Chinsegut Conservation Center is open to the public from 8 AM until 2 PM Fridays and Saturdays and other times for scheduled programs or by appointment. Educators and organized groups can book programs year-round based on staff and volunteer availability.

The Center hosts many wildlife education programs and hikes throughout the year. Fun educational programs connect visitors with biologists and wildlife experts to explore and become familiar with Florida’s unique and sensitive natural areas. Located 6 miles north of Brooksville, Chinsegut Conservation Center Tract covers 408 of the 850 acres comprising Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA). October 2018 programs are below:

Wildlife Water Safari

October 3rd at 10:30 AM Ages 5-8: Register ages 5-8 to explore the depths of May’s Prairie right form the Conservation Center. Children will learn about food webs and the unique invertebrates that call May’s Prairie home. Includes half mile hike to Prairie overlook and dip netting if conditions permit. Program length: 1.5 Hours

Composting

October 5th at 10:00 AM  is Composting: A program offered through Hernando County Waste Management. This free program is an opportunity to learn to turn kitchen scraps into garden gold. Attend the workshop and take home a free animal resistant compost bin. This session is limited to 15 participants. Register by calling 352-754-4112. Program length: 2.0 Hours

Global Big Day Bird Counting

October 6th from 8 AM-2 PM, join us at Chinsegut to count birds, learn about birding, counting birds and receive booklets on beginning birding for youth and adults. Staff will be counting periodically from the Center’s back deck which overlooks our bird feeder array. No need to register, just stop in between 8 AM and 2 PM, borrow binoculars and count with us.

Junior Naturalist

October 11th at 10:30, ages 10-13 can learn about birding, animal observation, nature journaling and some of the specialized technology employed by wildlife biologists. See MyFWC.com/Chinsegut for program outline and education standards. Registration required at (352) 754-6722. Program length: 2.0 Hours

Archery 3-D Shoot

October 13th at 9:00 AM  Please plan to arrive before 9 AM to register to participate. All members of the public are invited to bring their bows and join this exciting new opportunity to shoot a 15 lane 3-d archery course sponsored by Drawn by Grace. Fees are requested to help us maintain equipment and provide new exciting archery opportunities for the future. Fees: 12 and under are free, ages 13-16 5$, adults 10$ or 25$ maximum per family. For more information call the center at (352) 754-6722. Program Length: Allow up to 4 hours

Rock Talk

October 13th at 10:00 AM, join geologist Mike Kelley for a look at fascinating fossils and information on Florida’s incredible karst landscape. No registration required for this free program. Recommended for ages 12+. Includes 1.5-mile hike to visit landscape features resultant of Florida’s geological past. Program Length: 1.5 Hours

Backpacking 101

October 13th at 9:00 AM, adventure enthusiast Jeanene from Not-A-Clue Adventures is hosting a three-day course (split over two weekends) for those who want to explore overnighting. Learn what is essential and what to leave out to keep your pack manageable. Classroom day October 13, Hike and Overnight stay October 20-21. Fee $60.00 per person which covers all classes. See more details and register at NotAClueAdventures.com

Introduction to Nature Photography

October 14th at 10:00 AM, professional photographer and nature lover Alice Herden of Green-fly Media offers a monthly opportunity to learn more about your DSLR camera and getting great shots outdoors. Alice has an amazing nature portfolio and lots of opportunities for photographers of all levels to join her in the field. Registration and a $20.00 fee required. See more at Creative-Nature-Photography.com Program Length: 3 Hours

Map and Compass

October 18th at 10:30 AM, ages 10-13 can have the opportunity to learn what navigation was like before GPS and cell phones. Students will learn how a map and compass are used and test their skill at navigating a couple compass trials. Registration is required at (352) 754-6722. Program Length: 2.0 Hours

Beginning Birding with Audubon

October 19th at 8:30 AM, the bird migrations are starting, are you ready to add to your life list? Join Hernando Audubon volunteer Linda for an observation session from the rear deck of the building and a guided walk through Chinsegut to see which feathered friends is stopping in this month. No need to register. Program Length: 1-3 Hours

Map and Compass

October 20th at 10:00 AM, this informative Map and Compass session is open to the public. Ideal for ages 12+. Learn how to read a map and navigate terrain using a compass. This is a free program, registration is required on-line at MyFWC.com/Chinsegut or by calling (352) 754-6722. Program Length: 2 Hours

Children in the WILD; Bears

October 20th 2:00 PM, a special look at the life of a Florida bear through activities and games designed for ages 5-9. This is a free program. Registration is preferred at MyFWC.com/Chinsegut or (352) 754-6722. Program Length: 1 Hour

Archery

October 25th at 10:30 AM, learn the basics of archery under the guidance of National Archery in Schools Certified instructors. Chinsegut will provide all equipment, no outside equipment allowed. This class is offered in two different sessions to accommodate more students. 15 Students per class maximum. Ages 10-13 only, registration required at (352) 754-6722. Program Length: 1.5 Hours

Archery

October 25th at 1:00 PM, learn the basics of archery under the guidance of National Archery in Schools Certified instructors. Chinsegut will provide all equipment, no outside equipment allowed. This class is offered in two different sessions to accommodate more students. 15 Students per class maximum. Ages 10-13 only, registration required at (352) 754-6722. Program Length: 1.5 Hours

Night Hike; Bats, Spiders and Frogs Oh, My!

October 26th at 6:45 PM, there are many creepy creatures crawling, hopping and flying around Chinsegut. Join us for this pre-Halloween spooky hike to look for creatures that make our skin crawl. This hike is for all ages. No registration required, free program. Program Length: 1.5 Hours

Walking Sticks; Chassahowitzka WMA

October 27th at 8:00 AM, this monthly hiking club meets at a variety of locations year-round. Learn about Chassahowitzka and some of the unique history of the site. Register by calling (352) 754-6722. Adults only. Program Length: 2 Hours

Fall Photo blitz, My Florida Backyard

October 27th from 10 AM – 2PM, every citizen of the state of Florida has the power to contribute to wildlife research from their own yard. Florida Nature Trackers is a statewide program that allows anyone to upload and learn about plants and animals in their yard and help ID sightings by others. Learn about Nature trackers and how to get involved during this program which includes a scavenger hunt so don’t forget the camera. This is a free program, no registration required. Program Length: 4 Hours