Founded in 1913 by the creator of the Oldsmobile, Oldsmar, Florida, is on the northern edge of Tampa Bay. The town promotes environmental awareness by providing curbside recycle bins and posting weekly green living tips on its website. Additionally, over 41 percent of Oldsmar's land is dedicated to parks and nature preserves. Visiting these natural havens is one of many environmentally friendly activities available in Oldsmar.
Oldsmar Leisure Services offers a wide variety of free classes. As of February 2011, environmentally friendly classes available include guided nature hikes, bird-feeding, park clean-ups and a camping trip. These classes are open to adults and children, including infants. Additionally, older children ages 8 and above are invited to register for a family fishing camp. Interested individuals can register online via Oldsmar's home page.
Located an estimated 20 minutes' drive from Oldsmar, Clearwater Marine Aquarium provides many opportunities for connecting with the marine environment. The center specializes in rescue and rehabilitation and all animals are available for adoption. Visitors may view scheduled shows, wade with dolphins and participate in "trainer for a day" programs. The aquarium also offers an educational boat tour and summer camp.
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is approximately 14 miles from Oldsmar. The zoo offers many environmentally friendly activities including a school that provides lessons about nature and environmental conservation. Classes may be tailored toward individuals, families and groups of home school students and students on holiday breaks for traditional schools. The zoo also offers opportunities for visitors to connect directly with nature by participating in animal feeding programs and a petting zoo. An animal adoption program is also in place. In 2009, Parents Magazine named Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo number one in the nation for kids.
Oldsmar is home to 11 parks and preserves equipped with nature trails, canoe launches, boardwalks and fishing piers. As of 2011, there are plans to build an environmental education center at Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve North Support Area. Additionally, Oldsmar is engaged in the ongoing project of creating a comprehensive trail system that connects the parks. The parks are open to families year-round and are the location for various arts festivals and recreational sports events.
