Paddlers can glide the Little Manatee River under a full moon Sept. 19 at Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin, the first of two fall events at the 160-acre preserve.

The Observe the Moon Night Paddle starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. The guided paddle is tied to an international moon-viewing event organized by NASA. Paddlers can use a Camp Bayou canoe or kayak for $25 or bring their own watercraft for $5. Registration is required by emailing [email protected].

On Saturday, Oct. 3, the preserve hosts its Fall Fright Fest from 5 to 9 p.m. Early walks beginning at 6:30 p.m. are geared toward younger children and focus on native wildlife. Walks at 7 p.m. and later feature stories about past misadventures at Camp Bayou and, according to a Camp Bayou blog post, "the spirits who can't rest." The evening wraps up with s'mores by the campfire. A $5 per person donation is requested to cover supplies.

Volunteers and board director needed

The preserve sits at 4140 24th St. SE in Ruskin. It is run entirely by volunteers through a partnership between the nonprofit Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery, Inc. (B.O.L.D.) and Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management, which owns the land.

Camp Bayou is recruiting volunteers to help with hands-on activities, guided walks, canoe tours and maintenance. The center especially needs people to help teach school groups in grades K through 6, according to its blog. Interested residents can contact volunteer coordinator Becki at 813-641-8545 or fill out a form at campbayou.org.

The nonprofit is also seeking a new director for its board. Those interested can email Dolly at [email protected].

The former RV park was purchased by Hillsborough County through its ELAPP program, according to Camp Bayou's About Us page. The center's website lists public hours as Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Day use is free and includes wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks.

Upcoming community events

• Sept. 19: Observe the Moon Night Paddle, Camp Bayou, 7:30 p.m. ($25 with rental, $5 BYO). Email [email protected] to register.
• Sept. 19: Best Shredder contest, Apollo Beach Skate Park.
• Sept. 20: Comedy concert benefiting C.A.R.E. shelter, Ruskin.
• Oct. 3: Fall Fright Fest, Camp Bayou, 5–9 p.m. ($5 donation requested).