Discover Paradise in Pinellas County: Outdoor Events

Discover Paradise in Pinellas County: July events

July 6

Historical Writing Workshops: Award-winning author Angela T. Pisaturo returns to Heritage Village to host a workshop on July 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each three-hour workshop will be unique and will cover aspects of writing historical novels, from research to setting the scene. Cost for each workshop is $15/historical society members $13; extensive handouts provided. Advance registration recommended. Heritage Village, 11909 125^th St., N. Largo. (727) 582-2233 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/heritage.

July 7

Dog Training: Learn the basics of dog training in a seminar for all who have adopted dogs from Pinellas County Animal Services or other shelters in the county. Learn about housetraining, loose-leash walking and dealing with challenging dog behaviors. No dogs at the class please. 10 a.m. Free. Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2600; www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices.

July 7

Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

July 9 thru 13

Wildlife Ecology Camp: This summer camp is designed for children ages 7 to 11 with a strong interest in nature. Campers will explore the ecology and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and natural habitats with field biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich. A blend of classroom and field sessions will include hands-on activities, guest presentations and an exploration of the preserve’s diverse habitats, where campers will practice their nature detective skills. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $150 per camper; advance registration is a must since space is limited to 30 campers. Camp information: (727) 865-6255. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

 July 12

Going Coastal – Scallop Study: Be a citizen marine scientist!  All ages will enjoy participating in a Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute-sponsored research study of bay scallops made possible through a Pinellas County Sea Grant. This program will provide an overview of bay scallop ecology. Following the presentation, participants will help to measure and track the progress of caged bay scallops at Weedon Island Preserve. 2 to 3 p.m. Free. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

July 12

Wee Time at Weedon: Children ages 3 to 5 will learn about fish and how they breathe and eat underwater in the book What's it Like to be a Fish? by Wendy Pfeffer. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve,1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

July 13

Great Weedon Bird Quest: Learn identifying marks and behaviors of birds on this guided hike. Binoculars are available. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg.  (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

July 14

Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

July 14

Florida’s Fascinating Snakes: These ecologically important, but often misunderstood vertebrates are the subject of herpetologist George Heinrich’s presentation. As this area is home to many of these incredible creatures, this is the opportunity to find out the facts about their diversity, ecology and conservation. Class includes a live reptile presentation. Recommended for all ages. 10 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

July 14

Going Coastal – Discover Your Watershed: Families are invited to stop by the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center’s open classroom anytime between 1 to 3 p.m. to participate in a variety of self-guided estuary activities. Learn with the Enviroscope about how pollutants can affect our bay and waterways. No registration required. Recommended for families with children of all ages. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

 July 15

Pinellas by the Decades: A Centennial Celebration 1991-2012: This final program, Pinellas Past, Present and Future, traces significant themes addressed in earlier lectures in the series. 2 p.m. Free. Heritage Village, 11909 125^th St. N., Largo. (727) 582-2233 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/heritage.

July 21

Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

July 23 to 27

Exploring the Past – Archaeology Summer Camps: A summer camp designed for children ages 7 to 11 with a strong interest in prehistory and history while learning how early people interacted with their environment.  Campers will learn the importance of archaeology and will gain understanding about early natural resources that were necessary for life in the Tampa Bay region.  Highlights of the camps include guest experts, a tour of an archaeological site, hands-on archaeology, lab analysis, pottery making, an atlatl adventure and earning the certificate of Tommy the Tortoise, Junior Archaeologist. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $150 per camper. For more information, contact Florida Public Archaeology Network at (813) 396-2328 or email crharper@usf.edu. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

July 25

 Begonias 101: Dale Sena of the Tampa Bay Begonia Society presents everything you need to know to start raising these beautiful and versatile plants. 2 to 3:30 p.m. To register by phone please call (727) 582-2603 and leave a message with your name, telephone number and an email address. St. Petersburg Library, 3745 9^th Ave., N. St. Petersburg.

July 26

 Wee Time at Weedon: Children ages 3 to 5 will be introduced to the many animals that live in a shell in the book called What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve,1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

 July 28

Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.

 July 28

Going Coastal – Discover Plankton: Stop by the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center’s open classroom anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. to participate in a variety of self-guided estuary activities. Plankton is a diverse group of organisms suspended in the water of estuaries, oceans and all other bodies of water. Microscopes will help reveal these fascinating live creatures. No registration required. Recommended for families with children ages 8 and up. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org.