Connecting People and Nature in Florida
Our goal for science-based environmental education and training is to inspire and prepare the next generation of conservationists through inclusive and engaging learning environments. Providing access to on-the-ground and virtual educational experiences will help foster a deeper understanding of the critical role that nature plays in our everyday lives and helps ensure future advocates for conserving our natural resources.
Our formal and informal conservation education and training programs are successfully providing valuable and impactful learning opportunities for K-12 students, college students and natural resource professionals. These programs and activities provide opportunities to connect with TNC, experience nature and be inspired to step up and speak up for nature.
We seek to create an inclusive environment for all people and communities that will inform and expand their awareness and appreciation of nature. Feel free to browse our programs for educators and the community and watch our educational videos.
TNC Florida's Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) advances conservation through education and training, outreach and volunteerism, science and research, and land stewardship. Learn more.
Community Conservation Programs
We offer a number of ways to get involved with educational opportunities, programs and activities such as shoreline clean-ups, sunrise sessions for artists and birders, virtual lectures and much more. New events and opportunities are always being added, so check back for the latest happenings.
To have the latest information about volunteering, educational opportunities, programs and activities sent to your email inbox, we invite you to subscribe to our Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) e-newsletter. You can also select the option to receive more event happenings and e-blasts from our four campus preserves: Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve in North Florida, Blowing Rocks Preserve in South Florida or The Disney Wilderness Preserve and Tiger Creek Preserve in Central Florida.
Youth Educational Resources and Activities
Want to learn more about the plants and animals that call our TNC Florida preserves home? Or want to challenge your environmental knowledge? Check out these cool and free downloadable guides. Be sure to visit this page again as we upload more fun resources.
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Biology 101—Amphibian Lifecyle
Learn more about the complete metamorphosis of frogs and toads—from egg to adult. Appropriate for elementary to middle-school-age youth. Download
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Keystone Species—Gopher Tortoise Facts
As Florida's only native tortoise, the gopher tortoise plays a vital role as a keystone species. This information is appropriate for elementary to middle-school-age youth. Download
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CCI Brain Games—Blowing Rocks Word Search
Challenge yourself to find all of these words. Appropriate for middle-school-age youth. Download
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Endangered Species Profile—Florida Bonneted Bat
Fast facts about Florida's endangered and largest bat species. These Florida bonneted bat facts are appropriate for middle-school- to high-school-level youth. Download
Environmental Resources for Educators
Nature Lab and Kahoot!
TNC and its scientists created Nature Lab to help students learn the science behind how nature works for us and how we can help keep it running strong.
Also explore our collection of interactive quizzes about prescribed fires, coral reefs and more on Kahoot! All of our Kahoot quizzes can be used alongside Nature Lab videos to create a fun and interactive learning experience for students.
Traveling Turtles Trunk Program
In partnership with InWater Research Group, teachers in South Florida's Martin and Northern Palm Beach counties can bring FREE hands-on, experiential conservation education to their classrooms through the Traveling Turtles trunk program. The trunk contains four engaging lessons that take students on a journey through conservation while highlighting the amazing world of sea turtles. The trunk includes ready-made lessons for both in-person and virtual learning. For in-person instruction, all you need to do is copy student worksheets!
Book the turtle trunk by registering with our CCI portal—select “Book a Facility or Resource” then follow the Blowing Rocks Preserve link.
This program is a great introduction to the sea turtles of Florida. Students will learn about what makes a sea turtle a sea turtle, as well as nesting habits, how to sample a population like real scientists and how to collect data from their very own sea turtle model.
This program can be incorporated into youth environmental education programs within the life science, natural science or physical science disciplines.
Reserve Your Trunk
Submit a request to reserve the Traveling Turtles Trunk for your students.
RESERVETrunk Contents:
- Skull replicas of the five sea turtles observed in Florida’s waters.
- Corresponding food item for each species.
- 10 individualized model turtles.
- 10 calipers.
- Measuring tapes.
- Scale.
- Lesson binder and jump drive.
- Plus, interactive videos!
Review our step-by-step Traveling Turtles Trunk instructions, then reserve your trunk.
Trunk Guidelines:
- The trunk may only be picked up or dropped off at Blowing Rocks Preserve Wednesday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Trunk pickup and drop off require teachers to bring an additional person to assist with loading and unloading.
- Lesson plans have been modified and digitized to support social distancing in the classroom and distance learning.
- Trunks will be sanitized based on CDC regulations between each reservation.
Educational Videos on Conservation Topics
This series of videos was recorded during our Blowing Rocks Preserve Lecture Series in 2021. Learn more about our upcoming events.
Migration of Blacktip Sharks in Southeast Florida
Harmful Algal Blooms in the Indian River Lagoon
South Atlantic Seascape
Saving the Last of South Florida’s Pine Rocklands
Great American Outdoors Act
Learn More About Florida
Why Are Mangroves Important?
Mangrove forests protect Florida's coast from storm surges & erosion, and provide space for wildlife & recreation. We're restoring mangroves for all to enjoy.
Florida Python Patrol Fighting Burmese Python
Python Patrol is fighting Florida’s Burmese python invasion, reducing the invasive snake’s threat to the Everglade’s endangered species.
Florida Keys Sea-Level Rise
How will sea-level rise affect the Florida Keys? Researchers look to high-resolution elevation data and projections from the UN climate panel for answers.