April 3rd 10:30 AM – Nature Explorers: Birds of Prey, ages 5-9: This program will focus on what makes birds of prey unique from other types of birds. Learn about hawks, buzzards and owls and other raptors. This is a free program, register in advance if you have not already attended a class.
Program length 1.5 hours

April 5th 10:00 AM – Rude guests in the garden: The Hernando Extension Services Office provides you with information on dealing with pest plants in your yard.  Identification and removal of stowaways before they take over can save you time, effort and money. This is a free program, no registration required.
Program length 1 hour

April 6th 9:00 AM – NASP BAI Certification: If you teach physical education or run programs for an organized Co-op or other organized group this is an opportunity to become certified as a Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) through the largest standardized archery program for school aged children. Instructors certified at Chinsegut will have access to use of the center’s NASP equipment for programs for their group (additional requirements apply). The cost is $60.00 per person (ages 18+ only). Register by March 20th at NASPBAI.org This class is a pre-requisite for upcoming explore bow hunting curriculum training in May.
Class length 7 hours

April 6th 4:30 PM – Bat Belfry’s: Florida’s Bat Maternity season begins soon. Visit with Bat Belfry’s to learn about building bat houses, see live bats and learn about the incredibly important role bats play in our native environment. Stick around to watch thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from their houses.
Program length up to 4 hours

April 10th 10:00 AM – Science Explorers: Wilderness Skills, ages 10-13: This month’s class focuses on the necessary skills it takes to live on the land. See how to make a primitive shelter, the many means of making fire or a compass, wild edibles, wilderness safety and more. This is a free program, please register if you have not already by calling (352) 754-6722.
Program length 2.5 hours

April 12th 7:30 PM – Night Hike, Fireflies: It’s the time of year that we start to see more fireflies across open grassland in Florida. May’s Prairie often offers up a good evening show. This night hike open to all ages will take a stroll out to May’s Prairie to look for fireflies. Recommended for ages 5+, no registration required.
Program length 1.5 hours

April 13th 9:00 AM – ASA Archery Tournament: This ASA tournament is open to archers age 6+. Standard ASA layout, 15 known distance targets, 15 unknown distance. Adult shooters $25, youth $10. Prize for top shooters and lunch provided by Drawn by Grace. Top youth will also be awarded. This is a family-friendly shoot. Registration can be made day of tournament.
Allow 4-5 hours to participate.

April 13th 9 AM – 12PM    Spring Photo Blitz, Big Pine, Perry Oldenberg: Join one of our guided photoblitz activities at Perry Oldenberg or Big     Pine. This program requires advance install of iNaturalist and joining Florida Nature Trackers, both free fun programs that help you learn more about the world around you by taking photos. Free, guided activity. Learn more about Nature Trackers and this event by calling (352) 754-6722.

April 14th 10:00 AM – Nature Photography 101: Photographer and nature lover Alice Herden of Green-fly Media offers a monthly opportunity to learn more about DSLR cameras and getting great shots outdoors. Alice offers 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

April 16th 5:00 PM – Tuesday Wildlife Trek: This is the last evening guided walk of the season. Stop in to catch a glimpse of the turkeys, deer and other animals that become more active around this time of day. Please register to attend online or at (352) 754-6722.
Approximately 1.5 hours.

April 19th 10:00 AM – Butterflies 101: The spring brings back a variety of butterflies to Florida. Learn about the life history of butterflies and some other interesting facts, look for butterflies around the center and take home a free guide to common butterflies and butterfly gardening. This is a free class for adults. Please register online or at (352) 754-6722 so we have plenty of giveaways available.
Program length up to 2 hours

April 20th 10:00 AM – Beginners Archery: Learn the basics of target archery using compound bows from skilled instructors. This program is for ages 12+, advanced registration is required. All      equipment is provided by Chinsegut Conservation Center. Register at (352) 754-6722 or                     online at MyFWC.com/Chinsegut.
Program length 2 hours

April 20th 2:00 PM – Children in the WILD, wetlands: Wetlands are home to lots of wildlife. Learn about animals who rely on wetlands and what wetlands provide for people through games and activities. This is a free program for ages 5-9. Register online or by calling (352) 754-6722.
Program length 1 hour

April 26th 8:00 AM – Birding with Audubon: Take advantage of the weather by joining this guided birding stroll through Chinsegut. Hike begins at the center at 8 AM. Program offered through Hernando Audubon volunteers. See song birds, wading birds and maybe even some night hawks. Program length up to 3 hours

April 27th 8:00 AM – Walking Sticks: Enjoy a stroll through Janet Butterfield Brooks, an FWC managed property that is not usually open to the public. On this hike we will be looking at the different natural areas of the property and how the landscape changes seasonally. We will revisit Janet Butterfield in October.  We will meet at Chinsegut Conservation Center at 8:15 AM to carpool over to the property. The center is located at 23212 Lake Lindsey Road in Brooksville. Please call (352) 754-6722 to register.
Program length 2 hours

April 30th 12:30 PM – Wild ABOUT Florida: Register to attend this 4-week workshop for adults to become acquainted with Florida in detail. Classes include review of statewide programs available to further your education, getting involved with wildlife preservation projects, wildlife identification, wildlife in your landscape, and land management information. Classes run 3.5 hours each and meet 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21. Registration fee $20.00, includes packet of materials for participants to keep. Register by calling (352) 754-6722.