January 20th 2:00 PM Children in the WILD; Hard Working Parents: Children ages 5-9 are invited to join us for this program on hard working animal parents. Kids will learn how animals raise their families through games, stories or crafts. Please register on-line or at (352) 754-6722.
January 21st 10:00 AM Photography 101, Camera Basics: If you got a new DSLR for Christmas or just need some fine tuning on settings join Alice of Green-fly Media for this informative class. Registration and a fee required at https://creative-nature-photography.com
January 26th 8:30 AM Beginning Birding: Join Hernando Audubon volunteers for a guided hike to find the feathered winter residents of Chinsegut. This great program, for all levels of birder includes a hike to Mays Prairie. Bird guides and binoculars may be borrowed from the Center. No need to register for this free program.
January 27th 10:00 AM May’s Prairie: This guided hike will feature a history and information on May’s Prairie with an opportunity for kids (and kids at heart) to net for specimens. This program is open to the public and ideal for ages 8+. The hike is approximately 1 mile in total. Please register to attend at (352)754-6722.
January 28th 8:00 AM Walking Sticks Hike: This walking club will meet once a month to hike and learn about different Natural Areas in Florida and how FWC manages lands. This 2 mile hike will take place at the Perry Oldenburg Mitigation Park. This is a casual paced walk and the Center will provide a walking stick for members to borrow during hikes. Hikes will meet the last Sunday of each month. Limited to 15 hikers, call (352) 754-6722 to register.
January 30th 10:00 AM Photography 101, Camera Basics: If you got a new DSLR for Christmas or just need some fine tuning on settings join Alice of Green-fly Media for this informative class. Registration and a fee required at https://creative-nature-photography.com
February 2nd 10:00 AM UF/IFAS: Growing Caterpillar Food: Master Gardener Dr. Kathleen Shields will help you prepare your garden to attract butterflies and support the hungry swarm of caterpillars bound to ensue. Learn what caterpillars require in nutrition to create the next generation of butterflies. No need to register, free program.
February 2nd 1:00 PM Amphibian Photo Shoot: In celebration of World Wetlands Day join Alice of Green-Fly Media for a wetland hike to May’s Prairie in search of amphibians. This three-hour program requires a $20.00 fee and registration on line through Eventbrite or at Creative-Nature-Photography.com
February 2nd 5:00 PM Night Hike, On the trail of Game Birds: The season for game bird nesting is upon us. During this evening/night hiking opportunity we will be on the lookout for signs of turkey and quail, both seen frequently at Chinsegut. No need to register for this free hike. Ages 16+ only please.
February 4th 9:00-3:00 Wildlife Photography Exhibit Prep & Nature Photo Hike @ Chinsegut. A $5 donation to the Center is suggested to support programs and workshops for this guided photography hike. Register at Creative-Nature-Photography.com.
February 6th 9:00-3:00 Wildlife Photography Exhibit Prep & Nature Photo Hike @ Big Pine. A $5 donation to the Center is suggested to support programs and workshops for this guided photography hike. Register at Creative-Nature-Photography.com.
February 7th 5:00 PM Wednesday Wildlife Walk: While the weather is nice why not enjoy the outdoors with a guided walk to look for wildlife. Never know what you might see on one of these hour-long hikes. Visit areas of the property not often seen by hikers, learn a little about history and ecology along the way. Register by calling (352) 754-6722. Open to all ages.
February 9th 6:00 PM The Northern Bobwhite: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Biologist Steven Brinkley, manager for the Chassahowitzka WMA is making a special trip to Chinsegut to talk about quail. FWC is requesting special help from the public statewide to better understand where quail are and how many live state-wide. Join us to learn about the Northern Bobwhite and how to report sightings.
February 10th 10:00 AM Boning up on skulls: The skull of an animal determines many facets of its life, habits and intelligence. This presentation complete with fascinating artifacts will cover skull ID, dentition and so much more. Never a better time to bone up on skulls! This is a free program; no registration is required. Ages 12+ please.
February 11th 10:00 AM Yarn Feathers: Create a unique one of a kind feather to decorate your wall or give as a gift for this Valentine’s Day. This crafting session includes all materials and instruction for 10$ per person. Please call for details and to register at (352) 754-6722.
February 13th 9:00-3:00 Wildlife Photography Exhibit Prep & Nature Photo Hike @ Prairie to Pines. A $5 donation to the Center is suggested to support programs and workshops for this guided photography hike. Register at Creative-Nature-Photography.com.
February 14th 5:30 PM Wild Valentines: Few things are more diverse and unusual than the evolution of breeding behaviors and structures among animals. Learn how animals compete for mates and what drives the ever changing selection process in this one hour program. Adults only, pre-register for this free program by calling (352) 754-6722.
February 16th & 17th Great Backyard Bird Count: For two days Chinsegut will be packed with
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM opportunities to learn about birds, birding and the 21st annual Backyard Bird Count. Stop in and learn what to count, how to count, where to count and where to enter your information. We will be counting at Chinsegut. This is a great science activity to get the kids and whole family involved in. During the day Saturday, a shuttle will run from Chinsegut to the Ahhochee Hill Sanctuary, an Audubon preserve formerly owned by Lisa von Borowsky. Free program, no need to register, stop in any time.
February 17th 2:00 PM Children in the Wild; Kites: Children ages 5-9 register to join Chinsegut educator Joe for a fun program on Kites. Learn about the life of these aerial acrobats and the varieties of kites found in Florida. This is a free program, register at MyFWC.com or (352) 754-6722.
February 18th 9:00-3:00 Wildlife Photography Exhibit Prep & Nature Photo Hike @ Perry Oldenberg. A $5 donation to the Center is suggested to support programs and workshops for this guided photography hike. Register at Creative-Nature-Photography.com.
February 18th 8:00 AM Walking Sticks Hike: Join the Chinsegut Hiking Club, Walking sticks for our monthly morning guided hike. This group visits locations not often accessible to the public. This month’s hike is at Janet Butterfield Brooks Preserve. Can’t hike Sundays? No worries, this club’s meeting time moves to Saturdays beginning in March. Free hike, register at (352) 754-6722.
February 20th 9:00-3:00 Wildlife Photo Exhibit Prep & Photo Hike @ Weekiwachee WMA. A $5 donation to the Center is suggested to support programs and workshops for this guided photography hike. Register at Creative-Nature-Photography.com.
February 21st 5:00 PM Wednesday Wildlife Walk: At Perry Oldenberg WEA While the weather is nice why not enjoy the outdoors with a guided walk to look for wildlife. Never know what you might see on one of these hour-long hikes. Visit a property not often seen by hikers, learn a little about history and ecology along the way. Register by calling (352) 754-6722. Free hike, Open to all ages.
February 23rd 8:30 AM Beginning Birding with Audubon: Join Hernando Audubon volunteers for a guided hike to find the feathered winter residents and migrants at Chinsegut. This great program, for all levels of birder includes a hike to Mays Prairie. Bird guides and binoculars may be borrowed from the Center. No need to register for this free program.
February 24th 9:00 AM Wildlife Day: In recognition of World Wildlife Day and National Wildlife Day Chinsegut is hosting a day devoted to wildlife conservation. Hear from several agencies and volunteers about local programs to monitor protect and preserve space for Florida’s Threatened species. Free event, no registration required. Full schedule will be posted in advance of event at MyFWC.com/Chinsegut.
February 25th 10:00 Macro Photography: This photography program will introduce you to the best settings and modes to capture small scale life and objects in creative and aesthetic ways. This program is offered by Green-Fly Media and has a $20.00 participant fee. Please register at Creative-Nature-Photography.com
