Gopher Tortoise Burrow Survey
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Heinrich Ecological Services is looking for volunteers to assist with gopher tortoise burrow surveys being conducted October through November in the preserve’s uplands.
This survey will provide data for new distribution maps, updated estimate of population size, and tortoise population density in each section of the Preserve. This information will be used by City staff to assess current habitat management strategies and inform future efforts related to this species.
Here’s how to apply:
Complete the Boyd Hill Volunteer Application as a General Volunteer and select Wildlife Research.
Complete background check and send to bablackf@stpete.org. SS# is not required, but will make the background check faster.
Background check will be sent to City HR (7-10 days once submitted)
A welcome email will be sent to you once your background check has been completed
Complete the account registration where information and schedule will be listed.
This opportunity is for adults only, no minors will be accepted.
Our Resilient Forests
Dean Hay, Professional Forester, St. Petersburg, FL
Have you ever wondered how our trees and forests are able to withstand adversities like tropical storms and hurricanes, insects, disease, drought and more? Come find out as our speaker shares his knowledge and gives a little advice for homeowners on how best to care for your trees.
Speaker Bio:
Dean Hay is a professional Forester who has a demonstrated history of working in the environmental design industry. He is a strong systems and design professional with a Master of Landscape Architecture with a Green Infrastructure focus from the University of Michigan.
The Native Plants, Soils, and Climate of Pinellas County
Steve Robinson, IFAS Extension Agent Largo, FL
Have you ever thought about the types of native plants that you could grow in your yard and whether your soil could support them? And how our climate with periodic droughts could affect them? Come find out as our speaker shares his advice and knowledge.
Speaker Bio:
Steve Robinson has worked for Pinellas County as a Scientist since 1979. He holds a Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in the Geophysical Sciences from the University of South Florida and likes to help citizens solve their problems.
The Geological History of Lake Maggiore
Daniel Ciarletta, PhD,
Research Physical Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg, FL
Have you ever wondered about the origins of Lake Maggiore which is adjacent to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve? Come and find out as our speaker reveals his findings from core sediments that were collected and ground penetrating radar. You’re sure to leave with a greater understanding of the lake and its dynamic processes in terms of the plant and animal life that it supports.
Speaker Bio:
Daniel Ciarletta is a Research Physical Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey in St. Petersburg at the Coastal and Marine Science Center. He investigates the evolution of coastal morphology to understand how beach, dune, and marsh landscapes are connected over different timescales. He earned his PhD in Environmental Science and Management at Montclair State University in 2019.
Exploring Florida’s Wild Ecosystems
Brian Lane, Sensing Nature LLC Seminole, FL
Come learn about Florida’s dynamic geologic history, natural communities, and fascinating ecosystems spanning the state. Along the way, discover some of the unique plants and wildlife that depend on these habitats including iconic species like carnivorous pitcher plants, alligators, gopher tortoises, and scrub jays. Learn why these threatened coastal, upland, and freshwater habitat networks are critical to Florida’s survival and some practical ways for you to go out and experience them.
Speaker Bio:
Brian Lane is a Senior Ecologist and Cofounder of the environmental education company Sensing Nature, LLC, who literally grew up in the local mangroves and has dedicated his career to assisting Florida’s ecological survival. As an award-winning Florida Master Naturalist Instructor, He has trained over 1,000 graduates and spent decades translating biological jargon into wildly entertaining outdoor stories and adventures.
The Bird that Saved Itself: The Everglade Snail Kite Story
Hilary Flower, PhD, Professor, Eckerd College St. Petersburg, FL
Would you like to learn more about the Everglade Snail Kite? Then come join us as our speaker explores how the Everglade Snail Kite’s surprising adaptability offers hope for conservation in a rapidly changing Florida.
Speaker Bio:
Hilary Flower is professor of Environmental Studies at Eckerd College where she teaches about wetlands and global environmental change and researches how climate change and sea level rise affect the Everglades. Her first book was released in March 2026. “The Kite and the Snail: An Endangered Bird, Its Unlikely Prey, and a Story of Hope in a Changing World,” published by the University Press of Florid
Why Turtles Are Cool
George L. Heinrich, Herpetologist,
Heinrich Ecological Services St. Petersburg, FL
Are you interested learning more about turtles? Come join us as our speaker teaches us about the identifying features of our Florida turtles and why they’re COOL!
Speaker Bio:
George Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services, is based in St. Petersburg, FL and conducts wildlife surveys and research and natural history programming. He is a graduate of Memphis State University.
Florida Scrub Jays
Laurie Dolan, Biologist,
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Ocala, FL
The Florida Scrub Jay is Florida’s only endemic bird. This fascinating bird is imperiled, but restoring essential habitat can bring this bird back. Come join us for an evening of education and discussion about the public lands conservation work and to learn more about the life history of these birds.
Speaker Bio:
Laurie Dolan has a master’s degree in Forestry from the University of Florida. She has worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as an Environmental Specialist II for over 20 years. She helps manage the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The Greenway is the 110-mile old Cross Florida Barge Canal property that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. John’s River. She has been working with the Florida Scrub-Jay for over 16 years.
Gopher Tortoise Talk
Boyd Hill is home to the largest remaining population of gopher tortoises in southern Pinellas County and Jeff Goessling, Associate Professor of Biology at Eckerd College, studies the tortoises that call the Preserve home, learning more about their social dynamics, population size, and overall health of the population.
Join us for an evening at Beech Kombucha to learn about Florida’s keystone species, and what we can learn by studying a species found right in our backyard.
6pm – 7pm: Meet animal ambassador Mike the gopher tortoise, and chat one-on-one with Dr. Goessling.
7pm – 8pm: Presentation followed by a Q&A.