05/28/2026
Check out UF IFAS Florida Sea Grants upcoming events! We have oyster workshops, kids camps, educational talks, hands-on volunteer opportunities, and more!
Upcoming Events:
1. Stormwater Smart Solutions Educational Seminar (June 3rd)
Join us on June 3rd from 5:30 - 6:30 pm at the Land O' Lakes Library for a special program about community pond restoration! UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant and Pasco County for an educational program focused on reducing stormwater pollution in our watersheds. You will learn about solutions you can adopt at home or in your community to help reduce stormwater pollution and restore natural systems. We will discuss stormwater pollution sources, environmental impacts, and nature-based solutions that you can use to help protect our watershed. The program will also introduce an upcoming hands-on community volunteer opportunity, supported by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Bay Mini Grant and the Tarpon Tag, where attendees can take part in the restoration of a local retention pond system to restore habitat and actively reduce nutrient loading. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stormwater-smart-solutions-educational-seminar-tickets-1984072622624
2. Oysters at Work: How Vertical Oyster Gardens Help Our Waters Webinar (June 11th)
Help us celebrate World Oceans Day by diving into the world of community-driven oyster restoration with a lunch and learn online webinar June 11th from 11 am to 12 pm. This webinar, hosted by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant, will introduce the Vertical Oyster Garden program in Pasco and Pinellas counties and discuss how community members can get involved. Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) are oyster restoration structures made of recycled oyster shell that are hung from docks and grow into new oyster reef habitats. In our program, community members can help us to build, install, and monitor the VOGs as they grow! Participating in this webinar is your ticket to taking home a vertical oyster garden of your own! Following the webinar, we will provide information on where and how to secure a VOG (if interested). Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oysters-at-work-how-vertical-oyster-gardens-help-our-waters-tickets-1985946628827
3. Eco Wonders (ages 7-11): Protecting Our Watersheds (June 24th)- FREE
Kids ages 7-11 can join us on June 24th from 5:30-6:30 pm at the Land O' Lakes Library for a special hands-on STEM program funded by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program! Youth can learn how to protect our watersheds and stop stormwater pollution in our community with a hands-on experience building a water filtration device. Join UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant and Pasco County for an educational program focused on understanding stormwater pollution in our watersheds. Youth will learn about stormwater pollution sources, environmental impacts. Parents/guardians are welcome to join and learn. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eco-wonders-ages-7-11-protecting-our-watersheds-tickets-1984073194334
4. Vertical Oyster Garden Building Workshop (June 29th)
We need your help to build Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs)! The workshop will be held at the Energy and Marine Center on Monday evening (June 29th) from 5:30-7:30 pm. Help us drill oyster shells, assemble VOGs, and restore our coastlines. Join UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant for a workshop with the Energy & Marine Center. Drill oyster shells (donated from the Coastal Conservation Association), assemble VOGs, and restore our coastlines! Vertical Oyster Gardens (VOGs) are oyster restoration structures composed of recycled oyster shells strung together and suspended in coastal intertidal zones. The VOGs recruit new oyster growth, expand oyster reef habitats, and promote thriving ecosystems. VOGs act as an exciting technique of oyster restoration that involves the community! Family Friendly event! Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vertical-oyster-garden-building-workshop-tickets-1990035124628
5. Eco-Volunteer Planting Event: Part 2 (July 12th)
Volunteers are needed for part two of our pond restoration project. Join us for a hands‑on, family‑friendly project hosted by UF IFAS Extension Pasco County Florida Sea Grant, and Pasco County, Florida, Government Public Works. Starting at 8 am on Sunday, July 12th at the Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex, we’ll be planting native Florida species that will bring back wildlife, keep stormwater clean, and cut nutrient pollution. By the time we’re done, you’ll have helped restore a natural habitat and learned how the same project can be done in your community!!! This project is a part of the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Pasco County grant provided by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Bay Mini Grant and the Tarpon Tag. Enjoy free lunch and drinks on us while you’re at it! Bring your friends, family, and kids (youth volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-pond-restoration-event-phase-2-stormwater-smart-solutions-tickets-1984074205358
Check out this video from phase one! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCRN2IH5Q9U&feature=youtu.be
6. Marine Explorers Day Camp (July 20th) - Ages (8-12) $30 each *Limited attendance!
Dive into discovery this summer with our 4-H and Florida Sea Grant Camps! Our marine science camp gives kids the chance to explore the wonders of the gulf through hands-on experiments, nature adventures, wildlife encounters, and creative STEM activities. Please bring your own lunch for the day! Youth will likely end up wet and/or sandy throughout the day from exploring so we recommend bringing clothes that can get dirty and an extra set to change into at the end of the day! Camper Ages: 8-12 years old Camp Date: July 20, 2026 Time: 9am-4pm Location: Anclote Gulf Parks, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road Holiday, FL 34691 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pasco-4-h-summer-day-camps-2026-tickets-1986325041670
Mark your calendars and join us for these exciting events! Feel free to share with your friends and family to help spread the word.
