
May 4-6, 2026
Registration closes at Noon on April 28, 2026
(Course Code: I26-04)
Polk's Nature Discovery Center Workshop at Circle B Bar Reserve
4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33803
Associate and Point of Contact: Eric Eversole, Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator
Organization: BOCC Polk County Parks & Natural Resources
Phone: 863-513-4136
Email: ericeversole@polkfl.gov
Lead: Tabitha Biehl, Parks and Natural Resources Director
Associate: Candice Knothe, Senior Environmental Specialist
Open the PDF below to view the full agenda for this course.
Attendance Policy:
Classroom Presentations: "Classroom” means we are at Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland, FL 33803 unless otherwise instructed. In the classroom, it might be very warm or very cool—please, dress accordingly.
Field Trip Locations & Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to verify field information. Transportation and lunches are not included. Carpooling suggested.
Course Time Schedule does not include travel time required to drive to meeting locations.
Student Carpooling is suggested and is up to students to arrange.
Flexible Schedule – The agenda details are subject to change – mainly to accommodate the guest speakers.
Food & Drinks! Food and drinks are allowed in the classroom. Please be sure to bring a reusable/refillable water bottle
Cell Phones: These are fine to use outside of class. Please don’t allow it to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips. Talk on the gadgets during break time, lunchtime, before and after class.
Field Trips:
• Water is Required to be Carried with You – No Exceptions.
• Bring: water, snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towels and an optional change of clothes (spare shoes/socks/pants/shirt).
• Don’t wear perfume/cologne or use perfumed soap/body lotion before going out in the field. This may attract more unwanted buzzing invertebrates known as mosquitoes, midges (no see ‘ems) and flies. Also, recommended to not wear in class, as many people are sensitive.
• There are insects (including mosquitoes), spiders, and snakes outdoors. Hopefully, we will see many of these beautiful creatures. Always watch where you are putting your hands and feet.>
• Required: Always Wear Closed-Toe Shoes. The field trails are not always level or easy to travel; some plants have thorns; there may be poison ivy; fire ants, etc. Open-toe shoes are not acceptable to be worn in the field.
• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing a variety of environments. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes. Coastal ecosystems are sometimes wet!
• Wear: layered clothes, long sleeves and pants, hiking boots or appropriate footwear for the day’s field trip, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially on feet/legs).>
• It might be very hot or cold, or wet on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.
Please Note: Recommend using a tablet, laptop, or PC with Chrome and/or Firefox installed when viewing and registering.
Have any questions? Please read through our Frequently Asked Questions page.