Nature Based Programs
Explore the world right outside your door with Natural Lands!
Natural Lands offers so many ways to explore and learn about nature in Seminole County. From environmental classes, field trips, and in-school programs to guided hikes and Eco Camp, there is something for everyone!
If you’re interested in seasonally scheduled programs like guided hikes, open house events and classes, you can view our latest Seminole Tracks Newsletter. Newsletters run in Winter/Spring (Jan-Apr) and Fall (Sept-Dec).
To check out private programs like field trips and private hikes, view the educational opportunities flyer.
Adventure Eco Camps (ages 7-12)
Eco Camps are offered in Summer, Spring and Winter. Imagine a camp where you can have fun while learning about the natural world! Explore by fishing, hiking, playing games, setting live traps, dip-netting, making crafts and much more!
It’s an outdoor adventure and environmental education program that is committed to promoting individual growth and environmental awareness. Registration for Summer opens in February. Call 407-665-2211 for more information.
Where: Ed Yarborough Nature Center (3485 N. County Road 426, Geneva 32732)
Date: Dates vary. See if a camp is available now on the Eco Camp page!
Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm (extended care available from 7:30am - 5:30pm)
Cost: $132/week (extended care an additional $15/week)
Ages: 7-12
Register at recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov
Eco Birthday Parties! 
Create a birthday party experience your child will never forget! A trained staff member will welcome your party guests, present an exciting program with live animals, and take the group on a hike on our 180-acre property. You will have time in the center for exploration and to enjoy your refreshments. Parties are held at in the Ed Yarborough Nature Center in the Geneva Wilderness Area just minutes from Sanford and Lake Mary. Click the button below for more information.
Guided Hikes
Our guided hikes are scheduled at some of our most beautiful wilderness areas. Themes include topics such as: Hammock Hike, Owl Prowl, Plant Walk and Talk, and Night Hikes. $5 per person. Must register and pay in advance, space is limited. Must be 7 years old or older (unless otherwise noted). Children must be accompanied by an adult.
You may view the hikes that are being offered this season in our latest Seminole Tracks Newsletter (using the link at the top of this page) and register online or at any of our active parks (Red Bug Lake Park, Sanlando Park or Sylvan Lake Park).
We also offer private hikes, at a charge of $5 per person, to groups of 15 to 25. Please call 407.665.2211 for more information.
School Field Trips
The Geneva Wilderness Area and the Ed Yarborough Nature Center can serve as wonderful informal classrooms and provide a great opportunity for first-hand experiential learning for K-12 students. Children will visit with our live animal residents, engage with exhibits and displays and explore natural habitats in the wilderness area. Field trips are open to public, private and home school groups, as well as scout troops.
Cost: $5 per student (minimum 15 students. Teachers & Chaperones are free)
Find out more details about our field trips and other educational programs HERE.
For more information or to schedule your field trip, please call 407.665.2211 or email Natalie Swanson: nswanson@seminolecountyfl.gov.
In-School Programs
Our environmental education classroom program is a 45-50 minute program about general topics related to natural sciences in Florida. Content is geared towards standards-based topics for each specific grade level. The Natural Lands’ staff will bring live specimens, skulls, displays and other related visual aides to give students a hands-on experience as they learn.
Cost: FREE
Find out more about bringing nature to your classroom HERE!
For more information or to schedule a program, please call 407.665.2211 or email Natalie Swanson: nswanson@seminolecountyfl.gov.
Virtual Outreach
There’s an adventure waiting to be discovered around every corner in Orlando North, Seminole County. Join Seminole County’s Natural Lands Management Director, Jim Duby, and Orlando North Tourism’s, Jessica Pickering, as they venture into the vast wilderness areas that make up much of Seminole County. This series will bring you up-close to encounter local wildlife, explore the beauty of Florida’s Natural Choice, and learn about the history and conservation efforts of the wilderness areas.
Program Partners
Cuplet Fern Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society joins Natural Lands for Open Houses, plant-related hikes, plant rescue events and maintains the demonstration garden in front of the Ed Yarborough Nature Center at the Geneva Wilderness Area. Cuplet Fern also provides several scholarships each season for children to attend Eco Camp. Thank you, Cuplet Fern for all your support!
Seminole Audubon Society works closely with Natural Lands to lead birding hikes and programs, give informative presentations and hikes to our Eco Campers, provide scholarships for children to attend Eco Camp and help Natural Lands purchase materials for programming including Audubon Adventures educational materials and binoculars for Eco Camp. Thank you for your continued support of our programs!
