Teacher Resources

Teacher Resources - Grants

Free lesson plans, grants, workshops, and curriculum are offered by a variety of Florida's environmental organizations. All relate to Florida's Sunshine State Standards.

  • Southwest Florida Water Management District Education Resources - Water Education Videos, Hands-On Activities, Virtual Watershed Excursions, Classroom Conservation Challenge, Free Publications and Materials and Project WET Workshops.
  • Splash! School Grants - Provides up to $ 3,000 to enhance student knowledge of the water cycle, freshwater ecosystems, water quality and watersheds, water supply and conservation.
  • Invasive Species - Teacher educational resource from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.  The focus of this lesson is on Florida's invasive, non-native species, and how they impact the native landscape.  Lesson plan and curriculum are free on their website.

 

Personal Knowledge

These classes and workshops may not have direct classroom applications but are recommended for teachers in an environmental field.

  • Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) - The FMNP is an adult education program developed by the University of Florida and provided by participating organizations. FMNP training will benefit any persons interested in learning more about Florida’s environment, seeking educational contact hours, or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, ecotourism guides, and others. 

 

Nature Areas

We're fortunate to have a variety of places to go, and things to do in our local area.

McIntosh Preserve – Just north of Plant City on East Knights Griffin Road.  A beautiful nature preserve for visitors to enjoy.  2.2 mile upland trail system and 30 FT observation tower.

Crystal Springs Preserve – A 530-acre property for environmental education.  Crystal Springs Preserve is dedicated to the preservation of Florida’s natural environment.  Reservations can be made on their web site.

Nature's Classroom – Established in 1969.  365 acres, over 600 yards of boardwalk through hardwood hammocks and wetlands, outdoor classrooms, interpretive center and classroom, meeting space for groups, river-side shelters, pavilions, Florida Native Animal Collection and Florida Native Garden.

Hillsborough River State Park – A few minutes north of Plant City at 15402 U.S. Hwy 301 North.  RV and tent camping, Glamping – Modern comfort and the great outdoors, primitive camping, fishing, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, paddling, natural trail and more.  Remember...while at Hillsborough River State Park...please practice Leave No Trace.

Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve – 3540 East Knights Griffin Road.  12,800 acres.  Another great place close to Plant City. Almost 20 miles of open, hiking and equestrian trails.  Formerly known as Cone Ranch and Audubon Ranch.  The preserve’s wetlands and pine flatwoods are home to many species of wildlife – including white-tailed deer, Southern fox squirrels, wood storks and barred owls. 

Chinsegut Nature Center – Environmental education facility managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Hernando County.

Information on activities, programs and volunteer opportunities are provided.

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