Saturday Sessions at ANEW

Looking for a weekend of family fun in the Florida outdoors? Register for hands-on sessions, displays, presentations, food, fun and music at one of Hillsborough County's secret jewels- the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center.

On Saturday, November 12, there will be a dozen sessions starting at 9am, with something of interest to everyone venturing into the outdoors and suitable for folks from pre-k through adult.

Choose from a variety of sessions, most geared specially for families. Saturday's morning sessions include:
- Join Peggy Morgan from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to look for indicators on a healthy river during 'Macroinvertebrate Mania';
- There's more to ants and palmetto than fire when you talk with Dr. George and Ms. Jeri on the Scrub Walk;
- Ms. Sandy and Ms. Jane will show families how to tie a knot, cast a fishing line and more before trying your luck at catching a fish on the river;
plus other sessions before lunch.

After lunch, there's more educational fun:

- Find out how to create a Wildlife Garden for Birds and Butterflies with Tom Heitzman from Sweet Bay Nursery; or
- Listen as Professor O'Dell from Hillsborough Commuity College- Brandon discusses the issue of Noise Pollution;
- Learn about Migratory Birds with Melanie Higgins from Quest Ecology;
- How does the study of phenology relate to climate? Come to the session with George Kish from USGS to find the answer;

Other sessions include workshops to make outdoor equipment such as a fossil sifter with Fred Hendershot of the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum (useful for Sunday's field trip) or a bamboo cane fishing pole with Ms. Dolly of the Nature Center (complete with casting instructions!).

Between sessions, there is time to try a variety of activities geared for enjoying the outdoors in Florida.

During the afternoon social mixer, browse the photo contest winners, West-Central LEEF's EE lesson plan contest entries, or the poster session of HCC- South Shore students in Dr. Holland's Environmental Studies class and more, while listening to the musical magic of Ruskin's own Mitch Traphagen.

After a hearty dinner, settle in to hear our keynote speaker, Rob Heath, who has done much for Florida habitats in general and Tampa Bay's public lands in particular.

Stick around to end the evening with conversation and a-make-you-own sundae. Get a good night's sleep- tomorrow there are 4 field trips to choose from- something for everyone!

The complete schedule for the weekend, Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13, and registration form are available on the blog:http://anaturaleducation.blogspot.com/. Registration forms are also available at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center during regular hours of operation, Thursday- Saturday, 9am-2pm. The Friday/Saturday all-inclusive price, including meals, session supplies and a goody bag, is just $75 per person for both Friday and Saturday. Plus, one child under 12 is admitted free with each paying adult! Other price options are available on the registration form.

This event is part of a Be Out There!-NWF, Get Outdoors Florida!, "Let's GO"- C&N, No Child Left Inside, and Let's Move Outside inspired initiative. Partners in this event include Hillsborough County Community College 's South Shore Campus, West- Central League of Environmental Educators in Florida , Firehouse Cultural Center , and Hillsborough County Parks , Recreation and Conservation Services. Sponsors include Cargill and Publix. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available. Contact Dolly at 813-363-5438 or campbayou@gmail.com for more information.