Children & Youth Educational Programs

Explore. Discover. Protect.

Youth programs bocilla islands conservancy

Hands-on learning for curious minds.

childrens program 2018

Connecting children and teens to the unique ecosystems of Bocilla through fun, meaningful experiences that inspire a lifelong commitment to our islands and their wildlife.

A Place to Connect With Nature

There is something special about coming to a bridgeless barrier island. Its isolation has helped preserve a glimpse of Old Florida, where native habitats, wildlife, mangroves, shorelines, and open spaces remain part of everyday life.

Our Kids Programs invite children to step into that environment and experience nature firsthand. They explore, observe, ask questions, get their hands dirty, and begin to understand how everything in an ecosystem is connected.

The hope is that the connection they make here stays with them. What they discover on these islands can inspire how they see, value, and care for nature wherever they go.

silver award project
silver award project
Young volunteers at our Bat & Wildlife Natural Habitat Preserve
Young volunteers at our Bat & Wildlife Natural Habitat Preserve
Fun for all ages!
Fun for all ages!
The bat house is up
The bat house is up
gnomes
gnomes
native plants kids 2015
native plants kids 2015
Hands on kids plants 2015
Hands on kids plants 2015
Epic Gnome Garden History fade
Epic Gnome Garden History fade
2018 Gnome Garden Design Mike Riley Cheryl Klaus
2018 Gnome Garden Design Mike Riley Cheryl Klaus
IMG 5024 2
IMG 5024 2
IMG 5131 2
IMG 5131 2
IMG 5019 2
IMG 5019 2
IMG 5156 2
IMG 5156 2
eco educational scavenger hunt 2026
eco educational scavenger hunt 2026
story stroll bat book
story stroll bat book

  • Protecting Their Future

    Through hands on exploration, children learn which plants feed local wildlife, grow some themselves, uncover the connections between plants, animals and habitat, and discover how the choices they make can have an impact on the natural world around them.

    outdoor classes

  • Passing conservation from one generation to the next

    Children discover how native plants and pollinators work together, from the flowers that provide food to the butterflies, bees, and other wildlife that help keep island habitats thriving.

    demo gardens

  • Grow. Plant. Protect.

    Kids learn how to propagate native plants like mangroves, sea oats, and gopher apple, then discover how the plants they grow can become food, shelter, and habitat for local wildlife.

    seaoats mangroves native plants
PreviousNext
123

Growing Through Conservation

Our youth programs are designed to grow with children. What begins with curiosity, creativity, and exploring nature can develop into a deeper understanding of wildlife, habitat, and stewardship. As children gain knowledge and confidence, they begin taking on bigger roles, putting what they have learned into action and becoming young leaders who care for the places around them.

They start by exploring. They grow into stewards.

Building Hope, One Bat House at a Time

From Young Learners to Conservation Leaders

Children who participate in our youth programs don’t just learn about nature. They grow into young people who take action to protect it. Some have gone on to become Girl Scouts, turning what they’ve learned about local wildlife and habitat into meaningful conservation projects and earning recognition for their work.

They start by exploring. They grow into stewards.

Building Process

Volunteer Maya building Bat Houses for the Bocilla Islands

Girl Scout Taking Action To Protect Our Local Wildlife

Girl Scout Cadettes Maya and Raina C. have made a lasting impact on Don Pedro Island through their Silver Award project, “Bat Houses and Educational Signs for Bats.” Partnering with the Bocilla Islands Conservancy, the sisters built bat houses, created educational signage with QR codes, and inspired the community to protect local bat populations. Their work provides safe roosting spaces for bats that lost natural habitats after storms and raises awareness about the important role bats play in Florida’s ecosystems.  Visit 24 Bayshore Circle to see the bat houses!  Thank you Maya and Raina!

Volunteer’s In The Park

Our volunteers have brought the park back to life—clearing debris, refreshing paths, replanting natives, and restoring our beloved gnomes. They also create hands-on educational programs for children, like our Gnome Discovery Program, where each gnome helps teach about the native plants and habitats that make our island so special.

youth educational programs ecology

At our Eco Educational Island Conservancy Park, children get hands-on with nature through fun activities like painting gnomes inspired by the island environment. These creative experiences encourage children to explore the park, discover its native plants and wildlife, and build a lasting connection with the natural world.

Volunteer Judy Galloway with children writing a book.

Our programs inspire the next generation of conservationists through education, creativity, and hands on experiences. At our Eco Educational Island Conservancy Park, children learn about protecting wildlife and turn those lessons into meaningful projects, including creating their own book about conservation.

thank you spencer

Children and families can choose free nature and ecology books from our Book Nook at the Eco Educational and Island Conservancy Park, lovingly known as the Gnome Garden, bringing their curiosity about wildlife, plants, and the natural world home with them.

Growing Through Conservation

Our youth programs are designed to grow with children. What begins with curiosity, creativity, and exploring nature can develop into a deeper understanding of wildlife, habitat, and stewardship. As children gain knowledge and confidence, they begin taking on bigger roles, putting what they have learned into action and becoming young leaders who care for the places around them.

Ways to Support Us

Join our conservation programs to protect and restore our island’s ecosystems. Volunteer your time and talents, make a donation to support essential resources, or participate in our adoption program by nurturing sea oats or mangrove propagules, or adopting a mini reef to aid in marine life restoration.

Volunteer

Donate

Adopt

Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Be the first to learn about our Island Living lecture series and exciting fundraisers, where we unite to support preservation and environmental education! Stay informed about our upcoming clean-up events and hands-on demonstrations in our parks, like creating oyster strings that benefit our beautiful shores!

🇺🇸

Sign up for Text Alerts from Bocilla Islands Conservancy

* indicates required
🇺🇸

By providing your phone number and checking the box, you agree to receive promotional and marketing messages, notifications, and customer service communications from Palm Island Estates and/or Bocilla Islands Conservancy. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel. See terms, See Privacy Policy

LOGO Bici white

Bocilla Islands Conservancy Overview
Bocilla Islands Conservancy is a public, nonprofit, non-political organization working in partnership with the residents of the Bocilla Islands chain, including Don Pedro Island, Knight Island, Little Gasparilla Island, and Thornton Key. Our mission is to preserve the natural habitat of the Bocilla Islands Chain while fostering community engagement and environmental education to ensure a balanced coexistence between the ecosystem and local residents. The Conservancy can customize conservation easements through land acquisition, ensuring sensitive habitats are preserved and protected to maintain the ecological balance of the islands.

Disclaimer:
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and reflects the views and opinions of Bocilla Islands Conservancy members. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Bocilla Islands Conservancy assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the information provided. Visitors are encouraged to consult qualified professionals regarding any concerns or decisions. By using this site, you agree that Bocilla Islands Conservancy and its contributors shall not be held liable for any actions taken based on the information presented here.