The Natural Habitat Park and Environmental Center
Hours of OperationMonday - Friday: from dawn to dusk
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
The Natural Habitat Park and Environmental Center supports various SPC curricula, especially for the Environmental Science Technology program, and offers recreation opportunities for the community.
Developed from a piece of land acquired by SPC in 1969, the SPC Seminole Campus Natural Habitat Park and Environmental Center is a project that has been in the works for nearly a decade. Occupying approximately 40 acres of land on the north central area of the Seminole Campus' 100-acre site, it was constructed using an environmentally sensitive construction system which was designed to protect the fragile ecosystems below. Developed in collaboration with the City of Seminole, phase one of the project was primarily funded with a Department of Housing and Urban Development Grant.
Grand Opening Video:
Phase One Features:
- A 200-yard boardwalk, containing 12 viewing stations which meander through a tract of undeveloped land. The current viewing stations feature a variety of native vegetation unique to our Florida ecosystems.
- A 50-seat teaching pavilion equipped with power, lights and networking capabilities; that will be used as an outdoor teaching facility for the Environmental Science Technology and the Parks and Leisure Services programs. This pavilion also features a tile mural entitled, "Green" by artist Feral Willcox.
- A floating dock for use in water sampling by the faculty and students in their courses.
- A butterfly and sculpture garden featuring a sculpture by artist, Ralph Komives entitled "Kapu".
Home to a diverse number of animal and plant species this new facility will offer users an opportunity to observe: nearly 200 kinds of bird species; 24 species of dragonflies; 24 species of frogs, turtles, snakes, and alligators; seven species of butterflies; rabbits; otters; possums; raccoons; armadillos; slash pines, wax myrtle shrubs; sweetgum trees; sand live oaks; red bay trees; grape vines and leather ferns.
Future projects include extended trails, an environmental classroom building and a possible spur to the Pinellas Trail.
Visit SPC Seminole Campus on Facebook to view the Habitat Park construction photo gallery.