Polk's Nature Discovery Center is located at the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida.[1] Opened on Halloween in 2008, the center offers displays and education programs about the 1,267-acre reserve (513 ha).[2]
The exhibit hall features hands-on exhibits about the reserve's trees, plants and animals, and such ecosystems as the wetlands, lakes, sandhills, flatwoods and scrublands.[3] There is also a theater showing films, an exploration lab and a room for quiet research. There are indoor and outdoor classrooms and monthly workshops on such topics as birding, photography, native plants and animals. Funds for the purchase were provided by an environmental lands acquisition referendum approved by voters in 1994. Construction began in 2007, consisting of four buildings totalling 16,000 square feet at a cost of 6.4 million dollars.[4]
The Circle B Bar is the host of Water Wings and Wild Things, an annual event including nature-based art vendors, workshops, Florida animals, hands-on activities, guided tours and family activities include tree climbing, birdhouse and kite making, and a butterfly tent.[5]
References edit
- ^ "Educational Venues". Polk County, Florida. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ "District Joins in the Grand Opening of Polk's Nature Discovery Center". Southwest Florida Water Management District. November–December 2008. Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ "Exhibits". Polk's Nature Discovery Center. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
- ^ Palmer, Tom (March 10, 2007). "Ground Is Broken for New Nature Discovery Center". The Lakeland Ledger. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ "New Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve ready to host Water Wings and Wild Things again". Southwest Florida Water Management District. October 27, 2008. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
External links edit
27°59′24″N 81°51′25″W / 27.99000°N 81.85694°W
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