Paddling the Bayou June 1, 2013

Visit Camp Bayou during National Trails Day- Paddling the Bayou!

Saturday, June 1, 2013; 9am-1pm.

- Free nature activities on the 'Big Lawn' plus trail walks through 160 acres.

- Guided canoe tour- $25 rental per canoe or $5 donation if you have your own canoe or kayak. Canoe rental availability is limited. First come, first serve starting at 9am. Canoe trip departs from the canoe dock at 9:30am. Estimated paddle time is 90 minutes.

- Introducing the new and improved photo contest for 2013. This year, winners will receive a prize as well as an award ribbon.

- Name the Turtle contest. What would you name a captive musk turtle like the one in the main aquatic tank in the nature center? Post your name suggestions on the Camp Bayou Facebook page, here on the Camp Bayou blog or tweet us on Twitter.

Lunch option available including drink, grilled cheese sandwich and chips for just $5 starting at 11:30am. Thanks to Plant City Lion's Club for helping make lunch possible.

These events are part of Sun-Earth Day,  Be Out There!, Get Outdoors Florida, "Let's GO"- Children and Nature, No Child Left Inside, and Let's Move Outside inspired initiatives.

This event will also give visitors a number of options to help support the programs and continuing operation of Camp Bayou:
- Keep food and supplies available for Xerxes, the albino corn snake that is on view in the nature center. Just $20 will provide mice and bedding for a month!
- Help support Camp Bayou with a minimum ten dollar donation and receive a native plant and 2013 magnet to remind you of a great place to enjoy nature. Can't make the event? Donations can now be made online at www.campbayou.org .
- Like to more involved? Volunteers are always needed for school programs, special events and maintenance. Stop in at the Camp Bayou information table to learn more.

Camp Bayou is neither 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, supporters and grants, the Center 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 Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (BOLD), 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.

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