These opportunities are curated through the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network. Opportunities posted through the Network may not be affiliated with the Florida Museum or TESI, but are shared with UF undergraduate students who want to learn more about environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement. Please reach out directly to opportunity sponsors with any questions about their offerings.
1/16 to 2/15 – Gainesville’s 2026 Tree Quest!
Host Organization
UF/IFAS Urban Forestry Extension Council
Description
To celebrate Florida Arbor Day this year, we will launch Gainesville’s Tree Quest! The UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences and the City of Gainesville have partnered to build an urban forestry adventure that invites our community to get outside, learn about trees, and some of the benefits they provide in our city. The event will take place across three of Gainesville’s public parks and on the University of Florida campus.
Learn more and how to participate by visiting the link above!
Date and Time
Thursday, January 15 through Sunday, February 15, 2026
Location
Various parks across Gainesville. Visit the link above to learn more.
3/1 – Perspectives in the Parks: Disappearing Rivers
Host Organization
City of Gainesville
Description
What do Aquifer Protection, Florida Black Bears, Agriculture, Salt Marshes, and Aircraft Carrier Flight Operations have in Common? The North Florida Land Trust. Learn how we use land conservation to accomplish multiple goals in Florida with speaker Ramesh Buch.
Date and Time
Saturday, March 1, 2026
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Location
Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center
1500 NW 45th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605
3/2 – Birds and Brews
Host Organization
Alachua Audubon Society and First Magnitude Brewery
Description
First Magnitude and the Alachua Audubon Society have teamed up to host monthly bird walks! The group, led by volunteers from the Alachua Audubon Society, will start walking over to Depot Park 15 minutes after the meeting time. Once at Depot Park, an hour-long guided tour will identify our lovely aerial pals!
Date and Time
Sunday, March 2, 2026
5:45 – 7:00 PM
Location
First Magnitude Brewing Company – 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, FL 32601
In front of the Maggie Banner by the entrance to The First Magnitude Warehouse
3/6 – UF DeLuca Bioblitz
Host Organization
UF/IFAS
Description
Join us for the 5th Annual DeLuca Bioblitz! A bioblitz is an intensive biodiversity survey where participants work together to document as many species as possible using the iNaturalist app.
This special event provides a unique opportunity to explore the University of Florida’s DeLuca Preserve in Okeechobee, Florida. Hosted by UF researchers and extension experts, the bioblitz is open to nature enthusiasts of all skill levels—from first-time iNaturalist users to seasoned experts.
Date and Time
Friday, March 6, 2026
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location
3/31 – Reshaping Nature Symposium
Host Organization
UF Biodiversity Institute, Invasion Science Institute, and Florida Climate Institute
Description
Date and Time
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location
Reitz Union