THE BACK WOODS
 Located in the Southeastern portion of the MOSI campus, the Back Woods is a diminutive forest oasis in a sea of urban development. Packed into 25 acres is a notable array of many Central Florida habitats, complete with distinct sandhill, hardwood wetland, mesic pine flatwoods, and upland hardwood hammock communities.
Currently, MOSI staff and volunteers are working to restore these habitats, remove invasive species, refurbish trails and boardwalks, and create new interpretive signage and guides to make this area a better educational experience for
all of our guests and the surrounding community.
Look for changes to the Back Woods as we
continue to improve this area.
For updates, volunteer opportunities, and to follow our progress on this project; check out our Blog The Longleaf: An Urban Forest Legend.
 Environmental Protection Commission Pollution Recovery Fund
In 2007 MOSI was awarded a Pollution Recovery Fund grant from the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission (EPC). Current restoration activities, including non native invasive plant treatment, are funded under this grant.
The Back Woods forest is open to the public 365 days a year during the Museum’s operating hours (9-5 M-F, 9-6 Sat/Sun). There is no admission fee to the Back Woods and Museum admission is not required for use. Intoxicants, firearms, hunting, bicycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, motorized vehicle use, collecting of plants or animals, and smoking are not permitted within the preserve boundaries. Pets must be leashed and all pet waste picked up and disposed of properly.
Some of the plants and animals you might see on your visit:
Trees
Longleaf pine
Loblolly bay
Red bay
Black gum
Sand live oak
Turkey oak
Bluejack oak
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Vines & Shrubs
American beautyberry
Buttonbush
Muscadine grape
Virginia creeper
Wild Coffee
Sparkleberry
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Herbs & Grasses
Grass leafed aster
Bluestem
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Reptiles & Amphibians
Gopher tortoise
Southern toad
Green tree frog
Southeastern five-lined skink
Southern black racer
Six-lined racerunner
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Birds
Red-tailed hawk
Pileated woodpecker
Brown thrasher
Red-shouldered hawk
Blue jay
Red-bellied woodpecker
Pine warbler
Downy woodpecker
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Mammals & marsupials
Nine banded armadillo
Grey squirrel
Virginia opossum
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Love the outdoors?! We need enthusiastic volunteers!!! We currently have up to 5 openings for Forest Stewards.
Volunteer Forest Steward opportunities:
Preservation Steward
Position description: Preservation stewards may be involved in trail construction and maintenance, boardwalk construction and maintenance, native plantings, invasive plant removal, habitat protection, and basic forest upkeep.
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age and capable of working out-of-doors year round in extremes of temperature. Position requires a moderate to high level of physical capability. Previous experience with landscape related hand tools and power tools helpful but not required. Closed toe shoes and long pants are required year round.
Shifts: Monday-Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. as available.
Monitoring Steward Coming Soon
Outreach Steward Coming soon
Please contact Carolyn at crhodes@mosi.org for more information on volunteer positions.
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