Community Invited to Explore Nature’s Classroom

Nature’s Classroom is normally reserved for the environmental education of Hillsborough County's sixth-grader students, but on April 14-15, everyone is invited to the biological haven.

That’s when Nature’s Classroom is hosting its annual open house and art festival, which draws visitors from all over the Tampa Bay area.

“Last year, we had approximately 4,000 people attend and enjoy the arts, crafts and exhibits,” said Chris Rusnak, a teacher at the facility. He said staff hopes to exceed that amount this year.

Nature’s Classroom is a joint project of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Since 1969, more than 328,000 sixth-graders have experienced Nature's Classroom, which is located at 13100 Verges Road in Thonotosassa and encompasses 365 acres of land along the Hillsborough River.

The Woods, Water and Wildlife event is a way for former students or those with an interest in nature to visit Nature’s Classroom, Rusnak said.

“The atmosphere is very family oriented,” he said. “When people arrive they can expect the hear some nice local musicians playing their music with the smell of fresh food being grilled.”

Kids will be able to hold or touch snakes, ferrets and alligators, and visitors can take a leisurely walk along the edge of the Hillsborough River via the facility’s shaded boardwalk.

“If people want even more animals, we have several facilities with animals like Florida panthers and black bears that people can enjoy,” Rusnak said. “The adventurous can even take part in our shoreline sampling activity, where children are supplied with water shoes and nets and can use them to wade into the river to look for all manner of small creatures.”

There will also be a wide variety of natural exhibits and vendors, Rusnak said.

“The art exhibits are supplied by local professional artists and there is a art contest involving any students wishing to participate from local Hillsborough County schools,” he said. “The crafts are researched and designed by our staff members and include lots of fun things that the kids can take home with them, such as a puppet frog and a pet rock they can design.”

Woods, Water and Wildlife will take place April 14-15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. Smoking and pets are prohibited.

“It is a great chance to enjoy a day outside in an amazing setting,” Rusnak said of the event. “It is an inexpensive and educational day of fun for the whole family. We always look forward to sharing the outdoors with anyone who is interested, and we love to make it as enjoyable as possible.”