BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
As I write this we’re smack in the middle of Florida’s extended Spring Break season which means it’s a bit busy out there – especially if you’re headed to the sandy beaches south of us.
Here on the North Suncoast, there are ample activities to venture out for whether you’re a homebody not keen on traveling too far for a nature fix or you’re looking to come visit.
Of special note is the 10th Annual Florida Loquat Fest (April 6) that this year will be celebrated in a new location Sims Park (on the grounds of the West Pasco Historical Society & Museum) after outgrowing the former location at Francis Avenue Park. Volunteers from local farmers and growers groups have been out in the community harvesting the pear-like-tasting miniature fruit that’s become a favorite in local home gardens and food forests. In the wake of citrus greening that devastated a Florida industry, the loquat offers a favorable alternative fruit offering for humans, birds, and other wildlife. Dell deChant of New Port Richey FarmNet said he expected volunteers to harvest about 1,000 pounds to be whipped into jams and jellies, scones and brewed into beer courtesy of Cotee River Brewing for this year’s fest. There will also be some whole fruit and trees available for purchase as well as a whole lot of educational stuff going on.
Don’t Look Up! Unless you are donning the appropriate glasses. There are a handful of local options to view, learn about, and prepare for the Solar Eclipse, on April 8th. Local libraries prove to be a real boon with offerings at libraries and branches in New Port Richey, Odessa and Hudson as well as an opportunity to view the partial eclipse on a backcountry hike with Pasco Parks & Rec.
Add to that a slew of outdoor offerings – archery, hiking, nature-crafting – courtesy of Pasco County Parks & Rec. With the migratory season upon us, there are bird-watching events hosted by Pasco Audubon and Pasco Libraries as well as an array of educational Gardening events for those wanting to learn more about tilling and amending the soil Florida-style.
Later this month we celebrate Earth Day with some special events on April 20 as well as an annual celebratory event on April 28 at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Spring Hill. It’s a good time to pick up a native plant, attend a rain barrel workshop, drop off electronics and household waste and garner information about environmental opportunities and efforts in the area.
Scroll down to check out the monthly calendar for other events happening in April, or access the Quick Search option to see events scheduled for a specific week.
- NOTE – Be aware that some events are postponed or canceled due to inclement weather or other circumstances that come up after the publication of this calendar. Other events fill up. Be sure to check with the appropriate host entity before heading out. Also, while some programs are free, some programs – particularly Pasco Parks and Rec – are fee-based. Registration is also required for many programs, so readers should access the appropriate links for more information and to register.
QUICK SEARCH
April 1-6
April 7-13
April 14-20
April 21-30
MASTER GARDENING EVENTS
ONGOING | MARKETS & SUCH
- NOTE – OTB denotes “Over the (Pasco County) Border
APRIL 1-6
Birdwatching with an Expert, 4 – 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at the South Holiday Library in Holiday
Looking to reconnect with nature and learn something about birds in the area? The library will provide binoculars and a spotting scope. Waivers are required for each person attending this program.
Pasco County Parks and Rec Golden Adventures – Early Birds, 8-10 a.m. Thursday, April 4 in Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $3.09 | Registration required.
Embark on a short guided hike to see the winged creatures that call Starkey Park home as well as various habitats. Binoculars will be provided. It is recommended that participants bring water, bug spray and sunscreen. No Pets. Registration required.
**Prepare to view the upcoming Solar Eclipse!!! NASA Ambassador Presents: What is an Eclipse?, 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at the New Port Richey Library
NASA Solar System Ambassador James Paradise will share information on what an eclipse is and how to view it safely.
Eclipse glasses will be distributed so attendees can view the partial solar eclipse that will take place over Florida on Monday, April 8.
OTB – Sunset Beach Concert Series with the Doodads, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs | Free
Enjoy a night under the stars while listening to hits from the 60s through today. There will be vendors on-site selling food, drinks, and sweets. Sunset Beach is located at 1800 Gulf Road Tarpon Springs. The event is FREE. Pets and alcohol are prohibited. There is a complimentary shuttle to assist with transporting concertgoers to and from the beach. The pick-up location is in the Tarpon Springs High School side parking lot on Florida Avenue, just south of Gulf Road.
Monthly Birding Walk with Pasco Audubon, 8 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Meet at 8 a.m. at Starkey Education Center for a 1 to 3-mile guided walk. These walks are typically held on the first Saturday of each month.
10th Annual Florida Loquat Festival, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6 on the grounds of the West Pasco Historical Society in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey
The festival will have preserves, trees, brochures, scones, loquat-inspired art, lectures, seeds, poetry books, and fresh fruit. Festival shirts will also be available. For more info, click here.
Pasco Audubon Conservation Photography Presentation and Wildlife Photography Award Ceremony, 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey
Kirsten Hines, a Florida-based author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist will speak on conservation photography.
The Awards for the 5th Annual Nature and Wildlife of Tampa Bay Photography Competition and Exhibition will follow.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Night Hike, 7:45 – 10 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City | Ages 8 and up | $6.18 | Registration Required
Go on a naturalist-led guided 2-mile hike through the wild and wondrous Withlacoochee River Park.
APRIL 7-13
Pasco Parks & Recs Pine Needle Basket Weaving & Hike, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 6 and up | $5.15 | Registration required
Bring the family to this nature-themed craft which begins with a short guided hike where participants will gather pine needles followed by a self-guided primitive weaving activities class.
M.A.P.S. Eclipse Day, 1-2 p.m. Monday, April 8 at the Starkey Ranch Library, Theatre & Cultural Center in Odessa | $5 per child (plus taxes and fees). Adult free with paid child admission.
Family-friendly space exploration talk by MAPS Museum Director, Charles Zidar. Learn about space, the solar eclipse and get your picture taken with an authentic MAPS Moon Mobile. While supplies last: Solar glasses, 1 Space toy per child. Eclipse Starts at 1:50 pm outside.
Pasco Parks & Rec Backcountry Solar Eclipse Hike, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 8 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $15.44 | Registration required
Take a backcountry hike to experience the solar eclipse which will be at 55% here in Florida. Viewing glasses will be provided to registered participants.
Partial Solar Eclipse Celebration, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, April 8 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Join fellow enthusiasts and witness nature’s own spectacle as a partial solar eclipse graces the Central Florida skies! Free Eclipse safety glasses will be available while supplies last.
APRIL 14-20
OTB | Pasco Audubon Birding by Bike on the Pinellas Trail, 8 a.m. Sunday, April 14 at Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs
Meet at 8 a.m. at the Brooker Creek Preserve Parking lot, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, Fl.
* PROGRAM FULL!!- Check for waiting list availability | Pasco County Parks & Rec Guided Kayak Trip, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14 at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City | $20.50-$30.59 | Registration Required
Pasco Parks & Recs Pine Needle Basket Weaving & Hike, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 14 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 6 and up | $5.15 |Registration required
Bring the family to this nature-themed craft which begins with a short guided hike where participants will gather pine needles followed by a self-guided primitive weaving activities class.
Birdwatching with an Expert, 4 – 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at the South Holiday Library in Holiday
Looking to reconnect with nature and learn something about birds in the area? The library will provide binoculars and a spotting scope. Waivers are required for each person attending this program
OTB – Florida Americana Music Festival, April 18-21 at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville | Single tickets and 4-day passes available
Enjoy four days of music under the stars and the oak canopy of the Florida Sand Music Ranch (formerly Sertoma Youth Ranch) in Brooksville. Click here for tickets and camping info.
New Port Richey Public Library Music at the Library with Celtic Conundrum, 6 – 7 p.m. Friday, April 19 at the southwest corner of Sims Park | Free
The NPR Public Library continues this free music offering held at 6 p.m. on selected Fridays. The April 19 concert features local favorites, Celtic Conundrum. Feel free to bring a blanket or camp chair for seating.
Pasco Parks & Rec Introduction to Archery, 9, 10 & 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $10.30 | Ages Children to Adults | Registration required
These classes for different age groups are for those who have never shot a bow and arrow before. All equipment is provided
Pasco Parks and Rec Earth Day Propogation Hike, 9 -11 a.m. Saturday, April 20 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $3.09 | Registration required
Participants will find and collect propagatable plants during this 1.5-2-hour hike along the Nature Trail.
Earth Day in New Port Richey, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey
This event will highlight the achievements of New Port Richey’s Environmental Committee, explore the city’s ecologically regenerative projects and initiates, and inform attendees about ecology-focused groups and events in our area. Milkweed seeds will be available to all who attend.
4th Annual Beer & Burger Fest, 12-6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes | $10 in Advance | $15 at the gate
Pasco Parks & Rec Native Plant Hike, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $3.09 | Registration required
Participants will embark on a naturalist-led hike to learn about the park’s native plant biodiversity.
APRIL 21-30
Pasco Audubon Spring Migration Birding Field Trip, 7:30 a.m., Sunday, April 21 at Fort Desoto Park in Pinellas County
Possible sitings include
Orioles, Tanagers, Grossbeak, Warblers and more. Meet in the East Beach parking lot at 7:30 a.m. For info, contact Christine Rowland president@westpascoaudubon.com
Pasco Parks & Rec Bug Hunt, 9:30- 11 a.m. Sunday, April 21 at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City | $3.09 | Registration required
Participants will scout the nature trail looking for a variety of native bugs to identify, record and sketch. Registration required. All children must be accompanied by an adult
Pasco County Back Country Carnivorous Plant Hike, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 8 + | $10.30 | Registration required
Take a trailer ride out to explore carnivorous plants in the backcountry of Starkey Park.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Sunrise Hike, 7 a.m. Saturday, April 27 at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Shady Hills | $3.09 | Registration required
Strap on your hiking boots and celebrate Trails Day with this 1.5-2-hour morning hike that starts pre-dawn.
Earth Day Celebration, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Spring Hill | Free
Activities include the Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society plant sale, upcycle vendors, ladybug release, and educational displays. Learn about many creatures with ambassadors from Dundee Farms, Florida Skunk Rescue, and Fox Tales Florida. Composting & Rainbarrel workshops.
There will be a household hazardous waste collection onsite accepting items including lightbulbs, batteries, oil, gas and paint. The electronics recycling includes the disposal of 2 TVs for free. Visit the Pasco County Household Hazardous Waste page for detailed information on acceptable items. Document shredding by Shred 360 will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a limit of 3 boxes/bags per person. Bring in old thermostats or thermometers to properly dispose of mercury and receive a $5 gift card.
Pioneer Florida Museum World War II Living History Event, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the museum in Dade City | $12 adults | $6 students | Free for under 5
Take a step back in time to learn about the impact of war and interact with living historians portraying in Lacoochee during the final months of the war.
DATE CHANGE!! New Port Richey Concerts in the Park Series featuring “Rock n’ Roll Review,” 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
This month’s concert features a nod to The Blues Brothers and Tina Turner. Bring a blanket or chair for seating. *Previously scheduled for April 13.
Pasco Parks & Rec Introduction to Archery, 9, 10 & 11 a.m. Sunday, April 28 at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $10.30 | Ages Children to Adults | Registration required
These classes for different age groups are for those who have never shot a bow and arrow before. All equipment is provided
MASTER GARDENING EVENTS & PROGRAMS
- Springtime Seed Swap, 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson.
- Ask a Master Gardener, 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 followed by Master Gardener – Compost Happens from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson.
- Master Gardeners: Good Bug, Bad Bug, 2-3 p.m. Monday, April 13 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday.
- Master Gardeners: Native Plants, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at the New Port Richey Library in New Port Richey.
- Master Gardeners | Houseplants, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa. Learn types and how to care for your houseplants, diagnose diseases and disorders and keep plants in tip-top shape.
ONGOING | MARKETS, ETC.
Tasty Tuesdays Community Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the New Port Richey Library in downtown New Port Richey
Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods and foods, unique, hand-made items and more. Regular items include organic produce, plants, bread, honey, eggs, coffee, skincare, etc. Get to know your growers, ask questions, and learn from their experience.
The market is SNAP shopping friendly, so bring your EBT cards to use up to $40 in SNAP and get an additional $40 in Fresh Access Bucks (F
Community Markets & Events Pop-Up Markets, held on different days/weekends throughout the month at several locations
NPR Fourth Friday, 6-10 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month in downtown New Port Richey
NPR Fourth Friday is a collaboration between 3 market locations and participating downtown businesses.
From the Archives
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