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). November 2018 programs are below:

Trees! Marvelous Trees!

November 2 at 10:00 a,m., discover the diversity of trees found in Florida’s forests with this program which combines a “classroom” lesson and outdoor hiking opportunity. No need to register for this free program. Program length: 1-2 hours

Night Hike, Wintering Wildlife

November 2 at 6:15p.m., animals  the world over respond to seasonal changes in many ways. Learn about a few native wildlife species and how changing weather changes their behaviors. This hike is for ages 12+. Please register online at MyFWC.com/Chinsegut or by calling (352) 754-6722. Program length: 2 hours

Pee-Wee Archery

November 3 at 10:00 am is an opportunity for mom or dad to work alongside youngsters who are interested in learning archery. Ages 5-9 will have an opportunity to learn the basics of archery using our scaled down equipment, one-on-one coaching and help from mom or dad. Space is limited for this one-hour program. Register at (352) 754-6722. Program length: 1 hour

Wild ABOUT Florida

November 6 at 1 – 4:30 p.m. 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 11/6, 11/13, 11/20 and 11/27. Registration fee $20.00, includes packet of materials for participants to keep. Register by calling (352) 754-6722.

Chinsegut Field Trip

November 6 at 4:30 p.m. Follow us to the State Forest to visit an active cluster of red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCWs) at sunset. Biologist Jon Hoch will give a background on working with the RCWs and we will watch for the birds to come home for the evening. This is a free trip. Meet at Chinsegut at 4:30 p.m. and is limited to 15 people – adults only. Reserve space by November 1. Call (352) 754-6722 to RSVP. Program length: 3.5 hours

All About Turkeys for Kids

November 7 at 10:30 a.m., learn about turkeys for ages 5-8: This monthly program for ages 5-8 centers on a bird that’s in the spotlight for November, the turkey. Kids will explore the life of a turkey through activities, games and a take-home craft. Registration preferred, space is limited. Register online or by calling (352) 754-6722. Program length: 1.5 hours

Bringing more Birds to your Backyard

November 9 at 10:00 a.m., there are several attractive and wildlife-friendly ways to draw birds to your backyard. This program presented by Hernando Audubon volunteers is tailored to suit the sunny southeast with the plants and other features ideal to get birds flocking to you. No registration necessary for this free program. Program length: 1 hour

Skulls

November 10 at 10:00 a.m., Chinsegut volunteer Richard walks you through the intricacies of skulls      and how they further our understanding of wildlife both past and present. Suitable for ages 12+. Free program, no need to register. Program length: 1 hour

Beginners Archery: Ages 10+

November 10 at 10:00 a.m., ages 10+ can stop in to learn the basics of archery. This two-hour class will take you through how to hold and handle bows and give you time to enjoy target archery. All equip.m.ent provided by the center, pre-registration required. Visit MyFWC.com/Chinsegut to register or call (352) 754-6722. Program length: 2 hours

Pioneer Thanksgiving

November 14 at 5:00 p.m., join Not-A-Clue Adventures for a special holiday fare menu cooked over fire in the great outdoors. Registration $15 per person. Meal includes, sides, bread, drinks and entertainment. Program length: 3 hours

Beginning Birding

November 16 at 8:00 a.m., 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. Program length: 1-3 hours

Bird Box Build-A-Thon

November 17 at 10 – 2 p.m., join us at Chinsegut for a day filled with bird activities, bird hikes, kids table and most importantly bird box building. Select from plans for a blue bird box, cardinal box, kestrel or bat box.

• Cardinal Box $ 3
• Bluebird box $ 5
• Kestrel/Screech Owl $15
• Bat Box or Wood Duck $20

Order in advance to save your project, call (352) 754-6722 to reserve.

Children in the WILD; Recipes for Wildlife

November 17 at 2:00 p.m., this children’s program will be rolled into our other fun event taking placein conjunction with the Bird Box Build-a-thon. Children will learn about inviting birds to their home by making some fun recipes. This is a free program, no registration required.  Program length: 1 hour

Walking Sticks, Big Pine

November 24 at 8:00 a.m., this monthly hiking club meets at a variety of FWC managed lands around Brooksville. November we will hike Big Pine, a property with an interesting past from the front entrance off Old Crystal River Rd. Please call to register, parking is limited. (352) 754-6722. Hike approx. 1.5 miles. Program length: 2 hours

Tuesday Wildlife Trek

November 27 at 5:00 p.m., meet at Perry Oldenberg WEA east of US 41 on Deer Run Rd. for an evening stroll to look for signs of wildlife. This is a great location for turkey, deer, owls and more. Free hike ages 12+, call (352) 754-6722 to let us know you’re coming. Program length: 2 hours