Welcome to the Nature Operations Division Preserving Gainesville's Natural Areas for Education, Recreation, and the Future... Nature Operations Division is a part of The City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs The Nature Operations Division develops and conducts environmental education programs for the Alachua County school system, community education classes, nature preschool programs, and weekend and summer programs. The Division provides informational services including newsletters, press releases, brochures, and special fliers which provide the public with details regarding schedules, programs and special events involving nature. The Morningside Nature Center, Bivens Arm Nature Park, Alfred A. Ring Park, Loblolly Environmental Education Center, Palm Point Park, Boulware Springs Park, and Rails-to-Trails are operated by this Division. In addition, its staff is responsible for the development and operation of the City's Greenways and Greenspace Design including the Hogtown Creek Greenway, nature preserves development, and habitat management. COME JOIN OR VOLUNTEER NATURE OPERATION’S SPRING: If interested contact: Gary Paul -Programs Coordinator for Volunteer Services Nature Operations Division Tel: (352) 393-8527; cell: (352) 316-5364 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ To register or for questions e-mail: schulteja@cityofgainesville.org or call (352) 316-4997. Thank you for your interest and support in caring for conservation matters in your community. Jessica Schulte, Nature Assistant -Nature Operations Division Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Affairs Dept. City of Gainesville Station 66, P.O. Box 490 Gainesville, FL 32602-0490 (352) 334-2231; Cell: (352) 316-4997 www.natureoperations.org Would you like to find out more about volunteer opportunities with nature operations? Please e-mail us your questions and interest. We will send you our lastest volunteer event information. You can make a difference in your local conservation lands right here in Gainesville.

Announcements, Events and Programs:

City of Gainesville Offers Family Fun Naturally

Providing opportunities for family fun comes naturally for the City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs Nature Operations Division.  Although twenty nature parks throughout Gainesville provide free passive recreation, Morningside Nature Center, Gainesville’s premier nature park, is the origin of the majority of family-oriented programming. Mark your calendar for the many activities and events at the Center.

NOD brochure

You can view our current NOD (Nature Operations Division) brochure for Gainesville's Nature Parks. Read more... 1MB

FUN FOR ALL! The Farm and Forest Festival Returns to Morningside Nature Center

Join us in a journey back in time through the piney woods to the farm at Morningside Nature Center during Farm and Forest Festival. Historic breed farm animals, period music and entertainment, demonstrators, traditional southern food set the stage for time travel to the mid to late 1800’s. April 24 and 25 are School Days (for School Days please read more…). April 26 and 27 are fun for the whole family! Please read more…