We all want to get back to the parks. Unfortunately cleanup is quite the task so not all parks are open. In some cases, parts of the park might be open, but maybe the beach or boat ramp isn’t. Pasco County Parks & Rec is doing a good job of keeping residents up to date on their social media pages so you might want to check in before heading out for that solitary hike or fishing venture or sunset photo.
Pasco County Fields Closure Maps
November parks events are primarily at Crews Lake and Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Parks. Activities include an open house, archery lessons, a night hike and the the annual Vamos a Pescar Family Fishing Tournament at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City. More events will be unfolding as things get back into shape – word is the mountain biking trail is back open after volunteers did some clearing.
There are other events as well including the Centennial Car Show which was postponed from an earlier date and Pasco Audubon events that include a new nature photography series.
Also, the fall/winter gardening season is in full swing for many backyard farmers. Check out the Master Gardener workshops and programs sprinkled through the month at locations across Pasco County.
Or simply down to find something for you and/or yours. There are some fare options.
Pasco Audubon Monthly Nature Walk, 8 a.m. Saturday, November 2 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in NPR | Free
Meet at the education center for an informative and casual walking 1-3 mile tour of the park. Things to bring – water, sunscreen, bug spray. Wear comfortable shoes.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | THREE OFFERINGS ! Growing and Using Herbs, 10-11:30 Saturday, November 2 at the Pasco One Stop Shop in Dade City and 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 6 at the Land O’Lakes Library and 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesday, November 20 at the Starkey Ranch Library | Free
Herb gardens are a delight in every possible way. As a beginning or experienced gardener, herbs are a must for you. If you give them the growing conditions they prefer, most herbs will take less care than almost anything else in your garden. Find out how easy it is to grow and use herbs in Florida. For information on other UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Programs, visit the website here.
Recycling in Pasco County, 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2 at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center | Free
Learn where you recycled trash goes, what’s appropriate and not appropriate to recycle and more at this presentation by Sally Conde. Event by Pasco Audubon.
New Port Richey Centennial Celebration Classic Car Show, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, November 2 in the Thomas Meighen parking lot in downtown NPR | Free
Celebrate with us at a spectacular car show featuring pristine vehicles from the past century, spanning from 1920-2024. Gates open at 9 a.m. For information on this event and other centennial events, visit www.100npr.org
Archery with Pasco County Parks & Rec, Sunday, November 3 at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Spring Hill | Two Sessions | Ages 8+ | $15
Hands-on instruction. Sessions focus on fundamental techniques, helping you gain confidence while making new friends. Sessions are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. For information on this and other PC Parks events click here.
Tinkergarten: Fall Focus Season, Sundays November 3 through November 24 and at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in NPR | Ages 2-8 | $88
Join the engaging Tinkergarten program, where young kids and their grown-ups embark on a joyful journey of discovery! Classes last 60 minutes and include songs, movement, short stories, exploration, and purposeful play—all in the great outdoors.
Designed for child-led exploration, Tinkergarten empowers kids to lead the way while helping caregivers support their growth. Every session offers irresistible invitations to play, igniting curiosity and fostering experiential learning. Curriculum focuses on building essential skills like attention, presence, and wonder, ensuring each child learns in a way that’s meaningful to them. For information on this and other PC Parks events click here.
Walk & Talk Club: Extra Mile at the West Pasco Historical Society, 10 a.m. Monday, November 4
Tour the museum and learn about West Pasco history from some of the museum’s board members and volunteers. The walk will begin and end at the New Port Richey Public Library. Meet in the courtyard. The Walk & Talk Club meets weekly. For more info go to the NPR Library Events Page.
Birding by Bike, 8 a.m. Saturday, November 9 at Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs
Birding by Bike on the Pinellas Trail. Meet
Meet at Brooker Creek Preserve Parking lot, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 Contact Robertburkard9@gmail.com
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension – Caring for Holiday Plants, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, November 9 at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes | Free
Ever wonder which holiday plants to buy and how to make sure they will bloom at the right time? Explore ways to take care of poinsettias, Christmas cactus, amaryllis and more so they will stay in peak condition and be enjoyed for a longer time. Learn which plants can be planted outside for future enjoyment.
For information on other UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Programs, visit the website here.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Rain Barrel Workshop, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, November 9 at the Pasco County Extension in Dade City | $65 | Register by Nov. 3, 2024
This workshop will explore the benefits of rainwater harvesting and tips and tricks for installing a functional rain barrel. Paying participants will receive one (1) rain barrel complete with mesh and spigot ready for installation.
Class size is limited. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Open to Pasco County residents only. Registration ends on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 9 p.m. The $65.00 fee covers the cost of the rain barrel and workshop instruction. No payments will be taken the day of the event. For information on other UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Programs, visit the website here.
Pasco Audubon Nature Photography Workshops, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nov. 11, Nov. 23, Dec. 2, Dec. 14, and Jan. 6 at the Jay B. Starkey Park Education Center in NPR | $5 suggested donation
Bring your camera or your phone and learn how to take nature photos when you get on out there. Space is limited. Contact Patricia Goldberg at projects@westpascoaudubon.org. For information on other Pasco Audubon events visit .westpascoaudubon.com/pascoaudubon/schedule
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Perennial Vegetables, 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, November 12 at the New River Library in Wesley Chapel
Would you believe you can plant some vegetables once, and keep them coming back year after year? Learn various vegetable plants you can grow in your yard and see some examples. For information on other UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Programs, visit the website here.
Pasco Outdoor Adventures Open House, 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 14 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in NPR
View a short presentation on the program, give feedback, and win prizes. Can’t attend in person? No worries. Visit this link to participate in our short survey:
tinyurl.com/POAFallSurvey. For information on this and other PC Parks events click here.
New Port Richey Library Riverside Concert featuring Justin Theory, 6 p.m. Friday, November 15 at Sims Park in New Port Richey | Free
Justin Theory is a four-piece, all-original Americana band with influences of jazz, blues, folk, and swing. The band’s repertoire features fresh takes inspired by old favorites.
This performance will take place in the southwest corner of Sims Park, near the Grassin Bridge. Please feel free to bring your own camp chair or blanket for seating.
Pasco County Parks Vamos a Pescar – Family Fishing Fun Day 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, November 16 at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City | Ages 3-15 | Free | Registration required
This FREE fun-filled event is designed to introduce families to the vast outdoors, the sport of fishing and the importance of being stewards of Florida’s freshwater ecosystems. Hands on educational activities will include fishing in the Withlacoochee River and fishing basics learning stations.
Additionally, there will be a free rod/reel for the first 100 children ages 3 – 15 years old. For information on this and other PC Parks events click here.
Pasco County Parks Foraging Hike, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, November 16 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in NPR | $3
Participants will embark on a Naturalist-led hike learning about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park’s fantastic variety of wild edibles.
This is an educational hike that will NOT involve the physical ingestion of any plants or fungi.
Fitness Level: Easy/Moderate (paved & unpaved trails)
Meet at The Kiosk at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park and begin at 9 a.m. All participants must register. Any participant under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Parents/guardians must remain with their child for the entirety of the program. It is recommended to bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
The trails are uneven and would not be suitable for strollers. No pets, please. For information on this and other PC Parks events click here.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Hydroponics at home, 2-3 p.m. Monday, November 18 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday | Free
Basic hydroponic gardening for beginners! This presentation will describe a hydroponic system that does not require electricity or pumps. You will learn how to create a hydroponic garden for small or large spaces that you set up and forget it; that is, until you are ready to harvest.
For information on other UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Programs, visit the website here.
Pasco County Parks Tiny Trekkers National Park Day, 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, November 19 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in NPR | Ages 1-6 | $5
Little explorers will enjoy creating their own personalized trail mix (nut-free) and crafting a fun “campfire” to take home.
This program will take place at Group Campsite B in the campgrounds. Arrive 5-10 minutes early to check in, your best-exploring outfits are encouraged. The program is open to ages 1-6, activities vary in skills and difficulty. All participants must register (Parents do not have to register) Parents are required to stay with their child for the duration of the program, this is not a drop-off program. No pets, please. For information on this and other PC Parks events click here.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Beekeeping, 5:30 – 6: 30 p.m. Tuesday, November 19 at the New Port Richey Library in downtown NPR | Free
Come learn about Beekeeping, collecting nectar and pollinating flowers. A sweet story of the process of a beekeeper tending to the bees as they collect nectar and pollinate flowers then collecting the honey product.
For information on other UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Programs, visit the website here.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Compost Happens, 2-3 p.m. Thursday, November 21 at the New River Library in Wesley Chapel | Free
Compost has many uses and benefits. It’s environmentally friendly, provides useful beneficial products to your yard, and is an excellent soil amendment. It can also be applied on top of soil as mulch. It’s easy to do for small and large landscapes alike. For information on other UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Programs, visit the website here.
Pasco County Parks Night Hike, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21 at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Spring Hill | $6
This naturalist-led hike will begin at Pavilion 2 at dusk and explore some of the park’s best trails… after dark! Black lights will be provided for seeking out UV-reflective creatures that emerge after dark.
All participants must register. Any participant under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Parents/guardians must remain with their child for the entirety of the program. It is recommended to bring water and bug spray No pets, please. For information on this and other PC Parks events click here.
NPR Parks & Rec Concert in the Park – “Love Story” Taylor Swift Tribute Concert, 7 – 9 p.m. Saturday, November 23 at Sims Park in NPR | Free
Come out for a night filled with your favorite Taylor hits, perfect for fans of all ages. Bring your friends, family, and your best singing voice as we relive the magic of her iconic songs!
What to Bring:
– Blankets
– Snacks and drinks (feel free to picnic!)
-Friendship bracelets to trade
Mark Your Calendar
Master Gardener Volunteer Presentation, 3 p.m. Thursday, February 29 at the UF/IFAS Pasco Extension in Dade City
If you’d like to improve your gardening skills and help others do the same, we have a great opportunity for you! The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a free preview session for anyone interested in applying for the 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class!
All applicants must attend the February 29, 2024, ‘meet and greet’ to be considered for the program. The program begins in May and includes weekly, in-person training for ten consecutive weeks. For information on the Pasco Extension and other programs visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
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