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attractions : Boyd Hill Nature ParkUpdated: 3/20/08

Boyd Hill Nature Park Tourunderlined

Discover, Explore, Watch and Learn
at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

WALKS AND PROGRAMS
The following regularly scheduled walks and programs may have limited space. Please call 727-893-7326 for reservations.

Tram Tours -Tuesday through Friday at 1 p.m. Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays at 1 p.m. 60 to 90 minute tour. Learn about alligators, gopher tortoises, fire ecology, birds and wild flowers. Limited seating (seven). Cost: Park admission plus $1.

Early Bird Special  - Saturdays from 7 to 9 a.m. Birders, walkers, runners and serenity seekers are invited to enjoy the park before it opens. Cost: Park admission
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Jungle Boogie - Every Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. Nature related activities for children ages three to five. Cost: Park admission.

Stroller Strut - Every Friday at 11:15 a.m. This refreshing walk is for infants and toddlers. Get youngsters outside to boost young immune systems and begin developing their sensitivity to nature. Participants are accompanied by a park naturalist who gives tips on safety in the woods, identifying toxic plants, information about venomous animals and more. Cost: Park admission.

Bird Walk - First Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. See hawks, ospreys and songbirds on a serene morning stroll. Cost: Free.

Night Hike - Third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Discover the mysteries of the night as you search for the creatures that come to life after dark. Space is limited to 15. Paid registration is preferred to guarantee a space. (For individual hikers only, groups are asked to schedule another date.) Cost: Park admission.

Nature Walk - Third Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. and the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. Watch Mother Nature in action while learning about the park's wildlife and various habitats. Cost: Park admission.

Wild Flower Walk - Fourth Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. and the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. Discover many varieties of native plants each season on this leisurely stroll. Cost: Park admission

IMPORTANT PROGRAM/CAMP REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve program fees have changed as approved by the Mayor and City Council, effective October 1, 2007.  Registration fees have been in place for city recreation programs for many years. The city’s resident and non-resident pricing now applies to all “fee” classes and day camps at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Pinellas Pioneer Settlement. More information.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR EVERYONEAll

programs take place at the Lake Maggiore
Environmental Education Center unless otherwise stated.


 
March Programs
March 1

Feather Quest  - This series of beginning bird watching classes for children will include learning about birds’ physical traits, living habitats, diets and behaviors. They will learn about the equipment used in bird watching and become familiar with field observation techniques. March 1st, March 15th, April 5th, and April 19th. Ages: 9 - 11 years old. Cost is $60 for residents and $96 for non-residents. Time:9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Nature Explorers - This program is a hands on approach to learning. For eight Saturdays, we will create and care for a vegetable garden, experiment with weird science, study a variety of topics such as insects, soil, weather and the history of the food we eat. There will be an overnight camp on March 29, 2008 from 4 p.m. to 9 a.m.Sunday. Cost: $80 residents, $128 non-residents. March 1, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 26 No program on March 8 or April 19. All dates other than March 29 times: 1 to 4 p.m. Located at 2900 31st Street South

Bird Walk - Our preserve is an oasis for migratory birds in a urban city. Blue-gray gnat-catchers, black-and-white warblers, and tufted titmice dance through the shadows of moss festooned oaks. Expert birders share their enthusiasms and information. Cost: Free. Time: 8 a.m.

March 8 & 9 Wildlife Weekend -  The fourth annual wildlife weekend celebrates the wildlife and the wildlands of St. Petersburg’s ecological jewel. Come see environmental and wildlife exhibits featuring plants, birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Nature related vendors, kid’s crafts, food and much more. Bring the family for two activity packed days for nature lovers. Cost: Free. 9 a.m. to 4 pm Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

March 11  Natural History Speaker Series - Perceptions of Paradise: The Visual Mythology of Florida s Eden. Mallory McCane O’Connor from Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville will speak. Since the first Europeans arrived in the 16th century, Florida has been viewed as a mythic place, a land of dreams, and an earthly Garden of Eden. What are the historical and cultural assumptions behind this myth? What role have artists played in perpetuating the image of Florida as a land so beautifully blessed that is seems too good to be true? Join us and explore the ways that art transmits culture and how our perceptions of “reality” can be shaped by our imagination. Cost: Free. Time: 7:30 pm

March 15

Pioneer Nights - A campfire program with Mr. Lynn. Spend an afternoon and evening at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement: 3130 31st Street South. Ages: seven to  13. Cost: $25 residents, $40 non-residents. Time: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Air Potato Round Up and non-native removal day - We will be picking up air potatoes, cutting down grape vines and rosary pea. We need all the help we can get for this program. Non-native plant species threaten the ecosystems in the preserve everyday. Join us in helping to eliminate the seed sources within the preserve. Lunch will be provided. Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  

Bird of Prey Walk - Join Ron Smith and Gabe Vargo for this special “Raptor” afternoon. This is a chance to learn about, and see up close, the birds of prey housed in the Bird Aviary as well as a late afternoon and evening walk to see the many raptor species that utilize the preserve. Wear good walking shoes, bring binoculars and expect to have a great time! Cost: A donation to the Friends of Boyd Hill $5 per family (or singles or doubles) will go toward a purple martin project in the preserve to be initiated in 2009. Time: 4:30 p.m.

Nature’s Elements  - A Saturday adventure with Damon “Chep” Chepron. Children will learn about butterflies, plants, gopher tortoises, and many other species. Trips into the preserve will provide a exhilarating learning experience. Ages four to seven. Cost: $10 residents, $16 non-residents. Time: 9:30 a.m. to  12 p.m.

Nature Walk - Enjoy a leisurely walk through the preserve with a ranger. You will learn new facts about Florida’s habitats and the animals that call our preserve home. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 10:30 a.m.

March 18 Night Hike - View the preserve in the evening and the mystery of the forest. Many nocturnal species slip out into the preserve. Space is limited to 15 people. Paid registration is required to guarantee a space. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 8 p.m.

March 19 Nature Walk - Enjoy a leisurely walk through the preserve with a ranger. You will learn new facts about Florida’s habitats and the animals that call our preserve home. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 3 p.m.

March 22

Wildflower Walk - Boyd Hill Nature Preserve boasts many varieties of wildflowers. Learn their names and examine their beauty on this stroll through the preserve. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 10:30 a.m.

Bicycle Safari - Join Ranger Diane for a leisurely bicycle trip through the woods. A rest stop with light refreshments and restrooms midway. 4 mile loop. Helmets required for 16 and under. Cost: $5 for adults, $3.50 for children. Time: 9 a.m. to  noon

March 25 Naturalist Night Out -In the Indian Ocean, off the southeast coast of Africa, lies a large island, different from any other place on earth.  Madagascar is incredibly biologically diverse, yet critically endangered. “The Faces of Madagascar,” presented by Amalia Fernand, will help you discover the importance of the unique wildlife.  All ages are welcome to this informative environmental presentation and photography show. Cost: Program Fee - $3 adults, $1.50 children. Time: 6:30 to  7:30 p.m.

March 26 Wildflower Walk - Boyd Hill Nature Preserve boasts many varieties of wildflowers. Learn their names and examine their beauty on this stroll through the preserve. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 3 p.m.

March 29 Pioneer Music Jamboree - Featuring: Clearwater Bluegrass. Get an earful of the toe-tappin’ can’t sit still music of the fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, and various bluegrass and country instruments. Craft vendors, tractor pulled hayrides, log sawing and corn grinding are just some of the exciting activities available. This event takes place at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement located at 3130 31st Street South. Cost: Adults - $5, Children - $1, under three are free.

March 31 - April 4 Spring Break Camp - 5 camps are available for ages 3 - 13.
 
April Programs
April 5

Bird Walk - Our preserve is an oasis for migratory birds in a urban city. Blue-gray gnat-catchers, black-and-white warblers, and tufted titmice dance through the shadows of moss festooned oaks. Expert birders share their enthusiasms and information. Cost: Free. Time: 8 am

Ancient Lives - The Story of St. Petersburg’s Ancient People. A five part series.
April 5: Introduction to who they were and how did they get here, intro to the Younger Dryas.
April 12: Hard times (Location: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve).
April 19: A sea of change (Location: Straub Park).
April 26: Organizing Cities (Location: Maximo Park).
May 3: First Contact (Location: The Jungle).
We will carpool/ caravan to local sites.
Cost: $25.00. Time: 2 pm - 3:30 pm

April 8 Natural History Speaker Series - “The Cuban Treefrog: A growing Threat to Florida Native Wildlife” Speaker: Dr. Steve Johnson, Assistant Professor of Urban Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida. Since it was first introduced to the Florida Keys in the 19th century, this non-native from species has adversely affected native frog species and other wildlife. Dr. Johnson will discuss the status, ecology, and impact of these invasive tree frogs on native wildlife populations. Cost: Free. Time: 7:30 pm

April 12 & 19 Backyard Conservation - Have you ever wondered why your plants don’t live well in your backyard? This two day program teaches the basics of designing a landscape that features carefully selected plants suited for your climate, soil and wildlife. Learn how to water your yard efficiently, use mulch properly, recycle your yard waste, and manage the pests. Bring a sack lunch. Cost: $25.00. Time: 9 am - 2 pm.

April 15

Night Hike - View the preserve in the evening and the mystery of the forest. Many nocturnal species slip out into the preserve. Space is limited to 15 people. Paid registration is required to guarantee a space. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 8 pm

April 19

Nature Walk - Enjoy a leisurely walk through the preserve with a Ranger. You will learn new facts about Florida’s habitats and the animals that call our preserve home. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 10:30 am

Butterfly Gardening - This three hour program will show how to create and care for a butterfly garden. Whether in a school yard, backyard, business, or elsewhere, a sunny patch of ground with a watering source can become a colorful garden for butterflies. Butterfly gardens provide enjoyment for those who plant and a valuable refuge for butterflies. Cost: $50.00 residents, $80.00 non-residents. Time: 9 am - 12 pm

April 20 Gopher Tortoise Hike - This leisurely two hour interpretive hike explores the natural history and conservation of gopher tortoises. Hike through the preserve’s uplands with field biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich. George has studied Florida turtles and worked on turtle conservation projects for twenty years. Please call to reserve your spot. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 9 am

April 22 Naturalist Night Out - Making beautiful paper by hand is not only easy, but fun!  Immerse yourself in the ancient craft of papermaking.  Experiment with different methods of embellishing your creations using tidbits from nature, colored pulp, cookie cutters and your very own hands.  The possibilities are truly endless!  What better way to celebrate Earth Day!  Reservations required. Cost: $3.00 program fee for adults, $1.50 program fee for children. Time: 6:30 pm

April 26 Wildflower Walk - Boyd Hill Nature Preserve boasts many varieties of wildflowers. Learn their names and examine their beauty on this stroll through the preserve. Cost: Free with admission. Time: 10:30 a.m.
   

 

 

 

 

 


Parks Department

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
1101 Country Club Way South
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Phone: 727-893-7326
Fax: 727-893-7720

Parks Administration Office
1400 19th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Phone: 727-893-7335
Fax: 727-892-5103

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