Sunday Favorites: A Camping Discovery

If you’ve followed my column for a while, you’ve probably heard me mention River Trails, my family’s campground in Wauchula, Fla. Nearly every year, we celebrate my brother’s birthday over the holiday break with camping trips that have become a cherished tradition. For more than 25 years, the same group of friends has gathered around the campfire, sharing stories under the stars. This tradition has evolved over the years, as a new generation of campers emerged. This year 11 young nature enthusiasts joined our campout - the most children ever! 

I was only 5 years old when my family started camping at River Trails. As a child, my cousins and I  found magic in the wilds of the forest. I remember discovering treasures like a hog’s skull or a budding palm frond that could hold water. These natural wonders became tools in our forts, collecting rainwater or serving as cookware. This year, I watched as our children carried on the legacy of exploration and curiosity. We hiked beyond the property, where they stumbled upon an abandoned building. Upon further inspection, we learned it was the Hardee County Outdoor Classroom, also known as the Fazzini Wilderness Center.

The Hardee County Outdoor Classroom was established in 1986 by Kayton Nedza, who led the Hardee County Water Resources Education Program. Nedza’s work was a cornerstone of environmental education in the area, involving students in hands-on field studies that prioritized water resources. His program engaged all third- through eighth-grade students in Hardee County, as well as select high school classes. I recall school buses driving past our campground when I was younger, carrying students to this very center. 

The center, located on the same road as our camp, is situated in Bone Valley, an area where the Peace River winds through over 100 miles of land abundant with prehistoric fossils. As the Peace River watershed changes dramatically throughout the year, sediment erosion uncovers remnants of Florida's submerged past, dating back to the Cretaceous period when the state was covered by water.

Programs like the Hardee County Outdoor Classroom thrived with support from initiatives like the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Splash! mini-grants. These grants empowered educators to deliver immersive experiences in environmental science. In 2008 alone, 209 teachers received grants totaling over $413,000, funding projects like water quality testing and habitat investigations at the Fazzini Wilderness Center. These efforts ensured that the next generation continues to learn and appreciate the natural world, according to the SWFWMD website.

Sadly, the Hardee County Outdoor Classroom permanently closed in  due to funding challenges. While the center may no longer operate, its impact continues to resonate through the memories of those who experienced it firsthand. The recent rediscovery of the site by our children, who were surprised to learn of its educational past, serves as a reminder of the program's lasting impact and the importance of outdoor learning experiences.

Watching our children marvel at the same wonders we once discovered, I felt a profound sense of continuity. River Trails is more than a campground; it’s a bridge between generations. Whether it’s uncovering fossils or learning about water conservation, the lessons resonate far beyond the campsite. As we packed up to leave, I realized that the next generation isn’t just inheriting a love for camping—they’re embracing a legacy of discovery, connection, and conservation.