Equine, Pets & Wildlife   

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.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helps Floridians understand and live with this mid-sized member of the canine family. Learn about the coyote's role in the environment and get updates on recent research. Also addressed are potential problems with coyotes, including livestock and pet loss. Learn about applicable regulations, and why eradication is not achievable for this species. Details will be provided to learn how to be safe around coyotes and how to coexist with this new predator on Florida's landscape.

A thoroughbred’s life is different from other horse breeds in that it’s controlled and monitored starting at birth and leading up to the race track.  This course covers the naming and registering of a foal, the breaking and early training, the rest period, extended intense training, the starting gate training, and then the race debut.

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!

What do horses do after they retire from racing? Come learn about the boundless career opportunities for horses, how they make a difference in people's lives, and where past Kentucky Derby champions reside.

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. 

Do you love to go to garage sales, flea markets, and antique malls? This class highlights the most collectible, and priceless, racing and equine memorabilia to watch for. From Derby glass to Budweiser Clydesdale steins or Breyer models, this class covers the history, collectability and good places to sell these items. Bring your own items for conversation.

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. This is a great opportunity to learn about all the wading/water birds you are likely to encounter in Florida. You can encounter 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.

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.