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CONTACT: Anne Fidanzato, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, (727) 893-7326

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WILDLIFE WEEKEND FOR NATURE LOVERS AT BOYD HILL NATURE PRESERVE

St. Petersburg, Fla. (February 27, 2008) - There will be fun for the whole family at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve's fourth annual Wildlife Weekend, March 8 and 9, 1101 Country Club Way South in St. Petersburg. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free for this special event which also includes admission to the park's trails and the "Ripple Effect" exhibit at the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center.

Wildlife Weekend offers something for everyone including environmental and wildlife exhibits featuring plants, bats, birds, butterflies and turtles; interpretive walks on alligators and gopher tortoises along with Bird of Prey presentations, tram tours, nature related vendors, kids crafts and more. Food and entertainment round out this two-day event now in its fourth year. The first 30 Pinellas County schoolteachers (with ID) will receive a complimentary educational CD from the Gopher Tortoise Council titled "The Gopher Tortoise: A Species in Decline."

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located along the shores of Lake Maggiore in St. Petersburg. The 245-acre park features more than three miles of trails and boardwalks and is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. An aviary is home to many permanently injured birds of prey. The Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center provides interpretive programming on a variety of environmental and natural history topics and features displays of native plants and animals, the interpretive "Ripple Effect" exhibit and a gift shop. Guided tours, rentals and group overnight camping facilities are available. Call 727-893-7326 or visit www.stpete.org/boyd for more information.