October Programs Welcome Autumn to Weedon Island PreserveCreatures of the night such as owls and bats headline October programs offered at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg. Visitors can spend the day exploring local surroundings at a Weedon Island Naturalist Program and at the Tampa Bay Estuary Academy. For more information or to register for one or more of the following programs, call (727) 453-6500. · Explore the many myths and misconceptions about one of the most unique mammals in Florida - the Florida bat at this free Creatures of the Night - Bats of Florida Workshop, Friday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 8 p.m. Meet Cynthia and George Marks, authors of the new book, Bats of Florida and who also serve one the Florida Bat Conservancy. Learn about the 13 bat species that are year-round or seasonal residents at this fascinating program. Registration required by calling (727) 453-6500. Two ways to learn about the world around us … · Become a Weedon Naturalist and attend this free Intertidal Ecosystems: Mangroves, Swamps and Salterns Program Sunday, Oct. 21, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Weedon Naturalist Program is for those who wish to become familiar with the surrounding ecosystems. After a classroom presentation and discussion on the mangrove ecology, take a hike along the Preserve's boardwalks to observe and discover the different types of mangrove ecosystems and salterns. Participants will use seine nets to sample for fish along a mangrove shoreline. This program is best for adults. To register, call (727) 453-6500. · Sign up for a fun-filled, educational day of lectures and workshops sponsored by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Weedon Island Preserve Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. called the Tampa Bay Estuary Academy. The Academy's mission is to introduce citizens to the wealth of scientific research being conducted on, in and around Tampa Bay. Test taste buds by sampling edible insects, explore the microscopic life beneath the bay, scoop up and identify creatures found in a seagrass bed and take a guided canoe tour. The $15 registration fee includes lunch, goody bags, fabulous speakers and a choice of terrific, hands-on workshops. The Academy has something for everyone! Best for adults and children over the age of 12. For more information, visit www.tbep.org or call (727) 893-2765. Hear the voice of the Everglades …. · Follow the matriarch of Miami, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, as portrayed by Betty Jean Steinshouer of the Florida Humanities Council Speakers Bureau, during this Voice of the Everglades: Marjory Stoneman Douglas Program, Friday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 8 p.m. Since the 1947 publication of her book, Everglades, River of Grass, Douglas realized that her focus must be on restoration, not conservation as she began her crusade to restore the Everglades during this Chautauqua Performance. This event is free and best for adults. Registration is required by calling (727) 453-6500. Destination: Weedon Island Preserve … The Preserve is located at 1800 Weedon Drive N.E. in St. Petersburg, on the shores of old Tampa Bay near the Gandy Bridge. For more information, call the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center at (727) 453-6500. More details about the Preserve can be found at www.pinellascounty.org/environment.
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