Camp Bayou Nature Notes

MLK service event at Camp Bayou

2012-01-17T06:56:00.002-05:00

Photos: 1: Rob Heath and daughter Erin, from Riverview with visiting Ma Ke. 2: Shirley and John Sullivan and son Collyn from Apollo Beach with exchange student Beatriz Kuroki. The MLK cleanup volunteers collected 10 bags of trash from the preserve at Camp Bayou and the surrounding roads and river bank. Thanks to all who helped!

February Homeschool Series

2012-01-07T20:44:00.004-05:00

Camp Bayou will be conducting another Homeschool Series, this time the theme is Florida's Native People. The classes will take place on consecutive Fridays in February from 10am-noon. The cost is just $20 for the four week program, collected on the first day, Friday, February 3, 2012. Each week's specific topic will include hands-on activities, including crafts and games, plus optional

Camp Bayou programs announced

2011-12-29T19:01:00.003-05:00

Starting the New Year ... Naturally! The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is starting the year off with some outdoorsy fun. A few of the many activities scheduled this year include: - Family Naturalist Hour- Join our naturalists on the first Saturday of each month to explore the outdoors and maybe learn something new in the process. On Saturday, January 7, starting at 9:30am the hour will

Volunteer of the Year 2011

2011-12-13T07:57:00.004-05:00

Photo caption: George Shambaugh is presented with the 'Volunteer of the Year Award- 2011' by Jeri Hundertmark, Volunteer Coordinator, at the end of the year meeting of the Camp Bayou Advisory Committee. Seated is George's wife Ruth. George accumulated over 600 volunteer hours doing a range of tasks from clearing brush to teaching kids about ants and other insects. The award presentation was

Have Dinner, Help the Scouts

2011-12-01T06:53:00.000-05:00

Support our local scout troops! Girl Scout Troop 508 would like to invite you to Dinner. Appleby's in Riverview is sponsoring this months Dining to Donate Event! By having dinner, or drinks, they will donate 10% of your purchase to the troop's World Center Trip in 2012. This is a perfect time for the guys to meet up and watch the game, have dinner with your family or have a girls night out

Free Workshops for Tampa Bay Crabbers

2011-11-23T13:23:00.001-05:00

Free Workshops for Tampa Bay CrabbersOrganized by the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust Learn how commercial and recreational crabbers can play a significant role in the conservation of the imperiled diamondback terrapin. Receive free byatch reduction devices (BRDs). BRDs will be installed on your pots by volunteers or available for take home. No pot limit (while time permits and supplies

Special Registration category announced!

2011-10-30T12:19:00.001-04:00

Special Price Break for ANEW!The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is having a fun and educational weekend event, Friday, Nov 11 through Sunday, Nov 13. In response to concerns of cost, there is now a special 'Current Economy' registration category. The cost is just $10 per person per day, still including one child under 12 free with paying adult. Registration for this option is available online

Local Halloween themed events

2011-10-19T15:34:00.000-04:00

via Hillsborough County: Teen Monster Bash Costume Ball at the SouthShore Regional Library Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin FREE Teens are welcome to come dressed in character to celebrate a night of music, dancing, games and prizes. There will be a special contest for the best costume. Advance tickets are available and ticketholders

Beef N Bones on the Bayou

2011-10-16T08:28:00.001-04:00

This Blog Action Day post ( #BAD11 ) starts with our annual fundraising event which was held yesterday, October 15. The event was fairly successful, despite the low turnout. Over a hundred people attended throughout the day to help raise funds for the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center and its environmental education programs. This year we added the option of purchasing beer or wine to satisfy

Observe the Moon Hike- Sat., Oct 8

2011-09-29T13:21:00.004-04:00

Participants after a previousNight Hike Observe the Moon Night at Camp BayouJoin the naturalists at the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center on Saturday, Oct 8, from 7:30 -9pm for one of our 'No-Flashlight' Night Hikes. As always the hike will end at the fire circle with s'mores to enjoy after your adventure. Pre-registration requested, limit 20 people, suitable for ages 6 through adults.

ANEW Keynote speaker announced

2011-09-18T07:52:00.002-04:00

Rob at Golden Aster Scrub Preserve Camp Bayou is proud to announce the Keynote Speaker for 'A Natural Education Weekend’ will be Rob Heath. Rob is now Senior Ecologist at Wildlands Conservation, a land management consulting company for public and private owners of conservation lands. His duties include management plan development and implementation, prescribed fire, habitat restoration,

A Natural Education Weekend

2011-09-04T13:10:00.001-04:00

Registration Open for November Event at Camp BayouA Natural Education Weekend is a 3 day event, held over the Veteran's Day weekend, for families to learn how to have fun in the outdoors while thinking and acting responsibly. The format of the weekend is similar to a conference, with 45 minute sessions, meals, social hour and keynote but the feel of it is more like a family summer camp.There

Media release- Camp Bayou

2011-09-03T16:50:00.001-04:00

Pictured: Bob Berkhahn of Cargill presents a check to Dolly Cummings to help fund efforts to continue environmental education programs at Camp Bayou. Cargill employees have logged over 200 volunteer hours at Camp Bayou this year.

media release- photo contest

2011-08-24T10:06:00.001-04:00

Camp Bayou Photo Contest 2011 Winning photos from a previous contestCamp Bayou is again sponsoring a photo contest this year. The following rules apply to all entries: Open to all ages. All photos must have been taken at Camp Bayou . Previous Camp Bayou winning photos are ineligible. There is no fee to enter; photos are not returnable and become the property of Camp Bayou. Entries are

media release- Camp Bayou

2011-08-21T19:19:00.001-04:00

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin has some exciting events lined up for the fall! Upcoming events through the end of the year:- First Saturday each month; Family Naturalist Hour; 9:30am-10:30am. FREE. A different nature topic each month. No reservations required.- Sat., Sept 17; International Coastal Cleanup; 8am-noon; Land and water cleanup. FREE. Register with Keep Tampa Bay

Frolic with Frogs

2011-08-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Come Frolic With Frogs at Little Manatee River State Park August 19 -7:00-9:00 pm Free Event. There is a $3.00 evening entrance fee per car (up to 8 people.) Tampa Audubon Society presents Frolicking with Frogs. Come learn simple, effective methods to identify local frogs and toads by their calls. In addition, this seminar provides visual identification tips, and most importantly, discusses

Camp Bayou Back to School event

2011-08-07T08:31:00.002-04:00

Jonathan wins the first Bucs backpack of the day. The 4th annual 'Back to School- Back to Nature' event, held last Saturday, August 6, was great fun for all ages, plus provided participants with a few school supply items to help with this year's back to school needs. Approximately 80 school age children and their families came out for a wonderful morning of games, face painting, fossils, ant

media release- No Child Left Inside

2011-07-14T07:35:00.004-04:00

Children and their families learned about nature at last year's Back to School- Back to Nature event, plus received a free school supply item. This year's event will be Saturday, August 6 from 9am-noon- free registration at www.campbayou.org . Education is heading outside in Tampa Bay; Legislation in Congress would help ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IS BACK; THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR TEACHERS USE

media release: Back to School- Back to Nature

2011-07-12T21:32:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again- to think about books and bags and ... bayous?! Camp Bayou's Annual Back to School- Back to Nature event will be held on Saturday, August 6 from 9am- noon. Registered families will visit several nature stations where they will learn something about frogs, fossils, forests or one of several nature topics. Before leaving each station, the children will be given a free

Make Your Own Solar Cooker

2011-07-08T12:25:00.000-04:00

From Hillsborough County News: What: Make Your Own Solar Cooker Workshop When: Tuesday, July 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Hillsborough Count Extension, 5339 CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584 Come learn how to make and use a solar cooker to cook your food using the sun. Bring some basic supplies, and by the end of the workshop, attendees will have a

Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! online

2011-07-01T19:03:00.001-04:00

This quarter's issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now available online at www.campbayou.org . For those who wondered why they didn't get an email reminder, our email service has discontinued our account and we need to find another method of delivery. Don't miss out on this issue- lots of great news including citizen science suggestions, photos of spring highlights, our Back to School event and

Annual Joint Meeting

2011-07-01T18:18:00.000-04:00

Annual Joint Meeting of Native Plant Society, Tampa Bay Sierra Club and Tampa Audubon WHEN: Wed. July 20Guided walk 5 pm, Potluck Dinner 6 pm, Program 7 pm WHERE: Hillsborough River State ParkPROGRAM: Creating Native Yards: 30 Years of Success and Tears SPEAKER: Brightman Logan, All Native and Magnolia Organics The annual joint meeting is a great opportunity to meet and network with our

Save the Date- August 6

2011-06-26T21:07:00.000-04:00

From Hillsborough County New

2011-05-24T19:22:00.000-04:00

Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department To Discuss Strategic Plan At Public Meetings Hillsborough County is holding a series of public meetings to discuss a new strategic plan for the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department (PRC). This plan has been developed to provide long-term financial sustainability and efficiencies that would result in improvement of services and a cost

Pen some Poetry

2011-05-20T15:10:00.003-04:00

From TBEP news: Florida is being overrun by invaders. From Burmese pythons, Bufo toads and lionfish to creeping air potatoes and Brazilian pepper, non-native pests are playing havoc with our habitat. The Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) wants you to help us draw attention to invasive plants and animals in a creative way by submitting an original poem in our Invasive Species Poetry Contest. The

Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Workshops To Be Held On June 16

2011-05-20T12:14:00.000-04:00

Hillsborough County Extension will offer the following Florida-Friendly Landscaping Workshops on June 16 at the Extension Office, 5339 County Road 579 in Seffner. Compost Happens Workshop at 10 a.m. Attend a Compost Happens Workshop and learn to turn trash to treasure. Each household will receive a free compost bin and thermometer. This workshop is sponsored by the Master Composters of

Hillsborough Extension Hosts Family-Friendly Open House

2011-05-19T19:12:00.000-04:00

Hillsborough County Extension, a cooperative service between the County and the University of Florida, is hosting an open house on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their main office, 5339 County Road 579 in Seffner. This open house features free family-friendly hands-on activities and exhibits, make-and-take home projects, presentations and garden tours. "The Open House is a great

Friday, May 20 is Endangered Species Day

2011-05-19T12:40:00.000-04:00

Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people young and old to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions that people can take to help protect our nation’s disappearing wildlife and last remaining open space. Protecting America’s wildlife and plants today is a legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren, so that all Americans can experience the

Hurricane Season starts June 1.

2011-05-18T12:36:00.001-04:00

Are you prepared? 2011 Prediction: http://www.wusf.usf.edu/news/2011/05/19/hurricane_forecast_above-average_year Get all your questions answered at the Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo on Sat., May 21 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at MOSI. Learn more about the Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo online at www.tampabayhurricaneexpo.com/. If you can't make it out to the Expo, there are a number of resources you can take

Still time to register for Backyard webinar with NWF

2011-05-17T17:03:00.002-04:00

Ready to learn how to green your garden and help wildlife? Join National Wildlife Federation's Director of Education, Eliza Russell, and homeowners to learn how you can take the steps to create a more wildlife-friendly garden at your home, in a park, at your church, or at your place of business. Date: Thursday, May 19, 2011 Time: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Creating a wildlife-friendly backyard

Spiders in Space... finally!

2011-05-16T15:13:00.000-04:00

Visit Camp Bayou starting this weekend to see our land-based complement to the Spiders in Space project. From the Spiders in Space listserv: This morning’s successful launch of STS-134, carried two juvenile Nephilia clavipes spiders to orbit. Each spider has its own space condo with attached separate chambers for fruit flies, serving as the spider’s food source. The Space Shuttle Endeavour

Dive into science at MarineQuest 2011

2011-04-25T19:24:00.000-04:00

Always fun and educational! From FWC News: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) will open its doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, for MarineQuest 2011. During the 17th annual open house, visitors of all ages can explore the fascinating world of science at the FWRI headquarters, 100 8th Ave. S.E., in

License-free weekends ahead and more!

2011-04-19T18:13:00.000-04:00

From FWC: FWC establishes license free fishing weekends, expands bay scallop season; DEP to offer reduced admission at state parks Panama City, Fla. – Florida is the fishing capital of the world, bringing more than $5.4 billion to our economy. Today at the Cabinet meeting in Panama City with the support of Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Camp Bayou Spring Open House

2011-04-06T19:16:00.002-04:00

Camp Bayou Spring Open House Join us for a day of FREE fun family activities while enjoying the beauty of Camp Bayou's 160 acres of trails, riverfront and exhibits. Stop in at the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum for the unveiling of their huge fossil tortoise (see photo of shell held by Frank Garcia). Camp Bayou's resident gopher tortoises look tiny in comparison! The Open House runs 8am- 2pm

NASA celebrates Earth Day

2011-04-03T17:57:00.000-04:00

April’s topic for NASA’s Year of the Solar System (YSS) – Water, Water Everywhere: Celebrating Earth Day! Planetary scientists once thought Earth was an oasis in a dry solar system, as early missions to our neighbors revealed desert-like conditions on the Moon, Mars, and Mercury. Missions in recent years have overturned this view, returning mounting evidence of ample water from a vast array of

media release- Spring Open House

2011-03-08T21:11:00.001-05:00

Camp Bayou Spring Open House Join us for a day of FREE fun family activities while enjoying the beauty of Camp Bayou's 160 acres of trails, riverfront and exhibits. The Open House runs 8am- 2pm on Saturday, April 16, 2011. This year' theme is Sustainability- Act Locally! Schedule of Activities: 8am: Great American

Look up tonight- double flyby!

2011-03-07T15:35:00.001-05:00

From Space Weather News for March 7, 2011 http://spaceweather.com/ DOUBLE FLYBY ALERT: This morning, March 7th, space shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station. This sets the stage for a spectacular series of double flyby sighting opportunities. The station and shuttle will be flying over parts of the United States and Europe tonight and tomorrow, appearing in the night

Media release- teacher workshop, Camp Bayou

2011-02-19T06:36:00.001-05:00

Free Fire Curriculum and Workshops for Educators Fire in Florida 's Ecosystems (FIFE) is a curriculum and educator training program that gives teachers the information and tools to teach students in grades 3-12 about fire's natural role in Florida . Curriculum: 13 hands on activities that use fire to teach core concepts in science, math, social studies, and language arts. Each

media release- Camp Bayou, Ruskin

2011-02-16T10:26:00.001-05:00

Fun with Frogs in Florida: A Save the Frogs Day Event Children and adults are invited to spend a fun, casual evening in a beautiful Florida setting learning about frogs and their importance to Florida and the rest of the world. This Save the Frogs Day event is Friday, April 29 from 5-8 pm at Camp Bayou and includes frog activities, a presentation and night hike. Snacks and beverages

Craig Tufts Environmental Education Award

2011-02-15T10:15:00.000-05:00

The Craig Tufts Environmental Education Award provides a scholarship to a participant between the ages of 8-18 and an accompanying adult. It provides travel, room and board, and program fees. They are now accepting applications for the 2011 Summit scholarship. Applications are due March 31, 2011 by 5pm in your time zone. How to Apply: Applicant will submit an original essay that addresses the

media release- Camp Bayou Ruskin

2011-02-09T12:23:00.001-05:00

Magiscope Inventor Dennis Brock to Hold Homeschool Workshop Students and their parents or guardians are invited to spend an afternoon with Magiscope inventor Dennis Brock, discussing and exploring how to look at nature from a different perspective. This free educational event is Wednesday, March 2 from 12noon-2pm at

Youth Art Contest

2011-02-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

OK, maybe not a mermaid but perhaps a manatee! Teachers/Students Encouraged to Participate in Youth Art Contest Deadline: March 15, 2011 Elementary, middle, and high school teachers are encouraged to have their students participate in the Endangered Species Youth Art Contest, an integral part of the sixth annual national Endangered Species Day, celebrated on and around May 20, 2011. Winners

media release- teacher workshop

2011-01-31T19:04:00.004-05:00

Project WILD/ USA Phenology Network workshop combo Where: Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, Ruskin When: Saturday, March 19, 2011 Who should attend: Teachers, scout leaders, summer camp counselors, homeschool parents What: Project WILD capitalizes on the natural interest that children and adults have in wildlife by providing hands-on activities that enhance student learning in all subject and

media release Camp Bayou

2011-01-26T20:10:00.001-05:00

Camp Bayou Cabin Progress The Fishing Cabin renovation at Camp Bayou continues with cabin #5. A recent volunteer workday with the sales staff from Auto Trader, succeeded in stripping all the damaged wood in preparation for structural re-enforcement and new siding. Volunteers are still being sought for future workdays. If you have carpentry skills and would like to help restore the cabins,

media release- Basket making class at Camp Bayou

2011-01-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

Basket-Making Class Children and adults are invited to attend a basket-making class with craftsman Carole Hetzel, of West Palm Beach, on Friday February 4 from 2- 4 pm at Camp Bayou. Registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Diane at beautyberrybooks@tampabay.rr.com to reserve your spot. You are

Manatee Viewing Center Event

2011-01-13T19:04:00.000-05:00

TECO Manatee Viewing Center 25th Anniversary Weekend On Jan. 15 and 16, the Tampa Electric Co. Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach celebrates 25 years as a warm, safe haven for the endangered Florida manatee. And you're invited to the party! Visit the center Jan. 15 and 16 to enjoy: •Radio Disney© •Arts and crafts •Children's activities •Free parking and admission •Manatees: When the water

National Park Service special entry days

2011-01-11T12:27:00.001-05:00

The National Park Service announced last week that it will waive entrance fees at all national parks during select dates in 2011: Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend (January 15-17), National Park Week (April 16-24), the first day of summer (June 21), National Public Lands Day (September 24), and Veterans Day weekend (November 11-13). This will eliminate entrance fees at more than 100

Art Show and Photo Contest Winners

2011-01-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

Photos on display before judging- look for them at the South Shore Regional Library in Jan 2011. Dorothy McNerney with her winning artwork A belated 'Congratulations!' to our art show and photo contest winners from our Holiday Open House, held December 4. Art Show winners: Watercolor 1st Susan Corbett 2nd Dorothy McNerney 3rd Sylvia Fell Mixed Media 1st Bruce Fallender 2nd Eleanor Harmon

More meteor showers...

2011-01-03T10:07:00.000-05:00

From http://spaceweather.com/ QUADRANTID METEOR SHOWER: Sky watchers in the northern hemisphere should be alert for meteors before sunrise on Tuesday, Jan. 4th. Earth is about to pass through a narrow stream of debris from shattered comet 2003 EH1, the parent of the annual Quadrantid meteor shower. Forecasters say the encounter could produce a fast flurry of 100 meteors per hour during the

January programs at Camp Bayou

2011-01-02T12:01:00.002-05:00

The year's first Family Naturalist Hour, held on New Year's Day, was a fun and educational session to find, mark and document gopher tortoise burrows at Camp Bayou. More than 20 burrows were inspected for signs of activity then GPS'd for future reference. The monthly Family Naturalist Hour is held on the first Saturday each month starting at 9:30am. Participation is limited to 5 families so call

Camp Bayou rings in the New Year

2010-12-20T13:08:00.002-05:00

Camp Bayou's Happy New Year!Start the year off right- grab the family and head to the great outdoors!Camp Bayou will continue its first Saturday morning of the month, Family Naturalist Hour, this year, starting on January 1, 2011 from 9:30-10:30am! (Yes, we will be open New Year's Day.) Stop in for a short walk on the trail, looking for wildlife and signs of promised plant growth along the

Lunar Eclipse on Solstice

2010-12-19T08:43:00.000-05:00

For the first time in many years, northern winter is beginning with a total lunar eclipse. On Dec. 21, 2010, the date of the northern winter solstice, the full Moon will pass through Earth's shadow, turning the lunar orb a delightful shade of coppery-red. Sky watchers in North America are favored with an overhead view as the eclipse unfolds on Tuesday morning between 02:41 am and 03:53 am EST.

Preview- Canoe Dock at Camp Bayou

2010-12-10T07:51:00.000-05:00

The new floating canoe dock is being installed at Camp Bayou this week, thanks to Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. It's not ready to use just yet- stay tuned!

Camp Bayou Holiday Open House

2010-12-01T18:00:00.001-05:00

Trail rides on the half hour on our 7-passenger cart Reminder that our Annual Holiday Open House is this Saturday, December 4 from 9am-2pm. In addition to our always yummy Member BBQ, and this year's Compost and Rainbarrel workshops conducted by Hillsborough County Coop Ext, there will be a variety of natural and eco-crafts vendors with offerings to suit that 'green-minded' person on your gift

Camp Bayou Holiday Open House

2010-11-21T19:50:00.002-05:00

George points out some critters netted in the Little Manatee River Camp Bayou will hold its Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 4, from 9am- 2pm. The day's activities reflect programs held throughout the year at Camp Bayou.Schedule of Family-friendly Activities:9am: Guided walking Tour begins at Visitor’s Center9am– 1:30pm: Highlight Cart Tours– 20 min tours on 7 passenger cart every half

Crafters invited to Open House 12/4

2010-11-15T20:00:00.001-05:00

Making pine cone feeders during summer crafting workshop Hello everyone, Just a reminder invitation to anyone who 'crafts naturally' that we will have a craft section at our annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec 4, 9am-2pm. There is no charge to have a space where you can demonstrate and/or sell your favorite nature-crafting creations. Just 20 spaces available- let me know if you'd like to

Cortez Village Folk Art Festival 11/20/10

2010-11-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

(Another local fall festival that sounds like lots of fun!) Cortez Village Folk Art Festival - Come See a Piece of Old Time Florida November 20, 2010 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119 St. W., Bradenton, FL 34215 The historic fishing village of Cortez is planning an awesome family oriented, funfilled event to acquaint people with The Cortez Florida Maritime Museum, the FISH

State Parks Waive Entrance Fees on 11/11/10

2010-11-04T15:58:00.000-04:00

Media advisory: November 4, 2010 Contact: DEP Press Office (850) 245-2112 STATE PARKS WAIVE ENTRANCE FEES FOR VETERANS DAY ~Visitors will receive free day-use entrance on Thursday, November 11~ TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service will offer free day-use entrance to Florida State Parks on Thursday, November 11, 2010. In honor of the services

media release: Before the Open House

2010-11-01T21:10:00.003-04:00

Coming soon at Camp Bayou In less than a month, Camp Bayou will hold its Holiday Open House. On Saturday, December 4, from 9am- 2pm, in addition to all the activities highlighting the usual programs at Camp Bayou, such as trail walks, river netting and the member BBQ, there will be compost and rainbarrel workshops led by Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension staff. Some of the other

Events for Saturday, Nov 6 around the Bay

2010-10-29T15:11:00.000-04:00

The USGS Open House (see announcement below) sounds like a great way to finish up my Saturday after participating in the Great Florida Beachwalk- http://www.visitflorida.com/beachwalk . I'll be walking and photographing the beautiful local beach at E.G Simmons Park in Ruskin starting at 9am- care to join me? After the beachwalk, consider stopping in at the Ruskin Seafood Festival held right there

A Beautiful Morning for Science!

2010-10-23T21:40:00.001-04:00

Nature lovers of all ages explored the preserve to find butterflies, birds, aquatic invertebrates, frogs, and plants during the USA Science and Engineering Festival Satellite event held on Saturday, October 23 at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin. Between hourly walks, folks made pine cone bird feeders, butterfly puppets, beautiful drawings of critters and cuttings of potted native

Beef n' Bones video

2010-10-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Fred Jacobsen for creating a great video of the event!

Beef N' Bones at the Bayou!

2010-10-17T19:44:00.003-04:00

Photo credit: Deborah Theisen Pictured: Sandy Council, RCDF president, talks about Florida's fishing heritage at the cabin sneak peek during the Beef n' Bones at the Bayou fundraising event. Camp Bayou Fundraiser a Great Success! On Saturday, October 16, an evening fundraiser was held at Camp Bayou from 5 to 9pm. Entertainment included the Famundo All-Stars singing a range of songs throughout

on the Trail...

2010-10-15T07:46:00.001-04:00

For Blog Action Day, a quick entry about water- specifically the many applications of the topic at Camp Bayou: Sitting on the north bank of the Little Manatee River in Ruskin, Camp Bayou is influenced by everything that flows within the river or runs into it from the surrounding watershed. We have monitored the water quality through Hillsborough County's Streamwater Watch program each month

Simmons Park After Dark- 10.29.10

2010-10-11T12:25:00.000-04:00

Come out and bring the family- IF YOU DARE!- to E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin on Friday, Oct. 29. Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation & Conservation will present “Simmons Park After Dark,” a haunted, spooky approach to a Halloween celebration! Hop aboard a thriller hayride to be dropped in the middle of the park's dark trails. Through this guided trail (by the “de-ranged” park rangers), you

Media release- event 10-23-10

2010-10-10T20:31:00.002-04:00

Citizen Science Symposium 2010Nature 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

Beef N' Bones on the radio

2010-10-06T10:20:00.001-04:00

Fishing cabin just about ready for the sneak peak... Update: Next Monday (October 11), our fundraising co-chair Jen McCafferty ,will be on the air with Tedd Webb at WFLA, talking up the Beef n' Bones event! For any early birds - listen in at 5:40 AM. Ruskin, FL - Excitement builds as this great group of entertainers share their singing and entertaining talents at the 1st Annual Beef n’ Bones

Youth programs at Camp Bayou

2010-10-05T21:00:00.001-04:00

The class takes home plants to observe their lifecycles. Only 2 weeks left for our Homeschool Nature Series at Camp Bayou. We have learned about several citizen science programs and explored most of the trails to spot critters, note plant lifecycles, and identify non-native invasives. Look for announcements of future Homeschool Programs at http://www.campbayou.org/. (Note: Thanks to Kelly for

Beef N' Bones at the Bayou- get your tickets!

2010-10-01T07:45:00.000-04:00

Frank Garcia warms up his vocal chords. The Famunda All Stars to provide entertainment at the Camp Bayou and the Paleo Preserve Fundraising Event Ruskin, FL - Excitement builds as this great group of entertainers share their singing and entertaining talents at the 1st Annual Beef n’ Bones at the Bayou in Ruskin FL! The Famunda All Stars have been together since 2005, and feature some of the

Night Hike- Friday, Oct 8

2010-09-24T20:33:00.003-04:00

Night Hike Join us on Friday, October 8 from 7-9pm for a Night Hike followed by stargazing and s'mores. The hike will show how effective our night vision is so no flashlights allowed without red filters. Around the campfire, we will talk about the fall constellations and some of the ancient stories that are associated with them. Learn about some of the space exploration missions currently in

Super Harvest Moon

2010-09-22T07:28:00.000-04:00

I like to pass on these interesting tidbits of info, this time from: NASA Science News for Sept. 22, 2010 For the first time in almost 20 years, northern autumn is beginning on the night of a full Moon. The coincidence sets the stage for a "Super Harvest Moon" and a must-see sky show to mark the change of seasons. FULL STORY at https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/

Pinellas Autumn Harvest Festival

2010-09-17T17:05:00.000-04:00

This sounds fun! Autumn Harvest Festival at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement Saturday, October 16 10:00 AM-4:00 PM FREE! Come enjoy an old fashioned Fall Celebration and Farmer's Market! Purchase farm-fresh pumpkins, fruits & vegetables! Hay Rides, Bobbing for Apples, Sack Races, Horseshoes, Pumpkin Carving Contest, & More! 2900 31st Street South, St. Petersburg 727-893-7326 (Camp

The Fall 2010 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now available online

2010-09-06T20:32:00.002-04:00

The Fall 2010 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now available online at http://campbayou.org/newsletters/2010fall.pdf . It can also be accessed from the ‘news’ link at the top of the page on http://www.campbayou.org/ . Here are some highlights - One of the relocated Giant’s cabins is nearly complete- see the progress- Our 1st Annual Fundraiser will be held in October- http://

media release- Camp Bayou Oct 16 fundraiser

2010-09-04T20:21:00.003-04:00

1st Annual Beef n' Bones at the Bayou Saturday October 16, 2010 5 to 9 PM Enjoy a night under the stars to support the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center and the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum. Delicious food by a team of "Bayou grillers", music, entertainment and a Silent Auction! A Special Event for the evening is the "sneak preview" of the #4 renovated fishing cabin. This cabin, moved

Camp Bayou supporter passes

2010-09-04T20:04:00.002-04:00

I heard some sad news from Helen Foster today. Four days ago in Indiana, Irene Abbott passed away. Some may remember Irene as the driving force that led the Eagle Audubon Society of Sun City Center to create and maintain a Butterfly Garden Habitat along the entry drive in Camp Bayou. For years, she was one of the dedicated Audubon members who came out to plant the garden, spruce up and talk to

Volunteer Workday- Sept 25

2010-09-02T16:05:00.002-04:00

Volunteers at Camp Bayou will be working on a number of projects during National Public Lands Day. September 25 is also the day for the International Coastal Cleanup, coordinated in this area by Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful. Find YOUR favorite 'wild' place and be a responsible steward of your environment!

Lionfish News Flash

2010-08-11T11:54:00.000-04:00

From email forwarded from: Ed Sherwood Program Scientist Tampa Bay Estuary Program Ph: (727) 893-2765 Recent editions of the Marine Scene have discussed the expansion of the invasive lionfish along the US east coast and throughout the Caribbean. Unfortunately, we have discovered that they are now off the coast in the Tampa Bay area. Thursday, August 5, two members of my Sea Grant Extension

Back to School event a success!

2010-08-08T11:50:00.004-04:00

Benjamin Weibley of Riverview is the first door prize winner, showing off his new backpackLots of fun at the Recycling game with Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful and Hillsborough County Solid Waste. Visitors crowd around each activity to learn something and earn a school supply item Back to School- Back to Nature event a Success!Camp Bayou's Back to School - Back to Nature event was held

Home-school Nature Series at Camp Bayou

2010-07-31T22:09:00.010-04:00

Home-school Nature Series at Camp Bayou Six sessions for just $30 per child. Meet at Camp Bayou Fridays from 10am to noon. Each week we will participate in a different citizen science program- learn about the topic, the protocols to follow and collect the data to be submitted to real scientists who are researching each subject. Sessions are geared for children in grades 3-5 but younger and

Local author donates book sales to Camp Bayou

2010-07-30T19:22:00.001-04:00

Local author and past RCDF president, Wade Clark, and his family, are moving from Ruskin and will be having a big yard sale on Saturday, July 31, from 7am-2pm. Mr. Clark is donating all sales from his books to Camp Bayou. One day only- don't miss it. Sale location is 1426 Deirdre Dr. in Ruskin: View Larger Map

Back to School- Back to Nature event 8/7/10

2010-07-24T07:50:00.002-04:00

Media contact: Dolly Cummingsphone: 813-363-54383rd Annual Back to School- Back to Nature EventCamp Bayou will host a a morning of hands-on fun- getting back to nature while getting the kids ready for back to school. Saturday, August 7, 2010 9am- noon FREE but pre-registration is requested. Easy online registration preferred, click the link at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HPZLG3S . If you

Back to School- Back to Nature 8/7/10

2010-07-07T12:34:00.003-04:00

Media contact: Dolly Cummingsphone: 813-363-54383rd Annual Back to School- Back to Nature EventRemember when you were little and you spent a good part of your day catching butterflies or fireflies, hopping after toads or frogs or walking along a beach collecting seashells? It has been said that today's generation has lost that connection to nature. Not at Camp Bayou! An upcoming event will be a

July Crafting Naturally workshops

2010-06-27T13:29:00.005-04:00

Crafting continues through July Camp Bayou continues its "Crafting Naturally" workshops each Friday from 9:30-10:30am. Each session, held in the air-conditioned classroom, will introduce one or more craft techniques using or highlighting a natural element. Crafts are varied and will interest participants with skill levels from beginner to intermediate. Advanced crafters are welcome to attend to

Summer 2010 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz!

2010-06-25T16:07:00.000-04:00

The Summer 2010 issue of the Camp Bayou Buzzzzz! is now available online at http://campbayou.org/newsletters/2010summer.pdf . It can also be accessed from the ‘news’ link at the top of the page on http://www.campbayou.org/ .

2010-06-15T11:55:00.001-04:00

Happy nature photography day! Http://www.nanpa.org/nature_photography_day.php

Venus over moon

2010-06-14T21:14:00.001-04:00

With the day quickly fading, time to check out a spectacular venus above the crescent moon.

On the Trail...

2010-06-05T18:10:00.001-04:00

Another great day at Camp Bayou! Never let the heat and humidity keep you inside! This Red-shouldered hawk perched just a few feet from the trail and, amazingly, sat there while I snapped its picture. The hawks are nesting just up the trail and are usually very antsy when hikers walk by. This one seemed almost as curious about me and I was about it! Happy World Environment Day!

Tampa Bay Living Green Expo this weekend!

2010-06-04T07:49:00.000-04:00

Tampa Bay Living Green Expo June 5 & 6, 2010 Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm Location: St. Petersburg Coliseum and the Sunshine Center Free Parking and Free Event! Activities and Booths for Adults and Kids Info Sessions All Weekend Go to the Tampa Living Green Expo (formerly Pinellas Living Green Expo) for More Details Plenty of activities for the entire family make

Camp Bayou workshops- Crafting Naturally

2010-05-25T07:59:00.004-04:00

Crafting Naturally WorkshopsDon't let the summer heat stop you from enjoying the wonders of nature!Throughout the summer, Camp Bayou will present "Crafting Naturally" workshops each Friday starting June 4 from 9:30-10:30am. Each session, held in the air-conditioned classroom, will introduce one or more craft techniques using or highlighting a natural element. Crafts are varied and will interest

Recycling our cans

2010-05-23T13:20:00.000-04:00

Made the trek to Patriot Metals in Gibsonton this week to bring nearly a year's worth of aluminum cans that we've accumulated at Camp Bayou. These cans came from events, cleanups (some cans were pretty old...) and member donations. Total weight is 34 lbs and yielded just under $16 in cash. Doesn't sound like much but there was little effort needed other than designating a spot for collecting

work day- Giant's cabins

2010-05-19T12:32:00.002-04:00

Giant's cabin renovation progressesThe Giant's cabins that were transported to Camp Bayou last August are getting some serious renovations. Work crews meet periodically as available to remove rotted wood, increase supports where needed, replace doors and windows and eventually paint in preparation for a special open house some time in the future.If you'd like to volunteer to help during one or

Recruiting organizations and Save the Dates

2010-05-16T14:53:00.002-04:00

Camp Bayou is making plans for 3 upcoming events. We are seeking environmental and/or science related organizations to participate in these events to help us provide a well-rounded experience for our visitors. For each event, we will provide a table and chair, a prime location on the 'Lawn' to display your information and/or activities (sales are permitted if % is donated to Camp Bayou) and

A rare meeting in space

2010-05-14T07:18:00.000-04:00

Something special is happening this weekend. Venus and the Moon are gathering for a sunset conjunction on Saturday and Sunday, May 15th and 16th. On the same nights, the ISS is going to be flying over many US towns and cities. And if space shuttle Atlantis launches on schedule--wow! People could witness a rare meeting of the shuttle, station, Venus and the Moon. Details and observing tips may be

On the trail...

2010-05-08T20:17:00.004-04:00

This 'on the trail' is actually right at the entry to the native camp. A beautiful gray fox trotted out from under the deck in front of the classroom then, very calmly, looked back to see what all the commotion was as several people reached for their cameras. Quite accommodating of him/her to pose for a picture. You never know who might cross your path at Camp Bayou...

Deepwater Horizon contacts

2010-05-03T12:25:00.005-04:00

Announcement from FWC: On Tuesday, April 20, an offshore oil-drilling platform, Deepwater Horizon, exploded in the Gulf of Mexico near Louisiana. The rig, owned by Transocean Ltd, was under contract to British Petroleum (BP). Submerged at the bottom of the Gulf, the rig continues to discharge up to 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day. BP, the United States Coast Guard and the Minerals

Fee Free Days for federal public lands

2010-04-27T07:50:00.000-04:00

To mark the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and to celebrate the launch of the Obama Administration’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced a schedule of free admission days to many of the lands managed by Interior. All national parks, national wildlife refuges, and many areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management will offer free admission on

Marc Minno speaks on butterflies at Native Plant meeting

2010-04-20T07:36:00.004-04:00

A note from James Wheeler of the the Suncoast Native Plant Society:The Suncoast Grapevine newsletter can be downloaded from http://suncoastnps.org/newsletters/2010/2010-04.pdf.Highlights:•Speaker: Marc Minno speaking on rare butterflies. He will have books for sale at the meeting.•Conference Reminder: Register Now for this year's exciting 30th anniversary conference•Hillsborough River field

Wicked Weeds VHS

2010-04-19T12:09:00.000-04:00

From TBEP:We have many VHS copies of “Wicked Weeds: A Homeowners’ Guide to Removing Invasive Plants” in our office. This is because people don’t have VHS players much anymore since we’ve all gone to DVDs. If any of you can use VHS copies, please let us know how many you want and we’ll get them to you. If you know anyone who might want any, let us know that too. Otherwise, we’ll probably dump

media release- Camp Bayou

2010-04-19T10:27:00.002-04:00

Night Hike Join us on Friday, April 30 from 8-9:30pm for a Night Hike which includes an activity that is a representation of the solar system followed by stargazing and s'mores. The hike will show how effective our night vision is so no flashlights allowed without red filters. Around the campfire, we will talk about the constellations and some of the ancient stories that are associated with

Nature's Classroom Open House

2010-04-19T07:31:00.001-04:00

NATURE’S CLASSROOMOPEN HOUSE EVENTWOODS, WATER AND WILDLIFEApril 24-25, 2010Saturday, 10:00 – 5:00Sunday, 10:00 – 5:00FEATURING:●NATURE ART DISPLAY ●ANIMAL EXPERIENCES ●FOODVENDORS ●LIVE MUSIC ●CHILDREN’S ●EXHIBITORS ACTIVITIES$5.00 / CAR DONATIONSorry, no busses or mini-busses*No alcoholic beverages*No pets*Smoking in designated areas