National Trails Day- Morning Meanderings

National Trails Day^® Beckons Americans to the Outdoors

What: National Trails Day- Morning Meanderings
Where: Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, Ruskin
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016, 9am-noon.

Enjoy the Florida outdoors while learning about the wonderful examples of nature around us everyday! Each year for the past 24 years American Hiking Society, along with local outdoors clubs, businesses, conservation organizations, and parks have invited the public to attend special trail events on National Trails Day.

Guided trail activities at Camp Bayou:

9am- Guided canoe paddle with Daniel and Kaitlyn. Rent one of our 3-seater canoes for $25 or bring your own for a $5 donation. Registration required- call 813-641-8545.

9:30am- Wildlife walk with Dolly. Explore the flora and fauna on the Camp Bayou trails and discover some fun citizen science apps along the way.

10am- Butterfly walk with Dr. George. Accompany our volunteer butterfly monitor on his trail walk to record butterfly sightings at Camp Bayou.

11am- Outdoor themed snacks will be the fundraiser for the event: watermelon slices, s'mores and more.

The Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum and the Nature Center will be open as usual, 9am-2pm.

A drink cooler will be on hand to help keep participants hydrated with free cups of water, compliments of Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (BOLD) plus information about Center programs, activities and events.

Camp Bayou is also requesting donations of school supplies or cash to purchase them for our August 6 event- Back to School-Back to Nature. Children visit nature stations then receive a free school supply item at each stop. Your donation allows the Center to continue to provide these types of events for free. Expected attendance is approximately 200 children. Please contact 813-641-8545 or email campbayou@gmail.com to arrange a drop off or pick up.

This event is a Be Out There!, Get Outdoors Florida, FYCCN,  Children and Nature, No Child Left Inside, and Let's Move Outside inspired initiative.

Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center 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 managing non-profit, B.O.L.D., offers pre-scheduled programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families. Monthly canoe tours are now available by reservation only. Check the online calendar for trip dates. The Center is 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. (B.O.L.D.)., 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.