The weather may not reflect it but fall is right around the corner, with its shorter days and profusion of wildflowers in shades of purple and gold! Check out several events coming soon to Camp Bayou:

• Sept 21: International Coastal Cleanup, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Register with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful-
• September 28: National Public Lands Day, 9 a.m. to noon. More info
• October 5: Observe the Moon night paddle, 7 to 9 p.m. Paddle the Little Manatee River by the light of the moon. No flashlights! Reserve your canoe or kayak for $25 each or bring your own for a $5 donation. Call to reserve your spot, 813-641-8545.
• October 12: Moths and Bats and Owls, Oh my! 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a trail walk while we look for creatures of the night, then gather ’round the campfire for some conversation and s’mores. Your $5 donation helps pay for supplies. Call to reserve your spot- 813-641-8545.

Cart tours have returned! Stop in any Saturday morning and ask for a ride along the trails.

Third Saturday canoe day tours continue this year. Check the online calendar for days and times. Paddlers should arrive at Camp Bayou by 8:45am. Canoes or kayaks are available for rental for just $25 each or bring your own canoe or kayak for a small donation of $5 each. Register for all paddle trips by calling the office at 813-641-8545. 

For those who are interested in helping with registered groups, Camp Bayou is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love the outdoors and want to pass along that passion to others through hands-on activities, walks and canoe tours. Contact Becki at 813-641-8545 , email campbayou@gmail.com or fill out the form on the website- campbayou.org. We are mainly looking for folks to help teach school groups K-6 but there are other opportunities as well.

Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is open for day use only, open to the general public. The Center is open from Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (B.O.L.D.), and Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management. Camp Bayou is located three miles south of SR-674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin. Call 813-641-8545.