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). January 2019 programs are below:

First Day Hike: January 1^st 10:00 AM

This third annual hike will take place around the main loop trail of Chinsegut (approximately 2 miles). This will be a brisk paced hike and is open to all participants. Terrain is not idea for strollers. No need to register just stop in by 10:00 to join and start the new year on the right foot. Program length 1.5 hours

Compost Happens: January 4^th 10:00 AM

An opportunity to take home a compost bin and learn the tips and techniques to turn table scraps into garden gold. Save landfill space and enrich your home environment through this free class provided in collaboration between Hernando County Solid Waste Services and the Hernando IFAS extension office. Call 352-754-4112 to register, residents only, registration is required, bins limited in number.

Archery Beyond Beginners: Jan 3^rd – 4^th 9 AM – 3 PM

This two-day archery exploration program will take students from the basics of beginning archery to planning a hunt and the ethics of hunting. All equipment is provided by the Center. Encourage your child to learn more about this historic skill in our safe environment. This class is limited to 12 participants by pre-registration. Children must bring water and a lunch each day. The cost is 20.00 per child, Ages 10-16, register at (352) 754-6722.

NASP BAI Certification: January 5^th 9:00 AM

If you teach physical education or run programs for an organized Co-op, scouting organization or other organized group this is an opportunity to become certified as a Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) through the largest standardized archery program offered 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 December 30th at NASPBAI.org Class length 7 hours

Nature Explorers, Bears: January 9^th 10:30 AM

This mid-week, monthly program for ages 5-9 allows kids to explore a variety of animals through games, activities and occasional live animals. There is no fee for this program, registration is preferred. Older or younger siblings are welcomed to accompany parent. Program length 1.5 hours

Teen Nature Lab: January 9^th 1:00 PM

This new class for ages 14+ is designed to help students with an interest in science learn through hands on experience how to collect background information, design an experiment, collect data and organize findings. We will run two observation experiments using wildlife monitoring equipment and other tools to learn about wildlife at Chinsegut WEA. Group will meet once a month for three hours January through May. Parents may drop-off or remain with students. Registration required at (352) 754-6722.

3-D Archery Shoot: January 12th 9:00 AM

Each month a 3-D archery course is offered at Chinsegut. Join us for this shoot to prepare for the upcoming ASA ‘tournament’ shoot in April. Course is 15 lanes with 3-D target variety. Sight in your bow on our practice range. Small fee applies to help us continue to maintain our equipment. Call (352) 754-6722 for more information, no registration required. Join Drawn by Grace for provided lunch following shoot. Allow 3-4 hours to participate fully.

Nature Photography: January 13th 10:00 AM

Once a month join Alice, professional photographer and owner of Green-Fly Media, for an exciting photography learning experience outdoors. Learn the settings and modes of a DSLR camera and get tips and tricks from an incredibly passionate photographer. Register through creative-nature-photography.com; $20.00 fee applies. Program length 3 hours

Tuesday Wildlife Trek: January 15th 4:00 PM

As the sun sets a new shift of wildlife begins in the forest. Join Katie for a guided stroll to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature while the weather is nice. Please RSVP at (352) 754-6722. This hike will be held at the Big Pine tract. Program length 2 hours

Science Explorers, Trees: January 16th 10:00 AM

Ages 10-13 are invited to join us once a month for a program exploring a different science discipline. In January we will explore botany including dendrochronology and trees. Classes include short outdoor hikes and activities based on the subject-of-the-month. This is a free program, registration is required. Parents may drop-off or stay with students. Call (352) 754-6722 to register.

High Pine Havens: January 18th 9:00 AM

This informational walk about Florida’s upland habitats, their formation and the animals associated with the areas is open to adults at no cost. Please RSVP to attend online or by calling (352) 754-6722. This will be a slow-paced walk approximately 1.5 miles in total. Program length 3 hours

Children in the Wild; Navigation: January 19th 2:00 PM

Comfort with navigation is essential for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Bring the kids ages 5-9 to Chinsegut for a special class to explore wilderness navigation. Learn about compasses, maps and participate in some fun activities related to finding your way. Please register online or by calling (352) 754-6722.

Beginning Birding with Audubon: January 25th 8:00 AM

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. 1-3 Hour program