Nature Guide

Use these resources to help you discover what makes Florida

such a beautiful place.

Back Woods Forest Preserve

Sure, MOSI has lots of interactive exhibits, an IMAX Dome Theatre, and things to do on the inside of MOSI, but did you realize that MOSI has its own forest preserve that is a veritable oasis of outdoor experiences and natural beauty?

Guides to take with you when you explore MOSI's
Back Woods Forest Preserve

 Animals in the Back Woods

Plants in the Back Woods

The Longleaf: An Urban Forest Legend

Carolyn Rhodes, MOSI's conservation coordinator, tells her tales of the Back Woods. She recently unveiled its restoration. The blog is a fascinating look at the challenges and triumphs of restoring and maintaining an urban oasis. As an oasis, MOSI's Back Woods is a brilliant teaching tool and living classroom.
 

BioWorks Butterfly Garden

More than a beautiful setting to enjoy the flittering of colorful butterflies. You can gaze at the butterfly nursery, explore how water becomes rejuvenated and get ideas on how to create your own garden populated by native species of plants and butterflies.

Ask Sandy, the Gopher Tortoise

Sandy, the gopher tortoise is an award-winning columnist currently living in MOSI’s Back Woods Area. If you have a question about nature, the Florida environment or Sandy, please write to sandy@mosi.org 

Are you interested in Florida’s fuzzy, slimy and feathery critters?

Florida Wildlife Extension                              Or curious about a flower or tree that you saw?

e-Flora Florida