LARGO -- Creating a Florida-friendly yard is the topic of the annual EcoGarden Conference planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 3 in Auditorium A at the Pinellas County Extension, 12175 125th St. N.

The agenda includes the ABC's of composting, utilizing native plants in the landscape, proper planting, and establishing landscape plants.

There also will be a special program by the Frog Listening Network, which uses frogs as biological indicators for the health of the Hillsborough River Greenway system.

Amphibians, such as frogs and toads, are very susceptible to environmental change and act as ecological barometers of the health of ecosystems.

Advance registration for the lectures, demonstrations and lunch costs $15. Registration the day of the program begins at 8:15 a.m., costs $20 and is on a space available basis. Call 582-2124 to register in advance.

Agency to offer free seminar on adopting children from overseas

LARGO -- A free seminar on international adoption is planned for 1 p.m. Aug. 10 at New Beginnings Family and Children's Services, 1301 Seminole Blvd., Suite 111.

Singles, couples and older applicants are welcome to attend and meet families who have adopted children from around the world.

New Beginnings, a not-for-profit licensed agency, has placed more than 2,000 children over the past 17 years. Call 584-5262 for information or send e-mail to BarbaraGNB@aol.com.

Free guide lists county youth service programs; it's also online

A youth volunteer guide is available through the Volunteer Action Center of Pinellas Cares Inc. The guide lists more than 40 nonprofit agencies throughout the county. It gives a description of each agency, opportunities, contact names and telephone numbers.

For a copy, call the Volunteer Action Center at (727) 518-3347 or access it online at www.pinellascares.org.

SPCA program matches seniors with pets available for adoption

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Pinellas County, 9099 130th Ave. N, Largo, matches pets with senior citizens in the Pets for People program.

Seniors ages 60 and older can take home a specially matched pet and the adoption fee and the first veterinarian visit are covered. For information, call the SPCA office at 586-3591.

DivorceCare schedules support group meetings

CLEARWATER -- DivorceCare seminars and support group meetings are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene, 1875 Nursery Road, Clearwater. Each session features a videotape, followed by a support group meeting.

Topics to be covered include facing anger, depression, loneliness, financial survival, child care, new relationships and more. Child care and other activities for children are available. To register, call Dolly Hickey at 515-7983 or come early to a session. There is a one-time $10 charge.

Senior agency looking for volunteers and drivers

Neighborly Senior Services is looking for volunteers to drive seniors to and from doctor appointments. The organization also needs volunteers to go to seniors' homes to read a newspaper or books to them, sort mail and possibly do some grocery shopping for them.

For information and to volunteer, call Pat Hofstadter, volunteer coordinator, at 573-9444, ext. 291.

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