Equine, Pets & Wildlife   

Did you know that more than 4,000 people owned part of Derby winner Authentic? And that horses sold for as little as $1,000 went on to win the world's most legendary race?  This class dispels the myth that racehorse ownership is solely for the rich. Learn what famed racehorses sold for modest sums and went on to big achievements. Discover new racehorse ownership models and investment strategies making the game of horse racing more accessible.

While excellent resources exist for dog parents, support is needed at the beginning and end of the journey. The Forever Cali Project was created in honor of Kate's 17-year-old beautiful Cairn Terrier, who initially wasn't expected to survive puppyhood.

Learn valuable information from experts worldwide whether you are welcoming or getting ready to say goodbye to your 4-legged family member. 
 

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40) by no later than 9 a.m. Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride (uncushioned) through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground.

Cost includes: park ranger tour, glass bottom boat ride, and tram ride. Students will drive to the location and meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park by no later than 9 a.m. using the following address: 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs FL 34488. 

We live in "The horse capital of the world." Join Thomas Sweeney owner of Port Royal Racing, who is also working press for Tampa Bay Downs and a multi-state licensed professional horseman.

Part 1 of this 2 part course will cover the basics from breeding to the starting gate! In Part 2 we will attend a Thoroughbred auction at the world famous Ocala Breeders Sales where many of these equine athletes will fetch upwards of $1,000,000! Tom will "escort" you "backstage" at the sales! This is a great primer on "The Sport of Kings...and Queens!

This new offering is for those who are "physically challenged" but would still enjoy a short, pleasant bird walk. Proposed trails will be "user friendly" for walkers, wheel chairs, canes, etc. and led by "experienced birders" with walkers. The purpose of this class is to discuss birding opportunities and possible future participation in bird walks. 

North Central Florida offers great opportunities for both experienced and novice birders.  Whether you are interested in beginning a birding hobby, new to our area or simply want to brush up your birding skills with like minded neighbors, this may be for you.  We'll explore our common and a few uncommon species as well as where and when to search.

Many think Horse Capital got its start when Florida-bred racehorse Needles won the Kentucky Derby in 1956, but the rich history of horses thriving in Marion County goes much further back. Come learn more about how horse country became a horse mecca starting with the impact of the most populous breed, the Thoroughbred, and how the county now makes its home to more horses, breeds and disciplines than any other county in the USA.

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40) by no later than 9 a.m. Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride (uncushioned) through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground.

Cost includes: park ranger tour, glass bottom boat ride, and tram ride. Students will drive to the location and meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park by no later than 9 a.m. using the following address: 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs FL 34488. 

Planning now can be your final act of love and kindness for your pet. Tamara Vaughn, JD LL.M will explore the use of Pet Trusts, the advantages of funding one and pitfalls to avoid. Linda Norman, CFP will discuss practical documents to instruct caregivers and family members, allocating assets to provide for care, and explore options for the care of your pet when you are no longer able.

Some of the largest and most powerful birds fall into the collective category of Raptors. Some soar high overhead and dive at speeds up to 200 MPH on unsuspecting prey. Some are smaller than robins and weigh in at less than 2.5 ounces. Many of these birds look alike. Some of them live near you. All are vital to our environment - and they are Fascinating! This two-part class is designed to help you sort them out.

We live in "The horse capital of the world." Join Thomas Sweeney owner of Port Royal Racing, who is also working press for Tampa Bay Downs and a multi-state licensed professional horseman.

Part 1 of this 2 part course will cover the basics from breeding to the starting gate! In Part 2 we will attend a Thoroughbred auction at the world famous Ocala Breeders Sales where many of these equine athletes will fetch upwards of $1,000,000! Tom will "escort" you "backstage" at the sales! This is a great primer on "The Sport of Kings...and Queens!

Enjoy a morning at Silver Springs State Park learning about the natural and cultural/historical resources of the area. Group will meet at the archway (main entrance off Rt 40) by no later than 9 a.m. Participants will spend the morning with a Park Ranger to learn about the importance of the Silver River, starting near the head spring.
After a Glass Bottom Boat tour, they will walk along the Ross Allen Boardwalk and Blue Trail to take a tram ride (uncushioned) through the Sandhill Natural Community, with the last stop at the Silver River Museum. After the museum, they will tram back to the main entrance. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and must be able to walk at least one mile, some on uneven ground.

Cost includes: park ranger tour, glass bottom boat ride, and tram ride. Students will drive to the location and meet at the Entry Arch to Silver Springs State Park by no later than 9 a.m. using the following address: 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs FL 34488. 

The Withlacoochee and lower Rainbow Rivers near Dunellen offer a different look at "old Florida" as well as the more "modern" appearance. This course features a three-hour boat ride with an experienced river boat Captain. Great opportunity to learn about all the wading/water birds you are likely to encounter in Florida. Lots of songbirds too!
The first class will be in the classroom with discussion and video presentation on any of the birds we are likely to see. You should be able to identify most of them accurately by the end of this first class. The second class will be a boat ride and will begin with about one mile of the Rainbow River and as much of the Withlacoochee as we can cover in the allotted time. Enjoy up close and personal views of magnificent birds with great photo opportunities. An optional luncheon will follow at a nearby riverside cafe where we will make up a list of all the birds we have seen and/or heard on the boat-ride. Second class date field trip directions: Rt. 484 to Dunnellon. Turn left at the first traffic light - Rt.41. Park in Municipal lot in front of City Hall. Boat sails from Public Boat Ramp.

We live in "The horse capital of the world." Join Thomas Sweeney owner of Port Royal Racing, who is also working press for Tampa Bay Downs and a multi-state licensed professional horseman.

Part 1 of this 2 part course will cover the basics from breeding to the starting gate! In Part 2 we will attend a Thoroughbred auction at the world famous Ocala Breeders Sales where many of these equine athletes will fetch upwards of $1,000,000! Tom will "escort" you "backstage" at the sales! This is a great primer on "The Sport of Kings...and Queens!

Learn about the ties famed Triple Crown winning racehorses have to Florida, and specifically Marion County. Your instructor will share tales of the turf and share interesting tidbits about each champion and how Florida contributed to their legacy.