End of Gallery
Select your language
Coordinator's Message
Welcome to Nature's Classroom!
I am delighted to begin my 18th year as the Administrator of the Nature's Classroom Environmental Studies Center and my 37th year with Hillsborough County Public Schools. Our flagship program, the multi-day 6th grade Hillsborough River Watershed Field Study, has been a cornerstone of our offerings for over 50 years. We are proud to continue immersing students in the natural world, where they can engage in outdoor activities that enhance their knowledge of the environment while also fostering confidence and teamwork skills. Additionally, we are excited to now offer Auxiliary Programming for both Elementary and High School student groups.
Best Regards, Ms. Karen Johnson
School Highlights
Extensive Natural Setting
Students explore four distinct Florida ecosystems over 365 acres—with wetlands, hardwood hammocks, upland trails, and riverside habitats.
Broad Reach
All 6th-grade students in the district participate in the multi-day “Hillsborough River Watershed Field Study,” welcoming over 18,000 students annually.
Rich Facilities
Boardwalks: Over 600 yards through wetlands and hammocks | Boat docks & boats: Carolina skiffs for river exploration | Outdoor classrooms: Gazebos, pavilions, and kiosks for group activities | Interpretive Center: Indoor space with small animals representing vertebrate classes | TECO Energy Center: Large facility with seating for 250+, including presentation tech, kitchen, and restrooms | Outdoor Skills Areas: Include orientation course, archery, hiking trails, and a horseshoe field.
Programs
Animal Compound
Non-releasable native animals, including deer, coyote, raccoon, bobcat, Florida panther, black bear, alligator, hawk, owl, and turkey vulture, provide real-life learning and ecosystem context.
Shoreline Sampling
Students wade in the river to collect macroinvertebrates, assessing ecosystem health.
Survival Discussions
Focus on human needs—food, water, shelter, space—and creating effective protection.