Spring Nature Fest

Spring is a great time to see gopher tortoise babies!

Join Camp Bayou as it welcomes Spring with some fun activities on March 25 from 9am-noon

- unveiling of refurbished Storybook Trail

- visit restored Giant's Fishing Cabins with commemorative signage

- nature crafts for everyone- vine wreaths, pine bird feeders, and more

- Special Camp Commemoration Craft- stencil a t-shirt or bandana (while supplies last) for just $5 or bring your own cotton material

- Butterfly habitat, bee research and prescribed fire exhibits

- Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum is open

- Tree-planting in memory of Sandy Council

Joining us for morning shenanigans are Hillsborough County EPC, Manatee Viewing Center, Florida Forestry Service and more!

No registration required and it’s free! Come out and experience all that Camp Bayou has to offer.

Later that same day, explore the Little Manatee River after dark- without flashlights! Canoes and kayaks are available for $25 per boat; $5 if you have your own vessel. Plan to arrive by 7pm to be out on the water by 7:30pm. Registration required, email campbayou@gmail.com or call the office 813-641-8545. Camp Bayou continues to offer day paddle trips on the first and third Saturdays each month at 9am, reservations required. 

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-registered programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please contact us! The Center is open from Thursday- Sunday 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 Conservation & Environmental Lands Management. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. Check out the Camp Bayou Facebook page and for more information visit the website at http://www.campbayou.org/ or call 813-641-8545.

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