Osceola County School District - Environmental Center

We’re excited to share that we are finishing up the design stages for our Environmental Center renovation project! This means we should begin the construction stage very soon.

The safety of our students, families, staff, and community remains our top priority. These renovations will enhance our facilities and allow us to better serve our community for years to come.

While construction is expected to begin soon, a reopening date has not yet been determined. In the meantime, we encourage you to follow the Osceola County School District - Environmental Center so you can learn more about the incredible animals that call the center home as well as project updates.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support throughout this process. If you have questions, please call (407) 870-8763.

Field trip season starts in September! In preparation for upcoming student field trips, the Environmental Center is getting our outdoor classroom ready by clearing trails, marking pathways, and installing signage.

We’re excited to welcome students back and create a safe, engaging outdoor learning environment!

The Environmental Center would like to extend a sincere Thank you to Toho Water Authority for sponsoring our Summer Camp Program!

Through their Charitable Grants and Sponsorship Program, our program received a generous $2,500 contribution that supports youth education and environmental stewardship initiatives.

These funds were instrumental in allowing us to offer summer camp at no cost to participating students, giving them the opportunity to learn about the importance of water resources and the natural environment right here in Osceola County.

Thank you, Toho Water Authority, for investing in our youth and helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!

On the final day of summer camp, students became field scientists at Snedeker Slough!
They collected and analyzed crayfish data, putting their observation and research skills to work while exploring the local ecosystem.

Lake Russell today and found encouraging results! Nitrate and phosphate levels were low, while dissolved oxygen levels were adequate, signs of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Using dip nets, instructors and students also discovered freshwater shrimp, another indicator of good water quality.

Through these observations, students learned how the Reedy Creek Swamp plays a vital role in maintaining the lake's health by naturally filtering water and supporting diverse aquatic life.

It was a busy start to our Middle School Camp! Students conducted a gopher tortoise survey and tested water quality at Snedeker Slough, gaining active learning experiences in environmental science and field research.

Scrub habitat and aquifer models were the focus of today's learning! Students explored the scrub ecosystem and Lake Russell, searching for evidence of animals, fire, and unique adaptations that help species thrive in this environment. Afterwards, they built aquifer models to gain an understanding of Florida's hydrology and groundwater systems.

Our Summer Camp students surveyed gopher tortoise burrows along the Scrub North Trail and found 14 burrows! The highlight of the day was spotting a gopher tortoise in its natural habitat.

Environmental Center Scholarship recipient Katie Asbra joined our summer camp today to share her insights and experiences conducting gopher tortoise research. Her knowledge and expertise helped prepare our campers for their upcoming gopher tortoise survey, giving them a deeper understanding of these important native species and the research that supports their conservation.