October 13-17, 2025
Registration closes at Noon on October 7, 2025
(Couse Code: us25-10)
Polk's Nature Discovery Center Workshop at Circle B Bar Reserve
4399 Winter Lake Rd., 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@polk-county.net
Lead: Tabitha Biehl, Land & Water Natural Areas Manager
Other Associate: Candice Knothe, Senior Environmental Specialist
Assistant: Jackson Mosley, Mosquito Control Director
Open the PDF below to view the full agenda for this course.
Attendance Policy:
Make-up time frame: If you miss a class or a field trip, you must make-up the same material. The time for makeup needs to be completed within a week when possible. This will keep you from getting behind, as much of the material builds upon itself.
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.
Course Time Schedule does not include travel time, except between AM & PM classes.
Student Carpooling is suggested and is up to students to arrange.
Flexible Schedule:
• The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible.
• We probably will not get out early; however, we may run late by a few minutes. We will try to stick to the listed times, but please arrange your schedule so that the class can be flexible.
• Course time schedule does not include your travel time (except between AM & PM classes).
Food and 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.
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 a 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.
• 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. Use your brain before your body
• Required: Always Wear Close-toed 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-toed 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.
• 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 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.