From the Education Desk:

Hello from the education department!  Nature's Academy has just wrapped up our most successful fall season to date.  Over 350 students came out and experienced our Island Adventures program, unlocking the mysteries at Fort De Soto Park and learning about the Tampa Bay estuary.  As the weather turns colder and water temperatures drop, we head into our winter season.  It is time for us to shift gears, get out of the water and onto dry land! 

Winter is an excellent time for one of our many outreach programs such as our Flight Academy (physics!) or the newly revised Organic Earth (earth science!).  Immersed in a series of activities, participants discover how humans alter the Earth and impact its natural systems.  Students conduct an in depth investigation of the water cycle and the natural filtration of ground and surface water as they identify the causes and impacts of acid rain, industrial agriculture and oil spills on the environment.    Organic Earth challenges its participants to identify solutions to these problems as well as discover ways to become greener and promote sustainability - both locally and globally.  You can also choose to experience this program as a field trip to Sweetwater Organic Farm in Tampa, Florida.  This hands-on, interactive tour of a working farm teaches students to know what it truly means to "go green"!

For other field trips perfect for the winter season, check out Myakka Mysteries. In this program participants canoe the Upper Myakka Lake alongside the hundreds of resident alligators and experience Florida's largest state park from above the trees on the one of a kind canopy walk.  Winter is the ideal time for nature lovers to view hundreds of species of migrating birds within the park.   A full listing of programs and descriptions are available on our website so check it out and get your programs booked soon.

Jim Pounds

Nature's Academy Employee Profile:

     Those of you who have experienced our programs may remember him as the "safety salamander!"  He is the man behind the scenes, Nature's Academy's Vice President and Development Director Jim Pounds. Jim  has an extensive background in marketing and sales. Originally from North Carolina,  Jim has spent the past 15 years in the Florida hospitality industry developing and perfecting his business skills through his numerous managerial positions.  He has owned several businesses over the years and his innate skills as a salesman and businessman have been invaluable  to the growth and success of Nature's Academy. Jim holds his Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED Professional Rescuer certifications and uses these skills regularly as our primary field technician and support staff which ensures seamless educational programs.  He loves to play golf and is a HUGE North Carolina basketball fan.

                                    GO TAR HEELS!!! 

 Announcing Nature's Academy's new online store:

          "The Spoonbill Shop"

Now you can purchase all Nature's Academy merchandise at our new online store. Find everything you need right here - from t-shirts (short and long sleeve) to hats, tote bags, and backpacks.  All items are available in a variety of sizes (youth and adult) and colors (bone, pink, blue, green, and yellow).  They make perfect Christmas gifts and are great for any occasion!! All proceeds directly support our Island Adventures Pilot Project and other educational programs.  Everything is originally designed and sold exclusively through Nature's Academy.  Enter the "Spoonbill Shop" by clicking on the spoonbill icon or weblink below and show your support today.