Take a trip around the world and become familiar with endangered species you may not have even known existed. Learn why these animals are in trouble and whats being done to save them.

Take a trip around the world as we look at each continent's savanna and prairie ecosystems, and the unique animals that call these areas home. This class will include a special animal guest.

The Attwater's Prairie Chicken is one of North Americas most endangered bird species. In this course, participants will get an inside look at what the state of Texas and local zoos are doing to save this animal from extinction.

The endless work honey bees do for mankind is amazing to discover. Here, we will learn how queen bees are created, the jobs assigned to each caste of bees, and how we can help them survive.

We will also discuss some of the foods honey bees provide for mankind and why they do it. If possible, we will visit the Marion County Beekeeper's Club Apiary to watch live bees at work. Protective gear will be provided.

Come, explore some of the possibilities honey bees provide for us.

This course looks at how and why we keep honeybees. Each class will include basic information for those who may want to start beekeeping. Equipment and start-up costs will be discussed.

Weather permitting, the class will visit the Marion County Beekeepers Club’s apiary where we'll open hives and look at the inside workings. Each class will end with a Q & A session.

Join Chappie McChesney of the North Central Florida Beekeepers Association as he discusses how beekeeping has changed over the years and what its future may look like.

Learn about the latest trends in beekeeping and the problems facing our honey bees.

Choose one, two, or all three in this series. Birds that hunt for a living are fascinating! Some swoop down from high places at speeds up to 200 MPH! Others sit quietly and meld into the background until a likely meal passes by. Some hunt at night, some over ponds and streams while others course endlessly over wetlands and swamps.

Birds that hunt for a living are fascinating! Hawks and eagles are some of the largest raptors. They are powerful birds and are extremely agile for their size. Learn the differences between red-shouldered and red-tailed hawks. Do we have more than one eagle species in this area? Find out in this exciting session.

Choose one, two, or all three in this series. Birds that hunt for a living are fascinating! Some swoop down from high places at speeds up to 200 MPH! Others sit quietly and meld into the background until a likely meal passes by. Some hunt at night, some over ponds and streams while others course endlessly over wetlands and swamps.

Owls are the silent hunters of the night! Well, most of them anyway! How can they see so far away? How can they hear small creatures scurrying about under snow (not here, thank goodness), and in shallow tunnels under packed down grasses? The favorite food of one owl species is skunk – and they nest locally.

Choose one, two, or all three in this series. Birds that hunt for a living are fascinating! Some swoop down from high places at speeds up to 200 MPH! Others sit quietly and meld into the background until a likely meal passes by. Some hunt at night, some over ponds and streams while others course endlessly over wetlands and swamps.

We are blessed with three different species of falcons in this area. Once the source of pride and “bragging rights” of long ago royalty the sport of falconry is still with us today. Known for their swift flight falcons are adept at capturing prey in flight. Vultures are invaluable to us as they take on the task of keeping our fields and forests free of vermin. Are crows raptors?

This presentation will focus on common medical conditions and emergencies that the everyday pet owner could experience. The goal of the lecture will be two fold: 1) Tips on how to asses and triage your pet's emergency before seeking veterinary care, and 2) Simple vet hacks that could potentially help you to treat your pet at home and avoid a vet visit in non-emergency situations.

We will cover a variety of conditions such as house hold toxicities, seizures, trauma, skin allergies, and gastrointestinal upset. We will also debunk common myths about at home vet care. For example, which over the counter medications area actually safe to give your pet. This presentation is a must see for all pet owners.

What is under my lawn that is making those bumps and holes? How do I deal with the culprit?

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!

Birding in Florida is different from any other birding experience. The birds are different, there are lots of them, especially wading and water birds, which are harder to attract. This course will cover all the basics such as how to attract birds to your back yard, recommended use and types of feeders, water, houses and habitat, squirrel proofing your feeders and how to identify all your new-found feathered friends! A total of three hours of class time will give you a lifetime of enjoyment and pleasure. All the information you need to fully enjoy this fascinating hobby. Get lots of information on birding opportunities and organizations.