake-park/) - [The Manatee County Master Gardeners’ Educational Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/venue/the-manatee-county-master-gardeners-educational-gardens/) - Across the street from Palmetto High School. Ample free parking available. - [Jean Purcell Hendry Conference Hall at Mote Marine Laboratory](https://baysoundings.com/venue/jean-purcell-hendry-conference-hall-at-mote-marine-laboratory/) - [Sweetbay Nursery](https://baysoundings.com/venue/sweetbay-nursery/) - [Mote Marine Laboratory](https://baysoundings.com/venue/mote-marine-laboratory/) - [Lealman Asian Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/lealman-asian-center/) - [Ritz-Carlton-Sarasota](https://baysoundings.com/venue/ritz-carlton-sarasota/) - [Duette Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/duette-preserve/) - [Tampa Bay Watch Marine Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tampa-bay-watch-marine-center/) - [Palm Harbor Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/palm-harbor-library/) - [Land O' Lakes Community Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/land-o-lakes-community-center/) - [Wall Springs Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/wall-springs-park/) - [John Chestnut, Sr. County Park](https://baysoundings.com/venue/john-chestnut-sr-county-park/) - [Garden Club of St. Petersburg](https://baysoundings.com/venue/garden-club-of-st-petersburg/) - [Pinellas County Extension](https://baysoundings.com/venue/pinellas-county-extension/) - [Brooker Creek Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/venue/brooker-creek-preserve/) - [Tarpon Springs Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/venue/tarpon-springs-public-library/) - [Heritage Village](https://baysoundings.com/venue/heritage-village/) - Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 1 - 4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and all county holidays. - [Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/weedon-island-preserve-cultural-and-natural-history-center/) - Closed all Pinellas County holidays. - [Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center](https://baysoundings.com/venue/brooker-creek-environmental-education-center/) - Closed all Pinellas County holidays. ## Organizers - [Clearwater Community Woman’s Club](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/clearwater-community-womans-club/) - [Friends of Moccasin Lake](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/friends-of-moccasin-lake/) - [Florida Guf Coast University](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-guf-coast-university/) - [Tampa Garden Club](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/tampa-garden-club/) - [Sierra Club Florida Chapter](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/sierra-club-florida-chapter/) - [The Water Institute](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/the-water-institute/) - [Pasco Audubon](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pasco-audubon/) - [St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/st-petersburg-parks-and-recreation/) - [Friends of Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/friends-of-tampa-bay-national-wildlife-refuges/) - [St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/st-petersburg-parks-recreation-2/) - [Raptor Center of Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/raptor-center-of-tampa-bay-2/) - [Seaside Seabird Sanctuary](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/seaside-seabird-sanctuary-2/) - [Tampa Bay Waterkeeper](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/tampa-bay-waterkeeper/) - [Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/conservation-foundation-of-the-gulf-coast-2/) - [Florida West Coast Orchid Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-west-coast-orchid-society/) - [Manatee County](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/manatee-county/) - [Friends of Weedon Island](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/friends-of-weedon-island/) - [Sarasota Audubon Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/sarasota-audubon-society/) - [Marine Discovery Center](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/marine-discovery-center/) - [Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/keep-tampa-bay-beautiful/) - [Sensing Nature](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/sensing-nature/) - [U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Clearwater](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/u-s-coast-guard-auxiliary-clearwater/) - [Clearwater Parks & Recreation](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/clearwater-parks-recreation/) - [UF/FAS Extension Hillsborough](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/uffas-extension/) - [West Pasco Audubon Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/west-pasco-audubon-society/) - [Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation, Inc.](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-botanical-gardens-foundation-inc/) - [Keep Pinellas Beautiful](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/keep-pinellas-beautiful/) - [Body Electric Yoga Co](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/body-electric-yoga-co/) - [Bishop Museum of Science & Nature](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/bishop-museum-of-science--nature/) - [St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/st-petersburg-parks-recreation/) - [Keep Manatee Beautiful](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/keep-manatee-beautiful/) - [Florida](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-3/) - [E.G. Simmons Conservation Park](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/e-g-simmons-conservation-park/) - [FRIENDS IN FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/friends-in-focus-photography-club-2/) - [SAFETY HARBOR GARDENING CLUB](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/safety-harbor-gardening-club-2/) - [Manatee County Extension](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/manatee-county-extension/) - [South Florida Museum](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/south-florida-museum/) - [St. Petersburg Astronomy Club](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/st-petersburg-astronomy-club-2/) - [Cherokees of Central Florida](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/cherokees-of-central-florida/) - [Clearwater Turtle & Tortoise Club](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/clearwater-turtle-club/) - [Clam Bayou Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/clam-bayou-nature-preserve/) - [Pinellas Native Plant Soceity](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pinellas-native-plant-soceity/) - [Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-institute-for-saltwater-heritage-2/) - [Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/friends-of-boyd-hill-nature-preserve-2/) - [U. S. Coast Guard Sea Partners Program](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/u-s-coast-guard-sea-partners-program-2/) - [Clearwater Marine Aquarium](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/clearwater-marine-aquarium/) - Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Education Department is dedicated to inspiring guests of all ages to appreciate the marine environment while promoting conservation action and developing an understanding for the irreplaceable value of all life in our world’s ocean. - [U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Tarpon Springs Flotilla](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/u-s-coast-guard-auxiliary-tarpon-springs-flotilla/) - [Florida Master Money Mentors](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-master-money-mentors/) - [St. Petersburg Astronomy Club](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/st-petersburg-astronomy-club/) - [Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/charlotte-harbor-national-estuary-program/) - [Wild Birds Unlimited of Clearwater](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/wild-birds-unlimited-of-clearwater/) - [Florida Public Archaeology Network](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-public-archaeology-network/) - [St Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/st-petersburg-sail-and-power-squadron/) - [Friends of the Largo Nature Parks](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/friends-of-the-largo-nature-parks/) - [The Egmont Key Alliance](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/the-egmont-key-alliance/) - [Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/cape-coral-friends-of-wildlife/) - [Osprey Bay Outdoors](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/osprey-bay-outdoors/) - [Chainwheel Drive](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/chainwheel-drive/) - [The Edible Garden](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/the-edible-garden/) - [Suncoast Sierra Club](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/suncoast-sierra-club/) - [Pinellas Beekeepers](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pinellas-beekeepers/) - [Florida Herb Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-herb-society/) - [Moccasin Lake Nature Park](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/moccasin-lake-nature-park/) - [UF | IFAS OCI](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/uf-ifas-oci/) - [Turtle and Tortoise Club of Florida](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/turtle-and-tortoise-club-of-florida/) - [Tampa Bay Audubon Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/tampa-audubon-society/) - [Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/friends-of-brooker-creek-preserve/) - [Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pinellas-energy-efficiency-project/) - [Dunedin Community Center](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/dunedin-community-center/) - [Clearwater Garden Club](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/clearwater-garden-club/) - [Safety Harbor Library](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/safety-harbor-library/) - [UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/ufifas-extension-pinellas-county/) - [UF/IFAS Pasco Cooperative Extension](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/ufifas-extension/) - [Southwest Florida Water Management District ](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/southwest-florida-water-management-district/) - [Hukyu Bonsai Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/hukyu-bonsai-society/) - [Clearwater Audubon Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/clearwater-audubon-society/) - [Florida Native Plant Society-Pinellas Chapter](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-native-plant-society-pinellas-chapter/) - [Wings Over Florida Program](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/wings-over-florida-program/) - [Palm Harbor Library](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/palm-harbor-library/) - [Neem Tree Farms](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/neem-tree-farms/) - [Suncoast Herpetological Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/suncoast-herpetological-society/) - [American Littoral Society, Southeast Region](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/american-littoral-society-southeast-region/) - [Pinellas County Farm Bureau](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pinellas-county-farm-bureau/) - [Manatee County Fair](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/manatee-county-fair/) - [UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/ufifas-manatee-county-extension/) - [USF Botanical Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/usf-botanical-gardens/) - [Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/nature-coast-chapter-of-the-florida-native-plant-society-2/) - [Pinellas County Animal Services ](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pinellas-county-animal-services/) - [Tampa Bay Watch](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/tampa-bay-watch-7/) - [West Pasco Audubon](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/west-pasco-audubon/) - [Weedon Island Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/weedon-island-preserve/) - [Friends of the Island Parks and Honeymoon & Caladesi Island State Parks](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/friends-of-the-island-parks-and-honeymoon-caladesi-island-state-parks/) - [Hillsborough County Extension](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/hillsborough-county-extension/) - [Manatee Audubon Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/manatee-audubon-society/) - [Paul Trunk ](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/paul-trunk/) - [Lynn Sumerson](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/lynn-sumerson/) - [John Hood](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/john-hood/) - [Madeleine Bohrer](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/madeleine-bohrer/) - [Heinrich Ecological Services](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/heinrich-ecological-services/) - [Becky O'Sullivan](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/becky-osullivan/) - [Oldsmar Public Library](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/oldsmar-public-library/) - [Florida Botanical Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-botanical-gardens/) - [East Lake Library](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/east-lake-library/) - [Reef Monitoring, Inc](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/reef-monitoring-inc/) - [Sarasota Bay Estuary](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/sarasota-bay-estuary/) - [Around The Bend](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/around-the-bend/) - [Florida Native Plant Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-native-plant-society/) - [Manatee Fish & Game Association](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/manatee-fish-game-association/) - [Camp Bayou](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/camp-bayou/) - [Sustainable Living](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/sustainable-living/) - [Tampa Bay Watch](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/tampa-bay-watch/) - [Pinellas County Extension](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pinellas-county-extension/) - [Pinellas County](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pinellas-county/) - [Boyd Hill Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/boyd-hill-nature-preserve/) - [Sweetwater Kayaks](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/sweetwater-kayaks/) - [Mote Marine & Aquarium](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/mote-marine-aquarium/) - [Mote Marine & Aquarium](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/mote-marine-aquarium-2/) - [Florida Aquarium](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-aquarium/) - [Pasco County Extension](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/pasco-county-extension/) - [St. Petersburg Audubon](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/st-petersburg-audubon/) - [Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/tampa-bay-regional-planning-council/) - [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/florida-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-commission/) - [Suncoast chapter Florida Native Plant Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/suncoast-chapter-florida-native-plant-society/) - [Tampa Bay Estuary Program](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/tampa-bay-estuary-program/) - [Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/nature-coast-chapter-of-the-florida-native-plant-society/) - [Brooker Creek Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/organizer/brooker-creek-preserve/) ## Events - [Homeschool Classes - Marine Biology](https://baysoundings.com/event/homeschool-classes-marine-biology/) - Dive into Marine Biology with Tampa Bay Watch! Tampa Bay Watch is thrilled to introduce a brand-new marine biology unit designed specifically for local homeschoolers. Join us at the beginning of each month for an exciting, hands-on learning experience! These student-only sessions are perfect for curious minds ages 6 and up, offering opportunities to explore - [Micro-irrigation: Hands-On, How-To](https://baysoundings.com/event/micro-irrigation-hands-on-how-to/) - Save water! Learn how to give your landscape plants precision irrigation with this lecture and hands-on demonstration on micro-irrigation. Join in this informative presentation to learn about micro-irrigation, the water savings it can provide, and practical installation information for your home landscape. The hands-on portion will be taught using demonstration kits featuring common components of - [Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Fertilize Appropriately](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-friendly-landscaping-fertilize-appropriately/) - FFL Principle Number 3, "Fertilize Appropriately," provides guidance on how to best give your landscape plants the nutrients they need. This is the fourth in a series of Florida-Friendly Landscaping webinars for residents of Pasco County! (Please register for each individual webinar presentation of the series, as the corresponding Zoom link will be sent out - [Weed control in the lawn and landscape](https://baysoundings.com/event/weed-control-in-the-lawn-and-landscape/) - Learn from an expert on how to tell the difference and the best ways to deal with them in your yard. Weeds are not only pesky but compete with turf and garden plants for water, sunlight and nutrients as well as detract from your yard's appearance. Some Florida weeds are just plants growing where they - [Water Bath Canning 101: Jams and Jellies](https://baysoundings.com/event/water-bath-canning-101-jams-and-jellies-2/) - This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind making jams and jellies, and a food tasting. Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to make homemade jams and jellies. Strawberry jalapeño jam will be made. This class will include information and resources on safe canning - [Container Gardening For Every Space on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/container-gardening-for-every-space-on-zoom/) - Get your green thumb ready and join us online to learn how to create a beautiful garden in any space during our Container Gardening Workshop >>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION - [Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Newcomers](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-friendly-landscaping-for-newcomers-3/) - Learn how to create a beautiful and sustainable garden in Florida with our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Newcomers event! Welcome to Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Newcomers! Join us at Palma Sola Botanical Park for a fun and informative event all about creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape in Florida. Whether you're new to gardening or just moved - [Fight the Bite](https://baysoundings.com/event/fight-the-bite/) - Learn what Pinellas County Mosquito Control is doing to protect public health through Integrated Mosquito Management. Our presentation will touch on the history of mosquito-borne illnesses and mosquito control in the state of Florida, important steps you can take to prevent mosquito breeding around your home, protecting yourself from mosquito bites, and information about the - [Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!](https://baysoundings.com/event/reptile-wednesday-with-dennis-2/) - Explore reptiles with a friendly expert, get your questions answered, and level up your knowledge in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session. 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! - [Meet a Master Gardener](https://baysoundings.com/event/meet-a-master-gardener-2-2/) - Stop in to talk all things plant-related, like attracting butterflies and birds to your garden and growing vegetables and herbs. Feel free to bring samples or photos for plant identification or problem solving. - [Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-night-hike-2-6/) - 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 - [Adult Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/adult-night-hike-3-2-2/) - Adults enjoy a night hike out into the preserve after hours and in the dark! Experience the tranquil sounds of nature on our monthly adult-only night hike, where the rustling of leaves and calls of nocturnal animals set the perfect backdrop. As you walk, you might even catch a glimpse of a wild creature in - [Be a Biologist: Invasive Species](https://baysoundings.com/event/be-a-biologist-invasive-species/) - Join our scrub habitat where you become the biologist. Take a hike with our rangers and learn all about our unique population of gopher tortoises. During the hike, participants will help with a citizen science activity. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Owls, Hawks, Falcons, Oh My!](https://baysoundings.com/event/owls-hawks-falcons-oh-my/) - Ages 8 yrs - 12 yrs Join the St. Petersburg Audubon in exploring our apex predators: RAPTORS! Participants will have the opportunity to dissect an owl pellet, and with the assistance of charts, identify the prey species the owl dined on. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Wildflower Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildflower-walk-2/) - Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of native Florida flowers on this ranger-led hike. Join us monthly to discover which flowers are in bloom and learn about their unique beauty and ecological importance in our area. All ages welcome with a registered adult. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Mighty Migrations](https://baysoundings.com/event/mighty-migrations/) - Join our rangers as we introduce participants to the amazing migratory patterns of birds in Florida! Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, kids will learn about the significance of migration and the species that call Florida home during their journeys. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Hiking into the Horizons](https://baysoundings.com/event/hiking-into-the-horizons/) - Join our park rangers for the last hike of the year at the Preserve. Walk through the preserve and plan your new year's resolution. Ages 12 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Exploration Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/exploration-hike-3/) - Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve, perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Learn about the history of Boyd Hill, its diverse ecosystems, and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s natural wonders. All ages welcome with a registered adult. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Nature Riders](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-riders/) - Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our bike hike! This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails and learn about nature along the way. Must bring own helmet. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Gardening From Seeds for the Home Gardener](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-from-seeds-for-the-home-gardener/) - Master Gardener Speaker Series Gardening From Seeds for the Home Gardener Why not start your garden with seeds? Learn different methods and what tools are needed to start seeds successfully and boost seedling survival. We will also cover how to care for seedling and transplant with confidence, as well as seed sources and how to - [Florida Lawns and Groundcovers](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-lawns-and-groundcovers/) - Master Gardener Speaker Series Florida Lawns and Groundcovers Tired of struggling to keep your lawn beautiful in our challenging climate? Join Pinellas County Master Gardener Volunteer to discuss some of the challenges of maintaining traditional grass lawns and discover some beautiful low maintenance alternatives to grass. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Container Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/container-gardening-2/) - Master Gardener Speaker Series Container Gardening Growing vegetables, herbs and flowers in containers can help utilize small spaces, create beautiful garden centers in your landscape and give you flexibility to move your plants around. Join Pinellas County Master Gardener Volunteer who will lead you through all the steps you need to get your container garden - [Preparing for Your Spring Vegetable Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/preparing-for-your-spring-vegetable-garden/) - Mid-December is when central Florida gardeners should be actively planning their spring veggie gardens. Join us for UF/IFAS Extension info! Even though it is still the winter season in central Florida, it is time to think about what vegetables you will plant, grow, and harvest this spring. Spring gardening in central Florida starts when the - [Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Water Efficiently](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-friendly-landscaping-water-efficiently/) - FFL Principle Number 2, "Water Efficiently," provides guidance on how to irrigate right and not over water. Save water and save money! This is the third in a series of Florida-Friendly Landscaping webinars for residents of Pasco County! Please register for each individual webinar presentation of the series, as the corresponding Zoom link will be - [Horticulture in Arts and Crafts](https://baysoundings.com/event/horticulture-in-arts-and-crafts-2/) - Discover how to use your flowers and plants for decorations, crafts and gifts at this seminar. Have you grown lots of flowers and plants? Now what? Discover how to preserve and use them for decorations, crafts and gifts. Samples will be shown of greeting cards, framed flower pictures, potpourri, a variety of seed tapes, seed - [Holiday Plants](https://baysoundings.com/event/holiday-plants/) - Come and get some tips about getting your plants ready for the season at this seminar. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Holiday Themed Container Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/holiday-themed-container-gardening/) - Planting in containers on your Lanai, porch, or indoors offers you a chance to be creative. Come learn more at this informative seminar. Even if you have a small space, you can have a wonderful variety of plants to enjoy year-round. Planting in containers on your lanai, porch, or indoors offers you a chance to - [Building and Caring for Terrariums](https://baysoundings.com/event/building-and-caring-for-terrariums/) - At this seminar you will learn to plant and care for a terrarium, with examples of containers, plants and problem solving solutions. A terrarium is a collection of small plants growing in a clear, usually enclosed container. You will learn to plant and care for a terrarium, with examples of containers, plants and problem solving - [Tampa Bay Super Bowl Paddle](https://baysoundings.com/event/tampa-bay-super-bowl-paddle/) - We will put in and take out at Rotary Park and paddle up to Lettuce Lake Park. At Lettuce Lake, we will have a group pizza lunch. We have a pavilion near the boat launch reserved, and we will furnish pizza directly to Lettuce Lake. We can enjoy lunch, walk the boardwalk, enjoy the birds and gators, - [Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade](https://baysoundings.com/event/hillsborough-river-holiday-boat-parade/) - 25th Annual Holiday Boat Parade sponsored by Friends of the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Bay Sierra Club Signup Instructions: All participants must register. Bring: Battery operated lights to decorate your canoe, kayak, paddle board or boat; water; layers of clothing in case it is cool after sundown; a flashlight; your own vessel; a whistle; - [Palms 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/palms-101/) - Get ready to dive into the world of palms at Palms 101, where you'll learn all about these iconic tropical and subtropical plants! Join us at Palma Sola Botanical Park for Palms 101 Get up close and personal with various palm species, discover their unique features, needs, common health issues, and learn how to care - [Rye Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/rye-preserve-tour-3-2-2/) - Guided tour through Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer! 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 - [Emerson Point Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/emerson-point-preserve-tour-3-2-2/) - Guided tour of Emerson Point Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer! First Saturday of the month (November - 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 - [GINGERBREAD HABITATS](https://baysoundings.com/event/gingerbread-habitats-2/) - Enjoy a day of gingerbread fun as your family creates a habitat for your favorite animal friends! Will you build an aviary for birds, a mountain for goats, or a grassland for lions? The possibilities are endless with our decorating supplies! Cost: $15 for one house (four participants per house) Ages 6 & up welcome - [S'MORES WITH SANTA](https://baysoundings.com/event/smores-with-santa-2-2/) - Let’s have s’more fun with Santa, his elves, and our rangers! Join us around the campfire to make delicious s’mores and snap photos with Santa at the Pioneer Settlement photo set. Join us on Friday or Saturday evening. Registration is required. However, Saturday also includes a limited walk-up option before TASCO’s Movie in the Park. - [Counting with the Birds](https://baysoundings.com/event/counting-with-the-birds-2/) - Have you heard of the Christmas Bird Count? It began in 1900—yes, that's right, 1900—and is the longest-running national citizen science project organized by the Audubon Society. Join us to learn about the CBC, discover how to count birds, and take part in a hike to apply your new skills. This is an educational program, - [Holiday Nature Crafts & Music](https://baysoundings.com/event/holiday-nature-crafts-music/) - Come visit Moccasin Lake Nature Park to make holiday crafts using natural and recycled materials and more. Participants will be able to assist in decorating the park’s Holiday Tree with their crafts along with taking an ornament home for themselves. Purchase yourself a treat from PattyeCakes! There will be reptiles and raptors to see! The - [Tiny Wildlife Experience](https://baysoundings.com/event/tiny-wildlife-experience/) - Wildlife abounds at the Weedon Island Preserve, especially the tiny kind, like butterflies, bees, crabs and other invertebrates. Join Center naturalist Liz Childress to learn how to see Weedon’s little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Preserve. The Experience starts with a short program, followed by a leisurely stroll weather permitting. Don’t forget - [Volunteer Archaeology Lab](https://baysoundings.com/event/volunteer-archaeology-lab-2-2/) - 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 - [Weedon Island Naturalist Guided Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/weedon-island-naturalist-guided-tour/) - Take a walk through some of Weedon Island’s coastal habitats on a guided tour of the Tower Boardwalk. Led by a knowledgeable Center naturalist, this tour offers a chance to explore the Preserve’s diverse ecosystems, native wildlife, and rich cultural history. Designed for adults and youth ages 10 and up (youth must be accompanied by - [Night Hike in the Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/night-hike-in-the-preserve-2-5/) - At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime. Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. - [Hidden Wonders Nature Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/hidden-wonders-nature-walk/) - This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of "Our Wildest Place." This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of "Our Wildest Place." We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Everyday - [Watershed Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/watershed-walk/) - Venture out along our tails with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan! Water is an important feature at Brooker Creek Preserve and on this hike you will learn the different ways we interact with water, the importance of wetlands and how you can make a difference in issues surrounding our water quality and quantity. Come and - [Sleep In Saturday Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/sleep-in-saturday-hike-2/) - Spend Saturday afternoon with a Naturalist who will lead you on a family-friendly nature hike in the Preserve! Explore the ecosystems and habitats of the Preserve with a volunteer hike guide. Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Intro to Plant Identification](https://baysoundings.com/event/intro-to-plant-identification-3/) - Explore the major plant groups! Join James Stevenson and examine the basics of plant identification, from using simple keys to identifying critical characteristics that will help any would-be botanist in the field. An emphasis will be placed on flowering plants. This class will provide a basic introduction to plant identification. This class is recommended as - [Nest Box Building Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/nest-box-building-workshop-6-2/) - Join us for an in-person workshop to "make and take" a Chickadee nest box for your yard! Want to help our local cavity nesters? Learn how to build your very own nest box for a Carolina Chickadee! In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the - [Botany Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/botany-walk/) - 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 - [Wreath Making Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/wreath-making-workshop/) - Learn how to make a beautiful holiday wreath from native grapevines! We will learn how to create the grapevine wreath base together. Our instructor will also share tips and tricks on how to decorate the base with extra foliage. Each participant will go home with a completed wreath “base” ready to decorate for the holidays! - [Women of Pinellas: Shaping Bird Protection in the Early 20th Century](https://baysoundings.com/event/women-of-pinellas-shaping-bird-protection-in-the-early-20th-century/) - Learn about the pioneer women of Pinellas and how they influenced legislation to protect birds during the early 20th century Join Quinton Spiaggi, volunteer research associate at the Palm Harbor Museum, in this informative presentation about the pioneer women of Pinellas and how they influenced legislation to protect birds during the early 20th century. Women - [Sunday Bird Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/sunday-bird-hike-2/) - 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, - [Connect to Nature Guided Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/connect-to-nature-guided-walk/) - Enjoy a family friendly nature hike! An escape to rejuvenate and connect with Mother Nature ( a cradle for wilderness). Take an extra step with Anu ( our new volunteer) to learn about habitat restoration and our resident species at BCP. Share some of your stories as a nature lover. This is a family friendly - [Teen Homeschooler Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/teen-homeschooler-hike/) - Teens are invited to explore the woods of "Our Wildest Place"! Join us on an educational guided hike geared toward teens! We’ll explore the native plants and animals that call Brooker Creek home with Volunteer hike guide and naturalist, Sara Ratza. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy after the hike together. Registration - [Bird Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/bird-walk-4/) - 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. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Little Manatee River State Park Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/little-manatee-river-state-park-hike/) - Join us for a 4-mile hike exploring open prairies, scrub and flatwoods. We will learn about the habitats and pause for quotes to help us connect with the natural world. Usual hiking gear/apparel e.g. water, hat, sun protection, mosquito protection, closed toe shoes, long pants recommended. Optional hiking sticks, sunglasses. Level: Moderate (About four miles) - [Suncoast Conservation Center](https://baysoundings.com/event/suncoast-conservation-center/) - We will be having a guided tour of the Suncoast Conservation Center and related facilities that will include learning about sea turtles that have been injured. We will see how they treat them so that they can be released back to their natural habitat. We will also see sea urchins, new fish hatchery and learn - [Uplands Habitat Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/uplands-habitat-hike/) - Join our rangers for a walk through the Preserve to discuss the upland habitats found at Boyd Hill. During this walk you will learn about our gopher tortoises that call the Preserve home, the characteristics of the habitat, and how we use prescribed fires to maintain them. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Herbs - Spice up your cool weather garden and table](https://baysoundings.com/event/herbs-spice-up-your-cool-weather-garden-and-table/) - This seminar on growing and cooking with herbs from the garden is a great opportunity for individuals to learn about the various uses and benefits of incorporating fresh herbs in their cooking. This interactive event would provide attendees with practical knowledge and tips on how to cultivate and harvest herbs from their garden, as well - [Selecting and Planting Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/selecting-and-planting-trees/) - Selecting and Planting Trees: Right Plant, Right Place Come join us as we learn the details of how to select, plant and care for trees in our home landscape. Did you know that in addition to the Right Place, there is also a Right Time to plant a tree? Join us as we learn the - [Flowers and Herbs in Containers](https://baysoundings.com/event/flowers-and-herbs-in-containers-2/) - Come learn how to grow flowers and herbs in convenient, versatile containers at this seminar. New to gardening? Want to experiment with new plants or herbs with little risk? Learn how to grow flowers and herbs in convenient, versatile containers. This easy, almost foolproof method allows anyone to try their hand at growing just what - [FFL Basic Landscape Design Copy](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-basic-landscape-design-copy/) - Concepts & Considerations-central FL Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) provides a wealth of information useful to design, install and maintain landscapes that are sustainable! Florida-Friendly landscape designs have the potential to significantly conserve and improve the quality of Florida’s water resources by focusing on more resource-efficient landscapes, correct installation, and best management choices. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program - [Container Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/container-gardening/) - Even if you have a small space, you can have a wonderful variety of plants to enjoy year-around. Come learn more at this seminar. Planting in containers on your lanai, porch, or indoors offers you a chance to be creative. You will learn the basics of growing in pots from selection of plants and pots, - [Basic Vegetable Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/basic-vegetable-gardening/) - For novice gardeners, learn the basics. For intermediate to advanced gardeners, take a refresher course to improve your knowledge. Basic vegetable gardening in Florida is easier than you think. There is nothing better than going to the garden to pick vegetables to serve your family. The freshness and how great they taste may even surprise - [FFL Basic Landscape Design](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-basic-landscape-design/) - Concepts & Considerations-central FL Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) provides a wealth of information useful to design, install and maintain landscapes that are sustainable! Florida-Friendly landscape designs have the potential to significantly conserve and improve the quality of Florida’s water resources by focusing on more resource-efficient landscapes, correct installation, and best management choices. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program - [Edible Landscaping Pasco](https://baysoundings.com/event/edible-landscaping-pasco/) - Creating an edible landscape need not be expensive or labor intensive. Come learn more about them at this seminar. Any landscape can provide edible crops by choosing attractive, well mannered plants. Creating an edible landscape need not be expensive or labor intensive. Even a modest container grown edible landscape can produce a bountiful harvest. Edible - [Lets Walk Florida: Mangrove, Coastal Plants, & Marine Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/lets-walk-florida-mangrove-coastal-plants-marine-tour/) - Join us for an educational guided walking tour through Werner Boyce Salt Springs Park and help support Let's Walk Florida. Join us to walk and learn! An educational guided nature walk will be led by Dr. Megan Moore, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County. You will learn about mangrove identification, coastal - [Pass-along Plants](https://baysoundings.com/event/pass-along-plants/) - Learn how to make memories by selecting plants that you can share with others. One for me, one for you; sharing our favorite plants. Look around. Do you see that plant that reminds you of a relative or friend? Learn how to make memories by selecting plants that you can share with others. Many of - [Plant This, Not That!](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-this-not-that/) - Plant This, Not That! Alternatives to Common Invasive Plants Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to the state (either intentionally or unintentionally) and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These plants often outcompete native species, disrupting natural ecosystems and causing various problems. Many common landscape - [Bats in our Central Florida Neighborhoods](https://baysoundings.com/event/bats-in-our-central-florida-neighborhoods/) - Most of what people think they know about bats is wrong. Come learn all about them at this informative seminar. Bats are not blind, they are not flying mice, and they wont get tangled in your hair. Yet, we have let our ignorance jeopardize one of Earth's assets. Bats play a crucial role in ecosystems - [Pollinator Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-gardening/) - Learn how to grow plants to attract pollinators to your yard. Join UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County to learn strategies to attract pollinators to your yard. In this in-person class, you will learn how to select and plant flowers in your home for a more pollinator-friendly landscape. This program is in support of the Carrollwood Pollinator - [Plant Your Plate: Peppers Hot Sauce 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-your-plate-peppers-hot-sauce-101/) - Peppers Hot Sauce 101 Discover pepper varieties and craft a homemade hot sauce in this fun, hands-on workshop. Spice up your day with UF/IFAS Extension! In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore the world of peppers—how they’re grown, their unique flavors, and what makes them hot. From sweet and mild to fiery and bold, we’ll cover - [Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/hillsborough-county-water-use-restrictions-workshop-on-zoom-2/) - Join us for the Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, designed to help residents understand current water use guidelines. This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents. During this workshop, we will cover best practices for outdoor water use, including guidance on using and reprogramming irrigationn controllers to conserve water effectively. You - [Composting Workshop on ZOOM](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-workshop-13-5/) - 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 Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-2/) - Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden! This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. This workshop will be held in the Conference Center at our office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. RAINWATER HARVESTING: Learn how to collect rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation while reducing erosion - [Microirrigation Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-14-5/) - 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 - [Composting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-workshop-2/) - Composting - learn how to turn trash into treasure! This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. This workshop will be offered IN PERSON in the Extension Service Conference Center. Our address is: 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials - [Science Rocks!](https://baysoundings.com/event/science-rocks-2-3/) - Science Rocks is FREE and hosted by the Clearwater Community Woman’s Club. This class is designed for children ages 4-6 years old, and all must be accompanied by a guardian. The class will cover many different science topics through literature, hands-on activities, discussion, art activities, and invited speakers. There is a maximum of 12 students - [Canoe Paddle Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/canoe-paddle-tour-2-2/) - Enjoy an hour and half of easy paddling on the Little Manatee River loop with your guide. Three seater canoe rentals or 1 person kayaks can be rented for $25. Or bring your own canoe or kayak and join us with a $5 donation. Reserve your canoe or kayak by calling the office at 813-641-8545. - [Canoe Paddle Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/canoe-paddle-tour/) - Enjoy an hour and half of easy paddling on the Little Manatee River loop with your guide. Three seater canoe rentals or 1 person kayaks can be rented for $25. Or bring your own canoe or kayak and join us with a $5 donation. Reserve your canoe or kayak by calling the office at 813-641-8545. - [Audubon Guided Bird Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/audubon-guided-bird-walk-3/) - Take a guided hike on Moccasin Lake’s newly renovated nature trail while seeking birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Meet in Moccasin Lake Parking Lot. Free event! >>> REGISTER HERE - [A Celestial Affair: The Bash at The Bishop](https://baysoundings.com/event/a-celestial-affair-the-bash-at-the-bishop/) - — AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD EVENING­ — — COCKTAILS | DINNER | DANCING — THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE | 201 10TH STREET WEST BRADENTON, FL 34205 >>> GET TICKETS - [Florida Forests Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-forests-hike-2-2/) - Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing...TREES! Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees. Lara tends to throw in some surprises on her hikes, so be ready when she asks for volunteers! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Be a Biologist: Tortoises](https://baysoundings.com/event/be-a-biologist-tortoises/) - Join our scrub habitat where you become the biologist. Take a hike with our rangers and learn all about our unique population of gopher tortoises. During the hike, participants will help with a citizen science activity. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Afternoon Adventures: Birding For Beginners](https://baysoundings.com/event/afternoon-adventures-birding-for-beginners/) - Join our rangers as they teach all about birding, no matter your experience! Learn what you will to become an avid birder. Explore why birds are important, what dangers they face, and how you can help our flighted friends. Binoculars will be available for loan. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Stelliferous Ancient Skies – Maya Astronomy](https://baysoundings.com/event/stelliferous-ancient-skies-maya-astronomy/) - Join us in the Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature as we explore the Maya masters of astronomy! Dive into the mythology behind the movement of celestial bodies, uncover the astronomical secrets hidden within incredible feats of architecture, unlock the intricate puzzle of the Maya calendar, and get lost in the legends - [Field Trip- Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-lake-apopka-wildlife-drive/) - Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (Orange County). Always a great opportunity to get a close-up look at many species we usually only see at a distance. This 12-mile drive through the area will give us lots of opportunities to see a very wide range of birds. Hopefully it will already be hosting thousands of ducks and - [Birding by Bike- Pinellas Trail](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-by-bike-pinellas-trail-2/) - Meet 8:00 AM Meet at Brooker Creek Preserve Parking lot, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 Contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com - [Field Trip: Honeymoon Island (Pinellas)](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-honeymoon-island-pinellas/) - This will be our first field trip here since it reopened after suffering major damage from the hurricanes last summer. Always a wonderful spot for shorebirds and the Osprey Trail for late migrants including Great Horned Owls if it is not overly buggy. Contact president@pascoaudubon.com - [Introduction to iNaturalist app](https://baysoundings.com/event/introduction-to-inaturalist-app/) - Don Fraser will give a practical introduction to the iNaturalist app. If you’re not already making use of this simple and exciting app, you probably should be. Whether your primary interest is birds, butterflies, or anything flora and/or fauna, this is the app for you. Don will help us all make the most of the - [Field Trip: Roosevelt Wetland](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-roosevelt-wetland/) - led by Eric Plage 10853 43rd St. N. (43rd and 110th Ave N.) Clearwater, FL 33765 https://pinellas.gov/roosevelt-creek-stormwater-facility-improvements-engineering-plans/ Meet at the entrance on 43rd St. There is a small unpaved parking lot that only can handle 3 or 4 cars; more parking is along 43rd. The trip will entail walking 2 miles or more on packed - [Birding Made Easy](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-made-easy/) - How everyone from beginners to advanced birders can use Merlin and eBird to enhance their birding. Speaker/leader: John Ficken Join us for our November Meeting and Program. John will start with a short slide presentation to introduce you to the latest updates to these birding tools from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Afterward, we’ll head - [Field Trip: John Chestnut Sr. Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-john-chestnut-sr-park/) - led by Cuneyt Yilmaz 2200 East Lake Road Palm Harbor, FL 34685 https://pinellas.gov/john-chesnut-sr-park-map Meet at the parking lot. What to Bring: Hat Binoculars Water Insect repellent Sunscreen - [Field Trip: Crescent Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-crescent-lake-park-2/) - Led by John Ficken 1320 5th St N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Meet at the parking lot. What to Bring: Hat Binoculars Water Insect repellent Sunscreen - [Hammock Park Field Trip](https://baysoundings.com/event/hammock-park-field-trip/) - Led by Eve Waterman 1900 San Mateo Dr. Dunedin, FL 34698 Meet at the parking lot. What to Bring: Hat Binoculars Water Insect repellent Sunscreen - [Field Trip: Boyd Hill](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-boyd-hill/) - St. Petersburg Audubon is continuing the Ron Smith “1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trips. Field Trip Leader: John Ficken Location: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks. Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am. What - [Terra Ceia Preserve State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/terra-ceia-preserve-state-park-2/) - Located just over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is 2,000 acres of mangrove forests, freshwater and saltwater wetlands, and uplands. Much of the preserve is in various stages of habitat restoration that is intended to return agricultural land to its natural and ecologically diverse condition. Park trails are - [Birding Myakka River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-myakka-river-state-park/) - Note that this is a mid-week trip! We will meet at 8:00 am at the Myakka River State Park Ranger Station on Wednesday. Take the first right into the parking area after you pay the entrance fee ($4 for single occupant vehicle, $6 for up to 8 occupants). We will check the river there, then - [Beginning Bird Walk at LLP](https://baysoundings.com/event/beginning-bird-walk-at-llp/) - 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 - [Native Plant Garden Maintenance](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-garden-maintenance-3/) - 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. Garden work includes planting, weeding and trimming, as needed. There is a $2 admission to the park which Suncoast can cover if you request ahead of time. Park in the lot - [Florida Orinithological Society Meeting](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-orinithological-society-meeting/) - Field Trips Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot an impressive variety of species, including herons, ospreys, and the iconic roseate spoonbills, while exploring the mangroves and marshes. These field trips offer not just an opportunity to witness the beauty of nature up close but also serve as a valuable educational experience, highlighting the importance of conservation and - [Birding at Fort De Soto](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-at-fort-de-soto/) - We will meet at 7:30 am at the East Beach parking area in front of the restrooms. We will drive and walk to various locations in the park where incoming migrants seem to be congregating. Walking is easy and will mostly be fairly short. Bring water, snacks, insect repellent and lunch if you want to - [Bonsai and Bootanicals Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/bonsai-and-bootanicals-workshop/) - Where Creepy Meets Crafty Join us for a frightfully fun evening where garden magic meets miniature masterpieces! Discover the ancient art of Bonsai in a hands-on class led by our expert instructor. Sip spooky cocktails and nibble eerie eats, all crafted from hauntingly delicious garden bootanicals. Bring a friend and experience a night of: •Creepy - [Biology of Barn Owls and How Boxes Help Them](https://baysoundings.com/event/biology-of-barn-owls-and-how-boxes-help-them/) - Presented by Scott Rashid, Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Center Tampa Garden Club. We'll meet and eat in person, but speaker will deliver his presentation on Zoom. In person and Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84959398693 - [Marine Biology Homeschool Classes](https://baysoundings.com/event/marine-biology-homeschool-classes/) - Dive into Marine Biology with Tampa Bay Watch! Tampa Bay Watch is thrilled to introduce a brand-new marine biology unit designed specifically for local homeschoolers. Join us at the beginning of each month for an exciting, hands-on learning experience! These student-only sessions are perfect for curious minds ages 6 and up, offering opportunities to explore - [Lets Walk Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/lets-walk-florida/) - Join us for an educational guided walking tour through Crews Lake Wilderness Park and help support Let's Walk Florida. Join us to walk and learn! An educational guided nature walk will be led by Dr. Megan Moore, the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County at Crews Lake Wilderness Park. You will learn - [Lichens - What's Not to Like?](https://baysoundings.com/event/lichens-whats-not-to-like/) - Look! Up in the tree! It's an alga! It's a fungus! It's both! It's a superlichen! Come discover the fascinating world of lichens during a hands-on presentation that will be of interest to students and adults. These amazing 'organisms' are combinations of fungal tissues embedded with algal cells. Lichens exist in a symbiotic relationship known - [Right Plant, Right Place](https://baysoundings.com/event/right-plant-right-place/) - How to Select Florida-Friendly Plants Landscape plants grow better using less water, less fertilizer and less pesticide if they are selected to match landscape conditions. Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principle #1 is "Right Plant, Right Place" and this presentation helps you know how to make those landscape matches! Achieving a healthy, low-maintenance home landscape starts with putting - [Who Gives a Hoot! - Owls in Your Neighborhood](https://baysoundings.com/event/who-gives-a-hoot-owls-in-your-neighborhood/) - Come learn about all the raptors that share our area at this informative seminar. Learn about an owl's anatomy, the different kinds that reside in Florida and the best practices to attract them to your neighborhood and why they help the environment. Learn about all the raptors that share our area. See how you can - [Using Native Plants in your Landscape](https://baysoundings.com/event/using-native-plants-in-your-landscape/) - Come learn more with our speaker, who is a member of the Nature Coast Native Plant Society and is a supporter of using native plants. Native plants are well adapted to local environmental conditions and offer numerous benefits. They support local wildlife, reduce maintenance, provide erosion control, air quality improvement and improve soil health. Native - [Hydroponics - Jar to Table: A Beginners Guide](https://baysoundings.com/event/hydroponics-jar-to-table-a-beginners-guide/) - Hydroponics - Jar to Table: A Beginners Guide to Hydroponics This presentation for beginners will describe a hydroponic system that does not require electricity or pumps! You will learn how to create a hydroponic garden for small or large spaces that you set up, and forget it! That is, until you are ready to harvest! - [Spice up your knowledge of ginger, turmeric, cardamom](https://baysoundings.com/event/spice-up-your-knowledge-of-ginger-turmeric-cardamom/) - We will delve into the rich history,cultivation, and versatile uses of these 3 spices at this seminar. We are thrilled to announce our upcoming seminar on the wonderful world of ginger, turmeric, and cardamom. Our speakers will share their knowledge and expertise on growing these spices, including their culinary applications. Participants can also taste and - [Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ for Homeowners](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-friendly-landscaping-for-homeowners/) - Learn how to create a beautiful and successful home landscape by following the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program principles! What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents. The Florida-Friendly - [Bats](https://baysoundings.com/event/bats/) - Humans need our beneficial flying friends, the Bats! Come learn more about bats at this educational seminar. Worldwide there are more than 1,400 species of bats. That is about 20% of all mammal species. Bats live everywhere on Earth, except in the most extreme deserts and polar regions. Bats consume insects, pollinate plants and disperse - [Meet your Forest: Tree & Fungi Walk and Talk](https://baysoundings.com/event/meet-your-forest-tree-fungi-walk-and-talk/) - 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 - [Plant Your Plate: Peppers at Jackson Heights-Bethesda](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-your-plate-peppers-at-jackson-heights-bethesda/) - Join us at the Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden on Saturdays for 5 weeks to learn how to successfully grow a pepper plant! Welcome to Plant Your Plate: Peppers @ Jackson Heights-Bethesda Community Garden! Join us at the garden at the 3302 E 22nd Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 for an in-person demonstration that will give you - [Plant Your Plate: Peppers at West Tampa Community Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-your-plate-peppers-at-west-tampa-community-garden/) - Join us at the West Tampa Grows Healthy Community Garden on Fridays at 9am for 5 weeks to learn how to successfully grow a pepper plant! Welcome to Plant Your Plate: Peppers @ West Tampa Grows Healthy Community Garden! Join us at the garden at the Martin Luther King Jr Center for an in-person demonstration - [Plant Your Plate: Peppers at Apollo Beach Community Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-your-plate-peppers-at-apollo-beach-community-garden/) - Join us at the Apollo Beach Community Garden every Tuesday for 5 weeks to learn how to successfully grow and harvest a pepper plant! Welcome to Plant Your Plate: Peppers @ Apollo Beach Community Garden! Join us at the Apollo Beach Park and Recreation Center for an in-person demonstration that will give you the opportunity - [Tomatomania!](https://baysoundings.com/event/tomatomania/) - Grow your best-ever tomatoes! Master America’s favorite backyard vegetable in this workshop. Grow your best-ever tomatoes! Master America’s favorite backyard vegetable in this workshop. Learn useful techniques for improving soil, fertility, and variety selection to ensure a bountiful crop. This is your chance to tap into expert knowledge to ensure this year is your best, - [Rye Preserve Nature Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/rye-preserve-nature-tour/) - 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. To register: click here - [Perico Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/perico-preserve-tour-2-2/) - Guided tour through Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer. 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 - [Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind](https://baysoundings.com/event/irrigation-with-water-conservation-in-mind-3/) - Join the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) to discuss how to conserve water within your homes landscapes. This presentation will teach you about how to maintain a healthy and happy landscape while conserving Florida's waters. REGISTER HERE An Equal Opportunity Institution. The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. - [Camp Bayou Night Paddle](https://baysoundings.com/event/camp-bayou-night-paddle/) - Join the Camp Bayou volunteers on Saturday, October 25 for a Special Night Paddle. There will be just a sliver of a moon while we explore the Little Manatee River after dark- without flashlights! The tour is $25 if you need to use one of our canoes or kayaks and $5 if you bring your - [Fall-O-Ween 2025 at Moccasin Lake](https://baysoundings.com/event/fall-o-ween-2025-at-moccasin-lake/) - We would like to invite you and your family to Fall-O-Ween! This Fall & Halloween themed all-ages event will feature: 3-7pm: Animal encounters with snakes, tortoises, raptors, and 3-6pm: Mini Highland Cow! $10 3-7pm: Arts and crafts Story time 3-7pm: Food & treats for purchase! 7-8pm: Sensing Nature’s Bat Prowl Club information stands with hand - [Talk about Wild - Guided Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/talk-about-wild-guided-hike/) - Enjoy a Sunday stroll in the woods! Join us for a family friendly hike with fun facts about "Our Wildest Place"! Learn why the Preserve and its habitats are so important to the animals that call it home. Led by volunteer hike guides. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Parents Night Out- Campfires](https://baysoundings.com/event/parents-night-out-campfires/) - Parents enjoy a night out while the kids experience a night of Edventure Exploration! Come learn about our themed nights through games, activities, crafts, and a night hike. A pizza dinner is included. Ages 6 yrs - 12 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Parents Night Out](https://baysoundings.com/event/parents-night-out-2/) - Grossology Parents enjoy a night out while the kids experience a night of Edventure Exploration! Come learn about our themed nights through games, activities, crafts, and a night hike. A pizza dinner is included. Ages 6 yrs - 12 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Meet a Master Gardener](https://baysoundings.com/event/meet-a-master-gardener/) - Stop in to talk all things plant-related, like attracting butterflies and birds to your garden and growing vegetables and herbs. Feel free to bring samples or photos for plant identification or problem solving. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. - [Pioneer Nights](https://baysoundings.com/event/pioneer-nights/) - Ages 6 yrs - 13 yrs Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire, and s’mores, pioneer style. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/hillsborough-county-water-use-restrictions-workshop-on-zoom/) - Join us for the Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, designed to help residents understand current water use guidelines. This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents. During this workshop, we will cover best practices for outdoor water use, including guidance on using and reprogramming irrigation controllers to conserve water effectively. You - [International Archaeology Day Celebration!](https://baysoundings.com/event/international-archaeology-day-celebration/) - Join us for International Archaeology Day! International Archaeology Day is a celebration of archaeology and its contributions to society. Pop-Up Exhibits from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Archaeology Talk from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ⚱️Explore a one-day exhibit of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Tampa Bay region and beyond! Archaeologists will illustrate the use of early - [Exhibit Treasures: A Scavenger Quest](https://baysoundings.com/event/exhibit-treasures-a-scavenger-quest/) - Explore the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & Natural History Center’s exhibit gallery with a family-friendly scavenger quest! This fun and educational indoor scavenger hunt will encourage visitors of all ages to explore the exhibits, artifacts, and displays while learning about the Preserve's rich cultural and ecological heritage. Recommended for ages 6+, youth must be accompanied - [Owl-O-Ween!!](https://baysoundings.com/event/owl-o-ween-2/) - Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events including LIVE owl displays, owl story time for children, owl pancake breakfast, nest box building, an owl pellet dissection and more! Some activities cost $0-$25. Live Owls On Display 10:00am - 2:00pm Owl Fun Tattoos Owl - [Feathers: Birds' Most Distinguishing Feature](https://baysoundings.com/event/feathers-birds-most-distinguishing-feature/) - Join ornithologist Alexa DeJoannis for a talk ALL about feathers! Feathers are synonymous with birds: all birds have feathers, and only birds have feathers! To us hairy mammals, feathers seem exotic and beautiful. How do feathers accomplish multiple functions at one time? Ornithologist Alexa DeJoannis gives a good grounding in the form and function of - [Trail-or-Treat](https://baysoundings.com/event/trail-or-treat/) - Is nature spooky? Come walk the trails to see what animals puts the OOOOOO in SPOOKY. Don’t forget to wear your costume and bring a treat bag to see what surprises you can find along the way. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at - [Terrors in the Trees Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/terrors-in-the-trees-night-hike/) - Dare to step into the darkness for a spine-tingling night hike designed just for adults! Find your way through eerie trails where every rustle and shadow holds a frightful surprise. This is no ordinary walk in the woods-- come if you dare, and prepare for a night full of twist, scares, and unforgettable thrills. Ages - [Spooky Swamp Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/spooky-swamp-family-night-hike/) - Bring the whole family for a spooktacular Halloween night hike through the shadowy trails of the preserve and listen to a kid friendly tale filled with playful frights and mysterious phantoms said to dwell in the woods. Costumes encouraged and a sense of wonder absolutely required for this enchanting evening of nature and Halloween fun! - [Pumpkin Carving](https://baysoundings.com/event/pumpkin-carving-2/) - Bring your creativity and create a creepy, silly, or original pumpkin carving design! Pumpkins are included in the cost. Tools are provided. Please wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty. (two carvers per pumpkin max) >>> REGISTER HERE - [Make Your Own Butterfly Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/make-your-own-butterfly-garden/) - Take a walk through our butterfly gardens while learning all about native host and nectar plant identification, common butterflies, and other pollinators found in our area, and special garden features to add to support wildlife. Build your own butterfly garden to take home to plant using native plant seeds. All ages welcome with a registered - [Let's Get Batty](https://baysoundings.com/event/lets-get-batty/) - Join us for a night-time trail hike as we explore the fascinating world of Florida's native bat species. Discover the important role these nighttime flyers play in our ecosystem, learn how to spot them in the wild, and listen for their echolocation calls using our Echo meter as we walk through the trails. All ages - [Family Night Hike with ASL](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-night-hike-with-asl/) - This hike will have an ASL interpreter to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month. Bring the whole family to our monthly family night hike at Boyd Hill! Explore the trails under the stars, discover nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy the wonders of nature together on this fun and educational adventure. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please - [IN YOUR BACKYARD: BUILD A BAT BOX!](https://baysoundings.com/event/in-your-backyard-build-a-bat-box-2/) - Florida is home to 13 different species of bats. Join us to learn more about these beneficial insect eaters and create a space for them in your own backyard by building a bat box! In this engaging workshop, participants will discover the unique characteristics of bats, and how bat boxes provide essential roosting habitats for - [VEGETABLE GARDENING](https://baysoundings.com/event/vegetable-gardening-2/) - Part of our ongoing Master Gardener Speaker Series, discover tried and true techniques to grow vegetables, herbs, and small fruit trees in our challenging Florida climate. Join a Pinellas County Master Gardener to learn container or bed preparation, the best crops for each of our three growing seasons, and environmentally friendly fertilizing and pest control. - [WILDFLOWER WALK: ASL EDITION](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildflower-walk-asl-edition/) - Immerse yourself in the beauty of native Florida flowers on this inclusive, ranger-led hike. We’ll explore how the flowers, trees, and green spaces at Boyd Hill contribute to the health and vitality of the preserve. Each month, participants have the opportunity to learn about up to 10 flowers currently in bloom. In recognition of Deaf - [HIKE Cockroach Creek Greenway](https://baysoundings.com/event/hike-cockroach-creek-greenway/) - Join us for a 4 to 6 miles hike across open prairies, flatwoods and some riverine hammock. We will learn about the ecology, habitats and pause for quotes to help us connect with the natural world. Usual hiking gear/apparel e.g. water, hat, sun protection, and closed toe shoes. Long pants recommended. If wet conditions continue - [Military Outing - HIKE Trout Creek](https://baysoundings.com/event/military-outing-hike-trout-creek/) - This is the first on many Sierra Club Military Outings. Three hours of hiking in the Trout Creek site. Prepare for heat and relatively flat terrain with some periods of thick roots that may make high stepping necessary in certain parts. Much of the trail is shaded but some parts are not- at least one - [John Chesnut Sr. Park Field Trip](https://baysoundings.com/event/john-chesnut-sr-park-field-trip/) - Our September newsletter will give you specifics on the meeting location and time, but this park is well known for its fall migrants - both warblers and flycatchers. Contact president@pascoaudubon.com - [Lake Seminole Park Field Trip](https://baysoundings.com/event/lake-seminole-park-field-trip/) - led by Matt Yubas 10015 Park Blvd. North Seminole, Florida 33777 https://pinellas.gov/parks/lake-seminole-park/ Park at the entrance of Shelter 5 across from the flagpole. What to Bring: Hat Binoculars Water Insect repellent Sunscreen - [Sawgrass Lake Park Field Trip](https://baysoundings.com/event/sawgrass-lake-park-field-trip/) - Sawgrass Lake Park Led by Peter Plage 7400 25th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33702 For more information, visit pinellas.gov/parks/sawgrass-lake-park/ Directions and What to Bring: Meet at the parking lot near the Nature Center Bring: Binoculars, Water, Insect repellent, Sunscreen Bathrooms available - [Tampa Audubon Society Photo Club](https://baysoundings.com/event/tampa-audubon-society-photo-club/) - In the August photo session, share photos that showcase birds/wildlife and color. The meetings are virtual and the Zoom link changes monthly – check your newsletter every month for the correct link. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87304467169 To participate: • Upload your photos to SmugMug here. Send them at least 24 hours before the meeting. • Limit your photos - [Birding at Davis Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-at-davis-park/) - Davis Park is an underappreciated hotspot in Brandon just north of Highway 60 off of Parsons. The park has one named lake, Mead Lake, and two unnamed lakes. All three lakes are home to breeding Wood Ducks, Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl. Black-bellied Ducks, Wood Ducks, Black-crown Night Herons, cranes and other bird species roost - [Clean Up the Tampa Audubon Sanctuary](https://baysoundings.com/event/clean-up-the-tampa-audubon-sanctuary-3/) - As our part of an agreement between Port Tampa Bay and the Sierra Club to manage the Westshore Audubon Sanctuary, we are collaborating on a cleanup on September 6, Saturday, meeting at 9 a.m. and working until 11 that morning to remove trash and debris from the area on the north side of San Jose - [World Shorebirds Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/world-shorebirds-day/) - Some 50% of the world’s shorebird species are in decline, and vital habitat is being lost at a higher rate than ever. We urgently need to raise public awareness around the world of these imperilled birds’ plight and the need for shorebird conservation and research. World Shorebirds Day - [The Cosmic Recipe for Life](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-cosmic-recipe-for-life/) - How does life not only survive, but thrive in Earth’s most extreme environments? How do we search for life beyond our home planet? Is there a cosmic recipe for life? Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature for a one-hour live presentation diving into the science behind the Life on the Edge exhibit! - [Native Plant Walk: Upper Tampa Bay Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-walk-upper-tampa-bay-park/) - Join Dave Perkey, Jan Allyn, and other nature lovers on Sunday, August 24th at this 596-acre peninsular park for a photography walk. Bring your camera or phone or just come along to stroll, learn and enjoy! Please RSVP to jallyn727@gmail.com with your name, number in your party, and a cell phone number where you can - [Salt Tolerant Plants - Master Gardener Speaker Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/salt-tolerant-plants-master-gardener-speaker-series/) - When it rains it pours in Florida's rainy season! Excess rainwater can cause flooding, and become stormwater runoff carrying pollutants and nutrients into our waterways. An easy way to conserve water and reduce runoff is to create a rain garden in your yard. Join Master Gardener Liza Ryan to learn about rain gardens and how - [Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop!](https://baysoundings.com/event/micro-irrigation-hands-on-workshop-2-2/) - Are you interested in watering your landscape while watering efficiently? This free hands-on microirrigation (a.k.a. drip irrigation) workshop is for you. Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM educators will discuss and demonstrate different types of microirrigation and their versatile uses. Participants have the opportunity to apply what they learn by practicing a simple drip system connection and assembling microirrigation - [Florida Wildlife Corridor - Master Gardener Speaker](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-wildlife-corridor-master-gardener-speaker/) - After decades of work from conservationists, scientists, politicians, and many others, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act was signed into law following unanimous bipartisan support by the Florida legislature on June 29, 2021. The Florida Wildlife Corridor comprises nearly 18 million acres of contiguous wilderness and working lands crucial to the survival of many of Florida’s - [Understanding Light in Nature Photography Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/understanding-light-in-nature-photography-workshop-2/) - What makes one photo more compelling than another? It often comes down to composition — how you arrange the elements of a scene within your frame. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the art of composition to create more engaging images. We’ll break down techniques like the Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, Curves, and - [Online Permaculture Design Course](https://baysoundings.com/event/online-permaculture-design-course/) - Presenting the internationally recognized Grow Permaculture Full Online Permaculture Design Course with hands-on learning and mentoring. Now more than ever, people have attention on creating more choices and resilience in their lives. We want healthy food, a clean environment, and security for us, our children and future generations. This course offers practical steps to achieving - [Gopher Tortoises + Prescribed Fire = Increased Biodiversity](https://baysoundings.com/event/gopher-tortoises-prescribed-fire-increased-biodiversity-2/) - Learn about our gopher tortoises and the important ecological role they play! Brooker Creek Preserve is home to one of Pinellas County’s largest populations of gopher tortoises, a threatened, burrowing species which occurs in upland habitats. Learn about the significant ecological role played by this keystone species. Find out how habitat restoration, including the use - [Parks for Pollinators Bio Blitz!](https://baysoundings.com/event/parks-for-pollinators-bio-blitz/) - Take part in Citizen Science and help conserve our mini-wildlife at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve! Join the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz 2025 and Help Save Local Pollinators! A Bio Blitz is a quick, targeted survey of species in a particular area. At this event we will learn and practice making observations of pollinators and - [Dragonfly Discovery Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/dragonfly-discovery-walk-2-3/) - Join local dragonfly expert Paul Trunk as we explore the Preserve looking for dragonflies. Join local dragonfly expert Paul Trunk as we explore some of the habitats at Brooker Creek looking for dragonflies. Brooker Creek Preserve is an excellent area that is home to approximately 20+ species of odonates. We will learn about the natural - [YourSELF in Bloom: Storytime](https://baysoundings.com/event/yourself-in-bloom-storytime/) - A Social & Emotional Learning Storytime for Preschool-aged Children! Enjoy an turtle-themed storytime that focuses on developing children’s social and emotional competencies through engaging stories, crafts, and activities. This interactive program is intended for children ages 3-6 with a caretaker. This unique opportunity is presented by the Zero Suicide Partners of Pinellas, and hosted by - [Hiking with Baby](https://baysoundings.com/event/hiking-with-baby/) - Come out with your little one(s) to enjoy the preserve. Meet other new and seasoned parents while bonding with your new family member. Get outdoors and make new friends! It is good for your mental health and reduces stress. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Great Southeast Pollinator Census](https://baysoundings.com/event/great-southeast-pollinator-census/) - The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia. It is open to residents of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. It is designed for everyone to participate and make a difference for pollinator conservation! The City of Clearwater and the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant - ['Natives in Focus' Plant Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/natives-in-focus-plant-walk/) - Join Dave Perkey and Jan Allyn on Sunday, July 27th to explore the plants and animals at Sawgrass Lake Park, a 400-acre park in the Lealman area that is cooperatively managed by Pinellas County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The park has a mile-long boardwalk and one of the largest maple swamps on - [Understanding Light in Nature Photography Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/understanding-light-in-nature-photography-workshop/) - >>> REGISTER HERE - [Photography Composition Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/photography-composition-workshop/) - >>> REGISTER HERE - [How to Build a Rain Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/how-to-build-a-rain-garden/) - Master Gardener Speaker Series When it rains it pours in Florida's rainy season! Excess rainwater can cause flooding, and become stormwater runoff carrying pollutants and nutrients into our waterways. An easy way to conserve water and reduce runoff is to create a rain garden in your yard. Join Master Gardener Liza Ryan to learn about - [Walking With Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/event/walking-with-wildlife/) - Guided Nature Walking Tour Along the St Pete Pier The new St Pete Pier offers a variety of amenities for locals and tourists alike. However, humans are not the only ones who can be found soaking up the Florida sun! Join us for a guided walking tour to get a closer look at the wildlife - [Birding on the Bay](https://baysoundings.com/event/27145/) - 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 - [Fishing Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/fishing-workshop/) - Learn to Fish! Recommended for ages 10 and up • 2 Hours • Gear Included • Up to 15 People >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Control Yard Pests Responsibly](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-control-yard-pests-responsibly/) - Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection Join the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Hillsborough County (HC) Webinar Series! Join us for an enlightening webinar on managing yard pests the Florida-Friendly way! Learn how to keep your landscape healthy while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and the environment. What You'll Discover: Integrated Pest - [Pollinators](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinators/) - Who are the pollinators and why are they important to our world? Pollinators are critical to our ecosystem, and they are in trouble. Who are the pollinators and why are they important to our world? Why we should care about them and how we can help them survive our ever-increasingly warm climate. A healthy garden - [Community Tree Care Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/community-tree-care-workshop/) - Urban tree selection, planting, care and maintenance topics will be covered in this free day-long workshop. Are you interested in learning about proper tree care? Whether you are an individual homeowner, hold a position of community leadership (HOA Board and Committee members and CAM's), maintain trees for a municipality or other public entity, or work - [Mangrove, Coastal Plants, and Coastlines Guided Walking Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/mangrove-coastal-plants-and-coastlines-guided-walking-tour/) - Join us for a guided nature walk through Key Vista Nature Park, led by Dr. Megan Moore the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County. You will learn about mangrove identification, coastal plants, oysters, and the ecosystem benefits these systems provide. This walk will include dirt paths and an observation tower, with around - [Growing Bananas & Edible Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/growing-bananas-edible-trees/) - Come learn how to grow bananas and other tropical fruits in your backyard. Bananas are some of the most popular fruits in the world. Learn about growing bananas and other tropical fruits in your backyard. The presentation will cover climate zones and growing zones, tropical fruit horticulture, origins and morphology of the banana plant and - [How to Build a Raised Bed Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/how-to-build-a-raised-bed-garden/) - Come learn all about the basics at this seminar. The presentation will discuss the advantages to raised bed gardens, how to find the best location in your yard, different methods and materials for the construction, how to prep the area before you start construction, best types of irrigation, the best times of the year to - [Horticulture in Arts and Crafts](https://baysoundings.com/event/horticulture-in-arts-and-crafts/) - Discover how to preserve flowers and plants to use them for greetings cards, framed flower pictures, potpourri, etc. Have you grown lots of flowers and plants? Now what? Discover how to preserve and use them for decorations, crafts and gifts. Samples will be shown of greeting cards, framed flower pictures, potpourri, a variety of seed - [Gardening in Florida Soil](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-in-florida-soil/) - Come learn how healthy soil is a foundation to human health and supports diverse ecosystems at this seminar 'Healthy living soils provides us with our everyday needs...food, grass, plants and trees.' Healthy soil is a foundation to human health and supports diverse ecosystems. Nutritious soil is the basic for any plants' success. Discover how easy - [Cottage Foods 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/cottage-foods-101/) - This 2-hour workshop will introduce the basics of starting your own cottage food business out of your home, up to $250,000. Ever thought about starting a food business out of your home but weren't sure how to get started? This 2-hour workshop will provide you with an introduction to the basics of starting a food - [Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop- ZOOM](https://baysoundings.com/event/vegetable-microirrigation-workshop/) - Get some help for a successful vegetable garden. This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. Learn how to grow vegetables with the convenience of a microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a vegetable microirrigation kit after attending this - [Grafting & Air Layering](https://baysoundings.com/event/grafting-air-layering-2/) - Grafting & air layering techniques! Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an interactive skill building workshop all about grafting and air layering. Be prepared to practice. If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519. >>> REGISTER HERE - [2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Fall Plant Sale](https://baysoundings.com/event/2025-master-gardener-volunteer-fall-plant-sale/) - Affordable plants grown by our Master Gardener Volunteers! Tickets: Please choose one ticket type. If you purchase an Early Bird ticket you do NOT need a Regular entry ticket. You can continue shopping after 9AM. 8AM-9AM Early Bird Individual Ticket: $10 Early Bird Family Ticket (2+ people): $15 9AM-12PM Regular entry: FREE Keep in mind - [Mighty & Marvelous Mangroves](https://baysoundings.com/event/mighty-marvelous-mangroves/) - Celebrate World Mangrove Day on a guided walk. Discover how these mighty coastal trees protect, adapt, and shape life along our shores. Join us for a guided hike in celebration of World Mangrove Day! Led by a Sea Grant Extension Agent Pinellas County, this walk takes you along a scenic trail that brings you up - [Wildflower & Pollinator Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildflower-pollinator-festival-2/) - Celebrate Florida's native wildflowers and pollinators! The Fall Wildflower and Pollinator Festival returns this year with a day of fun for the whole family! This free event is brought to you by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve! Celebrate Florida Wildflowers and the Pollinators that - [Global Raptors](https://baysoundings.com/event/global-raptors/) - Join us to learn about our aerial predators! Join us to meet this distinctive trio of aerial predators. We will feature the peregrine falcon, the osprey and the barn owl, examining each species, and comparing their strategies for survival. Expect to be amazed! Join Barbara Walker of the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for this enlightening, - [Funky Fungi Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/funky-fungi-hike-4/) - Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve to learn all about our favorite GI, FUN-GI. Explore the trails to find fungi in its diverse ecosystems and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s funkiest fungi. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Bird Walk at Boyd Hill](https://baysoundings.com/event/bird-walk-at-boyd-hill/) - 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 - [Birding for Beginners](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-for-beginners/) - Join Ranger Dave as he teaches all about birding, no matter your experience! Learn what you will need to become an avid birder. Explore why birds are important, what dangers they face, and how you can help our flighted friends. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Butterflies, Moths, Oh My!](https://baysoundings.com/event/butterflies-moths-oh-my/) - Join Ranger Dave in exploring butterflies and moths out on the trails. Learn about the importance of these species and why they are good to have around your gardens! Learn how to identify butterfly and moth species with a nature hike and a craft. Ages 6 yrs - 12 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Fall Fright Fest](https://baysoundings.com/event/fall-fright-fest/) - Our Fall Fright Fest will be held on Saturday, October 4 from 5-9pm. First walks will be for the young ones, beginning at 6pm, learning about our native nocturnal wildlife. The 7pm and later walks will be stories about past misadventures at Camp Bayou and the spirits who can't rest. Then join us by the - [17th Annual Camp Bayou Back to School- Back to Nature](https://baysoundings.com/event/17th-annual-camp-bayou-back-to-school-back-to-nature/) - The 17th Annual Camp Bayou Back to School- Back to Nature event will be held this year on Saturday, August 9 from 9am-noon! As always, the event is free. Stop by a table to learn something new about nature and receive a free school supply item, while supplies last. A free raffle for all children will offer larger prizes such as backpacks, lunch packs and more. Other - [Nature-Based Solutions at MacDill Air Force Base](https://baysoundings.com/event/macdill-tbrpc-master-plan/) - MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) faces challenges of shoreline erosion and flooding, as experienced in both high tide flooding as well as during more major storms such as the hurricanes of 2024. The natural configuration of the AFB provides significant opportunities to employ nature-based solutions (NBS), actions inspired by nature that rely on incorporation of - [World Ranger Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/world-ranger-day-2/) - World Ranger Day is an annual event observed on July 31st to pay homage to the invaluable efforts and sacrifices made by rangers worldwide in safeguarding our natural heritage. Hillsborough County, has two different roles to celebrate on World Ranger Day, Park Rangers and Environmental Technicians. Find out what kind of work they do on our conservation - [Native Plant Walk LLP](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-walk-llp-2-4/) - 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 - [Butterfly Garden Work Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/butterfly-garden-work-day/) - 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 - [Work Day at Bell Creek Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/work-day-at-bell-creek-preserve-2/) - Suncoast Chapter supports the native plant garden at the Bell Creek Preserve entrance and the Hillsborough County CELM (Conservation and Environmental Land Management) office, whose headquarters are located there. Master Gardener and Trail Cat volunteers have been cleaning up and removing invasive plants from the area. Suncoast members are invited to help with planting and - [Suncoast Field Trip: The Nectary](https://baysoundings.com/event/suncoast-field-trip-the-nectary/) - The Nectary has invited Suncoast members to visit for a relaxing and fun look around. Located in downtown Lakeland, The Nectary specializes in native plants for central Florida landscapes. Walks and Field Trips - Suncoast Chapter for information and registration. To register, contact Tina (Mable C) Patterson, email mablepatterson@hotmail.com or phone (305) 298-6381 , text or - [Pinellas FNPS Monthly Meeting](https://baysoundings.com/event/pinellas-fnps-monthly-meeting/) - Everyone is welcome at all Pinellas Chapter monthly meetings - membership not required! Come and bring a friend. Enjoy light refreshments, the fellowship of other native plant lovers, both newbies and experts, an informative program, door prizes, and more. Please join us! - [Dune Savers Work Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/dune-savers-work-day-2/) - Contact Deb Rothenberger for location: d2bv4@aol.com Thank you all and can’t wait to see you Friday morning! - [Native Plant Walk at Lettuce Lake](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-walk-at-lettuce-lake/) - 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 - [Blackwater Creek Preserve Field Trip](https://baysoundings.com/event/blackwater-creek-preserve-field-trip/) - We will beat the heat and enjoy sunrise and pinewoods at Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve. See Walks and Field Trips - Suncoast Chapter for registration information. - [Webinar on Prevention of Mosquito-borne Diseases in Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/webinar-on-prevention-of-mosquito-borne-diseases-in-florida/) - Put on by UF/IFAS extension— 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Webinar on July 24: Prevention of Mosquito-borne Diseases in Florida with Dr. Eva Buckner. This is a live Zoom event that you can watch at home or your phone on the go. The event requires registration. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Bee Kind and Save the Bees Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/bee-kind-and-save-the-bees-workshop/) - Eloise Cole from USF StudentPIRG (Public Interest Research Group) will demonstrate how bees play an essential role in our environment. Kids can learn about pollinators, honey, bee threats, and how to be more bee friendly! Workshop is free but you must register ahead of time to save a seat! >>> REGISTER HERE - [TREE WALK](https://baysoundings.com/event/tree-walk/) - All Ages Come join us for this guided tree walk where you will be introduced to several unique, large and common trees found at the Preserve. The 15 trees featured on this walk are primarily native shade trees, each with different qualities and attributes. The two-mile hike is about an hour and provides an opportunity - [Hands-on squid dissection!](https://baysoundings.com/event/hands-on-squid-dissection/) - What makes a mollusc a mollusc? During this hands-on squid dissection, you’ll find out! Participants will learn about the wide variety of molluscs found in our region and what sets them apart from other animals. This program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited. For all ages! • 1 Hour Children under - [Lionfish dissection in our classroom!](https://baysoundings.com/event/lionfish-dissection-in-our-classroom/) - Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated to us. For all ages! - [Kayak Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/event/kayak-tampa-bay/) - Ages 12+ • 3 Hours • 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715 Back by popular demand, Tampa Bay Watch is launching guided kayak tours of the Bay. Embark with us on an unforgettable journey through the serene waters of our stunning estuary! This tour offers an immersive experience in nature, combining the joy - [Pasco Scalloping 101 -Lunch and Learn](https://baysoundings.com/event/pasco-scalloping-101-lunch-and-learn/) - Join Dr. Megan Moore for an online Lunch and Learn webinar that will cover everything you need to know about scalloping in Pasco County. This online webinar hosted by Dr. Megan Moore, UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent for Pasco County, will cover everything you need to know about scalloping in Pasco County for the - [Container Gardening, Fruits & Vegetables, and Ornamentals](https://baysoundings.com/event/container-gardening-fruits-vegetables-and-ornamentals/) - Is your gardening space small? Learn more about container gardening at this seminar. Got a little space? Try container gardening! We will show you how to grow your favorite plants, including fruits and vegetables, to make that small space into a garden space. >>> GET TICKETS - [Flowers and Herbs in Containers](https://baysoundings.com/event/flowers-and-herbs-in-containers/) - New to gardening? Want to experiment with new plants or herbs with little risk? Learn how to grow flowers and herbs in convenient, versatile containers. This easy, almost foolproof method allows anyone to try their hand at growing just what they want, where they want. Practical ideas and short cuts will soon have you growing - [Hydroponic Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/hydroponic-gardening/) - This presentation will describe a hydroponic system that does not require electricity or pumps! You will learn how to create a hydroponic garden for small or large spaces that you set up, and forget it! That is , until you are ready to harvest! >>> GET TICKETS - [Pets and Plants](https://baysoundings.com/event/pets-and-plants/) - Creating a pet-friendly garden can sometimes be a challenge in our homes and landscapes. We love our plants and our pets, but sometimes they don't mix. We will explore the various plants that we keep in our homes and our landscapes, some of which may cause potential harm to our non-human family members. Many popular - [Cacti & Succulents](https://baysoundings.com/event/cacti-succulents/) - Are you interested in growing Cacti & Succulents? The presenter will show you how to grow a variety of these beauties. During the presentation, the speaker will discuss growing conditions, repotting, propagation and potential problems during the growing period. Bring along you favorite cacti or succulent, if you wouldn't mind sharing. >>> GET TICKETS - [Green Industries Best Management Practices](https://baysoundings.com/event/green-industries-best-management-practices/) - Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs) is an educational program for people working in lawn-care and landscape maintenance. Florida law states that all commercial fertilizer applicators must have a Limited Certification from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) (s. 482.1562, F.S.). To get this certification, each commercial applicator must be trained in - [African Violets Clinic](https://baysoundings.com/event/african-violets-clinic/) - African violets are a fun addition to any home. With their fancy leaves and beautiful flower, they tend to make great specimen plants for your collection. In this lecture we will be talking about African violets and some of their more common cousins and how to use the right amount of light, water, and nutrients - [Rain Barrel Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/rain-barrel-workshop/) - Rain Barrel Workshop Includes a U-Build-It RainBarrel This workshop will explain the benefits and functions of rain barrels for water harvesting, and guide U-Build-It for your own barrel. This Rain Barrel Workshop at UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County office is a PAID EVENT where you get to keep the rain barrel you build. Participants will learn - [Herbs in the Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/herbs-in-the-garden/) - With a little planning and preparation, you can grow beautiful herbs that are carefree with few pests and diseases. The herbs you can grow in Florida are marvelously diverse, so are the many ways in which you can use them. These fascinating plants link us to our ancient past. With a little planning and preparation, - [Oyster Restoration & Scallop Recreation](https://baysoundings.com/event/oyster-restoration-scallop-recreation/) - Dr. Megan Moore joins us for a special presentation on Oyster Restoration Projects and Scallop Recreation. Learn how to help keep our waterways clean with oysters and how to enjoy our natural scallop fishery. You will receive some tips and information on how to enjoy scalloping! >>> GET TICKETS - [Tips for the Lazy Gardener](https://baysoundings.com/event/tips-for-the-lazy-gardener/) - Do you really want to garden on a 95-degree day? Gardening should be fun, easy and cheap. Too often we sabotage our best efforts and end up exhausted and broke. Come learn practices and planning to set up a beautiful, stress-free gardening experience. >>> GET TICKETS - [Owls](https://baysoundings.com/event/owls-2/) - Come and learn all about the raptors we share our space with. Learn about all the raptors that share our area. See how you can attract these marvelous creatures. Watch their cycles and have them return and why it is so important to invite them to our neighborhoods. Ask a Master Gardener will be available - [Begonias](https://baysoundings.com/event/begonias/) - Have you ever thought about including Begonias in your landscape? Well, you can. Learn about the different types of Begonias and how they might fit into your landscape. Also learn how to propagate, fertilize and grow these beautiful plants in your area at this FREE UF/IFAS Pasco Extension seminar. >>> GET TICKETS - [Water Bath Canning 101: Tomatoes](https://baysoundings.com/event/water-bath-canning-101-tomatoes-2/) - Water Bath Canning 101: Tomatoes In-Person OR Livestream This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind canning, and a food tasting. Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to can tomatoes. >>> GET TICKETS - [Orchids](https://baysoundings.com/event/orchids-2/) - This hands-on class will demonstrate the do's and don'ts of growing orchids. They can be exceptionally easy to grow if you know what they need. Repotting of orchids will be demonstrated. Attendees are welcome to bring their own orchids for discussion, time permitting. >>> GET TICKETS - [Hurricanes and Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/hurricanes-and-trees/) - Come learn from a certified commercial arborist how to assess tree damage and how to best prepare in advance for future storms. Hurricanes and tropical storms hit Florida almost every year, often causing extensive damage to trees in your yard/property. But you can make your landscape more hurricane-resistant, so that it's less likely to suffer - [Propagation 101 Workshop for Beginners](https://baysoundings.com/event/propagation-101-workshop-for-beginners/) - Come learn more about plant propagation in its' simplest form at this seminar. The purpose of this seminar is to acquaint the attendee, to plant propagation in its' simplest form. We will discuss the basics of plant propagation and introduce three basic ways to produce new plants from a parent plant. Each plant being propagated - [What You Need to Know About Weeds in Your FL Lawn & Landscape](https://baysoundings.com/event/what-you-need-to-know-about-weeds-in-your-fl-lawn-landscape/) - "Why do I have so many weeds in my lawn?" "Which product do I use?" or "Why didn’t this product work?" Sound familiar? Join us for an informative class on lawn and landscape weed management for home gardeners. >>> GET TICKETS - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Protect the Waterfront](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-protect-the-waterfront/) - Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection Join us for the final installment of our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar series, focusing on "Protect the Waterfront." Learn how to maintain a beautiful landscape while safeguarding Florida's precious water resources. What You'll Discover: Best practices for waterfront property management How to reduce pollution and - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Reduce Stormwater Runoff](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-reduce-stormwater-runoff/) - Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only. Join us for our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar on "Reduce Stormwater Runoff." Discover effective strategies to manage stormwater and protect Florida's waterways. What You'll Learn: Techniques to minimize stormwater runoff in your yard How to implement rain - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Recycle Yard Waste](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-recycle-yard-waste/) - Part of the Florida Friendly Landscaping ™ (FFL) HC Webinars collection This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only. Join us for an eye-opening webinar on transforming your yard waste into garden gold! Learn how to create a healthier, more sustainable landscape right in your own backyard. What You'll Learn: Composting techniques for yard waste - [Meet your Forest: Tree and Fungi Walk and Talk](https://baysoundings.com/event/meet-your-forest-tree-and-fungi-walk-and-talk/) - 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 - [Communi-Trees: Community Tree Care for You](https://baysoundings.com/event/communi-trees-community-tree-care-for-you/) - Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an interactive educational presentation where we discuss the best practices for tree care in your community. We will cover selection, planting, establishment, pruning and planning for tree longevity in the landscape. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-on-zoom-3/) - 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 - [Backyard Composting on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/backyard-composting-on-zoom/) - Composting - learn how to turn trash into treasure! This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only. BACKYARD COMPOSTING: Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Since - [Microirrigation Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-4/) - Learn how to save water when watering your garden. This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. MICROIRRIGATION: 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. - [Trees and Storms: Preparation and Recovery](https://baysoundings.com/event/trees-and-storms-preparation-and-recovery/) - Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson to learn practical tips to prepare your trees, and help them recover during hurricane season. We will conduct this Trees and Storms webinar online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary - just click to join! - [Basics Of Butterfly Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/basics-of-butterfly-gardening/) - Learn how to create a beautiful butterfly garden with easy tips and tricks at our Basics Of Butterfly Gardening event! Come join us for a fun and informative event all about creating your very own butterfly garden! Learn tips and tricks on how to attract these beautiful creatures to your yard. Our experts will cover - [Heat Tolerant Plants for Florida Landscapes](https://baysoundings.com/event/heat-tolerant-plants-for-florida-landscapes/) - Join us to learn about the best heat-tolerant plants for your Florida landscape! Welcome to Heat Tolerant Plants for Florida Landscapes! Join us at Palma Sola Botanical Park for a fun and informative event all about plants that thrive in the Florida heat. Learn about the best species to add to your landscape that can - [Integrated Pest Management Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/integrated-pest-management-workshop/) - Join us for a presentation on sustainably managing pests on the farm or garden including common pest ID and their best control methods Agenda: What is IPM? Common Florida Small Farm Pests Control Methods How to read a Pesticide Label >>> REGISTER HERE - [Salt Tolerant Plants for Landscapes](https://baysoundings.com/event/salt-tolerant-plants-for-landscapes/) - Learn how to create a beautiful and low-maintenance coastal landscape using salt-tolerant plants at our upcoming event! Welcome to Salt Tolerant Plants for Landscapes! Join us at Palma Sola Botanical Park for a fun and informative event all about plants that can thrive in salty conditions. Learn how to create a beautiful and resilient landscape - [Sea Turtle Nesting Conservation and You!](https://baysoundings.com/event/sea-turtle-nesting-conservation-and-you/) - Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful for an informative presentation on Sea Turtles and playing our part in conservation! We hope to see you there! Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful at Moccasin Lake Park on Thursday, June 26th at 6:30 PM to learn all about sea turtles that live right here in Pinellas County, Florida! We’ll cover topics - [Tiny Wildlife Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/tiny-wildlife-walk-2/) - Join us on a naturalist-led walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Weedon Island Preserve! Wildlife abounds at the Weedon Island Preserve, especially the tiny kind, like butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates. Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty - [Boat America Classes](https://baysoundings.com/event/boat-america-classes-2-2/) - Boat America Classes Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card. For the convenience of our students, some classes are held online via Zoom. These virtual classes utilize the same instructors and materials you - [Youth Program: Mosquito Mania](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-program-mosquito-mania-6/) - Have a future entomologist on your hands? Kids ages 6-12 are invited to learn about the wonderful world of insects! We will discuss what makes insects different from other animals, what they need to live, their life cycle, and then apply what we learn to mosquitoes. After the presentation attendees can explore live aquatic insect - [Why Snakes are Cool!](https://baysoundings.com/event/why-snakes-are-cool-3/) - Learn about Florida's native snakes and get the chance to see some live animals up-close! Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Florida is home to 46 native species of snakes, with most occuring in the central peninsula. And of those 46 species, only four venomous species - [Eagle Lake Park BioBlitz!](https://baysoundings.com/event/eagle-lake-park-bioblitz/) - Join others in the community for a fun, citizen-science effort to record as many species of plants and insects at Eagle Lake Park! Pinellas County has recently been recognized as a Bee City (County) by the non-profit Xerces Society for the Conservation of Invertebrates. Part of our commitment to foster a community that supports insect - [Moth Night](https://baysoundings.com/event/moth-night-2-4/) - Discover Denizens of the Dark at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. After a brief lecture, we will venture into the night to find moths of many sizes and colors, all attracted to our artificial lights. This evening experience is best for adults and children over 12. Registration is required. Space is very limited. - [Frogs!](https://baysoundings.com/event/frogs/) - Do you know why frogs are so important to our world, and how by saving them, we save the environment? Do you know why frogs are so important to our world, and how by saving them, we save the environment? Explore challenges frogs are facing, as well as some ways that ordinary people of all - [Moth Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/moth-night-hike-2/) - Join us for a special night hike to celebrate moths and all their beauty! July 19 is the start of National Moth Week, a week to celebrate moths, their habitats, and gain an appreciation for these evening pollinators. Our local moth expert will be showing our guests different techniques to count and find moths throughout - [Boyd Hill 1st Saturday Field Trip](https://baysoundings.com/event/boyd-hill-1st-saturday-field-trip/) - St. Petersburg Audubon is continuing the Ron Smith “1st Saturday” Boyd Hill Field Trips. Field Trip Leader: Paul Waton Location: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St Petersburg, FL 33705. Walk is on dirt trails and boardwalks. Meet in front of the Nature Center at 7:45am, walk will start at 8:00am. What - [Habitat Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/habitat-hike/) - For Ages: 18 and up Join Ranger Dave for a walk through the Preserve to discuss the different habitats found at Boyd Hill, learn about their differences, and how we work to maintain and improve them. Participants will learn about prescribed burns and other techniques that our land management team uses on the Preserve. Register - [Ospreys](https://baysoundings.com/event/ospreys/) - Join Ranger Dave in exploring everything all about Ospreys, a common sight here at Boyd Hill. Learn how the Osprey, a specialized bird of prey, has turned from the road to extinction to become an icon of Florida's waterways. For All Ages. Register here - [World Oceans Day Celebration](https://baysoundings.com/event/celebrate-world-oceans-day/) - Celebrate World Oceans Day with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the Tampa Bay Roots & Shoots Alliance! Come meet and greet with local organizations working hard to protect our oceans, and learn how YOU can help! Admission to this event is FREE, and guests will be offered a 20% discount off the price - [Save the Whales : World Ocean's Day Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/save-the-whales-world-oceans-day-workshop/) - Recommended for ages 8+ Registration is recommended - [Bay Babies](https://baysoundings.com/event/bay-babies-3-3/) - 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 - [Sensory Sundays](https://baysoundings.com/event/sensory-sundays-2-2/) - Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome! - [Permaculture Design Course Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/permaculture-design-course-florida/) - 🌎 Endorsed by the Permaculture Institute of North America (https://pina.in) Don’t wait—take the first step toward a regenerative future today! 🌿✨ ## Subjects covered in the course • Permaculture design ethics, principles and tools • Creating abundance with natural patterns • Grow more food with less work by working with nature • Edible landscaping, food - [Backyard Science](https://baysoundings.com/event/backyard-science/) - Make your Saturday mornings even more fun! Check out the Backyard Science program for elementary-aged learners at The Bishop’s incredible indoor Mosaic Backyard Universe. This wildly popular learning program launched last year and offers a wide range of activities, observations, and crafts that are sure to excite curiosity and ignite learning. Using unique Museum resources, hands-on activities, and thinking questions - [Morning Nature Walk Starkey Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/morning-nature-walk-starkey-park-2-2/) - Pasco Audubon Meet 7:30 AM Starkey Education Center 1 to 4 mile walk Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips. Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours. - [Birding by Bike](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-by-bike-2-2/) - Birding by Bike Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park Meet 8:00 AM Meet at Education Center at the Park at 8:00 AM Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips. Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details. Dress for the weather and - [Egmont Key Sanctuary Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/egmont-key-sanctuary-tour/) - Egmont Key Sanctuary Tour by boat with the Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges Saturday June 14th 2024, 4:30-8:30pm approximate return (rain date Sunday Sat June 2) Meet at the Bay Pier next to the Dog Park, 27.616871, -82.726690. Reservations and prepayment required Join us for our eleventh annual tour of the Egmont - [Tampa Audubon Social](https://baysoundings.com/event/tampa-audubon-social/) - Tres Amigos Cantina https://www.tresamigosbrandon.net/ 2025 W Brandon Blvd Brandon, FL 33511 Hillsborough County is home to over 200 species of birds during parts of the year, numerous mammals and herpe to fauna, and many lovely native plants, including rare orchids. We hope you'll join us as we explore the great outdoors! Our field trips are open - [Pollinator Gardening & Insect Conservation](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-gardening-insect-conservation/) - Learn how to grow plants to attract pollinators to your yard and identify beneficial insects. Pollinators need our help! Join our Southwest District UF/IFAS Extension team to learn strategies to conserve pollinators while suppressing plant pests. In this zoom webinar, you will learn about beneficial insects that prey on garden pests, conservation of butterflies, and - [Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) Certification](https://baysoundings.com/event/green-industries-best-management-practices-gibmp-certification/) - GIBMP Certification is required to obtain the FDACS Limited Urban Fertilizer license. The class provides CEUs to renew landscape licenses. Anyone who applies fertilizer commercially/for hire in Florida is required to have the FDACS Limited Fertilizer license/certification. There are 2 steps to obtain the FDACS Fertilizer license/certification: Attend a GIBMP class and pass the exam - [Edible Landscaping](https://baysoundings.com/event/edible-landscaping-2/) - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Learn how to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits, and other foods in a Florida-Friendly way! Learn to select varieties of edibles to plant in your landscape that grow well in Florida in a way that conserves water, builds soil, and reduces pesticide use. This class is for gardeners interested in expanding their own edible - [Patio Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/patio-microirrigation-workshop-on-zoom/) - Learn how to grow plants with the convenience of a patio microirrigation kit. This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. Learn how to grow plants with the convenience of a patio microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive one - [Composting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-workshop/) - This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. This workshop will be offered IN PERSON in the Extension Service Conference Center. Our address is: 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. COMPOSTING: Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and City - [Why Snakes Are Cool](https://baysoundings.com/event/why-snakes-are-cool-4/) - Learn about Florida's native snakes and get the chance to see some live animals up-close! Snakes play important ecological roles as both predator and prey, yet they remain highly misunderstood animals. Florida is home to 46 native species of snakes, and, like all animals, they present little danger when left alone. Herpetologist and environmental educator - [It’s a Wasp’s World](https://baysoundings.com/event/its-a-wasps-world/) - Want to know the buzz about wasps? Join us for this event! It’s a wasp’s world; we just live in it. Wasps have evolved for world domination, but maybe not in the ways that you’d expect. Join us for a deep dive into their fascinating and sometimes brutal strategies for survival. We’ll discover what they - [Landscape & Wildlife Photography](https://baysoundings.com/event/landscape-wildlife-photography/) - Join photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for an introduction to nature photography! Are you interested in landscape and wildlife photography in Florida? Join photographer/naturalists Karl and Kathleen Nichter for a program on these two areas of photography. They will be showing a lot of examples of both types along with how they were taken, where, - [Twenty Years of Photography at Brooker Creek Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/twenty-years-of-photography-at-brooker-creek-preserve/) - Twenty Years at Brooker Creek- Photography by Karl and Kathleen Nichter! Join Karl and Kathleen Nichter as they show and discuss their photography taken over the past 20 years at Brooker Creek Preserve. They will discuss hows and whys of the photograph: lens, cameras, and techniques, along with suggestions on achieving similar results. The photographs - [Family Fun Friday: Watershed Explorations at Brooker Creek](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-fun-friday-watershed-explorations-at-brooker-creek/) - Celebrate Stormwater Stewardship Month! In celebration of Stormwater Stewardship Month, join Pinellas County Environmental Management staff and UF/IFAS Extension for a Walk in the Watershed at Brooker Creek Preserve! This program will be a combined environmental educational program and guided hike. We will investigate our local watershed, explore the flow of water, collect water quality - [Wildlife Ecology Camp - BHNP Summer 2025](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildlife-ecology-camp-bhnp-summer-2025/) - Ages 7 yrs - 11 yrs Campers will explore the ecology and conservation of Florida's wildlife and wildlands. A blend of classroom and field sessions will include hands-on activities, guest presentations, and exploration of the preserve's diverse habitats where campers will practice their nature detective skills. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Surviving the Wild Camp - BHNP Summer 2025](https://baysoundings.com/event/surviving-the-wild-camp-bhnp-summer-2025/) - Ages 6 yrs - 11 yrs Children will spend the week learning how to identify and collect wild edible plants as well as how these plants were traditionally used in Florida. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Rocks, Shells, & Fossils of Florida Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/rocks-shells-fossils-of-florida-camp/) - Calling all rockhounds! This is your chance to learn the basic types of rocks found in Florida as well as fossils from animals that roamed Florida long ago! Campers will go home with daily craft and go on daily hikes. Ages 6 yrs - 11 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Herpetology Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/herpetology-camp-2-3/) - Ages 7 yrs - 11 yrs Campers explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles. Through up-close encounters with a variety of animals, such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards, and snakes, campers learn about ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Fins, Skins, & Feathers Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/fins-skins-feathers-camp-2/) - Ages 7 yrs - 12 yrs Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025 Weekdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Campers will dive into the world of unique animal adaptations: fins, skins, and feathers! Throughout the week, campers will meet some of Boyd Hill’s Ambassador Animals along with other activities, crafts, and fun! >>> RESERVE - [Water Safety Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/water-safety-day-2/) - Don't miss Water Safety Day . This free family-friendly event provides water safety education and resources to parents/caregivers. Attendees will receive free water safety resources and giveaways while supplies last, including: Free lifejackets for children | Free door alarms | Free swim lesson vouchers | Free CPR vouchers | CPR demonstrations | Free swim evaluations | - [Salt Tolerant Plants & Irrigating with Reclaimed Water](https://baysoundings.com/event/salt-tolerant-plants-irrigating-with-reclaimed-water/) - Part of the Water Conservation collection Learn about the Benefits of Salt Tolerant Plants and other considerations when Irrigating with Reclaimed Water. Presented by Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Mobile Irrigation Lab working with Manatee County Ag Extension, University of Florida, Manatee County Utilities department and Water Conservation. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [The Value of Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-value-of-trees/) - Part of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ collection Trees contribute much more to humans than most people may think. Please join us to learn all of the many benefits that trees give us that we may not even realize. Perhaps you’ll be introduced to some trees you’ve never heard of, that are now appropriate to grow in - [The Importance of Native Plants & Trees for Birds & Butterflies](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-importance-of-native-plants-trees-for-birds-butterflies/) - Part of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ collection Learn why it's important to use native plants for wildlife! Join us to learn about Florida native plants and trees to add to your landscape to help support these beautiful creatures who are losing habitat and need our help! >>> GET TICKETS - [Master Gardener Volunteer Spring Plant Sale](https://baysoundings.com/event/master-gardener-volunteer-spring-plant-sale/) - Affordable plants grown by our Master Gardener Volunteers! Tickets: Please choose one ticket type. If you purchase an Early Bird ticket you do NOT need a Regular entry ticket. You can continue shopping after 9AM. 8AM-9AM Early Bird Individual Ticket: $10 Early Bird Family Ticket (2+ people): $15 9AM-12PM Regular entry: FREE Keep in mind - [Native Plant Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-gardening/) - [Naturalist Guided Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/naturalist-guided-tour-2-4-2/) - 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 during a guided walk of the Tower Boardwalk. The total walk length is 1 mile and it will traverse cement path and boardwalk, along with - [Artist Reception & Program: Photography by Karl & Kathleen Nichter](https://baysoundings.com/event/artist-reception-program-photography-by-karl-kathleen-nichter/) - Karl and Kathleen Nichter are the unofficial Photo Laureates of Brooker Creek Preserve. For over twenty years they have been dedicated volunteers and photographers at Brooker Creek Preserve teaching classes and giving hikes on nature photography. To honor their collaborative career, the FOBCP is pleased to showcase their work with a retrospective exhibition of photography - [Family Fun: Watershed Explorations at Weedon Island](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-fun-watershed-explorations-at-weedon-island/) - Celebrate Stormwater Stewardship Month! In celebration of Stormwater Stewardship Month, join Pinellas County Environmental Management staff and UF/IFAS Extension for a Walk in the Watershed at Weedon Island Preserve! This program will be a combined environmental educational program and guided hike. We will investigate our local watershed, explore the flow of water, collect water quality - ["Walk" The Watershed (Webinar)](https://baysoundings.com/event/walk-the-watershed-webinar/) - Celebrate Stormwater Stewardship Month! In this webinar we will follow the flow of rainwater from they sky to the ground, and from the ground to the bay (or elsewhere) to see where our water goes through the lens of what we call “stormwater”. We will explore how we play a critical role in the big - [Bug Out With Ava: An Intro to Hymenoptera](https://baysoundings.com/event/bug-out-with-ava-an-intro-to-hymenoptera/) - Learn why these insects are so important! Join Ava Easterling, educator and entomologist, to learn about the fascinating world of Hymenoptera- bees, ants, and wasps! Discover why these insects play a vital role in sustaining our planet and learn about some of their common behaviors. After the program, attendees will have the opportunity to view - [Senior Artisans](https://baysoundings.com/event/senior-artisans-3/) - Ages 50 yrs + It's never too late to try out a new art form! Led by local artist Francine Michel. Explore the preserve by tram and create a piece of art based on nature. All materials are provided. Feel free to bring your own sketchbook and camera. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Get Artsy Leaf Clay Dishes](https://baysoundings.com/event/get-artsy-leaf-clay-dishes/) - Are you always losing your rings or your keys? Why not make a small dish with nature impressions for jewelry or other items of importance here at the Preserve? Bring your own leaves or even flowers, we will have everything else for you to make your own dish. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Exploration Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/exploration-hike-2/) - Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve which is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Learn about the history of Boyd Hill, its diverse ecosystems, and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s natural wonders. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Bouquet Bar](https://baysoundings.com/event/bouquet-bar/) - Join our rangers to learn about our native butterfly and rain gardens. After a walk through the gardens, make your own bouquet for yourself or a special someone in your life. We will have a bouquet bar for you to mix and match flowers for a beautiful display. Bring your own vase to make your - [AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: BETTER BEE-LIEVE IT](https://baysoundings.com/event/afternoon-adventures-better-bee-lieve-it/) - For Ages: 8 - 12 Join our Rangers to learn about bee society and how a hive cooperates, along with examining how important bees are to humans. Many of our crops are only possible because of bee pollination. Explore why bees are important, what dangers they face, and how you can help our small, flighted - [Ssssssnakes of Boyd Hill](https://baysoundings.com/event/ssssssnakes-of-boyd-hill/) - Ages 6 yrs - 13 yrs Join our Ranger Intern to explore eight common native snakes that are found in the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. You will learn the difference between nonvenomous and venomous snakes. There will be practice of snake identification so that you can be safe and smart in snake habitat. Activities will - [Green Thumb Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/green-thumb-festival-2-2/) - St. Petersburg's annual Arbor Day Celebration, the Green Thumb Festival, brings together plant and flower lovers, as well as, individuals and families looking for a fun weekend activity. With more than 120 garden, plant and flower vendors and exhibitors, the annual event brings the community together for a weekend of fun. Parking is available at - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Fertilize Appropriately](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-fertilize-appropriately/) - Learn how to nourish your plants effectively while protecting Florida's environment. The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes. What You'll Learn: Best practices for selecting and applying fertilizers How to avoid over-fertilization - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Attract Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-attract-wildlife/) - Join us for an exciting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar on "Attract Wildlife." Discover how to transform your landscape into a thriving habitat for Florida's diverse fauna. What You'll Learn: How to create wildlife-friendly spaces in your yard Plant selections that attract butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects Simple ways to provide food, water, and shelter for local - [Wildflower Walk: Earth Day Edition](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildflower-walk-earth-day-edition/) - Immerse yourself in the beauty of native Florida flowers on this ranger-led hike. In celebration of Earth Day, we'll explore how the flowers, trees, and green spaces at Boyd Hill contribute to the health and vitality of the preserve. Ages 12 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [In Your Backyard Screech Owl Nest Boxes](https://baysoundings.com/event/in-your-backyard-screech-owl-nest-boxes/) - WHOOOO’s Home? Discover the amazing world of Screech Owls and help support local wildlife by building your very own owl nest box! In this engaging workshop, participants will learn about the importance of owls in our ecosystem, their unique characteristics, and how these nest boxes provide essential housing. Through hands-on building, kids and their adults - [Im(press)ive Flowers](https://baysoundings.com/event/impressive-flowers/) - Join the Rangers for a flower resin program! Learn the art of preserving flowers and create beautiful botanical keepsakes to take home. Perfect combination for nature lovers and craft enthusiasts. We will have flowers, but feel free to also bring your own ! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number - [Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-night-hike/) - 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 - [Egg-sploration Hunt & Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/egg-sploration-hunt-hike/) - Join us for an egg-citing hike and hunt at Pioneer Settlement. We will have crafts and games after the hike, along with an egg hunt at 11:30. Please bring a bag for collecting eggs. All ages welcome with a registered adult. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Buggin' Out Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/buggin-out-hike/) - Join our rangers for an explorative hike as we discover the fascinating insects that call Boyd Hill home. Learn about the vital roles these tiny creatures play in our ecosystem and why they are so important for the health of our environment All ages welcome with a registered adult. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Afternoon Adventures It's Classified](https://baysoundings.com/event/afternoon-adventures-its-classified/) - Join our Rangers in exploring how various plant and animal life are classified and develop a dichotomous key for identifying living organisms. We will also discuss why diversity of life is so important for ALL living things to survive. Students are encouraged to bring a couple of like items (shells, leaves, rocks, etc.) to create - [Youth Program: Planet Protectors!](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-program-planet-protectors-2/) - For youth nature lovers, this thrilling program is full of educational fun. It is specifically designed for young Floridans to understand what can be done for the environment in their home town and then express that knowledge through multiple artistic mediums. We’ll also meet some very special animal ambassadors and get to interact with them! - [Night Hike in the Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/night-hike-in-the-preserve-2-2/) - At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime. Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. - [Birds of Prey](https://baysoundings.com/event/birds-of-prey-3/) - 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 - [Nest Box Building Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/nest-box-building-workshop-5-2/) - Join us for an in-person workshop to "make and take" a nest box for your yard! Want to help our local cavity nesters? Learn how to build your very own nest box for an Eastern Bluebird! In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting - [Nest Box Building Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/nest-box-building-workshop-5/) - Join us for an in-person workshop to "make and take" a nest box for your yard! Want to help our local cavity nesters? Learn how to build your very own nest box for an Eastern Bluebird! In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the nesting - [The Story of Swallow-Tailed Kites & the People Who Track Them](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-story-of-swallow-tailed-kites-the-people-who-track-them/) - Join us to learn about these aerial acrobats! 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 - [Tween & Teen Homeschooler Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/tween-teen-homeschooler-hike/) - Explore the woods of "Our Wildest Place"! Join us on an educational guided hike geared toward tweens and teens! We’ll explore the native plants and animals that call Brooker Creek home while meandering along a 1.5 mile trail. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy after the hike together. Registration is required. Space - [Youth Spring Break Pollinator Party](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-spring-break-pollinator-party/) - Learn about our native pollinators! Take a pollinator walk, safely catch and study some insect friends, complete a scavenger hunt, then create seed-balls to take home so you can create a pollinator habitat of your own! Recommended for youth ages 7 & up. Registration is required. Space is limited and this program will cap at - [Florida’s Fabulous Fireflies](https://baysoundings.com/event/floridas-fabulous-fireflies/) - Commonly called "lightning bugs", come learn about Florida's fireflies and what we can do to conserve them! Yes, Florida has fireflies and more species than any other state in the U.S.! Join a staff naturalist to learn about this insect's surprising lifestyle, how they communicate (hint: it’s flashy) and what you can do to help - [Phytoplankton and Their Friends](https://baysoundings.com/event/phytoplankton-and-their-friends/) - Join Dr. Margaret “Maggi” Brisbin and Pinellas County Sea Grant Agent Katie Mastenbrook for an opportunity to deep dive into the world of plankton. The presentation will cover plankton communities in the Tampa Bay region, highlighting research on the plant plankton communities know as phytoplankton. Dr. Brisbin will cover Pyrodinium bahamense (the toxin and light - [Gopher Tortoise Trek](https://baysoundings.com/event/gopher-tortoise-trek/) - Ages 13+ Join us for an interpretive walk to search for gopher tortoises & their burrows, and learn about their role as ecosystem engineers! Join us for our celebration of Gopher Tortoise Day! Take a guided tour to learn about the six species of North American tortoises, with a special focus on our native gopher - [Rye Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/rye-preserve-tour-3-2/) - Guided tour through Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer! Third Saturday of the month (January - May), at 9:00am. 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 - [Native Garden Tour - Extension Office](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-garden-tour-extension-office/) - Tour the native gardens at the UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Office in Palmetto, FL. Are you interested in learning more about Florida native plants, and how you can incorporate more native plants into your existing landscape? Join us for an informative, one hour walking tour of our mostly native plant landscape at UF IFAS Extension - [Meet an Arborist](https://baysoundings.com/event/meet-an-arborist/) - Finding and Hiring a Certified Arborist for Tree Care Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson and local certified arborist, Carson Smith for an in depth conversation all about the importance of and the steps to, finding and hiring a certified arborist. We will discuss the in and outs of establishing your tree care - [Arbor Day Tree Workshop & Giveaway](https://baysoundings.com/event/arbor-day-tree-workshop-giveaway/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an interactive educational presentation all about selecting, planting and maintaining the Right Tree for the Right Place. All attendees of the workshop will take home a tree to plant in their landscape. Workshop will take approximately 1.5 hours and the tree giveaway will follow. If you - [Soil Building Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/soil-building-workshop/) - Learn how to build soil fertility to grow healthy vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, palms and turf in your home landscape. Learn how to use organic matter and fertilizer to create healthy soils. Florida soil is sandy, and most plants benefit from some soil amendments. Learn about the special fertility needs of different types of plants - [Military Agriculture Tour (MAT X)](https://baysoundings.com/event/military-agriculture-tour-mat-x/) - To introduce active duty and transitioning personnel, veterans, and their spouses to the diversity of agriculture within Hillsborough County and the diversity of career opportunities in a modern agricultural operation. The tour will start and end at UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584 The bus will leave HC Extension at 0830, - [Lionfish Dissection](https://baysoundings.com/event/lionfish-dissection-3-3/) - Lionfish dissection in our classroom! Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated - [Lionfish Dissection](https://baysoundings.com/event/lionfish-dissection-2/) - Lionfish dissection in our classroom! Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated - [Create Clearwater Green Mixer](https://baysoundings.com/event/create-clearwater-green-mixer/) - The purpose of this group is to offer a space for those who want to create all the things about city living that we would most love to live with. That would include access to fresh, healthy food, clean water, clean air, educational opportunities, lots of art, music, dance and theatre, parks and nature, community - [What Should You Be Planting Right Now?](https://baysoundings.com/event/what-should-you-be-planting-right-now/) - Spring is here—are you planting the right things at the right time? On March 30th, I’m hosting a free webinar where we’ll go over the best crops to plant this time of year, key timing strategies, and simple ways to get a stronger, healthier garden. Whether you’re just starting or have been gardening for years, - [World Bonsai Day Celebration](https://baysoundings.com/event/world-bonsai-day-celebration/) - Celebrate World Bonsai Day at Moccasin Lake Nature Park! The Hukyu Bonsai Society will host the event in the Garden Lodge with demonstrations and displays for park guests to see. If you have an interest in Bonsai, come visit! Learn about this very ancient art form. - [Science Rocks](https://baysoundings.com/event/science-rocks-2-2/) - Science Rocks for kids 4 - 6 years of age. New topic every month! Free program! Reservations are required! - [Cherokee Blowgun Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/cherokee-blowgun-workshop/) - >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Earth Day at Moccasin Lake](https://baysoundings.com/event/earth-day-at-moccasin-lake-3/) - Celebrate this special day by learning how to better protect our Earth at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. Moccasin Lake is a 51-acre nature preserve with trails and boardwalks under a canopy of mature oaks and across ponds and creeks, with an array of wildlife, including gopher turtles, raccoons, and many birds. Be sure to check - [Tree Giveaway](https://baysoundings.com/event/tree-giveaway/) - Proof of Clearwater residency is required. Take home two free trees and plant them this Earth Month and National Arbor Day on a first-come, first-served basis. Trees are important in the fight against climate change. As they grow, trees absorb and store carbon emissions that otherwise cause global warming. In an urban setting such as - [Eggstravaganza](https://baysoundings.com/event/eggstravaganza/) - Hop on over to Countryside Recreation Center for our annual egg hunt. Bring your Easter baskets and camera to get a picture with the Easter Bunny. There will be inflatables, games, prizes, music and more. Free. - [Earth Day Storytime](https://baysoundings.com/event/earth-day-storytime/) - Ages: 3 to 5 Join us as we will celebrate Earth Day through stories, songs, and a craft! Registration is required. Registration for this event will be open from March 17, 2025 @ 10:30 a.m. to April 16, 2025 @ 10:30 a.m. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/pier-60-sugar-sand-festival-2/) - This year, the festival celebrates its eleventh year and its biggest year yet with the theme, “DinoShores: A Prehistoric Adventure in Sand!” 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 - [Sea Turtle Awareness Day Lake Cleanup](https://baysoundings.com/event/sea-turtle-awareness-day-lake-cleanup-2/) - Come join the city of Clearwater and Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Sea Turtle Nesting Team for a lake cleanup! Get the chance to learn about sea turtle conservation and how you can help our local sea turtle population. This event will include raffle prizes, the opportunity to personalize a sea turtle nesting stake, a photo opp - [Communi-Trees: Grant Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/communi-trees-grant-workshop-2/) - Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an introduction to the Hillsborough County community tree grants program. Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a community focused conversation all about trees. We will cover the details of the CommuniTrees: Community Tree Grant program offered - [No Foolin'! Myths & Misconceptions about Tree Care](https://baysoundings.com/event/no-foolin-myths-misconceptions-about-tree-care/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agents, Alyssa and Jaime while we discuss common misconceptions about tree care. We will cover everything from normal abnormalities, to pruning cuts, mushrooms and more! We will conduct this Webinar online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary - just click to join! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Micro-Irrigation Hands On Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/micro-irrigation-hands-on-workshop/) - Here's the link to sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/microirrigation-hands-on-workshops-4095803 - [Equinox: A Guide to Spring Skies 2025](https://baysoundings.com/event/equinox-a-guide-to-spring-skies-2025/) - Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop to celebrate the Vernal Equinox! Explore the rising Spring constellations and get to know your night sky. Learn some tips and tricks to finding your favorite objects and take a closer look at images from the James Webb Space Telescope! Keep an eye out for comets, meteor - [Special Butterfly Walk!](https://baysoundings.com/event/special-butterfly-walk/) - Field Trip Leader: Ron Smith Location: Folly Farms Nature Preserve 1538 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street North, Safety Harbor, Florida 34695 Meet at the parking lot. This walk and butterfly introduction day should feature several species of hairstreaks and other early season butterflies. Spectacular native plants display. What to Bring: Hat, Binoculars, Water, Insect - [Community Science Using eBird](https://baysoundings.com/event/community-science-using-ebird/) - Speaker: Alli Smith, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Everyone can contribute to science, even on a local scale! Alli Smith will tell us about eBird, how to navigate the app, and the way scientists can use this data for conservation. Location: Zoom (click here to register) - [Photography Bird Walk - Roosevelt Wetlands](https://baysoundings.com/event/photography-bird-walk-roosevelt-wetlands/) - Field Trip Leaders: Joel Conrad, Will Laurie, and Jason Guerrero (Conservation Leadership Initiative Student) Location: Roosevelt Wetlands 0853 43rd St. N. (43rd and 110th Ave N.), Clearwater, FL 33765. Meet at the entrance on 43rd St. There is a small unpaved parking lot that only can handle 3 or 4 cars; more parking is along - [Colony Watch Training TBP](https://baysoundings.com/event/colony-watch-training-tbp/) - Jeff Liechty, Audubon Florida’s Coastal Islands Sanctuaries staff, and William Laurie, Project Colony Watch Coordinator, will conduct Colony Watch Training March 15, 10 am in Brandon. During the training, you’ll learn how to identify nesting birds and survey your local bird nesting colony. Reports help inform local and state managers and protect wading bird populations. - [Walk Chinsegut Wildlife & Environmental Area](https://baysoundings.com/event/walk-chinsegut-wildlife-environmental-area/) - Meet at the parking lot at the intersection of Snow Memorial Highway and US-41, Brooksville, FL 34601. It’s 6 miles north of Brooksville. Bring water, snacks, and lunch if you want. We’ll walk about 4 miles in to view the May’s Prairie wetland and back out. It’s a wide, well-kept trail, with lots of birds! - [The Florida Panther: Our Endangered Big Cat](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-florida-panther-our-endangered-big-cat/) - The elusive Florida Panther is one of the most endangered creatures. There are only around 200 of these majestic cats left in the wild! Make plans to join us for a great discussion with a field biologist who will delve into the mysteries of these incredible animals. Discover their secret lives and find out what - [Little Manatee River night paddle](https://baysoundings.com/event/little-manatee-river-night-paddle/) - While you are marking your calendar, save the date- Saturday, March 29- for a night paddle to explore the Little Manatee River after dark- without flashlights! Canoes and kayaks are available for $25 per boat; $5 if you have your own vessel. Plan to arrive by 7pm to be out on the water by 7:30pm. - [Camp Bayou Spring Fest](https://baysoundings.com/event/camp-bayou-spring-fest/) - Join Camp Bayou as it welcomes Spring with some fun activities on Saturday, March 22 from 9am-noon. Some of the activities you can expect include nature activity tables, trail walks, tomato seedling giveaway, and cart tours. Schedule of Events: 9am open 9:30 Cart tours begin 10:00 Trail walk 10:30 Butterfly Habitat Q&A 11:00 Native Camp - [Orchid Repotting Clinic](https://baysoundings.com/event/orchid-repotting-clinic/) - Lighthouse Bldg @ FL Botanical Gardens, 12211 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL 33778, USA Overwhelmed by how to repot your orchid? Let the Florida West Coast Orchid Society help! The FWCOS will be hosting their annual Orchid Repotting Clinic on March 15, 2025 at the Lighthouse Building in the Florida Botanical Gardens. For a nominal fee - [Butterfly Gardening: Milkweed for Monarchs](https://baysoundings.com/event/butterfly-gardening-milkweed-for-monarchs/) - Learn how to attract monarchs and other butterflies to your Florida garden 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 - [Backyard Chickens 101 Seminar](https://baysoundings.com/event/backyard-chickens-101-seminar/) - Learn the basics of raising backyard chickens! Join us for an introductory backyard chicken seminar! We will cover the basics of raising backyard chickens, including health, nutrition, chicken coops, predator protection, and egg production tips. This workshop is for beginning or aspiring backyard chicken owners. The program will be held at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough - [Design Your Landscape to Your Site Conditions](https://baysoundings.com/event/design-your-landscape-to-your-site-conditions/) - Learn about the many facets to consider for designing your landscape & plant selection. Co-presented by: Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Manatee County Mobile Irrigation Lab and the University of Florida, Manatee County Ag Extension. Susan Griffith, Florida Friendly Landscape Coordinator, working with the University of Florida, Manatee County Ag Extension. Manatee County's - [Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Groundbreaking Groundcovers!](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-friendly-landscaping-groundbreaking-groundcovers/) - Learn about the many different beautiful groundcover options for trouble spots in your yard where it is difficult to grow grass! - [Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!](https://baysoundings.com/event/reptile-wednesday-with-dennis/) - 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! - [Ethnobotany and Archaeology Open House](https://baysoundings.com/event/ethnobotany-and-archaeology-open-house-2/) - See ancient artifacts and learn how people have used native plants for everything from food and medicine to making ropes and even paint! Join us for a celebration of Florida Archaeology Month! Learn how indigenous Floridians used native plants as an everyday resource in the “Florida Native Plants Through Time” exhibit and demonstration. Exhibit designer - [Kayak Tour: Archaeology of Ross Island](https://baysoundings.com/event/kayak-tour-archaeology-of-ross-island/) - Join archaeologists for a unique and engaging paddling experience in the waters of the Weedon Island Preserve! Ages 18+ This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will tour one of Tampa Bay's best preserved archaeological sites. During the paddle, the group will make short stops to learn about the - [Tiny Wildlife Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/tiny-wildlife-walk/) - Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Weedon Island Preserve. Wildlife abounds at the Weedon Island Preserve, especially the tiny kind, like butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates. Join naturalist Liz Childress on a walk to look for little creatures and discover the hidden - [Introduction to Beekeeping](https://baysoundings.com/event/introduction-to-beekeeping-2/) - Introduction to Beekeeping: A Hobby with Sweet Rewards ~ 3 Sessions ~ This program will introduce you to the basics of honey bees, their behavior, biology and the guiding principles of beekeeping. Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve's Beekeepers Club Why honey bees? In addition to the personal satisfaction of - [2025 ECO Educator Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/2025-eco-educator-workshop/) - Join us as we celebrate our 13th annual offering of Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Educator Workshop! Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Teacher Training Workshop The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Pinellas County's Natural Resources Agent has teamed up with St. Petersburg College, College of Education Professor - [Star Party](https://baysoundings.com/event/star-party-3/) - 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, - [Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/advanced-plant-identification-4-part-series-2-2/) - This four-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants. Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This four-part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist. The class follows - [Pioneer Camp - BHNP Spring 2025](https://baysoundings.com/event/pioneer-camp-bhnp-spring-2025/) - Campers will experience a time when family, friendship, and character were as important as food, water, and shelter. Activities are adapted from the Association of Experiential Education to foster team building, leadership, and self-esteem. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs Fee Assistance Available >>> REGISTER HERE - [Parents Night Out- Earth Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/parents-night-out-earth-day/) - Parents enjoy a night out while the kids experience a night of Edventure Exploration! Come learn about our themed nights through games, activities, crafts, and a night hike. A pizza dinner is included. Celebrate with Boyd Hill for an evening of fun, hands-on activities dedicated to protecting our planet. Participants will enjoy planting a native - [Parents Night Out- Turtle, Turtle, Tortoise](https://baysoundings.com/event/parents-night-out-turtle-turtle-tortoise/) - Parents enjoy a night out while the kids experience a night of Edventure Exploration! Come learn about our themed nights through games, activities, crafts, and a night hike. A pizza dinner is included. It’s International Turtle Day! Let’s celebrate these amazing animals and their adaptations to their ecosystems. Learn about the turtles on our property - [Parents Night Out- Wild Wetlands](https://baysoundings.com/event/parents-night-out-wild-wetlands/) - Parents enjoy a night out while the kids experience a night of Edventure Exploration! Come learn about our themed nights through games, activities, crafts, and a night hike. A pizza dinner is included. Participants will learn about the plants and animals that thrive in these unique environments, and how wetlands help our planet. Through games, - [Nature Detectives Camp - BHNP Spring 2025](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-detectives-camp-bhnp-spring-2025/) - Ages 7 yrs - 11 yrs Explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles (such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards) with hands-on learning, hikes, and animal encounters. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Froggin' Around](https://baysoundings.com/event/froggin-around/) - Let’s have a little frog fun to celebrate World Water Day! Ages 4 yrs - 8 yrs Come dressed like your favorite frog and enjoy a frog’s point of view. Join Connie Nye to learn about adaptations and the life cycle of frogs. A reading of “Can He Keep It?” and a book signing included. - [Exploration Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/exploration-hike/) - Join us for a guided daytime hike through the Preserve which is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Learn about the history of Boyd Hill, its diverse ecosystems, and enjoy the beautiful trails as our knowledgeable rangers share insights into the preserve’s natural wonders. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Elemental Seasons Camp - BHNP Spring 2025](https://baysoundings.com/event/elemental-seasons-camp-bhnp-spring-2025/) - Celebrate the winter season of Florida with an experiential look at the winter changes, celebrations, and cultures around the world throughout time. Nature hikes, handcrafted items to take home, and interactive experiences occur each day. Ages 6 yrs - 11 yrs >>> ENROLL HERE - [Elemental Seasons Homeschool - BHNP Spring 2025](https://baysoundings.com/event/elemental-seasons-homeschool-bhnp-spring-2025/) - Join Ruth Glass as we study the seasons and traditional celebrations from around the world. Children will go on hikes, participate in celebrations of nature, and create nature art to take home. Please bring water and a snack. Ages 5 yrs - 12 yrs >>> ENROLL HERE - [Afternoon Adventures Weather or Not](https://baysoundings.com/event/afternoon-adventures-weather-or-not/) - Join our Rangers in exploring what weather is, how it is different from climate, and how does it form. We will look at everything from the tilt of the Earth, solar radiation, the Coriolis effect, air pressure/temperature, to how large bodies of water and different landforms (forest, desert, mountains, plains) affect our weather and climates. - [Pollinator Pots](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-pots-3/) - Support local pollinators such as butterflies and birds by making a pollinator pot to put on your porch or balcony! Bring a 12" - 18" pot and we will provide the native plants and soil! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time - [Senior Artisans](https://baysoundings.com/event/senior-artisans-2/) - It's never too late to try out a new art form! Led by local artist Francine Michel. Explore the preserve by tram and create a piece of art based on nature. All materials are provided. Feel free to bring your own sketchbook and camera. Ages 50 yrs + >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Senior Artisans](https://baysoundings.com/event/senior-artisans/) - It's never too late to try out a new art form! Led by local artist Francine Michel. Explore the preserve by tram and create a piece of art based on nature. All materials are provided. Feel free to bring your own sketchbook and camera. Ages 50 yrs + >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Senior Artisans Copy](https://baysoundings.com/event/senior-artisans-copy/) - It's never too late to try out a new art form! Led by local artist Francine Michel. Explore the preserve by tram and create a piece of art based on nature. All materials are provided. Feel free to bring your own sketchbook and camera. Ages 50 yrs + >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Nature's Teamwork](https://baysoundings.com/event/natures-teamwork/) - Join the St. Petersburg Audubon to discover the intricate relationships in nature, such as parasitism and competition. We'll examine how these interactions shape ecosystems, often providing benefits but at times devastating host populations in both plants and animal. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Adult Bike](https://baysoundings.com/event/adult-bike/) - Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our brand new bike hike! This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails, enjoy fresh air, and learn about nature along the way. Please note: only 5 adult - [Wild About Wetlands](https://baysoundings.com/event/wild-about-wetlands/) - Join us as we celebrate wetlands in honor of World Wetlands Day hiking through the beautiful wetlands of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve! Participants will discover more about this vital habitat, learn about local flora and fauna, and gain an appreciation for the importance of wetlands in our environment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Back to Nature, Rewild Your Yard](https://baysoundings.com/event/back-to-nature-rewild-your-yard-2/) - Your backyard is your nature! Learn how to do less work while creating beautiful habitat for animals through re-wilding. Join Theresa Badurek, Urban Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS, to learn about this fascinating concept that is beneficial to wildlife and our environment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Let's Talk Turtles](https://baysoundings.com/event/lets-talk-turtles/) - Join us for a fascinating program dedicated to exploring the diverse turtle species found in Florida. Participants will learn about their habitats, behaviors, and the conservation challenges they face. Through interactions with our ambassador animals and a hike through tortoise habitat, we’ll foster a deeper appreciation for these remarkable reptiles and the vital role they - [Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/blackwater-creek-tbp/) - Located north of Plant City, the Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve (BCNP) is a 2,200-acre site maintained by Hillsborough County. BCNP is mostly flat and the trail is a mixture of grass and sand. While there are several stands of long leaf pines and cypress heads, the trail is mostly unshaded and generally follows the edges - [Rx Fire Fest](https://baysoundings.com/event/rx-fire-fest/) - Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments will hold our “Rx Fire Fest,” which is a festival created to celebrate and educate about prescribed fire and its value to Florida’s natural landscapes and communities. This program will take place at Edward Medard Conservation Park (6140 Turkey Creek Rd. Plant City, FL 33567) on Saturday, - [Tampa Christmas Bird Count](https://baysoundings.com/event/tampa-christmas-bird-count-2/) - This year we will participate in the National Audubon Society’s 125th Christmas Bird Count! We will be out hooting for owls in the pre-dawn dark and counting every bird that we can find in the TAS sector. Participants do not have to join in all day—we welcome everyone to come and help count for whatever - [Morning Tree Walk with Will Moriaty](https://baysoundings.com/event/morning-tree-walk-with-will-moriaty/) - 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. - [Plantapalooza III !](https://baysoundings.com/event/plantapalooza-iii/) - 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! - [Communi-Trees: Grant Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/communi-trees-grant-workshop/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an introduction to the Hillsborough County community tree grants program. We will cover the details of the CommuniTrees: Community Tree Grant program offered by Hillsborough County. We will discuss the application process and recommended best practices for trees in communities. Tree planting grants are for established - [Marvelous Mangroves](https://baysoundings.com/event/marvelous-mangroves/) - Marvelous Mangroves: Ecology, Protection and Maintenance Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson and UF/IFAS Sea Grant Agent Armando Ubeda for an in depth look at mangroves. We will cover their ecology, identification, protection and shoreline maintenance best practices including recommended trimming best practices. This class will be located in the classroom as well - [Dune Savers Work Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/dune-savers-work-day/) - The City is ready for us to come back and help in the dunes! There have been several SPB Beach Cleanups, but they asked people to stay off the dunes. Dune Savers will start back by just cleaning trash and debris from the dunes at Upham Beach. Hopefully most of the invasive plants didn’t survive the storms! - [DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/desoto-riverview-pointe-preserve-tour/) - 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 - [Emerson Point Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/emerson-point-preserve-tour-3-2/) - 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 - [Rye Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/rye-preserve-tour/) - Guided tour through Rye Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer! Third Saturday of the month (January - May), at 9:00am. 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 - [Perico Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/perico-preserve-tour/) - Guided tour through Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer. Fourth Sunday of the month (January - April), at 9:00am 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 - [Healthy Landscapes](https://baysoundings.com/event/healthy-landscapes-4/) - Learn how to have a healthy landscape while saving water. Will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape™ tips such as Right Plant vs. Right Place, Watering efficiently, and Mulch benefits. Presented by Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Mobile Irrigation Lab working with Manatee County Ag Extension, University of Florida, Manatee County Utilities department and Water - [Taking The Mystery Out Of Micro-irrigation](https://baysoundings.com/event/taking-the-mystery-out-of-micro-irrigation-2/) - Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system. Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, to discuss an introduction to micro-irrigation. This includes learning to select, install, and operate your own water-saving irrigation system. The discussion will include information regarding the components, and how to assemble and maintain. Come hear the - [Wading Birds Photography Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/wading-birds-photography-tour-2/) - 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 - [Naturalist Guided Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/naturalist-guided-tour-2-4/) - 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 - [OFF THE BEATEN PATH](https://baysoundings.com/event/27269/) - Back by popular demand… OFF THE BEATEN PATH A nature-based fundraising hike series This series of four hikes will take place in beautiful areas tucked away within Brooker Creek Preserve in sites that are closed to the public. Our guide, Dr. Craig Huegel, can identify everything, from the tiniest moss to the tallest tree including - [The Life of a Dead Tree](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-life-of-a-dead-tree-2/) - It has been said that a dead tree supports more biodiversity than a live tree! Let’s explore what happens when a tree meets its end. From initial decomposers to larger opportunists, a dead tree becomes a “hive” of activity until it is reduced to dust. Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor. Recommended for - [Florida Arbor Day Activities & Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-arbor-day-hike/) - Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing...TREES! In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES! Join Lara on a hike to learn about all of the amazing things these giant plants can do! Get ready to look up and - [Book Time at Brooker](https://baysoundings.com/event/book-time-at-brooker-3/) - 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. - [Identifying the Snakes of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/identifying-the-snakes-of-boyd-hill-nature-preserve/) - 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 - [Astronomy Night](https://baysoundings.com/event/astronomy-night-2/) - >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [In Your Backyard: Build a Bat Box!](https://baysoundings.com/event/in-your-backyard-build-a-bat-box/) - Discover the amazing world of bats and help support local wildlife by building your very own bat box! Ages 7 yrs + In this engaging workshop, participants will learn about the importance of bats in our ecosystem, their unique characteristics, and how bat boxes provide essential roosting habitats. Through hands-on activities, kids (and their adults) - [Alligator Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/alligator-walk/) - 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 - [Nature Riders Child Bike](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-riders-child-bike/) - Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our brand new bike hike! Ages 7 yrs - 11 yrs This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails, enjoy fresh air, and learn about nature along the - [Nature Riders Adult Bike](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-riders-adult-bike/) - Get ready to pedal your way through nature in our brand new bike hike! Ages 12 yrs + This guided bike hike combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of the great outdoors, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore our trails, enjoy fresh air, and learn about nature along the way. Please - [Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-night-hike-2-7/) - 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](https://baysoundings.com/event/bug-investigations/) - 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 - [Florida Native Plant Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-native-plant-gardening/) - 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. - [Fins, Skins, & Feathers Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/fins-skins-feathers-camp/) - Ages 7 yrs - 12 yrs Campers will dive into the world of unique animal adaptations: fins, skins, and feathers! Throughout the week, campers will meet some of Boyd Hill’s Ambassador Animals along with other activities, crafts, and fun. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Elemental Seasons Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/elemental-seasons-camp/) - Ages 6 yrs - 11 yrs Celebrate the winter season of Florida with an experiential look at the winter changes, celebrations, and cultures around the world throughout time. Nature hikes, handcrafted items to take home, and interactive experiences occur each day. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Hiking into the Horizon](https://baysoundings.com/event/hiking-into-the-horizon/) - Join our park rangers for the last hike of the year at the Preserve. Walk through the preserve and plan your new year’s resolutions. Ages 12 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Holiday Lights in the Gardens 2024](https://baysoundings.com/event/holiday-lights-in-the-gardens-2024/) - 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 - [Audubon’s Birds of America Exhibit](https://baysoundings.com/event/audubons-birds-of-america-exhibit/) - The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg is thrilled to bring Audubon’s Birds of America to St. Petersburg. Produced by National Museums Scotland, this exhibition celebrates the extraordinary legacy of John James Audubon (1785 –1851). It tells the story of this iconic artist, naturalist, and ornithologist, as well as the evolution of one of the - [S'mores with Santa](https://baysoundings.com/event/smores-with-santa/) - You've had cookies with Santa, but have you had s’mores? Join the rangers, Santa, and his elves as we hang around the campfire making some yummy s’mores. Take photos with Santa in the decorated Brantley Building at the Pioneer Settlement. There will be additional photo ops as well. Register here - [Specialty Dissections](https://baysoundings.com/event/specialty-dissections/) - Ages 12+ • 2 Hour These events are limited to ages 12 and up due to its subject and the graphic nature of the dissection. Any child under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Spots are limited, so please register ahead of time. Check the calendar to see what dissection is coming up next! - [Water Bath Canning 101: Tomatoes](https://baysoundings.com/event/water-bath-canning-101-tomatoes/) - Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to can tomatoes. This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind canning, and a food tasting. Feel free to bring your own lunch; full 3 hours of the class is dependent on amount of participant questions and canning - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Mulch](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-mulch/) - Learn how to nourish your plants effectively while protecting Florida's environment. The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes. What You'll Learn: Best practices for selecting and applying fertilizers How to avoid over-fertilization - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Water Efficiently](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-water-efficiently/) - Dive into the world of smart water use with our upcoming Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar! The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes. Don't let your garden become a water hog! Learn how to - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Right Plant, Right Place](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-right-plant-right-place/) - Discover the secret to a thriving, low-maintenance landscape that's perfect for our Florida climate. Learn how to choose plants that not only survive but thrive in your specific yard conditions. What You'll Learn: How to match plants to your yard's unique environment Tips for reducing water use and pest problems Tricks to create a stunning, - [FFL HC Webinar Series: Intro to Nine Principles](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-hc-webinar-series-intro-to-nine-principles/) - Join us for the "FFL HC Webinar Series: Intro to Nine Principles," a comprehensive introduction to the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. This webinar is designed to provide homeowners, community association managers, and landscape professionals with essential knowledge to create sustainable and eco-friendly landscapes. Why Attend? Gain science-based insights from UF/IFAS experts. Learn practical tips for - [Backyard Landscaping for Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/event/backyard-landscaping-for-wildlife/) - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: Backyard Landscaping for Wildlife Learn how to make your yard suitable for wildlife! Manatee County is urbanizing rapidly and as natural areas vanish, it becomes more and more important to provide suitable habitat for native wildlife in our own backyards and established communities. This workshop will help guide you in landscaping your property - [Ground Covers - Plants That Work](https://baysoundings.com/event/ground-covers-plants-that-work/) - Learn about ground covers you can use in place of turfgrass. Join Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, as she presents how landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend in landscape practices because once they are established, these plants will need little or no water. Learn noteworthy plants, site considerations, and management - [Irrigation Design 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/irrigation-design-101-3/) - Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system. Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, as he discusses the basics of great irrigation design. Learn helpful information for installing your new or retrofitted in-ground irrigation system! This class satisfies the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation - [Children's Book Reading with the Author: Can He Keep It?](https://baysoundings.com/event/childrens-book-reading-with-the-author-can-he-keep-it/) - Join us for a special Children's book reading with local author Connie Nye! This engaging story helps children understand the importance of stewardship and putting creatures back where they were found. Children will have the opportunity to engage and ask questions after the reading. Connie’s program will also include an opportunity to observe pond critters - [Night Hike in the Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/night-hike-in-the-preserve/) - At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime. Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. Hikes - [Hidden Wonders Nature Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/hidden-wonders-nature-walk-5-3-2/) - This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of "Our Wildest Place." We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Everyday reveals new natural wonders to enjoy, join us! Registration is required. Additional Notes: Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in - [Gingerbread Habitats](https://baysoundings.com/event/gingerbread-habitats/) - Enjoy a day of gingerbread fun as your family creates a habitat for your favorite animal friends! Will you build an aviary for birds, a mountain for goats, or a grassland for lions? The possibilities are endless with our decorating supplies! Ages 6 yrs + Fee includes one house with a maximum of four customers - [Get Outside Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/get-outside-hike/) - Enjoy a nice walk after your meals with your family. Instead of walking around stores spending money, walk around the Preserve and receive the gift of Nature. All ages welcome with a registered adult. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Winter Solstice Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/winter-solstice-hike/) - Take advantage getting outside on the shortest daylight of the year. Join our rangers for a hike throughout the Preserve. All ages welcome with a registered adult. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Nature's Airpurifiers](https://baysoundings.com/event/natures-airpurifiers/) - For only pennies a day, houseplants will help beautify, purify, and renew your studio, office or home by filtering out toxins, pollutants, and the carbon dioxide we exhale and replace them with fresh oxygen! Learn about NASA recommended air- purifying plants, how to responsibly care for them, and how to propagate them so you can - [Gratitude Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/gratitude-hike/) - A walk designed to relax and rejuvenate by focusing on gratitude. Bathe the senses in the healing qualities of nature and share experiences through conversation. Ages 12 and up welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Counting with the Birds](https://baysoundings.com/event/counting-with-the-birds/) - Have you heard of the Christmas Bird Count? It began in 1900—yes, that's right, 1900—and is the longest-running national citizen science project organized by the Audubon Society. Join us to learn about the CBC, discover how to count birds, and take part in a hike to apply your new skills. This is an educational program, - [Attracting Butterflies](https://baysoundings.com/event/attracting-butterflies/) - Learn expert tips on how to attract a wide variety of beautiful butterflies into your yard or balcony. All ages welcome with a registered adult. >>> REGISTER HERE - [ASTRONOMY NIGHT](https://baysoundings.com/event/astronomy-night/) - Explore the night sky with volunteers from the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club. During this month's program, participants will be able to see the rings of Saturn through the scopes! Ages 18 yrs + >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Health Benefits of Therapy Gardens and Indoor Plants](https://baysoundings.com/event/health-benefits-of-therapy-gardens-and-indoor-plants/) - Florida-Friendly Friday: Health Benefits of Therapy Gardens and Indoor Plants Learn about the health benefits plants can have in your everyday life. The fast pace of everyday life can be stressful. Why don't you take a moment for yourself and learn how you can find tranquility through indoor plants and therapy gardens? Join an FFL - [Winter Wonders with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™](https://baysoundings.com/event/winter-wonders-with-florida-friendly-landscaping/) - Winter Wonders with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Discover the joys of winter gardening in Florida, with an FFL Educator! We will explore the importance of choosing native and drought-resistant plants that not only beautify your garden but also support and attract local wildlife throughout the winter months. Also, learn about migrating birds that call Florida home during - [Kitchen Botany Webinar](https://baysoundings.com/event/kitchen-botany-webinar/) - You may know more than you think about botany from everyday interactions with plants in the kitchen. We will explore where our fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices really come from and how many of them were domesticated from wild plants. This webinar is recommended for adults and youth over 12. Please note: This webinar will - [Wading Birds Photography Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/wading-birds-photography-tour/) - 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. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. - [Ales and Wild Tails - Audubon Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/ales-and-wild-tails-audubon-florida/) - Ales and Wild Tails is back! Join the Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges and the Center for Biological Diversity in welcoming Kara Cook of Audubon Florida to learn about roof top nesting of bird species in Florida. The Audubon Florida rooftop-nesting program is vital to preserving bird populations that have suffered habitat - [FALL BREAK CAMPS](https://baysoundings.com/event/fall-break-camps/) - The adventure awaits! Campers will discover nature and wildlife, exercise creativity, all while learning to care for our environment. Camps take place when Pinellas County's schools are on break. See information below for ways to create amazing memories for your child. Fee assistance and discount options may be available. Free lunches are available to campers - [What's Happening to Florida's Birds?](https://baysoundings.com/event/whats-happening-to-floridas-birds/) - NATURAL HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES What's Happening to Florida's Birds? Bird populations can surge or plummet depending on a variety of factors—everything from the quality of their habitats to the impact of pesticides, the encroachment of urban sprawl, prowling cats, and the sweeping effects of climate change. Soar into the dynamic world of Florida's feathered residents - [PRINT PARTY AT THE PRESERVE](https://baysoundings.com/event/print-party-at-the-preserve/) - Free | All ages welcome A free, family-friendly celebration of all things print! Join us for the inaugural Print Party and explore different printing styles such as letterpress, screen print, Gelli prints, papermaking, cyanotype, woodcuts, steamroller printing, and more. Make plans to enjoy the day exploring printmaking outdoors. Your participation supports the fantastic work of - [Big Day Birding Event](https://baysoundings.com/event/big-day-birding-event/) - On 14 October, people in 191 countries around the world joined together to celebrate birds for October Big Day. More than 36,000 people contributed 83,735 checklists, setting three new records for the single biggest day in October birding history! Even more impressive, the global birding community reported 7,525 species—an incredible 72 more species than last October Big Day. This remarkable - [Pumpkin Perfection: From Garden to Table](https://baysoundings.com/event/pumpkin-perfection-from-garden-to-table/) - Learn about growing pumpkins suited for Florida gardening and how to incorporate them into recipes. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a home cook eager to explore new flavors, this class offers the skills and inspiration you need to make the most of your pumpkin harvest. This class will include gardening tips from a Master - [Community Tree Care](https://baysoundings.com/event/community-tree-care/) - Communi-Trees: Community Tree Care Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for a community focused conversation all about trees. We will discuss tree selection, planting, maintenance and challenges for community level management. There is no cost to attend. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Meet your Forest](https://baysoundings.com/event/meet-your-forest/) - Meet your Forest: Tree Identification Walk and Talk Part of the Urban Forestry Programs collection Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson for an educational walk to learn about our local trees. She will cover tree identification techniques, including using iNaturalist to document your findings. Be prepared to walk with closed toed shoes, water, - [The Many Benefits of Native Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-many-benefits-of-native-trees/) - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: The Many Benefits of Native Trees Learn about trees native to Florida and their many benefits! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Butterfly Gardening for Beginners](https://baysoundings.com/event/butterfly-gardening-for-beginners/) - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: Basics of Butterfly Gardening for Beginners Everything you need to know to start your own backyard butterfly garden! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Autumn Harvest Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/26981/) - Join us for the 18th Annual Autumn Harvest Festival at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, where fall fun meets nature’s beauty. This year’s event will include an array of activities for the whole family, including games, food trucks, crafts, and hayrides! - Saturday, October 12 - 10 AM - 3 PM - Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3010 - [Salt Tolerant Plants](https://baysoundings.com/event/salt-tolerant-plants/) - ‘Learn which plants are Salt tolerant and other choices to consider for your landscape’ >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Irrigation with Water Conservation in Mind](https://baysoundings.com/event/irrigation-with-water-conservation-in-mind-8/) - Learn how to conserve water with your irrigation system! Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground irrigation system for water conservation, how to repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips. Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X - [Backyard Citrus Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/backyard-citrus-workshop/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension for a workshop on selection, planting and care of your backyard citrus. Citrus trees will be available for purchase. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Seed Saving Strategies](https://baysoundings.com/event/seed-saving-strategies-2/) - Learn how to save seeds from your favorite vegetables! Have you ever thought about saving seeds from your favorite vegetables? Join us for this two-hour workshop about seed saving strategies. Topics will include plant mating systems, isolation techniques, seed processing, and more! For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at 941-722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. - [Photo Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/photo-walk/) - Join photographer Sharon on a photo walk along the Ream Wilson Trail where participants will walk, discuss photography tips and take pictures of whatever captures their imagination. We will focus on taking interesting photographs, using the available light, wildlife and scenery. Bring your photographic equipment (cell phone, camera, tablet), creativity and water for hydration. >>> - [Fall-o-ween](https://baysoundings.com/event/fall-o-ween/) - Halloween and Fall fun at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. There will be food, music, a costume contest, arts & crafts, Halloween karaoke and more! - [Tot Time](https://baysoundings.com/event/tot-time-4-5/) - Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve. 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, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are - [Tot Time & The Gopher Tortoise Tot Trot!](https://baysoundings.com/event/tot-time-the-gopher-tortoise-tot-trot/) - Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve. Families of pre-school aged children (3-5 years old) are invited to explore the wonders of the Weedon Island Preserve! This class will focus on the Gopher Tortoise, a keystone species and icon of the Preserve. In addition to learning about - [Gopher Tortoise Walk & Talk](https://baysoundings.com/event/gopher-tortoise-walk-walk-with-us-at-weedon-island-and-learn-about-this-keystone-species-talk/) - Walk with us at Weedon Island and learn about this keystone species! Join a guided tour to learn about the six species of North American tortoises, with a focus on our native gopher tortoise. We will explore this keystone species and environmental engineer, and learn how to “read” a tortoise burrow. This is an easy - [Naturalist Guided Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/naturalist-guided-tour-2-3/) - Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of Weedon Island Preserve. Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island on this guided hike. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult. Attendees will meet inside - [Falcon Fascination](https://baysoundings.com/event/falcon-fascination-2/) - Join us for a journey through time representing man’s long term relationship with peregrine falcons! This program is a journey through time representing man’s long term relationship with peregrine falcons. The importance of coastal areas, climate, water, bird friendly communities and migratory stop overs is discussed. Peregrine falcons are extreme predators that ended up on - [Pioneer Nights](https://baysoundings.com/event/pioneer-nights-2-4/) - Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire, and s’mores, pioneer style. Ages 6 yrs - 13 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Farming at Boyd Hill Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/farming-at-boyd-hill-garden-2/) - Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula. Ages 7 yrs - 11 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Field Trip to John S. Taylor Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-to-john-s-taylor-park/) - Migrants, bittern, green herons and more. Meet at the park’s Shelter 6 at 8:00am. Leader - Steve Aversa 727-218-7938 - [Field Trip to Fort De Soto](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-to-fort-de-soto/) - Field Trip Leader: Peter Plaige Meet at North Beach. After entering the park, turn right at the flagpole, continue west, then north on the main park road. Enter the large parking lot at North Beach and meet in the parking lot near the north-most restroom. The trip will entail walking a mile or more on - [Field Trip to A. L. Anderson Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-to-a-l-anderson-park/) - Field Trip Leader: Carl Shavers Meet at shelter 4. What to Bring: Hat Binoculars Water Insect repellent Sunscreen - [Field Trip to John Chestnut Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-to-john-chestnut-park/) - Field Trip Leader: Ron Smith Meet at the first parking lot on the left after passing the initial 3-way stop sign. What to Bring: Hat Binoculars Water Insect repellent Sunscreen - [Clean Up the Tampa Audubon Sanctuary](https://baysoundings.com/event/clean-up-the-tampa-audubon-sanctuary-2/) - The Tampa Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and Port Tampa Bay are jointly responsible for a small natural area bordering Old Tampa Bay. Mangroves, mudflats, oyster bars, and open bay provide bird and wildlife habitat here, one of the few natural shorelines remaining. Once or twice a year, we meet to remove the trash that - [Sunset Beach Cleanup](https://baysoundings.com/event/sunset-beach-cleanup/) - Join us as we clean up our beaches, have some fun, learn something new, and release some birds! - [Avian Ambassador Meet and Greet](https://baysoundings.com/event/avian-ambassador-meet-and-greet/) - Come and meet one of our Avian Ambassadors up close and personal! Learn about their species, individual injury, natural history, and impact on our local ecosystems! - [Homeschool Program -Ages 6-8](https://baysoundings.com/event/homeschool-program-ages-6-8/) - Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 6-8. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Plant Play in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-play-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden-2/) - Dig into the soil and learn about plants all around us. Plant Play is recommended for kids aged 3-5. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Equinox: A Guide to Fall Skies](https://baysoundings.com/event/equinox-a-guide-to-fall-skies/) - Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop to celebrate the Autumnal Equinox! Explore the rising Fall constellations and get to know your night sky. Learn some tips and tricks to finding your favorite objects and take a closer look at images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)! Keep an eye out for amazing meteor - [Sensory Sundays](https://baysoundings.com/event/sensory-sundays/) - Sensory Sundays with the Discovery Center! For all ages! • 2 Hours Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who - [Bay Babies](https://baysoundings.com/event/bay-babies-3-2/) - Come join us with your young scientists! Ages 3 yrs - 6 yrs This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session includes story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited. Program is held in our - [Pollinator Pots](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-pots-2/) - Support local pollinators such as butterflies and birds by making a pollinator pot to put on your porch or balcony! 18 yrs + Bring a 12" - 18" pot and we will provide the native plants and soil! Register here - [Funky Fungi Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/funky-fungi-hike-3/) - Enter the mysterious world of fungi! This hike will focus on the magic of mushrooms and lichens. Hand lens will be available to borrow. | Ages 12+ Register here - [INTERNATIONAL VULTURE AWARENESS DAY](https://baysoundings.com/event/international-vulture-awareness-day/) - Vultures are an important group of birds that help our environment, but they face a range of challenges and threats. Join us as we celebrate these unique birds that help keep our community clean! We will have special aviary tours throughout the day. Cost: Included with Admission | All ages Location: Education Center Lobby - [TREES, HABITAT, AND URBAN HEALTH](https://baysoundings.com/event/trees-habitat-and-urban-health/) - Please join an interactive discussion with our City’s Urban Foresters about trees, habitat, and urban health impacts in our beautiful city. Our environment is changing rapidly and urban life for humans and animals is severely impacted by this climatic change. While there are many solutions to help us cope with these changes, trees are the - [University of South Florida Herbarium](https://baysoundings.com/event/university-of-south-florida-herbarium/) - Meeting Location: Meet at 9:45 on the first floor at the USF Library, 4101 Apple Drive, Tampa, FL 33620 Additional parking information will be sent prior to the field trip. Carpooling is encouraged. Contact Barbara Kawczynski at bkaw12@gmail.com if you need a ride or are will to drive. Tour Guide: Associate Curator the Florida Environment - [Common Bird Species of Pasco County](https://baysoundings.com/event/common-bird-species-of-pasco-county/) - The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will present “Common Bird Species of Pasco County” on Tues., Sept. 10, at 7pm at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd in Land O’ Lakes, All Chapter meetings are free and open to the public. Any questions contact - [Fright Fest](https://baysoundings.com/event/fright-fest/) - Fright Fest will be held on Saturday, October 5 starting with some spooky crafts and activity tables at 4pm. First walks will start at 6pm for the young ones, learning about our native nocturnal wildlife. The 7pm and later walks will be stories about past misadventures at Camp Bayou and the spirits who can't rest. - [Annual International Observe the Moon night paddle](https://baysoundings.com/event/annual-international-observe-the-moon-night-paddle/) - Explore the Little Manatee River after dark- without flashlights! The tour is $25 if you need to use one of our canoes or kayaks and $5 if you bring your own. Registration required- call 813-641-8545. - [Tampa Bay Debris Derby](https://baysoundings.com/event/tampa-bay-debris-derby/) - Join Power-Pole, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Skinny Water Culture, Ocean Aid 360, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program for the Tampa Bay Debris Derby! This trash collection tournament gives you the chance to clean up your bay and win prizes! How does it work? Teams or individuals collect trash from anywhere in Tampa Bay, either by - [2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting](https://baysoundings.com/event/2024-fall-southwest-florida-small-farmer-network-meeting/) - The Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network is a peer-to-peer network focused on exploring diversified and sustainable farming systems. This group is open to established and beginning farmers in Southwest Florida and hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Agents in the region. Connect with farmers and food entrepreneurs in the region. We’ll take a farmer-led tour of Stalk - [What Tree is That? Webinar](https://baysoundings.com/event/what-tree-is-that-webinar/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry Agent, Alyssa Vinson, to learn techniques for identifying the trees in your community. We will cover distinguishing characteristics and practice identifying some of our common Florida trees. We will conduct this What Tree is That? Webinar online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary - just - [The Gift of Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-gift-of-trees-2/) - Join us for a crash course in trees! We will cover the value of trees in our communities, tree selection and planting, maintenance, pruning and long term care considerations. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Microirrigation Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-5/) - 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 - [Healthy Landscapes](https://baysoundings.com/event/healthy-landscapes-3/) - Creating & maintaining healthy landscapes with a focus on FFL! Kendrick Auditorium Healthy Landscapes, presented by Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Mobile Irrigation Lab working with Manatee County Ag Extension, University of Florida, Manatee County Utilities department and Water Conservation. We will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips such as right plant right place, - [Plant Food 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-food-101-3/) - Join us for Plant Food 101! Come find out what plants need to grow. In this two-hour workshop, we will cover basic plant nutrition. Learn about the role that nitrogen, potassium, and other elements play within a plant. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Taking the Mystery Out of Micro-Irrigation](https://baysoundings.com/event/taking-the-mystery-out-of-micro-irrigation-3/) - Learn how to select, install, and operate your own Micro-Irrigation Live Event Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, to discuss an introduction to micro-irrigation. This includes learning to select, install, and operate your own water-saving irrigation system. The discussion will include information regarding the components, and how to assemble and maintain. Come hear the benefits - [Perico Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/perico-preserve-tour-6-2/) - Guided tour through Perico Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer. 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 - [Tomatomania](https://baysoundings.com/event/tomatomania-2/) - Get answers to all of your tomato questions and more! Join us for Tomatomania! In this workshop we will cover all things tomato. Topics include variety selection, growing requirements, cultivation techniques, and more. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 or mlessig@ufl.edu. For special accommodations, please let us know at least 10 - [Bugs, Bugs, Bugs](https://baysoundings.com/event/bugs-bugs-bugs-2/) - Let us answer all of your insect and pest questions! Do you want to learn more about pests and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we'll cover insect life cycles, management, identification, and more. For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. >>> REGISTER HERE - [2024 Water School: Flowing Forward](https://baysoundings.com/event/2024-water-school-flowing-forward/) - Wednesday, September 4 at 9AM-4PM Location: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL) Description: Join UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension for an in depth look at emerging water issues in our region. We will provide expert presentations and deep dives into the topics during facilitated discussions. This program is intended for local policymakers - [Ground Covers - Plants That Work](https://baysoundings.com/event/ground-covers-plants-that-work-2/) - Join Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, as she presents how landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend in landscape practices because once they are established, these plants will need little or no water. Learn noteworthy plants, site considerations, and management of these plants. This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for - [Termite Basics](https://baysoundings.com/event/termite-basics/) - A beginner's guide to termite biology, diversity, and identification. Join us for an introductory workshop into the world of termites. We will cover termite biology, diversity, and identification tips for the average citizen. For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Citrus in Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/citrus-in-florida/) - Join the Master Gardner as we cover both the history and current status of the Sunshine States citrus crop. - [The Weedon Island Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-weedon-island-preserve/) - Join the Tampa Bay History Center at the Aging Well Center as they explore the rich history of this Old Tampa Bay jewel. - [Florida Summer Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-summer-gardening/) - Join the Master Gardner as they cover all the challenges and rewards of summer gardening in sunny Florida. - [Bird Walk by Clearwater Audubon Society](https://baysoundings.com/event/bird-walk-by-clearwater-audubon-society/) - Join members of the Clearwater Audubon Society for a bird walk through the park. Bring your binoculars, field guide, and questions! Meet in the parking lot by 8am. The walk starts promptly at 8am. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Weedon Island BioBlitz 2024!](https://baysoundings.com/event/weedon-island-bioblitz-2024/) - Join us for a fun filled day of exploration, science, and nature! Families with youth will become Weedon Island Explorers and Scientists as we learn about our environment and take to the trails to see what we can find! No experience necessary. All you need is a smartphone, your family, and the spirit of adventure - [Surviving the Wild Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/surviving-the-wild-camp-2-2/) - Children will spend the week learning how to identify and collect wild edible plants as well as how these plants were traditionally used in Florida. Preregistration required. Ages 6 yrs - 11 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Pinellas Florida Waters Stewardship Program - 2024](https://baysoundings.com/event/pinellas-florida-waters-stewardship-program-2024/) - An intensive program to learn all about Florida's waters. Each class takes place at a new location with guest speakers, tours and more! Working With Water, Working With People To make a difference concerning the issues surrounding water quality and quantity in our communities, we must understand the various ways in which we interact with - [The Hidden World of Squirrels](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-hidden-world-of-squirrels/) - Squirrels are adorable, and extremely fun to watch. They also play a variety of roles in ecosystems. Join us and you might just appreciate squirrels a little more! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Back to Nature: Rewild Your Yard](https://baysoundings.com/event/back-to-nature-rewild-your-yard/) - Learn about this fascinating but simple concept that is beneficial to wildlife and our environment. Your backyard is your nature! Learn how to do less work while creating beautiful habitat for animals through re-wilding. Join Theresa Badurek, Urban Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS, to learn about this fascinating concept that is beneficial to wildlife and our - [Youth Program: Mosquito Mania](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-program-mosquito-mania-5/) - Have a future entomologist on your hands? Kids ages 6-11 are invited to learn about the wonderful world of insects! We will discuss what makes insects different from other animals, what they need to live, their life cycle, and then apply what we learn to mosquitoes. After the presentation attendees can explore live aquatic insect - [Bird Sit Sunday](https://baysoundings.com/event/bird-sit-sunday/) - Bring your coffee and favorite folding chair for a bird listening experience! Bring a camp or lawn chair for a birding experience inclined towards listening. We'll spend 45-60 minutes observing bird vocalizations and watching the world from one place. This event encourages silence for optimal enjoyment of the natural environment. Binoculars will be available. This - [Build Vertical Oyster Gardens to Help Tampa Bay!](https://baysoundings.com/event/build-vertical-oyster-gardens-to-help-tampa-bay/) - Help our estuary and contribute to citizen science! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Volunteer Archaeology Lab](https://baysoundings.com/event/volunteer-archaeology-lab/) - Learn how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites! Learn how artifacts and other archaeological material get processed for study in this volunteer lab that is led by professional archaeologists with the West Central chapter of the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Participants will help sort through, clean, and identify - [Pollinator Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-walk/) - Learn about the weird world of pollination, then go on a walk to see the pollinators doing their thing! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Recycling 101 with Devon of Keep Pinellas Beautiful!](https://baysoundings.com/event/recycling-101-with-devon-of-keep-pinellas-beautiful/) - Moccasin Lake was one of the first recycling drop off points in Clearwater and still carries on with recycling containers in and around the buildings. Devon of Keep Pinellas Beautiful will remind everyone of the proper way to recycle and explore other methods to help improve our planet. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Surviving the Wild Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/surviving-the-wild-camp/) - Children will spend the week learning how to identify and collect wild edible plants as well as how these plants were traditionally used in Florida. Preregistration required. Ages 6 yrs - 11 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Honeymoon Island](https://baysoundings.com/event/honeymoon-island-2/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Honeymoon Island. Preregistration required. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Hillsborough River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/hillsborough-river-state-park-3/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Hillsborough River State Park. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Fantastic Frogs](https://baysoundings.com/event/fantastic-frogs-2/) - Have you ever heard the chorus of frogs after a rainstorm and wondered what frogs you were hearing? Or found a frog on your porch and weren’t sure how to identify it? If so, this program is for you. Learn to identify the top 10 common frogs in our area! Ages 18 yrs + >>> - [Bird Feather Identification](https://baysoundings.com/event/bird-feather-identification-2/) - Have you ever found a bird feather and wondered from which bird it came? Learn the basics about bird feather identification and common feathers you might find in our area. Participants will sketch feather patterns and make a mini-identification booklet. Ages 7 yrs+ Preregistration required. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Awesome Alligators](https://baysoundings.com/event/awesome-alligators/) - Discover the fascinating adaptations of alligators. Go on a guided walk and count how many alligators you see! Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Ants of Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/ants-of-florida/) - Ants are often overlooked and viewed as a pest but look closely and you will discover an amazing world! Learn about the fascinating ants found at the preserve! Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Botanical Printmaking](https://baysoundings.com/event/botanical-printmaking-2/) - Ages 18+ Create beautiful monotype prints using natural materials. All experience levels are welcome! All supplies are provided. Preregistration required. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Nature Art: Leaf Coins](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-art-leaf-coins/) - Ages 8+ Drop by for a quick activity on your way to the trails. Kids and families will enjoy creating this simple craft! Leaf coins are quarter-size clay coins imprinted with natural textures. Perfect for all ages and experience levels. >>> REGISTER HERE - [The Science of Cheesemaking](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-science-of-cheesemaking/) - In this hands-on cooking class, you will discover the basics of cheesemaking. Participants will prepare and sample homemade Fromage Facile. Join us for a fun and interactive cheesemaking event from UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County! Discover the secrets of creating your own safe and delicious cheese from scratch. This in-person event is perfect for everyone interested - [SOLSTICE: A Guide to Summer Skies](https://baysoundings.com/event/solstice-a-guide-to-summer-skies/) - Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature as we explore the night sky. What fascinating constellations, distant galaxies, and wonders does the summer night sky hold? Doors open at 6:30pm. Presentation begins at 7pm inside The Planetarium. Preregistration required. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Homeschool Program -Ages 9-11](https://baysoundings.com/event/homeschool-program-ages-9-11/) - Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 9-11. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Family Programming in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-programming-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden/) - Here Comes the Sun: Prepare for Summer and learn all about the power of the sun. $25 for non-members and $20 for members for 4 people (includes any combo of kids and adults) and each additional child/adult is $5 for non-members and $3 for members. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if - [Kids Program -Ages 9-11](https://baysoundings.com/event/kids-program-ages-9-11/) - Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 9-11. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Imagination Time in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/imagination-time-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden/) - Channel your imagination using puppets, dress-up clothes, and games. Imagination Time is recommended for kids aged 3-5. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Kids Program -Ages 6-8](https://baysoundings.com/event/kids-program-ages-6-8/) - Fun, nature-focused, educational program for children ages 6-8. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Summer Celebration in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/summer-celebration-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden/) - Free admission, free parking! Join us for a Summer Celebration in the Majeed Discovery Garden on Saturday, July 20th from 10 AM-1 PM. This event will consist of a tea party while learning about the environment. There will be special activities led by our educator and community partners: Florida Farm Bureau, FNGLA, and the Pinellas - [Third Saturdays at Pinewood Cultural Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/third-saturdays-at-pinewood-cultural-park/) - Three for one fun at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village! Celebrate at Pinewood (Florida Botanical Gardens, Creative Pinellas, Heritage Village) every Third Saturday of the month. At the Florida Botanical Gardens (Open 7 AM-5 PM): Visit the new Majeed Discovery Garden, a 2+ acre addition, connecting children to nature. Our Children’s - [Story Time in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/story-time-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden-2-3/) - Listen to a couple of fun stories while playing with musical instruments and bubbles in our Majeed Discovery Garden. Story Time is recommended for kids 5 and under. Click the "Register" button to secure your spot. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Sensory Exploration in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/sensory-exploration-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden/) - Explore the five senses in a nature-focused way. Sensory Exploration is recommended for kids aged 5 and under. Click the "Register" button to secure your spot. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Work Day at Bell Creek Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/work-day-at-bell-creek-preserve/) - Suncoast Chapter provided a grant to buy native plants for the Bell Creek Preserve entrance and the Hillsborough County CELM (Conservation and Environmental Land Management) office, whose headquarters are located there. Master Gardener and Trail Cat volunteers have been cleaning up and removing invasive plants from the area. Suncoast members are invited to help with - [Black Terns at Gandy Beach](https://baysoundings.com/event/black-terns-at-gandy-beach/) - August is the best time to see Black Terns on the south side of Gandy Blvd. at Gandy Beach. There are also Least Terns and Black Skimmers. It’s a great place to practice shorebird identification. We hope to avoid the heat and people and their unleashed dogs by starting at 7:00 am. If you’re driving - [Morning Nature Walk Starkey Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/morning-nature-walk-starkey-park/) - Meet 7:30 AM Meet in Corral 1 to 4 mile walk For more info email Christine Rowland - [Birding by Bike- Pinellas Trail](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-by-bike-pinellas-trail/) - Meet 8:00 AM Meet at Brooker Creek Preserve Parking lot, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 Contact Contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com - [Birding by Bike](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-by-bike/) - Birding by Bike Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park Meet 8:00 AM Meet at Starkey Education Center Contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips. Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details. Dress for the weather and prepare to be - [World Ranger Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/world-ranger-day/) - World Ranger Day is an annual event observed on July 31st to pay homage to the invaluable efforts and sacrifices made by rangers worldwide in safeguarding our natural heritage. Hillsborough County, has two different roles to celebrate on World Ranger Day, Park Rangers and Environmental Technicians. Find out what kind of work they do on our conservation - [Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/living-waters-aquatic-preserves-of-florida/) - Living Waters: Aquatic Preserves of Florida Photography Exhibit by Clyde Butcher The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP) highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks and rivers, oyster reefs, seagrass beds, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These habitats are vital to Florida’s iconic wildlife such as - [Squid Dissection](https://baysoundings.com/event/squid-dissection-2-2/) - Hands-on squid dissection! What makes a mollusc a mollusc? During this hands-on squid dissection, you’ll find out! Participants will learn about the wide variety of molluscs found in our region and what sets them apart from other animals. This program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited. For all ages! • 1 - [Squid Dissection](https://baysoundings.com/event/squid-dissection/) - Hands-on squid dissection! What makes a mollusc a mollusc? During this hands-on squid dissection, you’ll find out! Participants will learn about the wide variety of molluscs found in our region and what sets them apart from other animals. This program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited. For all ages! • 1 - [Lionfish Dissection](https://baysoundings.com/event/lionfish-dissection-3-2/) - Lionfish dissection in our classroom! Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated - [Water Bath Canning 101: Pickling](https://baysoundings.com/event/water-bath-canning-101-pickling/) - This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind pickling, and a food tasting. Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to pickle vegetables. This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind pickling, and a food tasting. PLEASE NOTE: - [Microirrigation Workshop on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-on-zoom-2/) - 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 - [Wildlife Ecology Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildlife-ecology-camp-2-2/) - Campers will explore the ecology and conservation of Florida's wildlife and wildlands. A blend of classroom and field sessions will include hands-on activities, guest presentations, and exploration of the preserve's diverse habitats where campers will practice their nature detective skills. Please note that the campers will go on a field trip to local state and - [Nature Art: Sunprints](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-art-sunprints/) - Ages 4 yrs + Create beautiful indigo sun prints to give as gifts or to display in your home using natural objects. This easy craft is perfect for all! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Parents Night Out](https://baysoundings.com/event/parents-night-out/) - Parents enjoy a night out while the kids learn through games, activities, crafts, and a night hike. Summer is in full swing, let’s hit the beach! We’ll be taking a closer look at the coastal plants and animals that call our Florida beaches home. Come ready for a jam-packed evening filled with crafts, activities, games, - [Inter-Tidally United Summit — Watch Party!](https://baysoundings.com/event/inter-tidally-united-summit-watch-party/) - Join us for our local in-person watch party of the Inter-Tidally United Summit hosted by the Florida Public Archaeology Network! We’ll stream the Zoom presentations in the auditorium and have on-site activities for those joining us in person! FPAN hosts a biennial summit called Tidally United, designed to be an informational think-tank dedicated to raising - [Singing Insects: The Overlooked Chorus](https://baysoundings.com/event/singing-insects-the-overlooked-chorus/) - Learn about the buzzes, chirps, and clicks heard in the west-central Florida landscape, who makes them and why. After the program, participants can go on a Singing Insect Listening Walk and may even get a chance to “stridulate” like a singing cricket! This program will begin inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural - [Nature Photography with any Camera](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-photography-with-any-camera-2/) - Join photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for an introduction to nature photography! Any camera can take great nature photographs! Knowing the basics of composing a photograph, and what your particular camera can do, makes your photos even better. Join nature photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for a program on these topics, plus nature photography tips - [Buzz, Crawl, Flutter: Diving into the World of Bugs](https://baysoundings.com/event/buzz-crawl-flutter-diving-into-the-world-of-bugs/) - Learn about the fascinating life of a bug! Join the UF Entomology and Nematology department for a dive into the fascinating world of bugs! Learn about metamorphosis, pollination, insect adaptations, and plenty of insect fun facts. This hands-on program will feature live bugs and time for Q&A! Family Friendly. Registration is required. >>> RESERVE A - [Sunday Bird Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/sunday-bird-hike-2-5/) - 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, - [Intro to Beekeeping](https://baysoundings.com/event/introduction-to-beekeeping/) - Introduction to Beekeeping: A Hobby with Sweet Rewards ~ Session 3 of 3 ~ Principles of Organic Beekeeping Practices This program will cover what it takes to keep your hives healthy throughout the beekeeping seasons. We will review how to maintain healthy honeybee colonies, discuss how to recognize pests and diseases, and have an in- - [Intro to Beekeeping](https://baysoundings.com/event/intro-to-beekeeping-5/) - Introduction to Beekeeping: A Hobby with Sweet Rewards ~ Session 2 of 3 ~ This program will cover what it takes to get started in this amazing hobby with a focus on the equipment and tools necessary for beekeeping. We will review the components of the “modern” bee hive, the tools used by beekeepers, and - [Intro to Beekeeping](https://baysoundings.com/event/intro-to-beekeeping-4/) - Introduction to Beekeeping: A Hobby with Sweet Rewards ~ Session 1 of 3 ~ This program will introduce you to the basics of honey bees, their behavior, biology and the guiding principles of beekeeping. Instructor: Robert Burkard, President of the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve's Beekeepers Club Why honey bees? In addition to the personal - [Booker Creek Nature Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/booker-creek-nature-preserve/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Booker Creek Nature Preserve. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Florida Birding & Nature Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/26480/) - Early birds catch the worms -- and the discounts! We'll be highlighting the trips that sold out first last year in a series of emails, but the entire schedule is online at https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/schedule.html so you can take advantage of the early-bird pricing through July. Pre-festival bus trip Join four of the state's best birders -- Dave - [Coffeepot Bayou Bird Colony on the Discovery Eco-Tour Boat](https://baysoundings.com/event/coffeepot-bayou-bird-colony-on-the-discovery-eco-tour-boat/) - We have reserved Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Eco-Tour boat from the St. Petersburg Pier for an evening field trip to Coffeepot Bayou. Board the boat at the pier area at 6-6:15. We leave the dock at 6:30 and return by 8 at dusk. We travel across Old Tampa Bay to Coffeepot Bayou Bird Island and - [World Oceans Day Celebration](https://baysoundings.com/event/world-oceans-day-celebration/) - Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful and Tradewinds Island Resort as we celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8th! Come meet and greet with local organizations working hard to protect our oceans, and learn how YOU can help! Vendors will include: Blacktop Surf Shop Clearwater Marine Aquarium Covanta Department of Environmental Protection Eckerd - Remora Florida Native - [Bay Friendly Landscaping Workshop - on ZOOM](https://baysoundings.com/event/bay-friendly-landscaping-workshop-on-zoom/) - Learn how to redesign your yard for resiliency with low maintenance native landscape plants. Learn to create a landscape that is beautiful and provides valuable ecosystem services in our Bay Friendly Landscaping class. This class will focus on selecting plants that are low maintenance and are adapted to the extreme conditions that we have here - [Common Landscape Issues in Community Associations](https://baysoundings.com/event/common-landscape-issues-in-community-associations/) - A Florida-Friendly approach to resolving common issues in the landscape The mission is to educate Floridians about environmentally friendly landscaping practices and to encourage them to conserve and protect our water resources by applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles in their landscapes. We will conduct this Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra - [Water Bath Canning 101: Jams and Jellies](https://baysoundings.com/event/water-bath-canning-101-jams-and-jellies/) - Learn about water bath canning, the equipment needed, and how to make homemade jams and jellies. This class will include information and resources on safely canning at home, the science behind making jams and jellies, and a food tasting. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop on ZOOM](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-16/) - Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden! 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 - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-5/) - Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden! 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 - [Orchid Care Academy III: Potting & Propagation](https://baysoundings.com/event/orchid-care-academy-iii-potting-propagation/) - A series of cultivation secrets! Part 3 of a 4 part series on orchids! 3. Potting and Propagation: Learn the ins and outs of dividing and potting orchids plus tips for mounting plants and displaying their beautiful blooms. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Orchid Care Academy II: Orchid Problem Solving](https://baysoundings.com/event/orchid-care-academy-ii-orchid-problem-solving/) - A series of cultivation secrets! Part 2 of a 4 part series on orchids! 2. Orchid Problem Solving: Recognize the pests, diseases, and cultural mistakes with orchids and how to treat them. Bring in your problem plant to get specific advice from Master Gardener Volunteers ! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Turf Therapy: Managing Your Turf and Your Expectations](https://baysoundings.com/event/turf-therapy-managing-your-turf-and-your-expectations/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension for an in-person, turf therapy session! Is your turfgrass getting you down? We might have the solution. We will cover the main types of turfgrass appropriate for our area, appropriate care and management of not only our lawn, but also of our expectations of what a lawn can be in SW Florida. - [Turf Therapy: Managing your Turf and Expectations (Virtual)](https://baysoundings.com/event/turf-therapy-managing-your-turf-and-expectations-virtual/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension for a virtual, turf therapy session! Is your turfgrass getting you down? We might have the solution. We will cover the main types of turfgrass appropriate for our area, appropriate care and management of not only our lawn, but also of our expectations of what a lawn can be in SW Florida. - [Orchid Care Academy I: Intro to Orchids](https://baysoundings.com/event/orchid-care-academy-i-intro-to-orchids/) - A series of cultivation secrets! Part 1 of a 4 part series on orchids! Intro to Orchids: Which type of orchid fits your environment and lifestyle? Learn about orchid species, hybrids, and cultivars and their basic care. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Invasive Plants to Know and Avoid](https://baysoundings.com/event/invasive-plants-to-know-and-avoid/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension for a discussion on Invasive plants. How can we tell the difference between the plants we want in our landscape and those that might be problematic? What's the difference between a nuisance plant and an invasive plant? Join UF/IFAS Extension for a discussion on Invasive plants; what are they? how do we - [Hurricane Preparedness Expo](https://baysoundings.com/event/hurricane-preparedness-expo/) - Now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until it’s too late. FREE prefilled sandbags will be available and provided on-site (Limit 10 per vehicle) FREE Hurricane Kits FREE lunch provided by Salvation Army Get flood barrier tips Evacuation zone lookup Flood zone lookup Alert Pinellas Registration Gear up and get prepared to conquer the - [Pioneer Nights](https://baysoundings.com/event/pioneer-nights-2-3/) - Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire, and s’mores, pioneer style. Ages 6 yrs - 13 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Flying Through the Eye of the Storm: NOAA Aircraft Operations & Hurricanes](https://baysoundings.com/event/flying-through-the-eye-of-the-storm-noaa-aircraft-operations-hurricanes/) - Learn about hurricane research and reconnaissance with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) pilots, planes, and researchers fly into the world's worst weather. Data collected by the agency's high-flying meteorological stations help forecasters make accurate predictions during a hurricane and help hurricane researchers achieve a better understanding of - [Pollinator Promenade Youth Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-promenade-youth-hike/) - Celebrate Pollinator Week with us by strolling through the Preserve searching for local pollinators! We’ll identify native pollinators we see along our route, learn why they are so important, and actions we can take to help them thrive! Geared towards ages 7 to 11. This youth program is geared toward ages 7 to 11. Registration - [Why Snakes are Cool](https://baysoundings.com/event/why-snakes-are-cool-2/) - Learn why snakes are cool and the important ecological roles they play! There are 46 native species of snakes in Florida and most occur in the central peninsula. Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present - [Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Boat Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/egmont-key-bird-sanctuary-boat-tour/) - Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour by boat with Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges Saturday June 15th 2024, 4:30-8:30pm (rain date Sunday June 16 or Sat June 22) Reservations and prepayment required Join us for our eleventh annual tour of the Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour with a stop at the Ft Dade - [Sustainable Living: Compost & Summer Garden Strategies](https://baysoundings.com/event/sustainable-living-compost-summer-garden-strategies/) - Join local gardening experts for some summer tips on gardening in our region. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Raptor Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/raptor-camp-2/) - Enter the world of raptors! Campers have up-close encounters with live birds of prey including owls, hawks, vultures, and a bald eagle. Learn the important role these apex predators play in the environment as well as how to care for and train them. Ages 8 yrs - 12 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Oscar Scherer State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/oscar-scherer-state-park/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Oscar Scherer State Park. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Myakka River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/myakka-river-state-park-2/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Myakka River State Park. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Hillsborough River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/hillsborough-river-state-park-2/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Hillsborough River State Park. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Herpetology Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/herpetology-camp-2-2/) - Campers explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles. Through up-close encounters with a variety of animals, such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards, and snakes, campers learn about ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Ages 7 yrs - 11 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Family BBQ Picnic & Water Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-bbq-picnic-water-day/) - Summer is the perfect time for a good old fashion BBQ lunch! We will have inflatable water slides available for kids to play on while families can relax in the cool shade. Spots are limited so make sure to purchase your ticket today for this fun event! Preregistration required. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [All About Ospreys: The Fishing Birds of the World](https://baysoundings.com/event/all-about-ospreys-the-fishing-birds-of-the-world/) - Hop on the tram and learn about the ospreys found in and around the preserve! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Beautiful Bugs](https://baysoundings.com/event/beautiful-bugs/) - Meet us in the lobby and learn all about the common insects found at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve! This interactive program will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the hidden beauty of these small creatures! Free bug tattoos will be given out! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Seaside Family Fun Night](https://baysoundings.com/event/seaside-family-fun-night/) - [Florida First Detector Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-first-detector-workshop-2/) - Learn how to detect exotic, invasive pests! Florida First Detector is a multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of exotic, invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas. Snacks and beverages will be available during the class. Please bring your own lunch. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Drought Tolerant Plants](https://baysoundings.com/event/drought-tolerant-plants/) - Keep your landscape looking beautiful with the right plants. Learn how to choose beautiful drought tolerant plants for your landscape and know what to put back on the shelf! Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, will show samples of Florida friendly plants suitable for Manatee County residents and discuss the difference between the good and the - [Irrigation Design 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/irrigation-design-101-2/) - Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, as he discusses the basics of great irrigation design. Learn helpful information for installing your new or retrofitted in-ground irrigation system! This class satisfies the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program. >>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION - [Native Garden Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-garden-tour/) - Are you interested in learning more about Florida native plants, and how you can incorporate more native plants into your existing landscape? Join us for an informative 1 hour walking tour of our mostly native plant landscape at UF IFAS Extension Manatee County where you can see a wide variety of native plants and learn - [Our Gift to Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/our-gift-to-trees/) - Join us for a crash course in trees. We will cover selection and planting, maintenance, pruning and long term care considerations. Take home a free tree at the end of the class! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Landscape Design Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/landscape-design-workshop/) - Join UF Professor Dr. Gail Hansen to learn all about Sustainable Landscape Design for your Florida yard. Tuesday, May 14 at 9am (1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL) $25 per person; scholarships available, email Alyssa Vinson at alyvinson@ufl.edu for more information. Agenda: 9:00 - Gathering Information Site Inventory and analysis Client Interview Selecting a style - [Compost Happens!](https://baysoundings.com/event/compost-happens-2/) - Celebrate Compost Awareness Week with us! The indoor portion of the class covers compost basics and tips followed by the outdoor, hands-on portion in the garden where you'll experience with your own hands what it takes to manage a compost bin. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Compost Happens Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/compost-happens-workshop-2/) - Composting - learn how to turn trash into treasure! Due to COVID-19 , we will conduct a special COMPOST HAPPENS workshop online, via Zoom. No additional software or extra computer skills are necessary - just click to join! A link for joining the workshop will be provided to registrants via email the day prior, with - [FFL 101: Putting Florida Back Into Your Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/ffl-101-putting-florida-back-into-your-garden/) - Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm. Doors will open at 9am so that you can tour the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden. Open to CITY OF TAMPA AND HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENTS/ EMPLOYEES ONLY. We will conduct this Florida Friendly Landscaping™ workshop in person only at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County - [International Compost Awareness Week ft. Renuable](https://baysoundings.com/event/26283/) - Homegrown Hillsborough Presents: International Compost Awareness Week ft. Renuable Join the Renuable Team on Thursday May 9th at the The Entrepreneur Collaborative Center in Ybor for an afternoon of creating conversation for change via composting! Ever wondered what composting truly is and wonder what's so special about it? Renuable's Team will be sharing the importance - [Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop on ZOOM](https://baysoundings.com/event/vegetable-microirrigation-workshop-on-zoom-2/) - Get some help for a successful vegetable garden. This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. Learn how to grow vegetables with the convenience of a microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a vegetable microirrigation kit after attending this - [Bay Friendly Landscaping Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/bay-friendly-landscaping-workshop/) - Learn to create a landscape that is beautiful and provides valuable ecosystem services in our Bay Friendly Landscaping class. This class will focus on selecting plants that are low maintenance and are adapted to the extreme conditions that we have here in Florida, including sandy soil, high winds, drought, and flooding. These will help protect - [Water Safety Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/water-safety-day/) - Learn about life-saving techniques and the importance of water safety education at the Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road. Participants can take part in swim evaluations by certified instructors, diving demos, swim team information, swim lessons and more. This is a free event. - [Sensory Sundays with the Discovery Center!](https://baysoundings.com/event/sensory-sundays-with-the-discovery-center/) - Sensory programs at the Discovery Center are thoughtfully designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with other sensory processing differences. During scheduled times, our exhibit hall will adopt lower lighting, decreased noise levels, and focus on learning with the senses. All who would benefit from a lower sensory experience and hands-on learning are welcome! - [Bay Babies](https://baysoundings.com/event/bay-babies-2/) - Come join us with your young scientists! This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session includes 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. - [Sidewalk Astronomy](https://baysoundings.com/event/sidewalk-astronomy/) - Join us under the stars for a night of good eating and great observing! We have partnered with the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers (LGDSO) to bring Sidewalk Astronomy to The Bishop. At this free event, you’ll get to see astronomical objects through powerful telescopes! You’ll even have a chance to win four - [Homeschool Science Days: Deep Space](https://baysoundings.com/event/homeschool-science-days-deep-space/) - Homeschool Science Days combine hands-on explorations with themed adventures throughout The Bishop’s exhibitions, Planetarium, and Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Each month has a unique theme that connects to key museum content and is offered to children ages 6-12 to accommodate families with multiple ages. One parent or guardian for each student is welcome to attend the program with their - [Plant Play in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-play-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden/) - Dig into the soil and learn about plants all around us. Plant Play is recommended for kids aged 3-5. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Story Time in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/story-time-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden-2-2/) - Listen to a couple of fun stories while playing with musical instruments and bubbles in our Majeed Discovery Garden. Story Time is recommended for kids 5 and under. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Spring Native Garden Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/spring-native-garden-tour/) - Visit native plant landscapes to expand your knowledge of native species and get design ideas you can use in your own garden! On the first two weekends in May, Pinellas County native plant enthusiasts will open their gardens to interested community members who are seeking education and inspiration. Most gardens were professionally designed, but others - [World Migratory Bird Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/world-migratory-bird-day/) - Visit the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day! We will have Avian Ambassador presentations and other educational activities. - [Morning Nature Walk at Starkey Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/morning-nature-walk-at-starkey-park/) - Meet 8:00 AM Starkey Education Center 1 to 4 mile walk Anyone interested in birding or nature in general is welcome to join us on field trips. Almost all are free. Registration may be required, check the schedule for details. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outdoors for about 4 hours. For more - [Roberts Bay Bird Colony on the Carefree Learner](https://baysoundings.com/event/roberts-bay-bird-colony-on-the-carefree-learner/) - Wednesday May 15th, 11:15-1:15. Please be at the boat by 11. Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota. The Carefree Learner boat is located at the south end of the Marina. We’ll cruise south across Sarasota Bay to see the largest nesting colony for wading birds and Brown Pelicans in Sarasota Bay. The Roberts Bay Bird - [EPC Clean Air Fair 2024](https://baysoundings.com/event/epc-clean-air-fair-2024/) - Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission is holding its Clean Air Fair at Poe Plaza in Downtown Tampa. The fair includes community exhibits, prize drawings and complimentary refreshments. Tampa Audubon will have a booth at the fair. For details, go to https://www.epchc.org/divisions/air/clean-air-fair - [Sleep In Saturday Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/sleep-in-saturday-hike/) - Spend Saturday afternoon with a Naturalist who will lead you on a family-friendly nature hike in the Preserve! Explore the ecosystems and habitats of the Preserve with a volunteer hike guide. Volunteer hike guides will meet participants in the lobby of the Education Center 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Mother's Day Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/mothers-day-hike/) - Treat mom to some time with Mother Nature this Mother's day! Playful baby otters? Striped tiny alligators protected by their mom? Join us for this walk through the many wonders of The Preserve as we discuss animal moms and their offspring. We will meet in the parking lot for this family friendly dose of nature. - [Youth Action Through Roots & Shoots](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-action-through-roots-shoots/) - Youth have the power to build a better world! "Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." These are the wise words of Dr. Jane Goodall, an icon in the world of chimpanzee research and species conservation. In 1991, Dr. Jane launched her youth program, Roots & Shoots, to empower young - [Botany Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/botany-walk-2-3/) - 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. This is a free hike, however space is limited. Please be courteous and do not - [Frogs!](https://baysoundings.com/event/frogs-2-2/) - Do you know why frogs are so important to our world, and how by saving them, we save the environment? Explore challenges frogs are facing, as well as some ways that ordinary people of all ages can help. Learn about our very own Florida frogs, and maybe even croak in a human frog chorus! Program - [Wildlife Moms Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildlife-moms-hike/) - Join one of our rangers for an early Mother’s Day hike through the wilderness to explore all of the wonders of wildlife moms and their offspring! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Skip into Spring Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/skip-into-spring-hike-2/) - From flowers and plants blooming, to animals enjoying the spring weather, the season is full of fascinating wildlife to explore in our Florida ecosystem. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Birds, Native Plants & Lunch](https://baysoundings.com/event/birds-native-plants-lunch/) - We will visit two small gems in Largo (descriptions below), have lunch at PJ’s Oyster Bar (outside dining). Wilcox Nursery, which carries many native plants, is nearby for anyone shopping to improve their native gardens. The morning starts at the John R. Bonner Nature Trail at 8:00 a.m. (14444 143rd St N, Largo, FL 33774). - [Story Time in the Majeed Discovery Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/story-time-in-the-majeed-discovery-garden/) - Listen to a couple of fun stories while playing with musical instruments and bubbles in our Majeed Discovery Garden. Story Time is recommended for kids 5 and under. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Birding on the Bay](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-on-the-bay/) - Birdwatching Excursion Aboard Our Eco-Vessel! Duration 75 Minutes About Join us for a special birdwatching excursion aboard our eco-vessel and let's spot feathered friends in their natural habitat. This program includes a boat-based visit to a local bird sanctuary island with plenty of time for observation, and our educators will share their knowledge of the - [Meatball's Birthday Party](https://baysoundings.com/event/meatballs-birthday-party/) - Meatball is a Roseate Spoonbill and one of our newest residents at the Sanctuary after arriving as a patient in April of 2023. Meatball had an already healing fracture of the left wing, rendering him unable to fly. He is currently an Avian Ambassador in training! Join us as we celebrate our beloved resident, Meatball - [Bay Babies](https://baysoundings.com/event/bay-babies/) - Come join us with your young scientists! This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session includes 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. - [Lionfish Dissection](https://baysoundings.com/event/lionfish-dissection/) - Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated to us. Children under 16 - [Earth Night 2024](https://baysoundings.com/event/earth-night-2024/) - The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center’s annual party, Earth Night, will be held Thursday, April 18th, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Tampa Bay Watch Headquarters in Tierra Verde, FL. Guests at this year’s event – Eat, Art, Earth! – are invited to sample unique, planet-friendly ingredients prepared by talented faces from our area's - [Arbor Day Celebration & Tree Giveaway](https://baysoundings.com/event/arbor-day-celebration-tree-giveaway/) - The city of Clearwater is celebrating its 42nd year as Tree City USA with our annual Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Giveaway. The event will be held Saturday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Public Works Complex, 1650 N. Arcturas Ave. in Clearwater. Please access the site via Hercules Avenue and Sherwood Street. Clearwater residents must get in line with - [Beach Cleanup at Pier 60](https://baysoundings.com/event/beach-cleanup-at-pier-60/) - Participate in a sunset cleanup during the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival at Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach to honor Earth Month. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Earth Day Terrarium Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/earth-day-terrarium-workshop/) - April is Earth Month! To celebrate, join us a East Community Library and make your own terrarium. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Registration for this event will be open from March 11 at 10 a.m. to April 11 at 5 p.m. This program is designed and intended for patrons ages 16 and - [EARTH DAY AT MOCCASIN LAKE](https://baysoundings.com/event/earth-day-at-moccasin-lake-2/) - Celebrate Earth Day with Moccasin Lake Nature Park! There will be music, presentations, children’s crafts, reptiles and birds of prey, and food trucks! Free event. - [Earth Day Birthday!](https://baysoundings.com/event/earth-day-birthday/) - A Springtime Conservation Celebration! Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Present: Earth Day Birthday: A Springtime Conservation Celebration! Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center and the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve are pleased to announce a special celebration of the Environmental Education Center’s 20th birthday and the Friends’ - [Bio-Blitz](https://baysoundings.com/event/bio-blitz/) - Be a citizen scientist! Learn how to be a community scientist, gathering data on the flora and fauna of the Preserve. This “Bio-Blitz” using the iNaturalist phone app (free) will give us an idea of the density and diversity of pollinators and the plants they depend on. This activity is a part of our Earth - [RAPTORS AND REPTILES](https://baysoundings.com/event/raptors-and-reptiles/) - Learn about the incredible world of reptiles and raptors that call Boyd Hill Nature Preserve home. Meet our resident reptiles and raptors up close, learn about their natural habitat, behaviors, and conservation efforts. - [INSECTS, BIRDS, AND GARDENERS](https://baysoundings.com/event/insects-birds-and-gardeners/) - MASTER GARDENER SPEAKER SERIES: INSECTS, BIRDS, AND GARDENERS Insects and birds can be both friends and foes to gardeners! Join Master Gardener, Debbie Ingram, as she explores how to tell the difference between helpful and harmful wildlife and how to cultivate balance between the two. - [Budding Romances!](https://baysoundings.com/event/budding-romances/) - An entertaining exploration of bugs and bloomers. Sex is a driving force that shapes the lives of all living things, so animals and plants have more in common than you might think. What is this force that unifies us all? How does it function? What are some of the astonishing, outrageous, and wildly bizarre ways - [Wild Florida 101- Marvelous Mushrooms](https://baysoundings.com/event/wild-florida-101-marvelous-mushrooms/) - This series explores the wonderful and wild animals that call Florida home. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Campfire Cooking](https://baysoundings.com/event/campfire-cooking/) - Join a ranger in prepping and preparing delicious meals in the great outdoors. Learn techniques and recipes that can be easily replicated on your next outdoor adventure. >>> REGISTER HERE - [2024 Senior Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony](https://baysoundings.com/event/2024-senior-hall-of-fame-awards-ceremony/) - Help us celebrate St. Petersburg's senior volunteers! The Senior Hall of Fame honors volunteers, 62 years of age and older, for their significant contributions toward enriching the quality of life for others. Those chosen for induction are role models for leading meaningful, vibrant lives, and their commitment to causes, organizations and to our community enlarge. - [Tarpon Rodeo Inshore Slam Division](https://baysoundings.com/event/tarpon-rodeo-inshore-slam-division/) - The 19th Annual Tarpon Rodeo is coming up on June 7! This catch-and-release tournament raises critical funds for our mission. Launching from the Fort De Soto boat ramp, this event combines the excitement of competitive fishing with the spirit of community fundraising. This year, we’re excited to announce the addition of an Inshore Slam Division - [ANNUAL FRIENDS PICNIC](https://baysoundings.com/event/annual-friends-picnic/) - Please join us for our annual member/volunteer/donor appreciation picnic, Saturday April 13, 11am - 2pm at Fort De Soto County Park, Shelter #3 (North Beach). Come out for some good food and friends, take a walk on the beach, and look for birds during the peak of spring migration at Fort de Soto. Main dishes - [Field Trip @ Fort De Soto Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-fort-de-soto-park/) - Join us at Fort De Soto Park as spring migration peaks for our area! Field trip lead: Ron Smith Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (natural paths, loose sand, potential for feet to get wet) - [Let's Go Birding!](https://baysoundings.com/event/lets-go-birding/) - Spend some time on the trails and learn about birds and bird watching! This special event is hosted in partnership with the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Guests will encounter various stations along the trail and get to participate in fun, interactive, and educational activities. Free with the price of admission to the park. - [Field Trip @ Crescent Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/field-trip-crescent-lake-park/) - Join us as we explore Crescent Lake Park in St. Petersburg. We will look for a variety of bird species on land and water. Field trip lead: John Ficken, Stewards of Our Urban Lakes (SOUL) Difficulty: easy (1-mile, paved loop) - [Outdoor Survival; Amazonian Indigenous Tribes](https://baysoundings.com/event/outdoor-survival-amazonian-indigenous-tribes/) - Peter Magnin will be joining us for our March program to present on Outdoor Survival and Amazonian Indigenous Tribes. Peter is a survival instructor, primitive skills practitioner and expedition guide. Peter Magnin has been studying survival and primitive skills since 2013. His first experience with survival training was with the Air Force’s SERE instructors before - [Natives @ the USF Botanical Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/natives-the-usf-botanical-garden/) - Dr. Craig Huegel, founding member of the Pinellas Chapter of FNPS and current director of the USF Botanical Garden on the Tampa campus, will give a presentation about recent enhancements to the garden that have enhanced its biodiversity and habitat value and provided new opportunities to educate USF students, volunteers, and the public about the - [2024 Florida's Birding & Photo Fest](https://baysoundings.com/event/2024-floridas-birding-photo-fest/) - Nearly 100 exciting photography & birding events including field workshops and classroom seminars. The 2024 Birding & Photo Fest will feature the return of festival favorites, world-class photographers along with new professionals and instructors who will offer technical training opportunities and more birding in-field programs than ever before. As always, festival participants will benefit from insights - [Beginning Bird Walk @ Lettuce Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/beginning-bird-walk-lettuce-lake-park/) - 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 - [Advanced Plant Identification - 4-Part Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/advanced-plant-identification-4-part-series/) - This four-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants. Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This four-part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist. The class follows - [Native Plant Walks LLP](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-walks-llp/) - 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 - [Audubon Photo Club on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/audubon-photo-club-on-zoom/) - Join the Tampa Audubon Photo Club on Zoom at 7:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month (September through May). Guests are always welcome! For details, go to https://www.tampaaudubon.org/photo-club Other information is available in our newsletters at https://www.tampaaudubon.org/newsletter - [Triple Creek Birding](https://baysoundings.com/event/triple-creek-birding/) - Triple Creek Preserve is a 969-acre preserve in the south part of Hillsborough County. It includes a creek system, hardwood wetlands, and upland habitats. There are a variety of trail surfaces: grass, hard dirt, sand, roots, gravel, etc., but we’ll avoid potential wet areas,especially the creek crossings which you have to wade through. Much of - [Chinsegut Hill, Brooksville](https://baysoundings.com/event/chinsegut-hill-brooksville/) - Walk the Chinsegutt WEA on March 20. Meet at 8:30 am at the parking lot at the intersection of Rt 41 and Snow Memorial Hwy, just north of Brooksville. You can find it in Google Maps under Florida Trail Snow Memorial Highway Trailhead, but there is no street address. It will be an easy walk - [Clean Up the Tampa Audubon Sanctuary](https://baysoundings.com/event/clean-up-the-tampa-audubon-sanctuary/) - The Tampa Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and Port Tampa Bay are jointly responsible for a small natural area bordering Old Tampa Bay. Mangroves, mudflats, oyster bars, and open bay provide bird and wildlife habitat here, one of the few natural shorelines remaining. Once or twice a year, we meet to remove the trash that - [Backyard Chickens 101 - Webinar](https://baysoundings.com/event/backyard-chickens-101-webinar/) - Learn the basics of raising backyard chickens! Join us for an introductory backyard chicken webinar! We will cover the basics of chicken nutrition, chicken coops, predator protection, and egg production tips. This workshop is for beginning or aspiring backyard chicken owners. Participants will receive educational materials to support the topics presented at the webinar. Registration - [Gardening Leadership Training](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-leadership-training/) - Learn the skills you need to be an effective leader & garden advocate! This is a series of three classes! Register for however many you would like to take, however, those who complete all three classes will receive Garden Leadership Certification. All classes are free and in person at the Extension Office (1303 17th St - [Groundbreaking Groundcovers -Virtual](https://baysoundings.com/event/groundbreaking-groundcovers-virtual/) - Unearth the secrets of low-maintenance beauty! Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about the wide array of groundcover options available for Florida landscapes. Topics will include plant selection, site preparation and maintenance. Be prepared to break ground on your new landscape with this class from our experts. This class is virtual. Attendees will receive the Zoom - [Groundbreaking Groundcovers](https://baysoundings.com/event/groundbreaking-groundcovers/) - Unearth the Secrets of Low-Maintenance Beauty Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about the wide array of groundcover options available for Florida landscapes. Topics will include plant selection, site preparation and maintenance. Be prepared to break ground on your new landscape with this class from our experts. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Composting & Food Waste Prevention with Landfill Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-food-waste-prevention-with-landfill-tour/) - Learn about recycling, food waste reduction, composting, and tour the landfill! A partnership between UF/IFAS Extension and Manatee County at the Lena Rd Landfill, this eye-opening day of learning will tell you everything you always wanted to know about recycling, food waste reduction and tips on composting, followed by an informative tour of the landfill! - [Sea Turtle Awareness Day Lake Cleanup](https://baysoundings.com/event/sea-turtle-awareness-day-lake-cleanup/) - Come join the city of Clearwater and Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Sea Turtle Nesting Team for a lake cleanup! Get the chance to learn about sea turtle conservation and how you can help our local sea turtle population. This event will include raffle prizes, the opportunity to personalize a sea turtle nesting stake, a photo opp - [Sharks Unknown: Beyond Jaws](https://baysoundings.com/event/sharks-unknown-beyond-jaws/) - Learn all about the sharks in Tampa Bay with amazing shark scientists! Come explore the wonderful world of sharks with M.I.S.S (Minorities in Shark Sciences) to learn about the wide diversity of sharks and the scientists who study them. You’ll also learn how you can get involved in protecting and studying these amazing creatures. >>> - [Archaeology Lecture: Discoveries from the Garrison](https://baysoundings.com/event/archaeology-lecture-discoveries-from-the-garrison/) - The Garrison Neighborhood, established in 1896, was the first Black-owned neighborhood in Tampa. Archaeology lecture hosted by the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society (CGCAS) and the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education (AWIARE). The Garrison Neighborhood, established in 1896, was the first Black-owned neighborhood in Tampa. Until the 1940s the neighborhood flourished with - [Naturalist Guided Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/naturalist-guided-tour-2-2-2/) - Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of the Preserve. Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island on this guided hike. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult. Attendees will meet inside the - [Conserving Wildlife and Wildlands: Building a Career in Herpetology](https://baysoundings.com/event/conserving-wildlife-and-wildlands-building-a-career-in-herpetology/) - Learn how an independent wildlife biologist built a career in herpetology! This engaging presentation will examine how an independent wildlife biologist built a career focused on conserving wildlife and wildlands, with an emphasis on turtles. George L. Heinrich has had a lifelong passion for amphibians and reptiles, which began with salamanders and turtles observed in - [Star Party](https://baysoundings.com/event/star-party-2/) - 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 - [Nature's Clay Impressions](https://baysoundings.com/event/natures-clay-impressions/) - Join us for a relaxing and enjoyable art program focused on making impressions of natural elements and flowers in clay. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Funky Fungi Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/funky-fungi-hike-2/) - Enter the mysterious world of fungi! This hike will focus on the magic of mushrooms and lichens. Hand lenses will be available to borrow. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Elemental Seasons - BHNP Spring 2024](https://baysoundings.com/event/elemental-seasons-bhnp-spring-2024/) - Join Ruthie Glass for a week of studying seasonal changes and the accompanying traditional celebrations found around the world. Campers will take daily hikes, participate in homemade celebrations of nature, and create take home crafts. Ages 6 yrs - 11 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT](https://baysoundings.com/event/childrens-easter-egg-hunt/) - Bring your family out for a morning full of Easter egg hunts and egg dyeing. There will be extra crafts and activities available including decorating flowerpots, taking pictures with the Easter Bunny, and outdoor games! - [Great American Cleanup](https://baysoundings.com/event/great-american-cleanup-5/) - Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers for three sites in honor of Keep America Beautiful®'s Great American Cleanup®. This event is the nation’s largest community improvement program taking place annually in an estimated 20,000 communities nationwide. Register to volunteer by clicking on the site that interests you: Fort De Soto Park Tierra Verde Shell Key Preserve - [Botanical Bash](https://baysoundings.com/event/botanical-bash/) - Join us on March 10th at Tampa Bay Watch for the inaugural Botanical Bash. This unique event is designed to immerse you in the beauty and versatility of native gardens, offering a series of engaging activities and educational experiences. What To Expect: Native Plant Swap and Sale: Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning - [Native Planting](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-planting/) - Tampa Bay Watch in partnership with Manatee County is recruiting volunteers for a community planting at Tom Bennett Park (280 Kay Rd, Bradenton, FL 34208). Volunteers are needed to transplant various native plants along the shoreline areas of a brackish pond to provide beneficial habitat, improve water quality, and stabilize the shoreline. Click here to - [Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ on ZOOM](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-friendly-landscaping-on-zoom/) - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Home Landscape Recognition Checklist Get your home landscape recognized as Florida-Friendly with our online checklist — the ultimate guide to creating FFL landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this online event is perfect for anyone looking to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape. Our checklist covers everything from water - [Gardening with Native Plants](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-with-native-plants-2/) - Learn about native plants for your landscape and their benefits to our ecosystem. L earn 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 - [Design Your Landscape to Your Site Conditions](https://baysoundings.com/event/design-your-landscape-to-your-site-conditions-7/) - Learn how to select the right plant for the right place in your landscape! Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant with the Mobile Irrigation Lab will speak about the many important aspects to consider when designing your landscape. Susan Griffith, Florida Friendly Landscape Coordinator will show you a wide variety of plants to consider and the - [Plant Food 101 - Spring Vegetable Gardening Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-food-101-spring-vegetable-gardening-series/) - Join us for Plant Food 101! Come find out what plants need to grow. Join us for Plant Food 101! In this two-hour workshop, we will cover basic plant nutrition. Learn about the role that nitrogen, potassium, and other elements play within a plant. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 - [2024 Spring Plant Sale](https://baysoundings.com/event/2024-spring-plant-sale/) - Sale featuring plants grown by our Master Gardener Volunteers! Blooming plants & natives! Eventbrite tickets required Bring your own garden cart or wagon & load up Cash or personal check only Restrooms will be closed Please only choose one ticket type. If you have early entry, you do NOT have to leave before 9. Ticket - [Seed Saving Strategies - Spring Vegetable Gardening Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/seed-saving-strategies-spring-vegetable-gardening-series/) - Learn how to save seeds from your favorite vegetables! Have you ever thought about saving seeds from your favorite vegetables? Join us for this two-hour workshop about seed saving strategies. Topics will include plant mating systems, isolation techniques, seed processing, and more! For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at 941-722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. - [Veggie Influenza - Spring Vegetable Gardening Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/veggie-influenza-spring-vegetable-gardening-series/) - Be prepared for veggie flu season by getting a shot of information! This workshop is designed to educate the casual gardener about some of the most common vegetable diseases in Florida and in Manatee County. In this roughly two hour class, participants will learn the basic biology of pathogenic organisms, how to identify common disease - [Pruning Shrubs and Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/pruning-shrubs-and-trees/) - Learn how to prune your shrubs and trees! Join UF/IFAS Extension for a hands-on workshop all about pruning. We will cover plant biology and response to pruning as well as appropriate pruning methods. Be prepared to stand and walk in the outdoors. Located at Palma Sola Botanical Park. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Turf Therapy: Managing your Turf & Expectations](https://baysoundings.com/event/turf-therapy-managing-your-turf-expectations/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension for a turf therapy session! Is your turfgrass getting you down? We might have the solution. We will cover the main types of turfgrass appropriate for our area, appropriate care and management of not only our lawn, but also of our expectations of what a lawn can be in SW Florida. >> - [Bugs, Bugs, Bugs - Spring Vegetable Gardening Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/bugs-bugs-bugs-spring-vegetable-gardening-series/) - Let us answer all of your insect and pest questions! Do you want to learn more about pests and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we'll cover insect life cycles, management, identification, and more. For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Ethnobotany and Archaeology Open House](https://baysoundings.com/event/ethnobotany-and-archaeology-open-house/) - Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants! See ancient artifacts and learn about the prehistoric and modern uses of native plants as a part of the Weedon Island Preserve's celebration of Florida Archaeology Month! All ages welcome. Learn how indigenous - [Archaeological Kayak Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/archaeological-kayak-tour/) - Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection Join archaeologists and environmental specialists for an archaeology-focused paddling experience. This trip will paddle from Weedon Island’s mainland to Ross Island where participants will then be led around an archaeological site with Dr. Kendal Jackson, a post-doctoral fellow with the University of South Florida, and member of - [Photography Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/photography-hike-10/) - Walk the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way. Grab your camera of choice and enjoy a guided tour of the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve. This program provides opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. After a brief classroom session - [Archaeology Hike & Site Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/archaeology-hike-site-tour/) - Part of the Florida Archaeology Month 2024 collection Hike an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve and learn about the current archaeological research. Professional archaeologists with the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education will lead a hike out to an active excavation area on the Weedon Island Preserve. Participants will learn - [2024 ECO Educator Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/2024-eco-educator-workshop/) - See what the training is all about in our two promo videos: Video 1 or Video 2 Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Teacher Training Workshop The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Pinellas County's Natural Resources Agent has teamed up with St. Petersburg College, College of Education Professor to - [Youth Program: Spring Bird Migration](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-program-spring-bird-migration/) - Celebrate and learn about spring migration! Bird migration is a risky business! Explore the challenges affecting migration for many bird species, and learn through hands-on activities what it’s like for a bird on this great journey. Targeted for elementary and middle school aged youth. Please register just your child (children). This is not a drop-off - [Scales & Trails Youth Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/scales-trails-youth-hike-2/) - Join us on an educational adventure geared toward ages 7-11, as we explore the world of reptiles! From slithering snakes to sunbathing turtles, we will learn about the unique adaptations and behaviors that make reptiles so cool. This guided hike will leave participants with a newfound appreciation for our native reptile species. This youth program - [Insect Gall Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/insect-gall-walk/) - Let us introduce you to the intriguing world of galls! These alien-looking growths are found on plants around the world and are hiding tiny secrets: bugs! We will explore the common species of galling insects in Florida and the Tampa Bay area on a gall hunt together. Join Local expert, Christine Leonard to learn about - [Hidden Wonders Nature Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/hidden-wonders-nature-walk-5-3/) - This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of "Our Wildest Place." We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Winter reveals new natural wonders to enjoy, join us! Registration is required. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Botany Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/botany-walk-2-2/) - 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. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Sunday Bird Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/sunday-bird-hike-2-4/) - 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, - [Pinellas County Bee City USA 2024 BioBlitz!](https://baysoundings.com/event/pinellas-county-bee-city-usa-2024-bioblitz/) - Join others in the community for a fun, citizen-science effort to record as many species of plants and insects at Eagle Lake Park! Pinellas County has recently been recognized as a Bee City (County) by the non-profit Xerces Society for the Conservation of Invertebrates. Part of our commitment to foster a community that supports insect - [Florida Forests Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-forests-hike/) - Venture out along the Flatwoods Trail loop with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing...TREES! Get ready to look up and explore the world of trees. Lara tends to throw in some surprises on her hikes, so be ready when she asks for volunteers! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Wild Florida 101- Recording Nature](https://baysoundings.com/event/wild-florida-101-recording-nature/) - This series explores the wonderful and wild animals that call Florida home. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Wild Florida 101- Guess That Bird](https://baysoundings.com/event/wild-florida-101-guess-that-bird/) - This series explores the wonderful and wild animals that call Florida home. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Propagation Class](https://baysoundings.com/event/propagation-class/) - Join a park ranger for an exciting propagation course that will focus on the methods and techniques of cultivating and reproducing native plant species, as well as learning about the best practices for planting and caring for them. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Pollinator Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-hike/) - This family hike combines the outdoor experience with the educational aspects of discovering the various species of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, that keep our planet growing. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Botanical Gelli Prints](https://baysoundings.com/event/botanical-gelli-prints/) - This class focuses on the art of creating beautiful, textured prints using plants, leaves, and other natural elements as the primary source of inspiration and design. Ages 12 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Aquacamp](https://baysoundings.com/event/aquacamp-2-2/) - Campers explore the many roles of water in ecosystems, learn about local watersheds and how people affect water resources such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Each day will include outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Campers will learn how they can help to keep local waterways clean. Ages 5 yrs - 6 yrs >>> REGISTER - [Annual Kite Day at ROC Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/annual-kite-day-at-roc-park/) - Meet some of Seaside Seabird Sanctuary's wonderful Avian Ambassadors at Annual Kite Day! - [Seaside Visits Clearwater Marine Aquarium](https://baysoundings.com/event/seaside-visits-clearwater-marine-aquarium/) - Meet some of our wonderful Avian Ambassadors and learn their stories while enjoying a visit at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! - [Story Time](https://baysoundings.com/event/story-time/) - Listen to a couple of fun stories while playing with musical instruments and bubbles in our Majeed Discovery Garden. Story Time is recommended for kids 5 and under. Contact our Children's Garden Educator, Jessie Wingar, at jessieflbgfoundation@gmail.com if you have any questions. - [Stelliferous Ancient Skies: Chinese Astronomy](https://baysoundings.com/event/stelliferous-ancient-skies-chinese-astronomy/) - Join us in the Planetarium at The Bishop as we celebrate the Chinese New Year! Dive into the mythology behind traditional asterisms, discover the tremendous achievements and feats of engineering in astronomy over millennia, and uncover the intricacies in the lunar calendar as we approach the Year of the Dragon! Doors open at 6:30 pm. - [CAPE: Community Action Projects for the Environment](https://baysoundings.com/event/cape-community-action-projects-for-the-environment/) - Join us and informal educators to learn about CAPE curriculum and how to provide it for youth at your institution. Formal educators, please inquire if the curriculum fits with Megan Ennes. The workshop and curriculum is free. CAPE is a new program run by the University of Florida's Thompson Earth Systems Institute that guides youth through an 8-step - [Gardening From the Ground Up](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-from-the-ground-up/) - Learn the secrets, Gardening From the Ground Up. This workshop is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only. Kick off the new year on a journey to transform your landscape by attending our upcoming event at Extension. Learn from five compelling presentations covering a range of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ topics. Topics include, Landscape Design tips, the efficiency of - [CEUs2U](https://baysoundings.com/event/ceus2u/) - This webinar is packed with valuable insights and information that will help you stay current in landscape and pest management. There is a lot to learn about horticulture! This webinar is packed with valuable insights and information that will help you stay at the top of your game in landscape maintenance. 8 am - 10 - [Healthy Landscapes](https://baysoundings.com/event/healthy-landscapes-2/) - Part of the Water Conservation collection will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips such as Right Plant-Right Place, Watering efficiently and Mulch benefits. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Silent Sentinels](https://baysoundings.com/event/silent-sentinels/) - Learn about long-lived trees! Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about long lived trees, their history, cultural significance and how we can manage for their care in urban environments. >>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION - [Community Tree Care for HOA's](https://baysoundings.com/event/community-tree-care-for-hoas-2/) - Beneath the Canopy: Community Tree Care for HOA's Join UF/IFAS Extension Urban Forestry experts, local professional arborists and county staff to learn the ins and outs of managing the trees in your community. Walk away from this workshop with workable templates, examples and a knowledge of tree care best management practices. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Wading Bird Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/wading-bird-walk-3/) - Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the trails. Learn the identifying marks and key behaviors of our most common wading birds at the Weedon Island Preserve during a guided hike of the trails. A brief classroom session before the hike will give visitors an overview of the - [Photography Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/photography-hike-9/) - Walk the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way. Grab your camera of choice and enjoy a guided tour of the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve! This program provides opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. After a brief classroom session - [Open Archaeology Lab](https://baysoundings.com/event/archaeology-lab/) - Learn from professional archaeologists on how to sort, identify, and clean artifacts and other material from real archaeological sites! Ever wonder what archaeologists do with all that stuff they dig up at archaeological sites once the fieldwork is finished? Join us for an open archaeology lab! Learn from professional archaeologists with the West Central Region - [Friends Members' Photography Exhibit: Closing Reception](https://baysoundings.com/event/friends-members-photography-exhibit-closing-reception/) - Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for their members' photography exhibit and closing reception! The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve are pleased to present their member's photography exhibit and closing reception! Sunday, February 18th, 1pm to 3:00pm in the auditroium gallery, all are welcome. The event is free and open to the public Meet - [The History of Bald Eagles in Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-history-of-bald-eagles-in-florida/) - Join us for a journey through time highlighting the storied history of our local eagles! This is a program rich in history, field accounts, photography, biology and behavior of bald eagles primarily in West Central Florida with state wide comparisons. Rare photos and data cover more than a half of a century of eagle field - [Branching Out: Your Voice, Our Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/branching-out-your-voice-our-trees/) - A community conversation on urban trees in public spaces. Talk About Trees Join us for a world cafe where we will talk about trees and their role in our communities! Pinellas County is embarking on the development of their first-ever Urban Forestry Master Plan for unincorporated and they are seeking YOUR input to help guide - [Intro to Plant Identification](https://baysoundings.com/event/intro-to-plant-identification/) - Explore the major plant groups! Join a local Extension specialist and examine the basics of plant identification, from using simple keys to identifying critical characteristics that will help any would-be botanist in the field. An emphasis will be placed on flowering plants. This class will provide a basic introduction to plant identification. This class is - [Nature's Match](https://baysoundings.com/event/natures-match/) - Nature’s Match is a unique event that brings together like-minded singles who appreciate the beauty of nature and are looking to connect with others who share their passion. This event offers a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where attendees can explore the wonders of the preserve, engage in meaningful conversations, and potentially find a new friendship - [Circle B Bar Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/circle-b-bar-preserve/) - Circle B Bar Preserve - Polk County (One of our most popular field trips) Barred Owl, White Pelicans, Snail Kite, Painted Bunting and Bobcats have been seen at this restored preserve. Natural wetland and berm trails around retention ponds. Visitor Center has facilities but no food. Bring lunch if you want to spend the afternoon - [Native Plant Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-hike-2-2/) - Immerse yourself in the world of native Florida plant species on this ranger-led hike. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Adult Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/adult-night-hike-3-2/) - Adults enjoy a night hike out into the preserve after hours and in the dark! >>> REGISTER HERE - [RAPTOR FEST](https://baysoundings.com/event/raptor-fest-5/) - Join us for the Tenth Annual Raptor Fest at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve! Watch trained raptors in free flight, learn about Florida’s native raptor species, take a photo with live birds of prey, learn from local environmental exhibitors, enjoy activities for children and families, take a bird walk and much more! Flight shows will begin - [Morning Nature Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/morning-nature-walk-3/) - Meet 8:00 AM Starkey Education Center 1 to 4 mile walk - [Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Nine Principles](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-friendly-landscaping-nine-principles/) - Join us for a presentation on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Nine Principles! Let's create sustainable landscapes together! This presentation is for Hillsborough County residents/employees only. Join us for a presentation on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Nine Principles! Explore the essential benchmarks for recognition and acquire valuable insights into crafting an attractive, environmentally conscious landscape that aligns with - [The Gift of Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-gift-of-trees/) - Join us for a crash course in trees. We will cover the value of trees in our communities, tree selection and planting, maintenance, pruning and long term care considerations. - [Basic Irrigation Operations & Maintenance](https://baysoundings.com/event/basic-irrigation-operations-maintenance-2/) - Learn about the basic operations and maintenance of your in-ground irrigation system. This class will satisfy the irrigation educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Rebate Program. For further information on the Outdoor Water Rebate Program, contact: Manatee County Utility Department - Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org >>> REGISTER HERE - [Florida-Friendly: Landscape Maintenance 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-friendly-friday-landscape-maintenance-101/) - Join us to learn how to maintain your landscape. Good landscape design should be followed by appropriate maintenance practices. Join us to learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices and how they, when applied, can protect our precious water resources. Topics of discussion are proper plant selection, planting and plant establishment, sprinkler system efficiency and watering schedule. - [Butterfly and Bird-Attracting Native Plants & Trees](https://baysoundings.com/event/butterfly-and-bird-attracting-native-plants-trees/) - Learn how to attract birds & butterflies with natives! Bird and butterfly populations are in decline worldwide and their fates are intertwined. Join us for an informative class about what we each can do in our own backyards and neighborhoods by adding appropriate plants and changing practices to support these beautiful creatures and bring life - [Astronomy Night](https://baysoundings.com/event/astronomy-night-5/) - Explore the night sky with volunteers from the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club! Join the astronomy club members to search for Jupiter and Orion Nebula, Saturn and winter constellations with high powered telescopes. Cost: FREE with admission All ages welcome. - [Snail Kites in Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/snail-kites-in-florida/) - The Everglades Snail Kite is a bird of prey, similar to a hawk, that eats only snails. After draining the Everglades, their population plummeted. Our speaker will explain the relationship between the Everglades Snail Kite and an introduced, non-native snail species which may have saved the snail kite from extinction. Speaker Bio: Robert J. Fletcher - [Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!](https://baysoundings.com/event/reptile-wednesdays-with-dennis-4-2/) - 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 - [Naturalist Guided Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/naturalist-guided-tour-2-2/) - Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of the Preserve. Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of Weedon Island on this guided hike. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult. Attendees will meet inside the - [Tot Time](https://baysoundings.com/event/tot-time-4-4/) - Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve. 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, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are - [Native Bees and Me!](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-bees-and-me/) - Learn about our native bees! Florida is home to over 300 species of native bees. The honeybee is not one of them. We will explore our oft-overlooked native bees, their critical role in healthy ecosystems and how we can provide a welcoming habitat for these harmless insects. Participants will have the opportunity to take home - [Scales & Trails Youth Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/scales-trails-youth-hike/) - Join us as we explore the reptiles of Florida! Join us on an educational adventure geared toward ages 7-11, as we explore the world of reptiles! From slithering snakes to sunbathing turtles, we will learn about the unique adaptations and behaviors that make reptiles so cool. This guided hike will leave participants with a newfound - [Introduction to Tree Identification](https://baysoundings.com/event/introduction-to-tree-identification/) - Celebrate Florida Arbor Day! In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES! There are hundreds of tree species in Florida and identification can be overwhelming, but we have to start somewhere! Join your local Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan as she walks you through the basics you need to know to begin your - [Florida Arbor Day: Youth Papermaking](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-arbor-day-youth-papermaking/) - Celebrate Florida Arbor Day! In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES! Explore the inside and outside of trees with a hands-on activity! Many products we use everyday are derived from trees, and we're going to learn how to make our own paper! Targeted for elementary and middle school aged youth. Registration is - [Youth Florida Forest Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-florida-forest-hike/) - Venture out on the trails with Natural Resources Agent, Lara Milligan to learn all about her most favorite thing...TREES! In honor of Florida Arbor Day, we are celebrating TREES! Join Lara on a hike to learn about all of the amazing things these giant plants can do! Targeted for elementary and middle school aged youth. - [Talons, Beaks & Feathers Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/talons-beaks-feathers-camp-2/) - Camps will join Natalie Lloyd to learn how to identify bones, tracks, and scat through daily hikes in the preserve. Ages 7 yrs - 11 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Natural Suncatchers](https://baysoundings.com/event/natural-suncatchers/) - Create a beautiful and delicate suncatcher that captures the essence of nature with an easy to make craft project. This suncatcher will feature intricate designs and colors inspired by the natural world. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Insect Investigation Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/insect-investigation-hike/) - Join a ranger on a guided hike that will take you on a journey through a diverse ecosystem, where you will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of insects that call Boyd Hill Nature Preserve home. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER - [Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-night-hike-2-5/) - Bring your family and join our park rangers for a monthly night hike! Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Cultivating Biodiversity with a Rain Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/cultivating-biodiversity-with-a-rain-garden/) - Join the rangers for a tour of the Boyd Hill Rain Garden and learn about how to implement one to enjoy the benefits of water filtration, flood control, and enhanced biodiversity in your own yard! Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Wildlife & Plant Identification](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildlife-plant-identification/) - This program invites adults and children to develop various camping skills together. Some of the topics covered include: wildlife and plant identification, foil wrapped foods, backpacking basics, and much more! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Build a Bird House](https://baysoundings.com/event/build-a-bird-house/) - Join us for a family nature program, immerse yourself in the beauty of winter as we explore the fascinating world of Florida’s winter birds and get creative by building bird houses together! Ages 10 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Birding at Bahia Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-at-bahia-preserve/) - This ELAPP property, acquired in 2001, consists of wetlands which give excellent viewing opportunities of wading birds and ducks. We’ll meet at 8:00 in the parking lot. The surface is mostly level and dry, and the pace is slow. The one-way trail is 0.7 miles (total 1.4 miles in and out). No toilet facilities are - [Birding at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-at-lake-apopka-wildlife-drive/) - Join us for this one-way, eleven mile drive through the restored wetlands along Lake Apopka’s North Shore. We will caravan and will make many stops along the way to observe the many birds and other wildlife that use this area. With a speed limit of 10 mph, you can expect the trip to last between - [Lakeland Christmas Bird Count](https://baysoundings.com/event/lakeland-christmas-bird-count/) - What is a Christmas Bird Count? The longest running Citizen Science survey in the world, Christmas Bird Counts provide critical data on bird population trends. Tens of thousands of participants know that it also a lot of fun. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an - [GINGERBREAD FAMILY FUN](https://baysoundings.com/event/gingerbread-family-fun/) - We’ll provide all the materials needed for you and your family to design and decorate your own gingerbread masterpieces and add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your time together. Reserve your spot! - [BOAT AMERICA CLASSES](https://baysoundings.com/event/boat-america-classes/) - CG AUXILIARY CLEARWATER FLOTILLA ANNOUNCES 2024 SCHEDULE FOR VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS AND BOAT AMERICA CLASSES The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Clearwater Flotilla is pleased to unveil its comprehensive schedule for Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) and Boat America classes for 2024. Dedicated to promoting boating safety and education within the community, the Clearwater Flotilla continues - [Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop on ZOOM](https://baysoundings.com/event/vegetable-microirrigation-workshop-on-zoom/) - Get some help for a successful vegetable garden. This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. Learn how to grow vegetables with the convenience of a microirrigation kit. It will conserve water and save time. Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a vegetable microirrigation kit after attending this - [Drought Tolerant Plants 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/drought-tolerant-plants-101-6/) - Keep your landscape looking beautiful with the right plants. Learn how to choose beautiful drought tolerant plants for your landscape and know what to put back on the shelf! Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, will show samples of Florida friendly plants suitable for Manatee County residents and discuss the difference between the good and the - [Irrigation Design 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/irrigation-design-101/) - Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system. Live Event with remote viewing, Zoom, option available Kendrick Auditorium at UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221 Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, as he discusses the basics of great irrigation design. Learn helpful information for - [Cookies with Santa](https://baysoundings.com/event/cookies-with-santa-2-2/) - Decorate holiday cookies, meet Santa and his elves, and browse small gifts for sale for friends and family! Free gift wrapping provided. $5 per child. Free admission for parents/guardians. All ages welcome! Must register online. Please contact 727-893-7326 with any questions. Reserve your spot! Space is limited for this event. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE. - [Snowfest](https://baysoundings.com/event/snowfest-2/) - The holiday fun continues with Snowfest on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in North Straub Park. Enjoy toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more. The $5 wristband includes all activities and can be purchased online or at any City recreation center through Friday, - [Santa in the Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/santa-in-the-park/) - Enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa in North Straub Park! Cameras welcomed. - [Holiday Nature Crafts & Music & Treats!](https://baysoundings.com/event/holiday-nature-crafts-music-treats/) - [Come "Sea" Santa](https://baysoundings.com/event/come-sea-santa/) - Join us at the Sanctuary on December 16th from 12pm-6pm for pictures with Santa! We will also have our Avian Ambassadors for presentations, local vendors, food and drinks, and Gingerbread Houses for decoration. - [Nature Journaling Class Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-journaling-class-series/) - Take a fun, interactive workshop on nature journaling! Nature journaling is an immersive experience where you can document your experiences in the outdoors. Whether you plan to use your nature journal to track the progress of your gardening endeavors, sketch and write during nature hikes, or document seasonal bird sightings all will grow your skills - [Wading Bird Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/wading-bird-walk-2/) - Meet the wading birds of the Weedon Island Preserve on a guided walk of the trails. Learn the identifying marks and key behaviors of our most common wading birds at the Weedon Island Preserve during a guided hike of the trails. A brief classroom session before the hike will give visitors an overview of the - [VOGs and Eggnog](https://baysoundings.com/event/vogs-and-eggnog/) - Give back to our Tampa Bay estuary with vertical oyster gardens (VOGs) while getting in the holiday spirit! Want to give back to our local Tampa Bay estuary while getting in the holiday spirit? Join us to learn more about oysters and how they help Tampa Bay while making your very own vertical oyster garden - [Naturalist Guided Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/naturalist-guided-tour/) - Join us for a guided tour of the trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve. Participants will learn about the 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. - [Cocoa & Constellations Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/cocoa-constellations-night-hike/) - Bring your family and join our park rangers for a cool night drinking hot cocoa on the trails! Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Animal Evidence Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/animal-evidence-camp-2-2/) - Campers will learn how to identify bones, tracks, and scat through daily hikes in the preserve. Ages 7 yrs - 12 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Hidden Wonders Nature Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/hidden-wonders-nature-walk-5-2/) - This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of "Our Wildest Place." This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of "Our Wildest Place." We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Summertime - [Night Hike in the Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/night-hike-in-the-preserve-6/) - At night, the world is full of sounds and smells very different from the daytime. Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve for a one-mile hiking experience along the Ed Center Trail…at night! These special hikes are open to the public and limited to 20 people per hike. A $3 per person donation is requested. Hikes - [Botany Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/botany-walk-7-2/) - 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 - [Sunday Bird Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/sunday-bird-hike-2-3/) - 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, - [Book Time at Brooker](https://baysoundings.com/event/book-time-at-brooker-2/) - 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. - [Pinellas’ Native Epiphytes](https://baysoundings.com/event/pinellas-native-epiphytes-3/) - “Air Plants” grow in a variety of surprising habitats in Pinellas County. Learn the life history, biology and ecology of these special plants and lichens from a Pinellas County Extension Specialist. Recommended for adults and youth over 12. Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor >>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION - [Nest Box Building Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/nest-box-building-workshop-4/) - Join us for an in-person workshop to "make and take" a nest box for your yard! Want to help our local cavity nesters? Learn how to build your very own nest box for a Great Crested Flycatcher! Not familiar with this cavity nester? Learn more here! In this workshop you will learn about proper nest - [Children's Book Reading with the Author: Otto the Otter, A Big Surprise](https://baysoundings.com/event/childrens-book-reading-with-the-author-otto-the-otter-a-big-surprise-2/) - Join us for a special Children's book reading with local author Linda Hansen! Otto the Otter, A Big Surprise is a wonderful, engaging story for children 4 to 8 years old to learn about nature and the life cycle. This educational read is inspired by a true story and perfect for young readers. Join us - [Tillandsia Wreath - Make & Take](https://baysoundings.com/event/tillandsia-wreath-make-take/) - Create a living wreath using Tillandsia plants! Tillandsia Wreath “Make and Take” – 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 living wreath using Tillandsia plants. Bring wire cutters and pliers if you have them. $40 per person. - [Wonders of Wildlife Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/wonders-of-wildlife-festival-2/) - The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay invites you to their third-annual Wonders of Wildlife Festival in Plant City! Get your face painted, take a picture with a mermaid, and meet a whole host of local conservation organizations. - [BACKYARD COMPOSTING](https://baysoundings.com/event/backyard-composting-16-2/) - Learn to turn trash into treasure! Hillsborough County residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Since you are attending this workshop on Zoom, you will need to make an appointment with our receptionist after November - [Composting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-workshop-13-4/) - Composting - learn how to turn trash into treasure! 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 - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-15/) - 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 - [Microirrigation Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-14-4/) - 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 - [Rye Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/rye-preserve-tour-6-2/) - 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 - [DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/desoto-riverview-pointe-preserve-tour-3-2/) - Guided tour through DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve with a Master Gardener Volunteer. 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 - [Uncommon Edibles](https://baysoundings.com/event/uncommon-edibles-2/) - Join experts from UF/IFAS Extension and the Manatee Rare Fruit Council to discover some of the lesser known edible plants that can be a successful addition to your garden or landscape. Attendees will tour the fruit tree orchard and participate in a planting activity. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Backyard Wildlife: Online Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/backyard-wildlife-online-workshop/) - Join us for an exciting online workshop dedicated to exploring the wonders of backyard wildlife! Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious about the creatures that inhabit your own backyard, this workshop is perfect for you. On Fri Nov 03 2023 starting at 3 to 5pm, our knowledgeable experts from FWC will present first - [Gardening with Mushrooms](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-with-mushrooms-4-2/) - Learn how to use mushrooms in the garden! 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 - [Paddle and Learn](https://baysoundings.com/event/paddle-and-learn/) - Paddle and Learn - Kayaking with Mangroves Join Alyssa Vinson with UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County and Sarah Denison with Manatee County Natural Resources for a special kayaking program at Robinson Preserve! On this approximately 2-mile paddle, we will learn about one of Florida’s most important coastal trees – Mangroves! Single and tandem kayaks, paddles, and - [FAMILY CAMPOUT](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-campout/) - Unwind after a busy Thanksgiving holiday by spending time outdoors with family and friends! The campground will offer a variety of free activities for guests from fun outdoor games and campfire programs to ranger led hikes. There is sure to be something for everyone! All ages welcome (Adults must accompany minors) >> RESERVE A SPOT - [Let's Chat About Bats](https://baysoundings.com/event/lets-chat-about-bats/) - [Sea Turtle Nest Tracking](https://baysoundings.com/event/sea-turtle-nest-tracking/) - [Hukyu Bonsai Society Meeting](https://baysoundings.com/event/hukyu-bonsai-society-meeting-4/) - Learn the art and techniques of bonsai. Meets 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month from 10am to 2pm. No meetings in May. Learn more at facebook.com/hukyubonsaisociety - [Wading Bird Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/wading-bird-walk-8/) - 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 - [Photography Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/photography-hike-8/) - Walk the boardwalks and natural paths of Weedon Island, capturing photographs of native flora and fauna along the way. Grab your camera of choice and enjoy a guided tour of the trails at the Weedon Island Preserve! This hike has been timed to coincide with a low tide at the Preserve so participants will have - [Managing Our Underwater World in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/event/managing-our-underwater-world-in-tampa-bay-2/) - Meet the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program and learn about the coastal resources they protect in Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP), managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, highlight the best of what our state has to offer: open water, inlet bays, tidally influenced creeks - [Hiking with Heroes](https://baysoundings.com/event/hiking-with-heroes/) - In honor of Memorial Day, join fellow members of the veteran community as we 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. The hike may be to 3 miles in total length and will - [Naturalist Guided Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/naturalist-guided-hike-2-2/) - Join us for a guided tour of the trails and boardwalks of the Weedon Island Preserve. Explore the coastal and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island on this guided tour of the Preserve. Participants will learn about the environment, native wildlife, and early history of the island. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10 - [Bugs & Butterflies for Beginners](https://baysoundings.com/event/bugs-butterflies-for-beginners/) - This class is an introduction wonderful world of insects! What is that bug? Does it bite? Is it REALLY a bug? This class will introduce participants to the wonderful world of insects, including butterflies, found throughout Pinellas County. Learn how to identify major groups of insects and their ecological importance. Recommended for adults and families. - [Where Did the Snakes Go?](https://baysoundings.com/event/where-did-the-snakes-go/) - Where Did the Snakes Go? The Parasite Behind Pygmy Rattlesnake Declines Learn about new research from the University of Central Florida's Biology Department! Precipitous declines of Sistrurus miliarius are spatially and temporally consistent with the initial invasion of the lung parasite, Raillietiella orientalis (RO). RO is suspected to have been introduced by the established Burmese - [Sprouts Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/sprouts-camp/) - Each day, the program includes a combination of nature stories, songs, games, crafts, and hikes to explore the outdoors. The goal is to nurture a child's curiosity, help them acquire developmentally appropriate skills, and instill appreciation and respect for the natural world. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Turtle Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/turtle-camp/) - Explore the fascinating world of turtles with hands-on learning, hikes, and live animal encounters. Campers spend time on the trails studying gopher tortoises, box turtles, and aquatic species. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Nature's Air Purifiers](https://baysoundings.com/event/natures-air-purifiers/) - For only pennies a day, houseplants will help beautify, purify and renew your stuffy studio, office or home by filtering out toxins, pollutants and the carbon dioxide we exhale and replaces them with fresh oxygen! Learn about NASA recommended air-purifying plants, how to responsibly care for them, and how to propagate them so you can - [Gratitude Nature Scavenger Hunt](https://baysoundings.com/event/gratitude-nature-scavenger-hunt/) - November is the month highlighting all of the things for which we are grateful. In this unique program, participants will leave appreciating nature and all of its gifts. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Funky Fungi Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/funky-fungi-hike/) - Enter the mysterious world of fungi! This hike will focus on the magic of mushrooms and lichens. Hand lens will be available to borrow. Don't miss this special hike! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Aquacamp](https://baysoundings.com/event/aquacamp/) - Campers explore the many roles of water in ecosystems, learn about local watersheds and how people affect water resources such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Each day will include outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Campers will learn how they can help to keep local waterways clean. Ages 5 yrs - 7 yrs >>> REGISTER - [Birding at Fort De Soto](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-at-fort-de-soto-2/) - Meet at flagpole at the ranger station at 8:00 a.m. Finished by 2 pm. Driving to various hotspots within Ft D, easy hiking up to 1 ½ miles at some locations. Hoping to catch fall migrants and maybe some early winter arrivals plus local favorites and shorebirds at lagoon. Dress for weather, bugs, sunscreen, hat! - [Beginning Bird Walk @ LLP](https://baysoundings.com/event/beginning-bird-walk-llp/) - 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 - [Native Plant Walk @ LLP](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-walk-llp-2-3/) - 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 - [Pumpkin Fest at Florida Botanical Gardens](https://baysoundings.com/event/pumpkin-fest-at-florida-botanical-gardens/) - Join us for a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and spooky activities led by our Children's Garden Educator and community sponsors Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscaping Association and County Farm Bureau. This event is part of Third Saturdays at Pinewood, so make sure to check out Creative Pinellas and Heritage Village for more activities on the day of - [AUTUMN HARVEST FESTIVAL](https://baysoundings.com/event/autumn-harvest-festival/) - Celebrate the fall season at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve’s annual Autumn Harvest Festival! Join us for a variety of festive activities including hay rides, crafts, games, music, food trucks, and more! Activity tickets available for purchase. FREE ADMISSION | ALL AGES WELCOME! - [TRUNK OR TREAT AT THE PRESERVE](https://baysoundings.com/event/trunk-or-treat-at-the-preserve/) - Celebrate Halloween at the preserve! Trunk or treat is a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Families meet in the parking lot at the nature center at 6 p.m., decorate their cars with fun, nature-themed decorations. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the kids walk from car to car collecting goodies along the way just as they would - [PUMPKIN CARVING](https://baysoundings.com/event/pumpkin-carving/) - Bring your creativity and create a creepy, silly, or original pumpkin carving design! Pumpkins are included in the cost. Tools are provided. Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Two people per pumpkin maximum. Register for this event by October 13. >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Mono Clean-a-thon](https://baysoundings.com/event/mono-clean-a-thon/) - Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to participate in a Mono Clean-a-thon. We'll be cleaning "mono" or fishing line which involves sorting through the used line to remove debris, then cutting out hooks and lures. The clean line will be contributed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s statewide initiative for proper recycling and - [Florida Birding & Nature Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-birding-nature-festival-4-2/) - Four days of field and boat trips, expert seminars, keynote speakers, and a great free nature expo! Festival Schedule Details for 2023 - [Evening for the Bay: The Reef Ball](https://baysoundings.com/event/evening-for-the-bay-the-reef-ball/) - You are cordially invited to join us for this momentous occasion as Tampa Bay Watch celebrates 30 years and the Pearl Anniversary of coastal conservation. The 2023 gala will be an unforgettable evening held at our beautiful Tierra Verde location as we highlight the community’s efforts to protect and restore Tampa Bay’s watershed, and set - [Outreach Volunteer Training](https://baysoundings.com/event/outreach-volunteer-training/) - Are you a people person? Tampa Bay Watch is looking for friendly volunteers to represent our organization at community events such as outdoor festivals and farmers’ markets. As an outreach volunteer, you talk to the public who come up to our table display about Tampa Bay Watch, including our mission, our restoration and conservation projects, - [30th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup](https://baysoundings.com/event/30th-annual-fishing-line-island-cleanup/) - Join Tampa Bay Watch and Audubon Florida for the 30th Annual Fishing Line Island Cleanup! This will be a self-led event, where participants will travel out to their designated location by personal boat/other watercraft any day between October 21st - October 29th to target shorelines where fishing line has been caught in the shoreline vegetation. - [Vermicomposting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/vermicomposting-workshop-5/) - Vermicomposting: Where the worms do the work and we reap the benefits! This workshop is for Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees only. Attend a Vermicomposting workshop with us and learn how to compost with worms. If you don't have the space for traditional composting, try vermicomposting. In this class you will learn how - [Composting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-workshop-13-3/) - Composting - learn how to turn trash into treasure! 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 - [Microirrigation Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-14-3/) - Learn how to save water when watering your garden. 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 - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-14/) - Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden! 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 - [Orchid Rescue: Care and Repotting](https://baysoundings.com/event/orchid-rescue-care-and-repotting/) - Learn how to repot your orchid in this hands-on workshop! Do you have an orchid bursting from its pot and wonder what to do now? Learn the proper way to care for and propagate several varieties of orchids. Bring your overgrown orchid and pruners for a hands-on exercise of dividing the orchid. We will provide - [Creepy Crawlies: Good Bug, Bad Bug](https://baysoundings.com/event/creepy-crawlies-good-bug-bad-bug/) - Just in time for Halloween! Join us to learn about the interesting insects that we want to have around and the not-so-beneficial ones, too. New to gardening in Florida- with all the unfamiliar insects? We'll help you figure out which ones will help you out! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Ground Covers - Plants That Work](https://baysoundings.com/event/ground-covers-plants-that-work-4/) - Join Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, as she presents how landscaping with low-growing ground cover plants has become a popular trend in landscape practices because once they are established, these plants will need little or no water. Learn noteworthy plants, site considerations, and management of these plants. This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for - [Wicked Weeds: Invasives & Control](https://baysoundings.com/event/wicked-weeds-invasives-control/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to learn all about those undesirable plant species in your landscape and how to best manage them and manage your landscape expectations. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Irrigation With Water Conservation in Mind](https://baysoundings.com/event/irrigation-with-water-conservation-in-mind-2/) - Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water, how you can repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape (TM) tips. Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. - [All About Epiphytes](https://baysoundings.com/event/all-about-epiphytes/) - Learn about these amazing plants that don't need soil to survive! This class will open your eyes to many plants from around the world that you may never have realized were epiphytes! From elusive native Florida orchids and bromeliads to tropical rainforest species in South America, we'll explore the fascinating world of the plants that - [Creepy Crawlies: SSssnakes](https://baysoundings.com/event/creepy-crawlies-ssssnakes/) - Learn about these interesting, mysterious, and often maligned reptiles, especially how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Organic Vegetable Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/organic-vegetable-gardening/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to discuss organic vegetable gardening do’s and don’ts for southwest Florida. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Halloween Hikes](https://baysoundings.com/event/halloween-hikes/) - Are you brave enough to venture into the woods after dark? Join Camp Bayou guides at a rare night event- Creatures of the Night/Haunted Hike on Saturday, Oct 14th. Two options are available: The hike at 6pm is for the little ones to explore the woods while looking for signs of native nocturnal critters. The - [Canoe paddle tour](https://baysoundings.com/event/canoe-paddle-tour-3/) - Enjoy an hour and half of easy paddling on the Little Manatee River loop with your guide. Three seater canoe rentals or 1 person kayaks can be rented for $25. Or bring your own canoe or kayak and join us with a $5 donation. Reserve your canoe or kayak by calling the office at 813-641-8545. - [Youth Workshop: Ancient Pottery](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-workshop-ancient-pottery/) - Learn to make pottery like the ancient people who once lived at Weedon Island. Over 1,000 years ago, early potters were making coiled pots out of clay and sand for cooking vessels and ceremonial functions. This workshop will teach youth how to form a small-coiled pot and add distinctive decorations using early techniques. This workshop - [Climate Change and Cultural Sites in Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/climate-change-and-cultural-sites-in-florida/) - Learn how historical and archaeological sites threatened by climate change are protected in Florida. How do we protect cemeteries, historic buildings, and archaeological sites that are threatened by climate change in Florida? How is it decided which sites get attention and which do not? Join the Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education in - [Diamondback Terrapins: Conservation of an Imperiled Coastal Turtle](https://baysoundings.com/event/diamondback-terrapins-conservation-of-an-imperiled-coastal-turtle/) - Herpetologist George Heinrich will discuss Diamondback Terrapins in Florida. Learn about the natural history and conservation of an imperiled estuarine turtle, the diamondback terrapin. Although terrapins occur in 16 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the coastline of Florida represents approximately 20% of their entire range. Five of the seven recognized subspecies occur in - [Naturalist Guided Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/naturalist-guided-hike/) - 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 - [Tot Time](https://baysoundings.com/event/tot-time-4-3/) - Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve. 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, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are - [Owl-O-Ween!!](https://baysoundings.com/event/owl-o-ween/) - Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events ! Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve and the Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue for a day of owl-related events including LIVE owl displays, owl story time for children, owl pancake breakfast, nest box building, an owl pellet - [Why Turtles are Cool](https://baysoundings.com/event/why-turtles-are-cool/) - This program will introduce the fascinating world of turtles. Did you know that the sex of some species is determined at a pivotal point during egg incubation, or that turtles are among the most endangered group of animals on earth? How about the fact that turtles can ‘talk’ and are more social than we realized? - [Return the Preserve Work Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/return-the-preserve-work-day-7/) - The Preserve Work Days are hosted by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve! The Return The Preserve Work Days focus on areas of the preserve where exotic invasive vegetation and unnatural overgrowth exists. It is our goal to help return the preserve to its natural beauty. Working with FOBCP leadership and Preserve staff, volunteers provide - [Advanced Plant Identification - 3-Part Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/advanced-plant-identification-3-part-series-2-2/) - This three-part plant identification series will introduce participants to the steps required to positively identify plants. Plant identification is based on close observation of morphological characteristics, contextual clues and lots of practice. This three-part advanced plant identification series will introduce participants to these concepts and the associated vocabulary of the plant scientist. The class - [Wildflower & Pollinator Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildflower-pollinator-festival/) - The Fall Wildflower and Pollinator Festival returns this year with a day of fun for the whole family! This free event is brought to you by Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve! Celebrate Florida Wildflowers and the Pollinators that support us all. A native plant - [Pollinator Garden Workday!](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-garden-workday/) - Pollinator Garden Workday at Moccasin Lake Nature Park! 2nd Saturdays of the month at 8am! Hello beautiful plant people! I recommend water, sunscreen, and a hat. It will be quite hot and humid. The park provides gloves, but if you have your own, it may be a good idea to bring them. Meet by Garden - [Puddle Jumpers](https://baysoundings.com/event/puddle-jumpers-2/) - Outdoor exploration and learning for children entering Pre-K. Dress for rain or shine! Ages 3 yrs - 5 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Elemental Seasons Homeschool Class](https://baysoundings.com/event/elemental-seasons-homeschool-class/) - Join Ruth Glass as we study the seasons and traditional celebrations from around the world. Children will go on hikes, participate in celebrations of nature, and create nature art to take home. Ages 5 yrs - 12 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Summer Service Program](https://baysoundings.com/event/summer-service-program/) - Tampa Bay Watch is offering high school students an opportunity to earn community service hours this summer. The program is scheduled to take place on Wednesday mornings 9 AM - 12 PM from June 7 - July 19 at our facility in Tierra Verde with a maximum of fifteen volunteers per project. The minimum age to participate is 15 years old. Examples - [Summer Service Program](https://baysoundings.com/event/summer-service-program-2-2/) - Tampa Bay Watch is offering high school students an opportunity to earn community service hours this summer. The program is scheduled to take place on Wednesday mornings 9 AM - 12 PM from June 7 - July 19 at our facility in Tierra Verde with a maximum of fifteen volunteers per project. The minimum age to participate is 15 years old. Examples - [Farming at Boyd Hill Garden](https://baysoundings.com/event/25102/) - Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Turtle Science](https://baysoundings.com/event/turtle-science/) - This engaging hands-on class will introduce the study of tortoises and freshwater turtles. Join turtle biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich for this rare educational opportunity. Students will learn about the ecology and conservation of tortoises and freshwater turtles through a blend of classroom and field sessions. Classroom sessions include PowerPoint presentations and hands-on - [Terror in the Trees Adult Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/terror-in-the-trees-adult-hike/) - Join the rangers on a frightful hike full of surprises and twists around each dark corner! Be prepared for a night of spooky ambiance and scary stories while traversing the haunted trails of Boyd Hill. Ages 18 yrs + >>> RESERVE A TIME SLOT - [Spooky Swamp Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/25217/) - Come with the whole family on a special Halloween Night Hike! You will be guided through the trails with a kid friendly story of the frights and phantoms residing at the preserve! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> - [Secrets of Native Plant Propagation Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/secrets-of-native-plant-propagation-workshop/) - Plant propagation is a fun, rewarding, and economical way to add native plants to your yard. Learn the basics of plant propagation techniques and get hands-on experience practicing what you have learned! Participants will be able to take home a plant that they have propagated, too! Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Navigating Nature: Brilliant Bird Adaptations](https://baysoundings.com/event/navigating-nature-brilliant-bird-adaptations/) - Did you know that some birds have combs on their toes? Join St. Petersburg Audubon Society for a free half-day program exploring wild and brilliant bird adaptations that allow birds to survive! Preregistration required. Ages 8 yrs - 12 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Edible Wilds Native Plant Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/edible-wilds-native-plant-hike/) - Learn all about edible plants! In this guided walk, you will be introduced to native plant identification, the medicinal uses of the plants (as applicable), and safety practices while foraging. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Botanical Printmaking with Gelli Prints](https://baysoundings.com/event/botanical-printmaking-with-gelli-prints/) - Create and take home beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork with amazing colors and textures using natural materials. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Autumn Garland](https://baysoundings.com/event/autumn-garland/) - Create a beautiful autumn garland to decorate your home. Using high-quality crepe paper, the garland will add the perfect touch to your Fall decor. Join us for a fun afternoon crafting together! Preregistration required. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Astronomy Night](https://baysoundings.com/event/astronomy-night-4/) - Explore the night sky with volunteers from the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club! During this month’s program, participants will be able to see Saturn, Jupiter and the Andromeda Galaxy and see a waxing crescent moon in the west, too! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed - [Florida Birding & Nature Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-birding-nature-festival-3/) - Come celebrate the wonders of nature at this festival devoted to wildlife, birds especially! Find seminars, a silent auction, and a nature expo. https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/ - [The Butterflies of Pinellas County](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-butterflies-of-pinellas-county/) - [Seaside Spooktacular](https://baysoundings.com/event/seaside-spooktacular/) - Join us at Seaside for an afternoon of spooky fun! Visit each of our resident birds for a treat, learn more about bats from Tampa Bay Bat Rescue, and carve a pumpkin! - [St Thomas' Animal Fair](https://baysoundings.com/event/st-thomas-animal-fair/) - Join us in honoring our pets and wildlife alike at St Thomas' Animal Fair hosted in the courtyard of Canterbury School on Snell Isle! - [Birding at Honeymoon Island](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-at-honeymoon-island/) - Honeymoon Island, located on the in Pinellas County, faces “St. Joseph Sound, the center affords spectacular views of vast acres of sea grass beds, thick mangroves, mud flats, and oyster beds. From here, one can observe various shore birds, wading and diving birds including spoonbills, egrets, herons, osprey and pelicans, and an abundance of marine - [Birding at Lettuce Lake Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/birding-at-lettuce-lake-park/) - 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 - [Beginning Bird Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/beginning-bird-walk-3/) - 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 - [Native Plant Walk LLP](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-walk-llp-2-2/) - 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 - [Vulture Awareness Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/vulture-awareness-day/) - It's that time of year! Stop by Seaside this Vulture Awareness Day and learn all about our black and turkey vultures! - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop on Zoom](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-on-zoom-2/) - 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.) - [Creepy Crawlies: Worm Composting](https://baysoundings.com/event/creepy-crawlies-worm-composting/) - Now you can compost even if you live in an apartment, condo or mobile home! Worm bins are easily maintained indoors with no mess or smell. Workshop is $5 but after the class you'll have an opportunity to purchase a worm composter for the special discount rate of $69.00 plus tax. (Cash or check only.) - [Taking The Mystery Out of Micro-irrigation](https://baysoundings.com/event/taking-the-mystery-out-of-micro-irrigation-5/) - Learn how to select, install, and operate your own water saving irrigation system. Join Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, to discuss an introduction to micro-irrigation. This includes learning to select, install, and operate your own water-saving irrigation system. The discussion will include information regarding the components, and how to assemble and maintain. Come hear the - [Healthy Landscapes](https://baysoundings.com/event/healthy-landscapes/) - RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips such as Right Plant vs. Right Place, watering efficiently, and mulch benefits. We will have a brief discussion on your in-ground sprinkler system and the benefits of installing smart irrigation devices. This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the - [Gardening Basics: Which End is Up?](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-basics-which-end-is-up/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County to learn about planting your garden. This class will cover planting methods for a variety of different plants, from herbs to trees and everything in between. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Florida Native Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-native-gardening/) - Participants will learn about Florida-Friendly and Native plants, how to incorporate them into their landscapes and will participate in a planting activity where they will pot up native seeds to take home. Plant walk on the property is possible depending on the weather. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Gardening Basics: The Scoop on Dirt](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-basics-the-scoop-on-dirt/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for the inside scoop on dirt! This course will cover basics of Florida soils and how to build a healthy foundation for your plants. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Herbs in Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/herbs-in-florida/) - A two-part series on growing herbs in Florida! Friday, September 8 at 9:00AM Growing Herbs in Florida - In this first of a two-part series, join Master Gardener Volunteer John Dawson in the Educational Garden to learn about culinary herbs that grow well in our warm and cool seasons. This class covers types of herbs, - [Science Rocks!](https://baysoundings.com/event/science-rocks/) - This free event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park is hosted by the Clearwater Community Women’s Club, and it covers a range of science topics through hands-on activities, discussion and crafts. Registration is required by emailing ScienceRocksMoccasin@gmail.com. Sept. 7: 5 Senses Oct.5: Water Nov. 2. Bees Jan. 4: Push/Pull Feb. 1: Flight Mar. 7: Frogs and - [Surprising Native Bees in Pinellas County](https://baysoundings.com/event/surprising-native-bees-in-pinellas-county/) - Learn about the lifestyles of the native bees in your own Pinellas County backyard. Find out about Pinellas County’s surprising and diverse native bees! Learn about their lifestyles (hint, no hives), how to identify them and what you can do to help them. This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island - [Remnants of a Forest: Conservation of Gopher Tortoises](https://baysoundings.com/event/remnants-of-a-forest-conservation-of-gopher-tortoises/) - Herpetologist George Heinrich will discuss gopher tortoises in Florida and their conservation concerns on public lands. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an imperiled chelonian that occurs in upland habitats within the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. This keystone species is listed as Threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Gopher - [Native Bee Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-bee-walk/) - Talk a guided walk to observe the native bee species at Weedon Island! Weedon Island Preserve is a home for many species of Pinellas County’s native bees. The native bees on Weedon Island are found in a variety of sizes from tiny ones that are the size of a grain of rice all the way - [Tot Time at Weedon](https://baysoundings.com/event/tot-time-4-2-copy/) - Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve. 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, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are - [Mosquito Mania](https://baysoundings.com/event/mosquito-mania/) - Learn about Florida's well-known insect, the mosquito! Families with youth aged 6-11 years old are invited to discover the fascinating world of Florida’s insects! Learn about what makes insects different from other animals, where they live, and their role in the food web. We’ll use Florida’s most well-known insect, the mosquito, as a study subject. - [The Archaeology of Weedon Island](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-archaeology-of-weedon-island/) - Travel with professional archaeologists into the ancient past of Weedon Island. Weedon Island has been a place for community for thousands of years, with spaces for special events, daily activities, and other parts of community life that we still see in our lives today. Join us for a presentation from professional archaeologist Rachael Kangas - [Tot Time](https://baysoundings.com/event/tot-time-4-2/) - Families with little ones can enjoy nature-themed stories and crafts at the Weedon Island Preserve. 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, songs, crafts, and other activities that connect them to our environment. Activities are - [Why Snakes are Cool](https://baysoundings.com/event/why-snakes-are-cool/) - Learn why snakes are cool and the important ecological roles they play! There are 46 native species of snakes in Florida and most occur in the central peninsula. Despite playing important ecological roles as both predators and prey, snakes remain highly misunderstood vertebrates. Only four venomous species occur in central Florida and these snakes present - [Moth Night!](https://baysoundings.com/event/moth-night-2-3/) - Discover Denizens of the Dark at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. After a brief lecture , we will venture into the night to find moths of many sizes and colors, all attracted to our artificial lights. This evening experience is best for adults and children over 12. Registration is required. Space is very - [Living with Coyotes](https://baysoundings.com/event/living-with-coyotes/) - Join the FWC to learn about coyotes in Florida! Join Jessica from the FWC for a talk about coyotes in Florida. She’ll review their history, biology, presence in communities, and best management practices for protecting people, pets, & property. Please join us for this informative program about coyotes! Presented by Jessica Moore, Wildlife Assistance Biologist - [Sunday Bird Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/sunday-bird-hike-2-2/) - 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, - [Pinellas County Bee City USA 2023 BioBlitz!](https://baysoundings.com/event/pinellas-county-bee-city-usa-2023-bioblitz/) - Join others in the community for a fun, citizen-science effort to record as many species of plants and insects at Eagle Lake Park Pinellas County has recently been recognized as a Bee City (County) by the non-profit Xerces Society for the Conservation of Invertebrates. Part of our commitment to foster a community that supports insect - [Reducing Plastic Pollution](https://baysoundings.com/event/reducing-plastic-pollution/) - Single-use plastic is a key component of marine pollution. We can take simple steps to change our habits. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Pollinator Pots](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-pots/) - Support local pollinators such as butterflies and birds by making a pollinator pot to put on your porch or balcony! Bring a 12" - 18" pot and we will provide the native plants and soil! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time - [Owl Prowl Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/owl-prowl-family-night-hike/) - Bring your family and join our park rangers for our monthly night hikes! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-night-hike-2-4/) - Bring your family and join our park rangers for our monthly night hikes! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-night-hike-2-3/) - Bring your family and join our park rangers for our monthly night hikes! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Shelter Building](https://baysoundings.com/event/shelter-building/) - This shelter building exercise will help you to choose the best shelter building options, as well as different coverage material options for any wilderness adventure. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Map and Compass Navigation](https://baysoundings.com/event/map-and-compass-navigation/) - This camping skills course will teach you how to read a map and compass to help you better develop a sense of direction and travel for any outdoor expedition. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Leave No Trace](https://baysoundings.com/event/leave-no-trace/) - During this exercise, we will develop a greater awareness of the Leave No Trace principles. Through these practices we can better protect the wilderness for ourselves and future travelers. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Fire Building and S'mores](https://baysoundings.com/event/fire-building-and-smores/) - For light, heat, and food, fire has always been an essential aspect of survival. Today, our need for fire is no less important. Join us in learning how to safely start a fire, cook with fire, and identify natural materials that are reliable for ignition. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Dutch Oven Cooking](https://baysoundings.com/event/dutch-oven-cooking/) - During virtually any camping situation, you will need a cooking tool to bake, boil, or fry your meals. Join us in developing the skills necessary to cook hearty meals using a Dutch oven for your next outdoor adventure. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of - [10 Camping Essentials](https://baysoundings.com/event/10-camping-essentials/) - Join us in learning practical skills and strategies that every outdoor traveler should know. We will cover the 10 essentials and their practical applications for successful outdoor adventures. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed for your family at the time of enrollment. Ages 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Native Plant Garden Maintenance](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-plant-garden-maintenance-2/) - 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. Bring your own gloves and hand tools. Park fee of $2 per vehicle (up to eight people) park entry fee applies. - [Davis Park Birding](https://baysoundings.com/event/davis-park-birding/) - Davis Park is a hidden gem in Brandon just north of Highway 60 off of Parsons. The park has one named lake, Mead Lake, and two unnamed lakes. All three lakes are home to breeding Wood Ducks, Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl. Black-bellied Ducks, Wood Ducks, Black-crown Night Herons, cranes and other bird species roost - [Black Tern Courtney Campbell](https://baysoundings.com/event/black-tern-courtney-campbell/) - The main goal of this FT is to see Black Terns on the causeway (Gandy Beach https://ebird.org/hotspot/L951893). I would characterize this trip as easy, with short walks, on fairly even ground. Attendees should bring their lunch and water. We should be finished by eleven. To sign up, RSVP field trip leader Mic McCarty mic.mccarty@tampaaudubon.org Important! - [Great Horned Owl Day!](https://baysoundings.com/event/great-horned-owl-day/) - It's Great Horned Owl Day! Be sure to stop by Seaside and show our Great Horned Owls, Miss Kitty and Grace, a little bit of love on their special day! - [Falcon Day!](https://baysoundings.com/event/falcon-day/) - It's Falcon Day and that means stopping by Seaside to see our wonderful falcons, Phantom and Kevin! - [Community Tree Care for HOAs](https://baysoundings.com/event/community-tree-care-for-hoas/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension and Professional Arborists for a presentation and panel discussion on tree care and maintenance in HOA communities. We will focus on how to set up a tree care plan and contracts for care that are based on sound arboricultural practices. Agenda: 9:00 Welcome and Introductions 9:15-10:15 Community Tree Care: Why, What, How? - [Grafting & Air Layering](https://baysoundings.com/event/grafting-air-layering/) - Join UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Associate Professor Dr. Andrew Koeser and Residential Horticulture Agent Alyssa Vinson for an introduction to grafting and air layering. The class will be hands on, so be prepared to participate and learn skills you can apply in your home landscapes. The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to - [Pollinator Walk at the Preserve](https://baysoundings.com/event/pollinator-walk-at-the-preserve/) - Learn about the weird world of pollination, then go for a guided walk at Weedon Island to see some pollinators in action! Learn about the weird world of pollination from a Center naturalist, then go on a walk to see the pollinators doing their thing at the Weedon Island Preserve! Bring your camera of choice - [Film Screening with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation](https://baysoundings.com/event/film-screening-with-the-florida-wildlife-corridor-foundation/) - Enjoy screenings of "Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor" and "The Last Green Thread" and a Q&A with Florida Wildlife Corridor staff. Join the Friends of Weedon Island for a special screening of two expedition films: Saving the Florida Wildlife Corridor and The Last Green Thread. Produced in concert with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation (FWCF), - [Hidden Wonders Nature Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/hidden-wonders-nature-walk-4/) - This family-friendly nature hike will take you on an exploration of the wet and dry habitats of "Our Wildest Place." We will investigate some interesting plants and animals that call Brooker Creek Preserve home. Shorter days and cooler weather reveal new natural wonders to enjoy, join us! Registration is required. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Youth Program: Mosquito Mania](https://baysoundings.com/event/youth-program-mosquito-mania-4/) - Have a future entomologist on your hands? Kids ages 6-11 are invited to learn about the wonderful world of insects! We will discuss what makes insects different from other animals, what they need to live, their life cycle, and then apply what we learn to mosquitoes. After the presentation attendees can explore live aquatic insect - [Falcon Fascination](https://baysoundings.com/event/falcon-fascination/) - This program is a journey through time representing man’s long term relationship with peregrine falcons. The importance of coastal areas, climate, water, bird friendly communities and migratory stop overs is discussed. Peregrine falcons are extreme predators that ended up on the endangered species list. Several organizations, as well as falconers, were instrumental in bringing the - [Dragonfly Discovery Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/dragonfly-discovery-walk-2-2/) - Join local dragonfly expert Paul Trunk as we explore the Preserve looking for dragonflies. Brooker Creek Preserve is an excellent area that is home to approximately 20+ species of odonates. We will learn about the natural history of dragonflies and their importance to a healthy ecosystem. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Sunday Bird Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/sunday-bird-hike/) - 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 - [The Ways of Water Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/the-ways-of-water-hike-3/) - Water is an important feature at Brooker Creek Preserve . On this hike you will learn the different ways we interact with water, the importance of wetlands and how you can make a difference in issues surrounding our water quality and quantity. Come and enjoy this family friendly fall walk through the woods. >>> REGISTER - [Smart About Squirrels](https://baysoundings.com/event/smart-about-squirrels/) - Did you know squirrels can communicate with their tails, make summer and winter homes, and plant the seeds for trees that grow all around us? Parents can enjoy a night out while kids learn all about squirrels in this popular drop off program. Participants will play games, make crafts, and enjoy a pizza dinner. Ages - [Gardening & Cooking with Herbs](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-cooking-with-herbs/) - Herbs bring fresh, bright flavors to your cooking! Join us as we learn about how to grow, store, and cook with various herbs including fresh thyme, rosemary, basil, chives, parsley, mint and more. Participants will sample a few dishes made with fresh herbs, too! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Honeymoon Island State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/honeymoon-island-state-park-2/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Honeymoon Island State Park. Ages 7 yrs - 12 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Clay Leaf Coins](https://baysoundings.com/event/clay-leaf-coins/) - Kids and families will enjoy creating this simple craft! Leaf coins are quarter-size clay coins imprinted with natural textures. Perfect for all ages and experience levels. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Bird Feather Identification](https://baysoundings.com/event/bird-feather-identification/) - Have you ever found a bird feather and wondered from which bird it came? Learn the basics about bird feather identification and common feathers you might find in our area. Participants will sketch feather patterns and make a mini-identification booklet. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Awesome Alligator Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/awesome-alligator-hike/) - Learn about the American alligator, Florida’s state reptile, which calls our wetlands home. All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Wildlife Ecology Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/wildlife-ecology-camp/) - George Heinrich leads campers as they explore the ecology and conservation of Florida's wildlife and wild lands. A blend of classroom and field sessions will include hands-on activities, guest presentations, and exploration of the preserve's diverse habitats where campers will practice their nature detective skills. Ages 7 yrs - 11 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [DIY NATURAL BUG SPRAY](https://baysoundings.com/event/diy-natural-bug-spray/) - Make your own natural bug spray to use while outdoors during the summer months. Registration is required by July 15. Ages 18 & up welcome >>> REGISTER HERE - [Crab Trap Removal](https://baysoundings.com/event/crab-trap-removal/) - Tampa Bay Watch, Ocean Aid 360, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Coastal Impact Fund are coordinating volunteers to participate in a crab trap removal effort at Fort De Soto Park and Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp due to the 10-day regional closure of blue crab fishing. We are recruiting volunteer boaters to remove debris from the water in addition to traps as well - [Mid Summer Coastal Cleanup](https://baysoundings.com/event/mid-summer-coastal-cleanup/) - Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to participate in the Summer Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, July 8 from 9 am-noon at Walter Fuller Park, Clam Bayou Nature Preserve, and the southwest Pinellas side of Gandy Beach. This event is an effort to clean up after Fourth of July celebrations. Register to volunteer at your preferred site: Gandy Beach | Clam Bayou - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-13/) - Harvest some of that rain to help in your garden! 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 - [Microirrigation Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-14-2/) - Learn how to save water when watering your garden. 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 - [Composting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-workshop-13-2/) - Composting - learn how to turn trash into treasure! 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 - [Plant Food 101](https://baysoundings.com/event/plant-food-101-2/) - Join us for Plant Food 101! Come find out what plants need to grow. Join us for Plant Food 101! In this two-hour workshop, we will covering basic plant nutrition. Learn about the role that nitrogen, potassium, and other elements play within a plant. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 - [Salt Tolerant Plants & Irrigating with Reclaimed Water](https://baysoundings.com/event/salt-tolerant-plants-irrigating-with-reclaimed-water-2/) - Learn which plants are salt tolerant and what to know when irrigating with reclaimed water. Valrie Massey Program Assistant will host the webinar. Learn how to choose Salt Tolerant Plants appropriate for your landscape location and irrigation source. Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524 ext:1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size is required or - [Silent Sentinels: The Trees that Outlive Us](https://baysoundings.com/event/silent-sentinels-the-trees-that-outlive-us/) - Learn about long lived trees, their history, cultural significance and how we can manage for their care in urban environments. Join UF/IFAS Extension to learn about long lived trees, their history, cultural significance and how we can manage for their care in urban environments. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Veggie Influenza](https://baysoundings.com/event/veggie-influenza-3/) - Be prepared for veggie flu season by getting a shot of information! This workshop is designed to educate the casual gardener about some of the most common vegetable diseases in Florida and in Manatee County. In this roughly two hour class, participants will learn the basic biology of pathogenic organisms, how to identify common disease - [Dooryard Citrus Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/dooryard-citrus-workshop/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension for a workshop on selection, planting and care of your dooryard citrus! Join UF/IFAS Extension for a workshop on selection, planting and care of your dooryard citrus. Citrus greening left many individuals concerned about growing citrus at home, now with the UF developed Sugar Belle variety, you can feel confident in growing. - [Bugs, Bugs, Bugs](https://baysoundings.com/event/bugs-bugs-bugs/) - Let us answer all of your insect and pest questions! Do you want to learn more about pest and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we'll cover insect life cycles, managements, identification, and more. For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Uncommon Edibles](https://baysoundings.com/event/uncommon-edibles/) - Learn about uncommon fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices! Join experts from UF/IFAS Extension and the Manatee Rare Fruit Council to discover some of the lesser known edible plants that can be a successful addition to your garden or landscape. Attendees will tour the fruit tree orchard and participate in a planting activity. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Vegetable Gardening](https://baysoundings.com/event/vegetable-gardening/) - A beginner's guide to vegetable gardening in Florida! Join us for Vegetable Gardening! In this two-hour workshop, we will be covering basic vegetable gardening in Central Florida. Topics include planting seasons, variety selections, cultivation techniques, fertilizer, and more. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4521 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Talk Plants with Me](https://baysoundings.com/event/talk-plants-with-me-3-2/) - 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. >>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION - [Moth Mania!](https://baysoundings.com/event/moth-mania/) - Daytime, nighttime, anytime is a great time to observe and learn about moths! Learn about the fascinating world of our “other butterflies”, the moths! Find out about their secret nocturnal lifestyles, their fuzziness, why they are attracted to lights, and maybe even find a few on the exterior windows of the Cultural and Natural History - [Nature Photography with any Camera](https://baysoundings.com/event/nature-photography-with-any-camera/) - Join photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for an introduction to nature photography! Any camera can take great nature photographs! Knowing the basics of composing a photograph, and what your particular camera can do, makes your photos even better. Join nature photographers Karl and Kathleen Nichter for a program on these topics, plus nature photography do's - [Moth Night!](https://baysoundings.com/event/moth-night-2-2/) - Discover Denizens of the Dark at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. After a brief lecture and hands-on science experience, we will venture into the night to find moths of many sizes and colors, all attracted to our artificial lights. Registration is required. Space is very limited. Once registered, please check your confirmation email - [Raptor Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/raptor-camp/) - Enter the world of raptors with Amy DePalma! Campers have up-close encounters with live birds of prey including owls, hawks, vultures, and a bald eagle. Learn the important role these apex predators play in the environment as well as how to care for and train them. Ages 8 yrs - 12 yrs Jul 24, 2023 - [Pioneer Nights](https://baysoundings.com/event/pioneer-nights-2-2/) - Kids enjoy a night of friends, fun, campfire and s'mores, pioneer style! Ages 6 yrs - 13 yrs >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Myakka River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/myakka-river-state-park/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Myakka River State Park. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Fantastic Frogs](https://baysoundings.com/event/fantastic-frogs/) - The rainy summer season is the perfect time to look for frogs. Parents can enjoy a night out while kids learn about common frogs found in Florida and their unique calls. The night will be full of games, crafts, and a pizza dinner will be served. Ages 6 yrs - 12 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Moth Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/moth-night-hike/) - Join us for a special night hike celebrating the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths during National Moth Week 2023! All ages welcome with a registered adult. >>> REGISTER HERE - [Keeping a Nature Journal](https://baysoundings.com/event/keeping-a-nature-journal/) - Deepen your connection with the natural world through journaling. Learn and try out different journaling techniques used by renowned naturalists. Each participant will receive a simple journal to use during the class and to take home. Ages 18 yrs & up >>> RESERVE A SPOT - [Hillsborough River State Park](https://baysoundings.com/event/hillsborough-river-state-park/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Hillsborough River State Park. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [Brooker Creek Nature Preserve Field Trip](https://baysoundings.com/event/brooker-creek-nature-preserve-field-trip/) - Nature Adventure Camp field trip to Brooker Creek Nature Preserve. Ages 7 yrs - 13 yrs >>> REGISTER HERE - [BBQ Picnic & Water Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/bbq-picnic-water-day/) - Summer is the perfect time for a good old fashion BBQ lunch! We will have inflatable water slides available for kids to play on while families can relax in the cool shade. Spots are limited so make sure to purchase your ticket today for this fun event! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please - [Edible Landscaping](https://baysoundings.com/event/edible-landscaping/) - Learn how to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits and other foods in a Florida-Friendly way! Learn to select varieties of edibles to plant in your landscape that grow well in Florida in a way that conserves water, builds soil, and reduces pesticide use. This class is for gardeners interested in expanding their own edible landscapes, with - [Re-sodding Your Florida Lawn](https://baysoundings.com/event/re-sodding-your-florida-lawn-2/) - Learn how to prepare your yard to re-sod, how to lay the sod and take care of it for success. 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. - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-11/) - 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.). - [Microirrigation Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/microirrigation-workshop-13/) - Learn how to save water watering your garden. 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 - [Composting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-workshop-11/) - 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 - [Landscaping Tips for the Rainy Season](https://baysoundings.com/event/landscaping-tips-for-the-rainy-season/) - The rainy season is upon us and our landscapes have to adjust from dry to wet weather. Join us to learn how to keep your landscape and the environment healthy during the rainy season. We will present easy water conservation practices, such as sprinkler system check-ups, the use of microirrigation and how to reduce runoff - [Native Trees: A Major Keystone to Life](https://baysoundings.com/event/native-trees-a-major-keystone-to-life/) - Do you know what keystone plant species are and what role they play? Did you know that just a few native keystone plant species support most moths and butterfly larva, and the largest group of keystone plant species are categorized as trees? Join our special guest speaker Zack Pitchford, owner of Wilcox Nursery as he - [Scientific Literacy: 4-Part Series](https://baysoundings.com/event/scientific-literacy-4-part-series/) - If you are curious about the world, and want to be better equipped at getting at the truth, join us for a new webinar series in scientific literacy! Starting with an overview of statistics and the core of what science is, we will work our way through several popular and peer-reviewed articles, discussing how to - [This or That? Plants!](https://baysoundings.com/event/this-or-that-plants/) - Inspired by "This or That? A Beginner's Guide to Commonly Misidentified Animals and Plants in Florida", this webinar hopes to make identifying similar plants easy. Step up your naturalist skills by participating in this lunch-n-learn webinar. Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor >>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION - [Pinellas’ Native Orchids](https://baysoundings.com/event/24833/) - Orchids are one of the most successful of the families of flowering plants. This means there are thousands of different species found all over the world. This class will explore the wild orchids of Central Florida, their identification and ecology. You will be surprised to learn where and how our native orchids survive in our - [This or That? Vines!](https://baysoundings.com/event/this-or-that-vines/) - Inspired by "This or That? A Beginner's Guide to Commonly Misidentified Animals and Plants in Florida", this webinar hopes to make identifying similar climbing plants easy. Step up your naturalist skills by participating in this lunch-n-learn webinar. Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor >>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION - [This or That? Aquatic Plants!](https://baysoundings.com/event/this-or-that-aquatic-plants/) - Inspired by "This or That? A Beginner's Guide to Commonly Misidentified Animals and Plants in Florida", this webinar hopes to make identifying commonly confused aquatic plants easy. Step up your naturalist skills by participating in this lunch-n-learn webinar. Presented by James Stevenson, Education and Outreach Supervisor >>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION - [Wild Birds Unlimited Trinity](https://baysoundings.com/event/wild-birds-unlimited-trinity/) - Come meet the birds and the Magical Bird Bus Artist Terry Klaaren. This is a fund raiser for the center. Any monies donated today will be going towards the bus We are in the process of refurbishing the bus. - [American Eagle Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/american-eagle-day/) - It's American Eagle Day, stop by and visit our Bald Eagle resident - Roosevelt! Roosevelt is an American Bald Eagle who came to the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary with a deformed wing due to an old gunshot wound. As a result, Roosevelt can't fly strong enough to be released back into the wild. - [Live Birds at the Library!](https://baysoundings.com/event/live-birds-at-the-library/) - Join us at the library for an educational program about our native wildlife featuring our avian ambassadors! - [Mushroom Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/mushroom-hike/) - Learn how to identify mushroom species at Rye Preserve! Join UF/IFAS for an engaging walk into the fantastic world of fungi on a tour through one of our local natural areas. These walks will focus on practicing skills needed for identification of local mushroom species as well as on the broader ecology associated. Be prepared - [Snakes of Southwest Florida](https://baysoundings.com/event/snakes-of-southwest-florida/) - Learn all about common snakes of Southwest Florida! LOCATION: UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Office, Rogers Auditorium Want to find out more about these interesting and often misunderstood reptiles? You'll learn which ones you're most likely to see in your SW Florida yard and how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes. Please email special accommodation - [Composting with Worms](https://baysoundings.com/event/composting-with-worms/) - Find out how to use red wiggler worms to turn your food scraps other waste into compost! Worm bins for sale after the class! Now you can compost even if you live in an apartment, condo or mobile home! Worm bins are easily maintained indoors with no mess or smell. Workshop is $5 but after - [Landscaping for Hurricane Season](https://baysoundings.com/event/landscaping-for-hurricane-season/) - Learn how to prepare your lawn & garden for hurricane season! As we approach hurricane season, we can take steps to prepare our landscapes for challenges related to flooding, high winds, sudden temperature changes and the slow appearance of stress damage over time. We will discuss lawn and landscape considerations as well as tree and - [Regrow Your Veggies Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/regrow-your-veggies-workshop/) - Save money and time by sustainably regrowing your own produce! Get step-by-step directions on how to regrow delicious vegetables in your kitchen. Ages: 12 & up | Cost: $5 Preregistration required by June 24. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - [Safety Harbor Garden Club Meeting](https://baysoundings.com/event/safety-harbor-garden-club-meeting/) - There's a lot to learn about gardening. This group presents educational programs on a variety of gardening topics. For more info, go to https://www.dafetyharborgardenclubsafetyharborflorida.com/events - [Cicadas: Florida’s Heat Bugs](https://baysoundings.com/event/cicadas-floridas-heat-bugs/) - Discover the life, habits, songs, and fun facts about these widespread (& loud) insects. Discover the life, habits, songs and fun facts about these widespread (& loud) insects. If weather permits, we will also go outside to try to listen for them! This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve - [Managing Our Underwater World in Tampa Bay](https://baysoundings.com/event/managing-our-underwater-world-in-tampa-bay/) - Learn about the interesting coastal resources in our backyard Tampa Bay, and how the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program, in partnership with the community, is working to restore & protect them. The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves (TBAP), managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, highlight the best of - [Saturday Guided Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/saturday-guided-hike-2-2/) - 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 - [Archaeology Walk & Talk](https://baysoundings.com/event/archaeology-walk-talk/) - Join us for a guided tour of the Weedon Island Preserve with a focus on its archaeological history. Enjoy a guided hike at the Weedon Island Preserve and learn about the the peoples that inhabited this area thousands of years ago. The hike guide will also share information about the ongoing archaeological research being done - [Tot Time](https://baysoundings.com/event/tot-time-3-2023-02-17/) - 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 - [Florida Youth Naturalist Exploration Week](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-youth-naturalist-exploration-week-2-2/) - A week-long exploration through Florida’s ecosystems for young naturalists ages 10 to 13! Calling all young naturalists! The Florida Youth Naturalist Program is for young nature enthusiasts interested in learning more about Florida’s environment. Inspired by the Florida Master Naturalist program, this youth program takes kids aged 10 to 13 on a journey through Florida’s - [Florida Youth Naturalist Exploration Week](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-youth-naturalist-exploration-week/) - A week-long exploration through Florida’s ecosystems for young naturalists ages 10 to 13! Calling all young naturalists! The Florida Youth Naturalist Program is for young nature enthusiasts interested in learning more about Florida’s environment. Inspired by the Florida Master Naturalist program, this youth program takes kids aged 10 to 13 on a journey through Florida’s - [Nest Box Building Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/nest-box-building-workshop-3/) - Join us for an in-person workshop to "make and take" a nest box for your yard! Want to help our local cavity nesters? Learn how to build your very own nest box for an Eastern screech owl! In this workshop you will learn about proper nest box placement and mounting, additional information specific to the - [Friends Trail Bird Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/friends-trail-bird-walk/) - This hike will take place on the Friends Trail, at the end of Lora Lane. This hike cannot be accessed at the main campus. Enjoy the Preserve on a trail less travelled--The Friends Trail, located at the end of Lora Lane off Keystone. The guides and hikers will drive themselves to the location; do not - [Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Reader's Club](https://baysoundings.com/event/friends-of-brooker-creek-preserve-readers-club/) - The Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Reader's Club is back! This club is for a group of readers interested in discussing books, articles, or other pieces about nature and our environment. All readers welcome! June's Selection: Hoot by Carl Hiaasen Please note that registration is required due to a limited amount of seats. Please meet in - [Talons, Beaks & Feathers Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/talons-beaks-feathers-camp/) - Natalie Lloyd will lead campers into the world of birds through an assortment of activities, fun crafts, and educational hikes through the park. We will explore how to identify birds, the different environments they are found in, and how we can protect our feathered friends. Ages 7 - 12 >>> REGISTER HERE - [DIY Sunscreen](https://baysoundings.com/event/diy-sunscreen/) - Sunscreen can help to prevent the damaging effects of sun overexposure. Make your own sunscreen to take home using coconut oil and aloe vera. Ages 13 yrs and up >>> REGISTER HERE - [Family Night Hike](https://baysoundings.com/event/family-night-hike-2-2/) - Bring your family and join our park rangers for our monthly night hikes! All ages welcome with a registered adult. Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Magnificent Mammals](https://baysoundings.com/event/magnificent-mammals/) - Parents enjoy a night out while the kids spend time learning about mammals found at the preserve. Raccoons, opossums, and coyotes are just a few of the mammals that children will learn about! Children will play games, learn fun facts about mammals, and create crafts to take home. A pizza dinner is included. Ages 6 - [Herpetology Camp](https://baysoundings.com/event/herpetology-camp/) - Description: George Heinrich leads campers as they explore the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards, and snakes with hands-on learning, hikes, and live animal encounters. Ages 7 - 11 >>> REGISTER HERE - [Botanical Printmaking](https://baysoundings.com/event/botanical-printmaking/) - Create beautiful monotype botanical prints using natural materials. All experience levels are welcome! All supplies are provided. 18 yrs + >>> REGISTER HERE - [Boating Safety Class](https://baysoundings.com/event/boating-safety-class-3/) - The Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering “About Boating Safely” taught by certified instructors at 510 North Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater. The class meets on the second weekend of the month from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. This course includes the topics of Boating Law, Safety Equipment, Navigation and Vessel Maintenance. The boating safety class - [Boating Safety Class](https://baysoundings.com/event/boating-safety-class-4/) - The Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering “About Boating Safely” taught by certified instructors at 510 North Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater. The class meets on the second weekend of the month from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. This course includes the topics of Boating Law, Safety Equipment, Navigation and Vessel Maintenance. The boating safety class - [Spring Wreath Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/spring-wreath-workshop/) - Join us for an instructor-led arrangement workshop from the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation. Spend an afternoon creating a unique, one-of-a-kind wreath to place in your home just in time for the summer holidays. Workshop consists of one (1) 18” faux graprevine wreath, and a wide variety of materials for decorating, in assorted color schemes. Register - [Homeschool Science Days: Technology through Time](https://baysoundings.com/event/homeschool-science-days-technology-through-time/) - Homeschool Science Days combine hands-on explorations with themed adventures throughout The Bishop’s exhibitions, Planetarium, and Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. This month, uncover how human ingenuity has created tools, past and present. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE DAYS – TECHNOLOGY THROUGH TIME - [Science Sprouts: Geology Rocks](https://baysoundings.com/event/science-sprouts-geology-rocks/) - Budding young scientists can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. This program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using crafts, guided observations, games, stories, songs and more! When/Where: 10-11am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe at The Bishop Cost: Included with Museum admission >>> - [Science Sprouts: Geology Rocks](https://baysoundings.com/event/science-sprouts-geology-rocks-2023-05-13/) - Budding young scientists can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. This program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using crafts, guided observations, games, stories, songs and more! When/Where: 10-11am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe at The Bishop Cost: Included with Museum admission >>> - [Science Sprouts: Geology Rocks](https://baysoundings.com/event/science-sprouts-geology-rocks-2023-05-20/) - Budding young scientists can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. This program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using crafts, guided observations, games, stories, songs and more! When/Where: 10-11am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe at The Bishop Cost: Included with Museum admission >>> - [Science Sprouts: Geology Rocks](https://baysoundings.com/event/science-sprouts-geology-rocks-2023-05-27/) - Budding young scientists can bring their favorite grown-up to explore and discover a variety of science and nature topics in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. This program sparks kids’ natural curiosity using crafts, guided observations, games, stories, songs and more! When/Where: 10-11am every Saturday in the Mosaic Backyard Universe at The Bishop Cost: Included with Museum admission >>> - [Stelliferous](https://baysoundings.com/event/stelliferous-6/) - Join us in The Planetarium at The Bishop for a monthly guide to the night skies and the latest news from the world of astronomy. You can enjoy our upgraded Planetarium system and feel like an astronaut as you experience our 50-foot dome! Preregistration required. The evening begins at 6:30pm with beverages and conversation; presentation - [Great American Cleanup](https://baysoundings.com/event/great-american-cleanup-4/) - Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to participate in the Great American Cleanup at Grandview Park and Maximo Park in St. Pete in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful on Saturday, May 20 from 9 AM – 12 PM. Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program which takes place annually - [Florida First Detector Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/florida-first-detector-workshop/) - Learn about common pests and diseases and how to manage them in your home landscape. Learn about the turfgrass pest chinch bugs, the invasive giant African land snail, whiteflies, scales and mealybugs from our Florida First Detector specialists from the University of Florida. Workshop Participants will receive a tote bag with a pest identification book - [How to Fertilize Plants for Homeowners](https://baysoundings.com/event/how-to-fertilize-plants-for-homeowners/) - Learn how to fertilize vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, palms and turf in your home landscape. Learn about the special fertilizer needs of different types of plants including vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, palms and turf. This class will cover types of fertilizer, timing of application, methods of applying fertilizer, and soil building strategies. We will provide - [Rainwater Harvesting Workshop](https://baysoundings.com/event/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-12/) - 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 - [Mangrove Trimming Best Management Practices](https://baysoundings.com/event/mangrove-trimming-best-management-practices-2/) - Join us for a workshop covering Mangrove Trimming Best Practices! This workshop will cover: Mangrove Ecology and Identification, Mangrove Trimming Regulations, Mangrove Trimming Demonstration of Best Practices. Classroom located at the Nature Center, follow the road past the first parking lot on the left. Preapproved with ISA CEUs. Materials & light refreshments provided. Free tickets - [Mangrove Trimming Best Management Practices](https://baysoundings.com/event/mangrove-trimming-best-management-practices-2-2023-08-21/) - Join us for a workshop covering Mangrove Trimming Best Practices! This workshop will cover: Mangrove Ecology and Identification, Mangrove Trimming Regulations, Mangrove Trimming Demonstration of Best Practices. Classroom located at the Nature Center, follow the road past the first parking lot on the left. Preapproved with ISA CEUs. Materials & light refreshments provided. Free tickets - [Mangrove Trimming Best Management Practices](https://baysoundings.com/event/mangrove-trimming-best-management-practices-2-2023-09-26/) - Join us for a workshop covering Mangrove Trimming Best Practices! This workshop will cover: Mangrove Ecology and Identification, Mangrove Trimming Regulations, Mangrove Trimming Demonstration of Best Practices. Classroom located at the Nature Center, follow the road past the first parking lot on the left. Preapproved with ISA CEUs. Materials & light refreshments provided. Free tickets - [Gardening with Mushrooms](https://baysoundings.com/event/gardening-with-mushrooms/) - Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens! 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. Participants have the option to - [Long Center Water Safety Day](https://baysoundings.com/event/long-center-water-safety-day/) - Learn about life-saving techniques and the importance of water safety education at the Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road. Participants can take water safety evaluations with certified instructors, diving demos, swim team information, swim lessons and more. Free event. - [Parents' Night Out: Nighttime Sounds Exploration for Kids](https://baysoundings.com/event/parents-night-out-nighttime-sounds-exploration-for-kids/) - Parents! Drop off the kids for an evening of outdoor activities! From owls to insects, many animals are active all night long. Our evening together includes nature sounds activities, games, crafts, a pizza dinner, and a night hike! Ages 6-12 Click here to register your child for this event. - [Green Thumb Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/green-thumb-festival/) - Celebrate Arbor Day at St. Petersburg's 37th Annual Green Thumb Festival! Festival activities include: ➜ The Tree City USA Award + the Green Thumb Annual Awards ➜ Garden Club of St. Petersburg Flower Show on Saturday from 9 AM 4 PM + Sunday from 9 AM - 3 PM at the Walter Fuller Recreation Center. - [Green Thumb Festival](https://baysoundings.com/event/green-thumb-festival-2023-04-30/) - Celebrate Arbor Day at St. Petersburg's 37th Annual Green Thumb Festival! Festival activities include: ➜ The Tree City USA Award + the Green Thumb Annual Awards ➜ Garden Club of St. Petersburg Flower Show on Saturday from 9 AM 4 PM + Sunday from 9 AM - 3 PM at the Walter Fuller Recreation Center. - [Clearwater Audubon Society Bird Walk](https://baysoundings.com/event/clearwater-audubon-society-bird-walk-3/) - 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. Free event! >>> REGISTER HERE - [Reptile Wednesdays with Dennis!](https://baysoundings.com/event/reptile-wednesdays-with-dennis/) - 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 - [NOAA Aircraft Operations & Hurricanes](https://baysoundings.com/event/noaa-aircraft-operations-hurricanes/) - Learn about hurricane research and reconnaissance with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Join us for a talk with Alan Goldstein, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aircraft Acquisition Program Manager, to learn about hurricane research and reconnaissance using specialized aircrafts. Alan Goldstein is the NOAA Aircraft Acquisition Program Manager, responsible for all - [Hiking with Heroes](https://baysoundings.com/event/hiking-with-heroes-2023-06-09/) - In honor of Memorial Day, join fellow members of the veteran community as we 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. The hike may be to 3 miles in total length and will ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://baysoundings.com/category/uncategorized/) - [Exploring the Bay](https://baysoundings.com/category/exploring-the-bay/) - [Fish & Wildlife](https://baysoundings.com/category/fish-wildlife/) - [Books](https://baysoundings.com/category/books/) - [Business & Industry](https://baysoundings.com/category/business-industry/) - [Bay Soundings Picks](https://baysoundings.com/category/bay-soundings-picks/) - [History](https://baysoundings.com/category/history/) - [Top Picks](https://baysoundings.com/category/bay-soundings-picks/top-picks/) - [Habitat Protection & Restoration](https://baysoundings.com/category/habitat-protection-restoration/) - [Invasive Species](https://baysoundings.com/category/invasive-species/) - [Profiles/Spotlight](https://baysoundings.com/category/profiles-spotlight/) - [Human Impacts](https://baysoundings.com/category/human-impacts/) - [Make a Difference](https://baysoundings.com/category/make-a-difference/) - 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