Events for Saturday, Nov 6 around the Bay

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 at the park- http://www.ruskinseafoodfestival.com/ or come back on Sunday for another fun-filled day!

Also on Saturday:
U.S. Geological Survey Open House


Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Chat with scientists and peruse fascinating displays at the 12th annual Open House of the U.S. Geological Survey's Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg. The theme of this year's Open House is "Liquid Earth: Our Fluid Planet." Peruse more than 40 exhibits focused on understanding the connectedness of our watersheds, coastal areas and oceans. Meet an alligator, see what extreme storms do to our coastlines, learn about the effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide on ocean chemistry, look at Earth using 3-D visualization tools such as Geowall and GeoMapApp, and learn about corals that grow in deep dark places.
This is a fun-filled event where you are guaranteed to learn something new and exciting about our natural world. The USGS staff will be joined by Federal and State partners and other agencies and institutions working to share the excitement of research and inform society about the important role science plays in managing our natural resources. There will be educational hand-out materials, including maps and posters.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/openhouse .

A Beautiful Morning for Science!

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 plants to grow at home. At noon, participants enjoyed solar hot dogs, sun iced tea and solar s'mores prepared in the solar oven. Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival . This event is also a Be Out There!, Get Outdoors Florida, a Children and Nature and No Child Left Inside inspired initiative. 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: Tour participants check out the bees during the pollinator walk Photo credit: Frank Cummings

original announcement: http://campbayou.blogspot.com/2010/10/media-release-event-10-23-10.html

Beef n' Bones video

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

Beef N' Bones at the Bayou!

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 the evening. Delicious barbecued food was provided by the pit-master from Jay's Best Barbecue in Ruskin. A selection of silent auction items were up for bid which included an applique quilt, custom jewelry, home decor items and assorted accessories. Eighteen paintings were also available for bid, coordinated by Bruce Fallender of Sun City Center. A 'Sneak Peek' of the progress of the renovation of the fishing cabins, that were moved from the old Giant's Camp, provided a preview of the future fishing history exhibit to be created on the oxbow. Over $2500 was raised between ticket sales, silent auction purchases and outright donations collected for the evening event. This event was made possible by Camp Bayou and Paleo Preserve volunteers with the help of these sponsors: Hillsborough County Conservation Services, Gulfstream Gas Corp, All Steel Buildings and Components, Sundance/All Home Repairs, SunnyDay Painters, Southeast Glass & Mirror, Sherwin Williams Paint, Lowe's- Riverview, Apollo Meats, SweetBay Supermarket, Winn-Dixie Supermarket, Buddy's Home Furniture, HCC SouthShore Campus and Memorial Pharmacy. 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. ###

on the Trail...

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 for the past 11 years, with the hope that any impacts to our river will be caught in time to do something about them.

We have implemented a number of water conservation projects, a few thanks to community grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. A rain gutter/cistern project can provide water to flush the toilets. More than one demonstration garden shows how drought-tolerant plants can be used in the home landscape.

A watershed model, demonstrates how the surrounding activities in the uplands, impact our waterway.

And, as a real world reminder of our dependency on water, the preserve is served by an ancient well (circa mid '70s) that is showing its age and has of late, been in constant need of repair in order to maintain our well's water quality.

Lesson for the day- always bring a container of water when you go for a walk on the trails to be sure you have a refreshing sip of water when you need it!

Simmons Park After Dark- 10.29.10

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 will visit places you never knew existed in Simmons Park : an insane asylum, death row, frightful nursery and clown town!

Providing you return from the trails, you can take a stab at Farmer John's frightful dinner delights from his Ghoulish grill.

Zombie frozen drinks also will be available from Kona Ice.

For the younger ones (and those easily scared), there will be a jumbo screen featuring a children's Halloween movie, starting at 8 p. m.

This event is FREE, so bring the family and stay for dinner.

Friday, Oct. 29, 7 - 10 p. m.

E.G. Simmons Park
2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin
$2.00 park entry fee per CARLOAD

Contact -Jason Chilson, Senior Park Ranger Simmons Park; 813.671.7655

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!

Beef N' Bones on the radio

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 at the Bayou in Ruskin FL! The Famunda All Stars have been together since 2005, and feature some of the sweetest voices in the Tampa Bay area. The stage will light up with the Paleo Preserve’s own fossil finder, Frank Garcia; Tedd Webb from the Morning Watch at Newsradio on 970 WFLA; and 12 other members of the group. A special guest will be Joe Lala, founding member of the Blues Image (Ride Captain Ride) and a storied career as a session man in Los Angeles, playing on records and touring with the likes of Stephen Stills, Rod Stewart, The Bee Gees, Crosby Stills and Nash and many other top acts.
A special “Sneak Preview” of the renovated #4 Giants Fishing Cabin will be at 7 PM. This cabin will be part of an educational exhibit of life along the river in the 1950’s.
The event is Saturday, October 16th, 2010, from 5 – 9 PM, with gates opening at 4:30. Ticket price includes barbeque beef, pork, chicken and more.
Tickets can be purchased on line at http://www.campbayou.org/
Cost: $20 per person or $35 per couple. (Children under 12 Free)

Table Sponsors $300 (8 Tickets, VIP Parking & Seating)

Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a 160 acre nature preserve whose mission is to preserve a sample of Florida’s original habitats, and to use this Center for the purpose of promoting appreciation and understanding of our natural resources and of our local culture and history.
The Paleo Preserve is comprised of 2 small fossil museums, The Casey-Leisey Fossil Museum and Frank A. Garcia Library feature fossils and photos from the famous excavation in 1983 which revealed species new to science. The first fossil museum on site contains a touch table, cases of fossils from around the world and other wonders.
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 or 813-846-1316.

Youth programs at Camp Bayou

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 sending this pix from last week's class.)

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

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 sweetest voices in the Tampa Bay area. The stage will light up with the Paleo Preserve’s own fossil finder, Frank Garcia; Tedd Webb from the Morning Watch at Newsradio on 970 WFLA; and 12 other members of the group. A special guest will be Joe Lala, founding member of the Blues Image (Ride Captain Ride) and a storied career as a session man in Los Angeles, playing on records and touring with the likes of Stephen Stills, Rod Stewart, The Bee Gees, Crosby Stills and Nash and many other top acts.
A special “Sneak Preview” of the renovated #4 Giants Fishing Cabin will be at 7 PM. This cabin will be part of an educational exhibit of life along the river in the 1950’s.
The event is Saturday, October 16th, 2010, from 5 – 9 PM, with gates opening at 4:30. Ticket price includes barbeque beef, pork, chicken and more.
Tickets can be purchased on line at http://www.campbayou.org/
Cost: $20 per person or $35 per couple. (Children under 12 Free)

Table Sponsors $300 (8 Tickets, VIP Parking & Seating)
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a 160 acre nature preserve whose mission is to preserve a sample of Florida’s original habitats, and to use this Center for the purpose of promoting appreciation and understanding of our natural resources and of our local culture and history.
The Paleo Preserve is comprised of 2 fossil museums, The Casey-Leisey Fossil Museum and Frank A. Garcia Library feature fossils and photos from the famous excavation in 1983 which revealed species new to science. The first fossil museum on site contains a touch table, cases of fossils from around the world and other wonders.
Background on Camp Bayou:
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 or 813-846-1316.