Media release- event 10-23-10

Citizen Science Symposium 2010 Nature lovers of all ages are invited to explore the preserve to find butterflies, birds, aquatic invertebrates, frogs, and plants through hands-on activities, trail walks, displays and seminars. Find out what it's like to be a citizen scientist at the Citizen Science Symposium from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Camp Bayou in Ruskin. What will visitors do during this USA Science and Engineering Festival Satellite Event? - Discover the aquatic critters that help us monitor the health of the river with George and learn about the Hillsborough County Streamwater Watch program. - Walk the trail to look for different butterflies that frequent the forest with Jeri and learn about the Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network - Stroll along the trails in search of wildflowers in bloom with Becki and learn about the USA National Phenology Network. These are just a few of the many possibilities that may interest folks who might like to help scientists do research on a variety of subjects. Between hourly walks, there will be nature crafts and activities related to each of the citizen science programs highlighted. Event is FREE but please RSVP at the link on http://www.campbayou.org/. Have a question? Contact campbayou@yahoo.com or call 813-363-5438. A 'solar lunch', including hot dog and iced sun tea, will be available starting at 11am for just $3. Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival: http://www.usasciencefestival.org/ . Camp Bayou is nether a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the County's ELAP program purchased the land but it is now open for day use only, open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, membership and grants, the RCDF offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families plus it's open from Thursday- Saturday from 9am-2pm for passive recreational pursuits such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. General admission is still FREE. The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between the non-profit Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. (RCDF) and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. More information is on the web at http://www.campbayou.org or call 813-641-8545. ### Pictured: What's that butterfly? Find out at the USA Science and Engineering Festival Citizen Science Satellite Event on Oct 23, 2010 at Camp Bayou in Ruskin!