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Nature's Academy is now on Facebook!!!!
Once you visit our FB page be sure to "LIKE" us to stay current on our posts! |
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Nature's Academy in the News
Look for the latest story about Nature's Academy in the next issue of Bay Soundings!
Check out our previous stories
Fox News Island Adventures Link
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Board Members!
Nature's Academy is continually searching for new board members. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering your time and would like additional information about joining our flock, please contact us at 941-538-6829. |
Membership Reminder:
We are getting closer... But we still need your SUPPORT!!!
Last newsletter we set a goal to have 50 members signed up by July 4th! So far we have 8 BOOHOO! Show your support, click here and join our flock today.
The buzz about Nature's Academy is getting around and people are showing their support as we continue to strive to fulfill our mission within the community, across Florida and beyond.
Become a member today and help support our children through education!
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2nd Annual Earth Day Pepper Bust
Nature's Academy hosted it's 2nd annual Earth Day Brazilian Pepper Bust on April 23rd. Close to 50 volunteers turned out at Fort De Soto to help remove these invasive, non-native trees. The removal of these trees will allow for our native mangroves to repopulate our sensitive coastal habitats along the Tampa Bay Estuary. A big Thank You toSWFWMD and all of our volunteers.
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 Spring Update
Nature's Academy is wrapping up our busiest season yet. Since January 1, 2011, we have had 3,270 students learn about Florida's environment and the impacts we have on our resources!!!! In addition, we have also ramped up our volunteer base this year utlizing 1,666 volunteers that have contributed to 1,068 hours of their time!!!! A huge thanks to all of our volunteers. Between Pinellas and Manatee Counties, we have collected and removed a total of 485 pounds of trash from our coastal areas! WOW!! What a positive impact we are having on the Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay Estuaries. Way to go!!!
As we close out the first half of 2011, we will be gearing up for a busy summer and fall season as well. Let's keep it going! We are currently taking program reservations for the summer and fall season , as well as for spring 2012. Dates are filling up quickly. If you are interested in booking a program for your school, please contact us at info@naturesacademy.org or call us at 941-538-6829 for further details. You can also visit our website for additional program information by clicking on the link below.
SEE YOU IN THE FIELD!!!!!!!
Nature's Academy
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 Splash Mini Grants 2011/12
Attention Teachers: As the 2010/11 school year comes to a close, it is time to start thinking about next school year. Each year, the Southwest Florida Water Managment District (SWFWMD) "Splash" school grant program provides teachers with up to $5,000.00 in funding to enhance student knowldge about water, water resources and the local environment.
This past year, we partnered with numerous schools from Pinellas, Manatee and Polk Counties by assisting them in co-writing their splash mini grants, developing their curriculum and providing them with educational field trips and outreach programs. This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to "bring their classroom outdoors", provide relevant, hands-on activites for their students, get them excited about science, learning and the Florida environment!!! These "Splash" grants are open for all K-12 teachers to apply. Please visit the SWFWMD website for further details at Southwest Florida Water Managment District. The deadline for applications is September 2, 2011.
Nature's Academy offers a variety of programs focusing on water, water resources, estuary ecology and freshwater systems, such as Organic Earth, Myakka Mysteries and Island Adventures. Additional information about our educational programs can be found on our website. If you are interested in partnering with Nature's Academy on a "Splash" grant, please conatact:
Billy Payne
Education Director
Nature's Academy
billy@naturesacademy.org
941-538-6829
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Programs In Action!!
See what teachers and parents have to say....
"Couldn't ask for a better experience. Absolutly fantastic content delivered by child friendly experts. Thank You!"
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Snorkel in the Springs |
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Coastal Clean Up |
"In all my years in education (18) this was by far the best field trip I have ever attended!!"
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Myakka Fun!! |
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Is That a Snake? |
"I want to thank you for being wonderful hosts for our group during our time in Florida. Everything worked out about as good as anyone could expect. You did an excellent job with our kids, and they really liked all the presentations. This was evidenced by them all wanting to have their picture taken with you at the end of the program. Compared to the past few years, the program took a leap towards what we have always hoped it would be. You've done a great job. We surely will return again, and again. Thanks for all you do, enjoy your summer."
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To Space and Beyond |
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What's in our nets? |
" I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you- my 2nd graders are still talking about how much they learned and the field trip comes up in their conversation every day. One of my students who receives ESE services and has a difficult time in the classroom ASKED ME if he could write about the experience and what he learned as soon as we got back- and he usually avoids writing like the plague! What an incredible impact you all made on him! You are all unbelievably excellent at your work and I thank you for sharing your classroom with us. I have bragged on your program to anyone who will listen." |
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Announcing our Fall Fun Days
Calling all Homeschoolers, individual families and school groups!!! This fall season we have set aside two open dates for our "Fall Fun Days". Each day will feature a different program. So come out and experience Nature's Academy as we bring the classroom outdoors.
Island Adventures: Estuary Ecology
Date: September 9th, 2011
Time: 9:00 - 2:00
Myakka Mysteries: Freshwater and Florida Ecology
Date: October 28th, 2011
Time: 9:00 - 2:00
*Further details and descriptions of each program are available on our website* Nature's Academy
Please contact Nature's Academy for reservations and program costs at info@naturesacademy.org or call 941-538-6829.
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Nature's Academy Profile:
Nature's Academy is pleased to welcome two interns this spring, Kayla Hekimain-Williams and Grayson McCormick. Both joined our flock at the beginning of May and will be with us through early July.
 Kayla, a Tampa native, attended Hillsborough High School and will be entering her sophomore year at Florida International University in Miami. She is pursuing her degree in environmental science and has a passion for education and the environment.
 Grayson is a recent graduate of the University of South Florida. He obtained his bachelor degree in Environmental Science and Policy. During his time at USF, Grayson completed an internship at Honeymoon Island State Park, where he assisted in eradicating various invasive plant species, collected data for research on sea turtle and shorebird nesting sites, and educated youth in sea grass conservation methods.
"Interning at Nature's Academy is the best opputunity I have ever had. Environmental education is not an easy field to walk into and there is no better way to get hands-on experience than an internship with Nature's Academy. I have gained confidence in myself as educator and been able to witness the joy on the faces of hundreds of children as they discover the natural wonders in their own state. Nature's Academy is an excellent place to gain vital experience while simultaneously making a positive impact on our future generations."
Grayson McCormick
*We are currently seeking interns for the fall 2011. If you or someone you know would be interested in applying for one of our internships, click on the links below for additional information on how to apply.*
Internship Program Description
Internship Application
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