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(813) 641-8545

Nature Center

The Nature Center Interpretive center- Our nature center has a wealth of information to meet the needs of any environmental focus. You’ll find anything from broad-based statistics about Florida wetland patterns to specifics on the burrowing habits of the gopher tortoise. Reference materials are available in a variety of forms- books, magazines, displays, and more. You choose between an informal inspection of displays or a formal discussion by our instructors on a relevant topic.

Educational Programs- Adults

The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an 
adult education extension program developed by the 
University of Florida and provided by participating
organizations. FMNP training will benefit persons
interested in learning more about Florida’s environment.

Not registered, but thinking about it?
Contact Dolly.

Highlights of recent class 


 Florida Master Naturalists- Hillsborough Chapter

Educational Programs- Youth

......"Call now for reservations for the upcoming school year...... For reservations call (813) 641-8545

Ms. Dolly with classes from Ruskin Elementary
"Field trips provide an
opportunity to involve
students, parents, and
the community in the
instructional program."

from: Elementary School
Instructional Field Trip Guidebook (2005),
School District of Hillsborough County

For a list of programs
 at the Nature Center,
 click here.


The Nature Center Education Director is Dolly Cummings. She
has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and has taken
several professional development courses ranging from Project
Learning Tree, Wild, and Wet to graduate courses which include
facilitating GLOBE protocols and activities. She is a member of
the North American Association of Environmental Educators and
League of Environmental Educators of Florida (LEEF) and has
more than 10 years experience working with children in non-
formal environmental education settings.

All programs offered at the Nature Center have been correlated
to the Sunshine State Standards. These are available, along with
supplemental and reference materials, upon request. In addition,
we also offer a series of FCAT-style questions, related to the
particular program that the class has scheduled. Background
information is incorporated into these so that a dual purpose is
served- preparation and/or reinforcement for the lesson and
practice for the FCATs.


Project WILD training is now offered at the Nature Center.
Educational materials are provided to educators through
practical, interactive workshops. These workshops are useful
to teachers as well as Scout leaders, park rangers and home
schoolers. If interested in participating in a free workshop,
or if you would like to arrange a teacher presentation at your
school or a tour,  please contact Dolly.

The Nature Center is one of the educational groups operating
at the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center.
Be sure to check out the other opportunities at:

Paleo Preserve