Earth Day 2023 The Gopher Tortoise and Their Ecosystem


Celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10th.  Gopher Tortoises are considered a Keystone Species. As herbivores, Gopher Tortoises disperse seed through their scat that.  More than 350 species share their burrow for protection from weather, fires, and high temperatures.  These animals include indigo snakes, rattlesnakes, skunks, gopher frogs, wolf spiders, and burrowing owls.  The cover art depicts an arch with a keystone at the top. If the keystone is removed, the arch will collapse. Likewise, if the Gopher Tortoise is removed from its habitat, the ecosystem will collapse.

Celebrate Earth Day Everyday

Once again, a Florida bear hunt is “on the table.” Visit our booth at Earth Fest on April 29th at Concord Park in Casselberry.   You will learn to connect, respect, and coexist with Florida Black Bears with our interactive hands-on display. Walk away with the knowledge of how to add your voice to protect our iconic Black Bears.

Be sure to visit our website www.imagineourflorida.org to learn about wild animals, wildflowers, and wild places. Shop for nature inspired tees, hats and more.

Imagine Our Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Science-based Educational Organization corporation.

 

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Flamingo Gardens in Davie Florida

The guests at Flamingo Gardens in Davie Florida learned how to connect, respect, and coexist with Florida’s wildlife. A flamingo stopped by Ileana’s IOF table while Josh, the rescued Florida Black bear enjoyed a day in the sun.
Volunteer with us. We promise the experience is worth your time. Message us if you are in the Miami area for opportunities in Broward County. We also have opportunities in Tampa area, Brevard County, and Central Florida.
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Imagine Our FLorida at Hardee County Public Library

Imagine Our Florida’s new Manatee Display will be up from Feb 7th thru March 13th.

Library Hours:
Monday 10:00 – 18:30
Tuesday 09:00 – 17:30
Wednesday 09:00 – 17:00
Thursday 09:00 – 17:00
Friday 09:00 – 16:00

For more information:
https://www.govserv.org/…/811…/Hardee-County-Public-Library…

315 N 6th Ave, Wauchula, FL 33873

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Thundering Spirit Pow Wow

Please join us for traditional Native American culture including drumming, dancing, crafts, and food. Bring the whole family and spend the day! Don’t forget to bring chairs and/or blankets to sit on.
-Thundering Spirit Family

Renningers Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center

20651 US Highway 441, Mount Dora, Florida 32757
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2020 Lyonia Wildlife Festival

Imagine Our Florida is proud to be apart of the 2020 Lyonia Wildlife Festival

Some of the activities besides educational experiences at many booths like IOF include:

Eco-Buggy Tours
9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Explore Lyonia Preserve from the
comfort of our 25-passenger buggy.
The tours will last one hour. Spots are
limited; please visit our sign-up table
to reserve your seat.
Wildlife Presentations
10 a.m.: Alligators
Noon: Birds of Prey
1:30 p.m.: Sharks
2:30 p.m.: Snakes of Florida
These one-hour educational programs
will be presented in the auditorium. The
Alligators and Birds of Prey programs will
feature live animals.
Guided Hikes
8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Enjoy a 45-minute stroll through Lyonia
Preserve with an experienced guide.
Wear closed-toe shoes. Please visit our
sign-up table to register.
T-Shirt to Tote Bag Craft Program
10 a.m. and noon
Have fun repurposing a T-shirt into a
handy tote for groceries and more.
All materials will be provided. Space is
limited; please visit our sign-up table to
reserve your seat.
All scheduled programs are free!

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Volunteer Wekiva

Join us at Wilson’s Landing to learn about exciting volunteer opportunities with many different organizations around the river system!
Volunteers are a critical part of all our activities. Come meet some of the organizations that are active in our community to find out what they are working on and how you can help!
Demonstrations and sign up sheets will be on-site, so you can sign up for upcoming volunteer events.
Volunteers needed for macroinvertebrate sampling, water quality measuring, creative writing, editing, social media, photography, creating 360° video, manatee counts and more! Family-friendly!

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Native Rhythms Festival 2019

The Indian River Flute Circle and Native Heritage Gathering, Inc. proudly present the eleventh annual gathering of the Native Rhythms Festival. This three day festival during Native American Heritage Month honors the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas through music, and especially the music of the Native American Flute.

Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, Florida 32935

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Oakland Heritage Wildlife Festival

Imagine Our Florida, together with IOF’s ambassador Slow Mama, will be presenting our hands-on lesson plan to connect, respect, and coexist with Florida Black Bears. “The Oakland Heritage & Wildlife Festival is held each fall in the heart of Oakland Florida. This free festival celebrates the cultural and natural history of the Lake Apopka basin and Central Florida. Join us for this great day of food, entertainment, merchants, live entertainment, and family fun!” – Oakland Nature Preserve

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2019 Umatilla Wildlife and Woodland Christmas Festival

Umatilla has combined the Wildlife festival and their Christmas festival since the Wildlife festival got rained out. Come see Imagine Our Florida’s education program on the Florida Black Bear and how our bears control their own populations. We will also be talking about the future of Florida’s black bear population with the new updated FWC bear management plan.

No photo description available.

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Florida Black Bear Behavior and Awareness

  • Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:45 PM – 9 PM
  • UF IFAS Extension Seminole County

    250 W County Home Rd, Sanford, Florida 32773

    EVENT BY Cuplet Fern Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Imagine Our Florida, Inc..

    🤗 Click ‘SHARE’ to invite your loved ones!

    ⏰7pm-9pm

    💯FREE Admission and Parking!

    🤝 DONATE to show your support. Or JOIN if Cuplet Fern is for you!

    😎Laid back, casual group- check-in, relax, and enjoy the presentation! Help put things back in their place after the meeting (leave the venue as you found it, if not better!)

    🌿 Learn about natural Florida!

    MAIN PROGRAM PRESENTATION:
    Please join Dan and Nancy Kon from Imagine Our Florida- a non-profit organization focused on science-based education to teach people of all ages how to connect, respect, and coexist with Florida wildlife and within our shared ecosystems. At this meeting, they will be discussing the Florida Black Bear, dispelling common fears, and showing folks how to peacefully coexist with these iconic animals. They will also be bringing their ambassador, Slow Mama, a waif gopher tortoise! Dan and Nancy are renowned photographers in our region that dedicate their free time to spotlighting many of our beautiful plants and animals with interesting (and usually unheard of) facts and trivia that really get our community involved. Imagine Our Florida participates in many outreach events throughout our area and state, is business partners with PSI at Seminole County Schools and Orlando Science Center, and has a vibrant social media presence.

    Free admission. Donations towards YOUTH ECO-CAMP welcomed and highly encouraged at the meeting! Small selection of locally grown native plants also available for purchase (proceeds go towards YOUTH ECO-CAMP SPONSORSHIPS!)👦👧🏽👦🏾

    Some helpful information/ Frequently asked questions 🌼 :
    a) This event is free to the public. Programs are a service to our community. If you LOVE or even SUPPORT what we do, please consider joining or donating- it keeps us going 🤝

    b) There is no charge to enter the Sanford Garden Club. Please come to our program between 6:30p and 7p

    c) Complete information on our programs can be found through our chapter website and newsletter. Visit http://cupletfern.org 🌱

    d) No pre-registering required. Simply clicking on ‘Going’ or ‘Interested’ on this event is sufficient.

    e) A timeline of our meeting and program is as follows:
    6:45pm Welcome and soft opening
    7:00pm Meeting begins with monthly announcements
    7:20pm Pre-program discussion (if any)
    7:30pm Plant descriptions for Youth Eco Camp
    7:35pm Presentation
    8:30pm Presentation winds down/concludes
    8:35pm Q&A/Discussion with audience
    8:40pm Meeting and program concludes
    8:45pm Departure begins
    9:00pm Building closes

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Ecofest Earthday Tampa Bay 2019

Lowry Park county park 7525 N. Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33604
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Painting with a Purpose Fundraiser April 28th

Director Aymee Laurain will be holding a fundraiser at Painting With a Twist at 2527 Central Ave
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33713 on April 28th from 2-5pm.

In light of the humpback whale sightings off the east coast of Florida this year, we are celebrating with this fun fundraiser. Come out and enjoy some wine. Bring a friend or a few friends. It’s always fun and the money raised goes towards our education and outreach efforts. We hope to see you there.

Information about the Venue:

These classes are for everyone ages 14 and above.

Anyone ages 10 – 13 must be accompanied by an adult or parent/guardian.

Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get checked in, smocked & in your seat! If you desire more time to unwind, visit with friends & breathe before we get twisted, we invite you to arrive up to 30 minutes prior to start time; it’s your Happy Half Hour!

If you’re coming with others, but making reservations separately, give us your group’s name in the Special Request box. We’ll seat you together!

PAYMENT POLICY: Payment is due at the time of the reservation to guarantee your seat. If you choose not to pay online, please call our studio to make payment arrangements by phone (727-797-7928) or visit our studio in person for payment.

REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY: A refund or store credit will be given for individuals canceling with at least 24 hours notice. “No shows” will not be issued store credit or refunds. If you are late to the class you may not be allowed to paint and your payment will be forfeited.

Painting with a Twist reserves the right to cancel classes for unforeseen circumstances. Registrants will be notified at least 24 hours prior to class time and refunds will be processed.

**You are welcome to bring your favorite drink and other food or snacks. All refreshments are B.Y.O. We do provide ice, cups, napkins, and small plates. Younger painters can participate in Family Fun Days, Kids Camps and Kids Classes.

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Natures Classroom Open House

Imagine Our Florida, inc. will be one of many educational presenters at Nature’s Classroom’s Open House event. Come enjoy the beautiful outdoors at this family-friendly event. We look forward to teaching people of all ages about Florida Black Bears and their important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

13100 Verges Rd
Thonotosassa, Florida 33592

(813) 987-6969

Parking is $10 per vehicle. There will also be raffle tickets for $1 each.

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Wildlife Festival at Lyonia Environmental Center

Come join Imagine Our Florida and check out the Lyonia Wildlife festival and hike the Lyonia wildlife preserve after you check out the new environmental center.  Free admission and fun for all.

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Imagine Our Florida speaking at Valencia College East Campus for Earth Justice week

Couldn’t make it on Wednesday at West Campus at Valencia College for our program?

Imagine Our Florida will be speaking on Thursday, Jan 31st, 2019 at Valencia College East Campus for Earth Justice week

Valencia College East Campus

701 N Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, Florida 32825
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Arteco 2019

Innovation Montessori Ocoee presents artēco! a festival of environmental, musical and artistic exploration and learning!

Saturday, March 2nd, 2019, 11:00am-4:00pm at Innovation Montessori Ocoee at 1644 N. Lakewood Ave. Ocoee, FL 34761.

Be a part of our 2nd annual art and eco festival as we introduce our school’s artistic and environmental passions to the community. Free event for all

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2019 Deland Water festival

This free event will have many vendors and educational opportunities for people of all ages. The Water Festival is a fun and unique event addressing a growing concern for the citizens of Volusia County: 92% of our natural water sources are in peril. Our springs, rivers and the aquifer from which we get our drinking water are suffering from increased pollution and declining flows caused by a growing populace. While Volusia County depends on population growth for prosperity, growth need not mean more pollution and unnecessary water usage. With greater knowledge, residents can make better choices to conserve and protect our precious water sources. The Water Festival is for all ages to celebrate water, to learn and to join together to preserve and protect these essential natural resources.

10am to 4pm on West Indiana Ave. Deland FL.

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2019 Thundering Spirit Mt. Dora Pow Wow

Everyone is welcome at the Annual Thundering Spirit Pow Wow on March 1-3, 2019 at the Renningers Twin Markets in Mount Dora, Florida. You are invited to experience the sight and sounds of the powwow as Native American drummers, flutists, storytellers, singers, and dancers perform in their colorful regalia.

An outstanding collection of Native American Artisans and Traders will be bringing their Creativity, Culture, Native American jewelry, dreamcatchers, clothing and crafts. Food booths featured Indian tacos, fry bread and buffalo burgers. Bring the whole family to the Thundering Spirit Pow Wow and spend the day. Don’t forget to bring chairs and/or blankets to sit on.

Admission ~ Required Donation: 
Adults $7.00 (Multi-Day $10.00)
Children Under 12 FREE
Active, Retired or Service Persons Admitted FREE

Pow Wow Schedule
Gates Open at 10:00am Daily
Friday Children’s Day 10:00am – 2:00pm with special Demonstrations, Games, etc.
Friday Grand Entry at 7:00pm
Saturday Grand Entry at 1:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday Grand Entry at 1:00pm

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Wekiva’s Santa in the Park

Bring the kids to see Santa, sit on his lap, and tell him what they want for Christmas. Plus learn and see Imagine Our Florida’s ambassador gopher tortoise, Slow Mama, and hear her story. Free event. Wekiva Hills park at the intersection of Hunt Club Blvd. and Wekiva Trail

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Santa Paws 2018

On Saturday December 1st From 12 PM To 3PM Santa Paws will be at the Animal Clinic of Wekiva at 3851 Wekiva Springs Rd Longwood, Florida 32779 to take your Pets picture with Santa. We are Super Happy that Dan and Nancy Kon of Kon Studio of Photography Will be doing the Photography, so the images will be absolutely professional. What we are asking is a Minimum 10 dollar charitable donation that will go to Imagine Our Florida whose mission is to educate and empower the people of Florida to become a voice for our wildlife, advocate for environmental stewardship, and coexist within our unique ecosystems.
its a win-win Folks, get a pet picture and support the wildlife and environment while having some fun at the same time.
Hope to see you there!

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Umatilla Wildlife Festival 2018

Come and experience the “Real” Florida at the original “wildlife focused” festival

The purpose of the Florida Wildlife Festival is to increase awareness and promote the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife by fostering community appreciation of the Florida black bear and other native wildlife species, as well as Florida’s unique ecosystems that serve as wildlife habitat.

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Wild Weather Weekend

The Orlando Science Center has invited Imagine Our Florida to present an educational program to talk about the wild weather and Florida’s wildlife and ecosystems. There will be other educational information from others organizations too. For more information http://www.osc.org/september/ 

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2018 Central Florida Vegfest

Central Florida Veg Fest is an exciting day of colorful and educational exhibits and activities! It will take place at the beautiful Orlando Festival Park near downtown Orlando on October 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Admission is FREE! Veg Fest is a family-friendly, dog-friendly, alcohol-free, and smoke-free event. Veg Fest, now in its 13th year, is one of the biggest and best vegetarian festivals in the country!

Central Florida Veg Fest will draw both committed vegetarians/vegans and those who want to learn more about how veg-living enhances our health, the planet, and its inhabitants. Come enjoy a diverse cross-section of vegetarian cuisines and lifestyles. Discover new products and ideas from over 200 vendors and 100 contributors and enjoy a wide variety of presentations and food preparation demos. Not a vegetarian? Whether you’re looking for new ideas to add color and variety to your meals or you’re a “seasoned” vegetarian interested in expanding your knowledge of nutritious and ethical foods, this is the place for you. Please RSVP on the Veg Fest event page and join the Veg Fest community page for regular updates about the event. And please share these pages with your family and friends.


Enjoy speakers, food preparation demonstrations, a veggie kids zone, an animal haven, an artist cornermusic on an acoustic stage, lots of other activities (including parades, performances, workshops, and a drum circle presented by Earth Sponsor and special guest Ibex Puppetry!), and many veg-friendly vendors. There are so many fun and interesting things happening at Veg Fest you will want to stay all day. And so much delicious vegan food that you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with plenty of snacks in between!
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Avon Park Library display event

Come see the many items and information about Florida’s amazing Black Bears and other wonderful animals that will be on display at the Avon Park Library from April 17th to the 28th.

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Arteco Fest

Artēco Festival

Saturday, April 14, 2018 

10AM to 4PM

presented by Innovation Montessori in the Arts!


Entertainment, Food, and Vendor Information COMING SOON

Feeling artsy? Feeling earthy? Feeling like enjoying a beautiful Saturday with your family exploring our new campus where vendors and students will be providing inspiration?

Look no further than Artēco, our inaugural celebration of all things beautiful and sustainable.

Innovation Montessori in The Arts! presents Artēco, a festival of music, food, artistic and environmental exploration and learning!  Our school’s musical groups and local talent will entertain throughout the day as guests enjoy scores of artistic and environmentally friendly vendors.

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9th Annual Ecofest celebrates Earth Day Tampa Bay

9th Annual EcoFest will be held on at the Lowry Park bandshell area – 7525 N. Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33604 . The event will be open to the public from until . Admission to the event is free .

Come visit Aymee and her team and learn how to Connect. Respect. Coexist with Imagine Our Florida.

There will be live music, workshops, demonstrations, informational booths, green living products and services. Some local artists, green businesses, environmental organizations, alternative health practitioners, renewable energy specialists, organic farms and gardens with produce will be in attendance.

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Thundering Spirit Mt. Dora Powwow

Honoring the 4 Races of Man

Friday March 2nd 2018, Grand Entry at 7:00pm

Saturday March 3rd 2018, Grand Entry at 1:00pm & 7:00pm

Sunday March 4th 2018, Grand Entry at 1:00pm

Gates Open at 10:00am Daily

Friday March 2nd is Children’s Day from 10:00am – 2:00pm with special Demonstrations, Games, etc.

Please join us for Traditional Native American Culture Including: Drumming, Dancing, Crafts, and Food.

Bring the whole Family and spend the day,  Don’t forget to bring Chairs and/or Blankets to sit on

Admission ~ Required Donation: Adults $7.00, multi-day pass $10.00, Children Under 12 FREE

Active, Retired or Service Persons Admitted FREE

http://www.thunderingspiritfamily.com/

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2018 – 13th Annual Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club Fair

This year the fair is twice as big – running for 2 days at a new location. 260 Wekiva Springs Road Longwood FL 32779 (The Protegrity Parking Lot). So many things to see, learn and buy! Saturday March 3rd and Sunday March 4th from 10am to 4pm each day.

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Sarasota Vegfest

Come out and enjoy great food, music, and a fun education. Imagine Our Florida, Inc. will be there with our educational interdependence lesson plan. Stop by our booth and show your support.

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Manatee Festival

The Festival is a Fund Raiser for the Orange City Community. The proceeds will benefit “Friends of Blue Spring State Park”, Educational scholarships, and other Greater Orange City Organizations.

Admission:

Adults – $8
Children Ages 4-10 – $2
Children 3 And Under – FREE
Dogs – $10 

Free Shuttle Bus To Blue Spring State Park To See The Manatees!

Fun For The Whole Family!:

  • Central FL Zoo Presentations & Animal Ambassadors
  • Imagine Our Florida presentations
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Dancing
  • Face Painting
  • Shows & Rides
  • Children’s Fingerprinting by V.I.P.S.
  • Walk-on-water Balls
  • SPCA Adopt-A-Pet
  • Great Food
  • Entertainment
  • Sand Sculpting

Entertainment:

  • Bubba Whoopass and the Whoopoffs
  • Caerbannog
  • Karegan Wodz
  • Disc Connected K9s – World Famous Frisbee Dogs

Manatee Fest Games!:

  • Rock Wall Climbing
  • Bungee Jumping
  • US Army Obstacle Course
  • Balloon Man Shooting Gallery
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Orlando Science Center Earth Day Event – Citizen Science Day

Discover the scientist in you! Join us for Citizen Science Day featuring activities and projects that will allow you to contribute to real scientific research. Meet with community organizations that that focus on science, conservation, and environmentalism to learn how you can get involved and make a difference.

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Unincorporated Orange County Bear Garbage Cans Event

Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson has announced the opportunity for people in Unincorporated Orange County.to swap out Automated Bear Resistant trash cans. See his letter below.
Sept 9th 9am-11am
Orange County Service building – 1111 Rock Springs Rd. Apopka Fl 32712
The discounted cost is only $50
Debit/Credit cards and Checks only
Can’t make it? – Call Solid Waste Hotline at 407-836-6601

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