IRL Science Festival

08/09/2026

🐝🦋 Be a citizen scientist and help count Florida's pollinators!

Join UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County at Heathcote Botanical Gardens for the Great Florida Pollinator Census Count. Learn how to identify pollinators, contribute valuable research data, and discover ways to support pollinators in your own landscape.

The Great Florida Pollinator Census is a fun, hands-on opportunity to observe and count pollinators while helping researchers better understand pollinator populations across the state.

📅 Friday, August 21
⏰ 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
📍 Heathcote Botanical Gardens
210 Savanna Rd., Fort Pierce, FL 34982

This event is FREE, but registration is requested. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit our Urban Horticulture webpage for details.

08/09/2026

🌊Calling all homeschool families!🌊

Registration is now OPEN for our 2026-27 homeschool science labs! These hands-on classes will guide high school aged students through a variety of topics within biology and chemistry.

Classes are taught by our science educator and include instruction and supplies for twelve labs across the year. Labs are intended to supplement concepts taught at home prior to each lab session.

Registration is limited to ensure personalized experiences for students, so sign up today! https://www.stellamarisenvironmentalresearch.org/homeschool-labs

08/09/2026

05/25/2026

Drop In and Draw on Tuesdays from 1:00-3:30 pm and Thursdays from 5:00 -7:30pm!! 111 Orange Avenue on the Lower Level.

Reach out to [email protected] for more info.

To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, please visit www.artstlucie.org

05/25/2026

Join us on Wednesday, June 17 at 2pm for our webinar “The Florida Meadow — A Future of Ecological Enhancement” presented by UF/IFAS Research Associate Dr. Gage LaPierre. Register now at: https://www.flawildflowers.org/event/260617-webinar-the-florida-meadow/

Meadows are dynamic, human-created plant communities — graminoid- and forb-dominated landscapes that offer both ecological value and striking visual appeal. In this presentation, we’ll explore what makes meadows thrive in Florida’s unique environment, from the principles behind their design to the practicalities of installation and long-term management.

05/20/2026

🐢 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Update 🐢
The 2026 sea turtle nesting season is officially off and with a strong start! 💪

Loggerheads and leatherbacks are both currently outpacing their recent record-breaking years. We can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds!

Here are preliminary statewide totals as of April 30th:
🟠 1,450 loggerhead nests (compared to 796 in 2025, 469 in 2024, 1,400 in 2023, and 271 in 2022)
🟢 3 Kemp’s ridley nests (compared to 1 in 2025, 4 in 2024, 6 in 2023, and 1 in 2022)
🔵 1,008 leatherback nests (compared to 965 in 2025, 831 in 2024, 624 in 2023, and 549 in 2022)
🟣 0 green turtle nests (compared to 0 in 2025, 0 in 2024, 1 in 2023, and 1 in 2022)

💫 Thanks to all the permit holders, volunteers and partners involved in this incredible community science effort, working together to document sea turtle nesting activity across the state!

Check back for monthly updates throughout the season! ✅

📸 Photos: FWC

04/15/2026

04/15/2026

Sun, smiles, and wild adventures await! ☀️🌿

Our summer camps spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster a love for the natural world.

Give your young explorer the chance to connect with nature and make unforgettable memories with us this summer.

Spots fill quickly-don’t miss out!

Visit our website to register.

Nature Camp: https://hobesoundnaturecenter.org/summer-nature-camp-2026
Jr. Naturalist Camp: https://hobesoundnaturecenter.org/jr-naturalist-camp-2026