Feb. 20, March 6 & May 1 | Fridays | 5 - 7 p.m. | Free for All Ages

Heritage Nature Conservancy | 2005 NE Third St.

You will get a chance to experience the bats flying out from the HNC bat house as you learn interesting facts about the nocturnal world of bats and owls.

Follow our FB event page for more updates and details along the way! https://www.facebook.com/events/3652312011576794

April 10 & 11 | Friday & Saturday | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Free for All Ages

Fort King National Historic Landmark | 3925 E Fort King St.

Gopher Tortoise Day was officially adopted by the Gopher Tortoise Council to highlight the importance of these long-lived reptiles, which are native to the southeastern United States. The day aims to educate the public about the gopher tortoise's ecological role as a keystone species, meaning it significantly impacts its environment and supports many other species through its burrowing.

Highlighting the keystone species as well as wildlife rehabbers within the state, FWC representatives will share how to become a recipient site for those on 40+ acres of land. Learn about the Pet Amnesty Program, including visits from a sulcata and red-footed tortoise (DC), local Goldenrod Meadows plant nursery with recommendations on native plants to plant (some for sale on site), and learn to make a rag-rug tortoise to tie into the pioneer/historic homesteading venue with sustainable practices. Various documentaries and short educational clips will be shown throughout the day.

Ongoing Activities Both Days | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 'Gopher Games' – Documentary streaming all day in the Theater Room Kids’ Activities– Gopher tortoise books, crafts, and fun giveaways Native Plant Sale – Purchase tortoise-friendly native plants to support both habitat and pollinators

Saturday Only  10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Visit with ambassadors and representatives from Florida Fish and Wildlife, Ashton Biological Preserve, Rescuing Ocala Wildlife, Discovery Center, and more! 10 a.m. - Noon | Rag-Rug-A-Tort Class $10/registration required: Click here to register

Sept. 19 | Saturday | All Ages | Free Program

Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave.

In partnership with volunteer organizations and individuals around the globe, the International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC) engages people to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways. Thanks to millions of volunteers around the world, the ICC has become a beacon of hope, leading and inspiring action in support of our ocean. Since its beginning, more than 18 million volunteers have collected more than 380 million pounds of trash. Trash travels, so even picking up litter off a city sidewalk can help protect wildlife and communities that depend on clean waterways.

Ocala is the most central location on the map of Florida. Help us pick up items around Tuscawilla and Art Park to collect data of which items are most common and join in with volunteers all over the world!

People should register ahead of time with the organization and number in their group to secure a hat! Items will be available, but it helps if you can bring your own: bucket, gloves, pickers, clipboards, phone to download the CleanSwell App, and plenty of friends!