Nature's Classroom Set for 'Wildlife' Open House, Art Festival

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

That’s when Nature’s Classroom is hosting its annual "Woods, Water and Wildlife" open house and art festival, which draws visitors from 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 number this year.

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

The open house is a way for former students to revisit Nature's Classroom, or for those who have never seen it to see what the attraction is all about, Rusnak said.

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

Kids can touch and hold snakes, ferrets and alligators. 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 also will 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 is scheduled for 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. “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.”