Programs & Events in July

Presented by 
Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2108
Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. (727) 453-6800 
Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500

July 6
Brooker Book Club: Hosted by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve, the Brooker Book Club meets the first Saturday of each month. The book selected for discussion in June is Star Island by Carl Hiaasen. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration is required as seating is limited, Brooker Creek Preserve. http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

June 6, 13, 20, 27
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. http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 6, 20, 27
Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes on this 0.75-mile walk. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.   http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 6
Weedon the Beautiful: Join the family fun at Weedon Island Preserve for a Photo Adventure Scavenger Hunt this holiday weekend. Bring digital cameras and pick up the list of clues at the front desk at the center. Complete the list and share photos with one of the volunteers to collect a prize. Remember to bring water, snacks and sunscreen for this outdoors event. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 11, 18, 25
Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 11, 25
Wee-Time at Weedon: Every second and fourth Thursday of each month, children are treated to a variety of stories and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This activity is recommended for ages 3 to 5. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration requested. Weedon Island Preserve. http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 11
Green Invaders: Over 300 aliens live in Florida, from walking catfish, boa constrictors to Brazilian Pepper, all native species that are being pushed out of their homes. Why worry? Almost every species of animal, from butterflies to bears, evolve alongside the plants that grow here. For the public’s convenience, Pinellas County Extension Master Gardener Sandy Huff and community activist Joe Casse will present what to look for and how to make a difference in helping our natives survive in two programs, the first from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and the second from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor. (727) 582-2603; www.eventbrite.com/event/6045435059/eorg

July 12
Great Weedon Bird Quest: Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while assisting in compiling an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds. This hike is designed to take advantage of all levels of birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides are available. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.  http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 12
Botany Hike: Join a Brooker Creek naturalist to explore the fascinating plants found on the preserve while identifying wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adults. Come prepared with your camera and questions. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 13
Birds of Brooker Hike: Join this hike to identify common birds of Brooker Creek Preserve. Meander along the one-mile trail to gather information on the birds seen and heard. Binoculars will be helpful. Bring water. 8 to 10:30 a.m. Brooker Creek Preserve. http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 13, 31
4-H Brooker Creek Explorers Club is a newly formed club seeking new members ages 5 to 18. Meetings are twice a month to learn about and explore a new environmental topic from trees to bees and everything in between. Members receive an age-specific booklet of their choice which enables them to continue their work outside of the meeting times. The club aims to teach them things they may not have learned in school and will get them outdoors as much as possible. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, www.brookercreekexplorers-eorg.eventbrite.com

July 13
Archaeology Works - Pottery: Shells: Archaeologists study ancient shells to not only learn about the diets and tools of prehistoric Floridians, but also the environments in which they lived. Learn to identify different shell types from around the Tampa Bay area and the ways archaeologists use them to learn about the past. 10 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 18
Vegetable, Herb and Tropical Fruit Garden Tour: Explore the vegetable garden and compost demonstration areas at Pinellas County Extension/Florida Botanical Gardens to learn more about growing your own food. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; tours limited to group of 4 to 16 people; advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension, www.eventbrite.com/event/6241882639/eorg

July 19
Forestry Hike:  Join a local natural resources agent and hike along two miles of boardwalks and natural trails at Brooker Creek Preserve. Come prepared with binoculars, cameras and questions. Questions can also be researched in the resource room upon return to the education center. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 20
Weedon Photography Hike: Hike the preserve in search of that perfect photo. This program provides great opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. After a brief classroom session, preserve volunteers highlight seasonal features of the preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors that help participants capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island Preserve. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 20
Tree ID: Join your local natural resource agent as she discusses the basics on how to identify trees in your area. The presentation includes a guided tree identification walk. 10:30 to noon. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.  http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 20
Going Coastal–Discover the World of Plankton:  Discover the hidden world of the estuary with some of the smallest critters that live in Tampa Bay. 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. Just stop by for this self guided activity for ages 8 and older. 1 to 3 p.m.. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 22
Teacher Training Summer Camp:  The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Extension Service are teaming up with St. Petersburg College to offer a fun and informative week-long workshop for pre-service elementary education students and elementary teachers with a focus on environmental education. Each day will feature different environmental subjects and professional speakers will provide background knowledge to participants. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 24
Fertilizer/Pesticide BMPs: Training to obtain limited certification for urban landscape commercial fertilizer (LCULCF). BMP certification awarded upon passing the exam. Four FDACS pesticide CEUs provided. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $15; free to employees of Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School Board and Pinellas County Master Gardener volunteers (must present ID on day of class). Advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension. Register at http://pce-commercialhort.eventbrite.com

July 24
Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project–at Dunedin Public Library: Learn how much energy is wasted in the home every day, around the clock. Participants receive free equipment and materials to help cut energy costs, and save money each month. 6 to 7 p.m. Free; advance registration at http://dunlib2013peep.eventbrite.com

July 24
Creatures of the Night: Pinellas County’s Natural Resource Extension Agent, Lara Miller, will discuss the creatures of the night. All of our nocturnal critters form a vital part of our natural environment but are largely ignored. Come learn more about these fascinating creatures. Recommended for adults. 2 to 3 p.m. Garden Club of St. Petersburg, 500 Sunset Dr., S, St. Petersburg. (727) 582-2109; www.eventbrite.com/event/5260325776/eorg

July 26
Wildlife Hike: Join an experienced naturalist as you hike along boardwalks and natural trails at Brooker Creek Preserve. This will be a learning experience for everyone! Come prepared with your binoculars, cameras, and questions! Any questions your hike guide cannot answer will be researched in the resource room upon return to the Education Center. 9 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

July 27
Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project–at County Extension: Learn how much energy is wasted in the home every day, around the clock. Participants receive free equipment and materials to help cut energy costs, and save money each month. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free; advance registration. Pinellas County Extension. http://peep2013ext.eventbrite.com/

July 27
Wildflower Garden Club: Join the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve to get gardening hands dirty in the preserve’s wildflower garden. Bring garden gloves and hat. Morning snacks are usually provided. Free; advance registration required. 8 to 10 a.m. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. http://brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com/

Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin.

Vegetable Gardening Proves Beneficial for Youth and Their Families

Jean Rogalsky, Pinellas County 4-H Extension Agent 
Keri Hannekeinen, 4-H Youth Mentor

Interest in food safety and quality, couples with an increased interest in vegetable gardening has resulted in a wide range of gardening throughout Pinellas County. These projects range from community and school gardens to small home garden plots. Some gardens are traditional in the ground plots, while some gardeners are content with a few container grown vegetables. What these gardens have in common are fresh, delicious, and nutritious vegetables. Also, the gardener can control the use of pesticides used in the garden.

There are additional benefits for children and families who garden. Researchers from the American Dietetic Association, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the University of Florida, and the University of Colorado, all found similar results. Research has shown three main areas of these benefits: enhanced social skills, healthy habits, and academic progress.

Social Skills 

• When third to fifth grade students, participating in a one-year gardening program filled out a survey of life skills, they showed a significant increase in self-understanding, interpersonal relationship skills, and ability to work in groups compared to nonparticipating students (Robinson & Zajicek, 2005)
• Surveys of 52 second and third grade students working in a community garden classroom program in San Antonio revealed that participants were likely to have positive bonding experiences with their parents and other adults (Alexander, North, & Hendren , 1995).
• Children who garden are more accepting of others who are different from themselves (Dyment & Bell, 2006 ) a finding consistent with research that shows community gardening projects “grow” community (Glover, 2004).

Healthy Habits 

• Children are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. Many children will say they do not like a vegetable because they have never tasted it. 
• Students are more likely to try eating vegetables they have grown themselves and to ask for them at home. 
• After participating in a school garden program, children were more likely to consume vegetables at home, more willing to ask a family member to purchase vegetables, and more willing to include vegetables as a snack. They are also more likely to continue healthy eating habits throughout their lives. Higher fruit and vegetable consumption in adulthood can help prevent or delay chronic disease conditions over a lifetime.
• According to the Green Institute in Minneapolis, eating locally produced food reduces asthma rates, because children are able to consume manageable amounts of local pollen and develop immunities. 
• According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, access to places for physical activity with educational resources produced a 48.4 percent increase in frequency of physical activity in addition to a 5.1 percent median increase in aerobic capacity, reduced body fat, weight loss, improved flexibility and an increase in perceived energy. School gardens fit this description. 

Academic Progress 

• Students who are actively engaged in garden projects tend to enjoy learning and show improved attitudes towards education. Third, fourth and fifth grade students who participated in school gardening activities scored significantly higher on science achievement tests than students who did not experience any garden-based learning activities. Parent involvement, shown to enhance student achievement, increases at schools with garden programs 

Without a doubt, creating a vegetable garden at your home or at school is one of the best, long-lasting investments one can make for the children and adults in the community.

(For a complete list of sources, please contact jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org)

Energy Information Seminar –at Green Expo

Want to learn more about natural gas?  Interested in weatherizing your home?

This Saturday, join Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project with City of Clearwater’s Gas and Planning & Development Departments for a free class about energy efficiency, alternative energy, and an update on Clearwater Greenprint, the City of Clearwater’s “green” strategies.

Each participant at the free 1-hour session will receive an insulated tote bag. 

The seminar will be held in conjunction with a Green Expo hosted by the City of Clearwater at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. 

Green Expo hours are 9:30 am to 12 noon. Energy Information Seminar is at 10:30 am.

Come out and learn about natural gas, energy efficient behaviors, and alternative energy.  Door prizes and informational give-a-ways will be available!

Register at http://energyinfo2013.eventbrite.com/

Humans to the rescue

Lara Miller,
Natural Resource Agent

When someone or something is in distress, we tend to have an instinctual reaction to help. Often times providing assistance is an extremely beneficial action, but that’s not always the case with nature. During this time of year, many baby birds are exploring the exciting new world around them. A chance to watch eggs hatch, down turn into feathers, closed eyes begin to open and weak bodies begin to build strength is spectacular, but we have to be careful not to get involved.

Baby birds are extremely dependent upon their parents for survival. Birds often appear helpless during the nestling stage of development, unable to walk or fly. Should you come across a young bird that has fallen out of its nest, look for a nest nearby. If you find one, check to see if the baby bird you found matches others in the nest. If it does, gently place the bird back in the nest and leave the area. If you are unable to find a matching nest site or unable to reach a nest, you can make a temporary nest site for the bird. To do this, you can use a hanging pot plant with drain holes and line the pot with pine straw up to the lip, then place as close to the original nest site as possible. Young chicks should not be separated from their parents for a long time, so it is important to complete these processes as quickly as possible.

During the fledgling stage of development, young birds leave the nest, hopping among shrubs and bushes learning to gather food and building up the stamina to fly. At this stage, birds are vulnerable prey to predators including dogs and cats. Should a pet pose a serious threat, you can gently pick up the bird and place it on a high branch of dense vegetation.

If parents do not return to these young birds within an hour or two, it is advised to contact a wildlife rehabilitator. You can find licensed rehabilitators by contacting the local Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (863) 648-3200. Citizens without federal permits are not legally allowed to care for wildlife. Orphans need around-the-clock care and species-specific housing, nutrition and handling.

In cases like this, humans can come to the rescue if aware of the proper procedures. If you find a baby bird away from its parents, try to get it back to its nest where its parents can care for it appropriately. As much as we would love to care for these small creatures, we are not capable of meeting their needs without appropriate certification.

Hurricane Preparedness

Libby Carnahan, UF/IFAS Pinellas County
Sea Grant Extension Agent

Nan Jensen, UF/IFAS Pinellas County
Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent

June kicks off hurricane season and five days into the month Tropical Storm Andrea formed in the Gulf of Mexico, proving that it is never too early to review your hurricane plans. Below are some helpful tips.

Review your Disaster Plan
A predetermined hurricane plan takes the guesswork out of an already stressful situation. It is important to know your evacuation zone and designated shelter (In Pinellas County- http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/knowyourzone.htm). Meet with your family and discuss what you will do if advised to evacuate. It is a good idea to designate an out-of-state friend as a contact for your family. Be aware of local resources including telephone numbers and websites; a useful list of local resources can be found at http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/marine/pdf/HurricanePrep_StayingConnected.pdf. It is recommended that you talk with your neighbors about how you could work together after a tropical storm or hurricane-identify tools and skills of each neighbor, identify elderly neighbors with special needs, and make plans for childcare in case parents cannot get home. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container such as a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.

Stock your Supply Kit
To be ready for a disaster, you need to stock six basics in your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.

A five to seven day supply of nonperishable foods and water is recommended. Also include items like a non-electric can opener, utility knife, plastic utensils and dishware, plastic wrap or tin foil to keep foods covered and hand sanitizer to lessen the risk of food contamination in your hurricane preparation kit. Before the storm, turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the refrigerator door closed. Food in the refrigerator should generally be eaten within 4 hours; food in the freezer may remain safe for 1-2 days. But when in doubt if food is safe to eat, throw it out.

• Ideal foods do not need refrigeration, are low in salt, and do not require cooking. Some examples are canned fruits, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cereals, dried fruit, canned soups or meats, juices, and non-fat dry milk. 
• Clean drinking water may be unavailable for days. Aim to have one to two gallons of water per person per day for at least 5 to 7 days. 
• Include any special foods for those with dietary restrictions, and baby food and formula if you have infants in the household. 
• Include medications and special needs for babies or elderly. 
• Don’t forget pet food and water.

It is also important to have key documents in order. Even if you do not need family records during an evacuation, you must prevent them from being destroyed by a disaster. Such records are difficult to replace and may delay an insurance claim or other important matters. Keep these records in a waterproof, fireproof, portable container:

• Copies of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds • Passports, social security cards and immunization records 
• Bank account numbers 
• Credit card account numbers and companies 
• Inventory of valuable household goods 
• Important telephone numbers 
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

The University of Florida IFAS offers many great resources to help you prepare including the new Gulf of Mexico Alliance funded “Florida Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards,” and the “Disaster Handbook”, available online.