E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center hosts groundbreaking for Camp Long Leaf

December 16, 2017

Design layout of Camp Long Leaf.

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center celebrated its latest endeavor, Camp Long Leaf, with a groundbreaking ceremony at their facility in Freeport Dec. 16. The event kicks off the development of what will be an overnight summer nature-based camp adventure for children. Camp Long Leaf will also offer overnight weekend rentals for activities such as team building retreats.

The initial construction will be five cabins, along with a 3,500 square foot facility with full kitchen and eating area. Each of the 399 square foot cabins will boast six bunks and 2 bathrooms that will accommodate 10 children and one counselor. Long term plans include five additional cabins in the future.

Paul Arthur, director of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center speaks to enthusiastic crowd Dec. 16.

The long-range 5-year plan is for the Center to educate 4,000-5,000 people a year according to Paul Arthur, director of the Center.

Look for completion of new facility in the fall of 2018.

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, is a 501(c)(3) environmental education center.  Currently, the Center educates on average, 100 students a day in fourth and seventh grades, Monday through Friday. Students visit the Center free of charge for either two or four day programs that are filled with over twenty different environmental science lessons.

The core mission of the E.O.Wilson Biophilia Center is to educate students and visitors on the importance of biodiversity, to promote sustainability, and to encourage conservation, preservation, and restoration of ecosystems.

Learn more about the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center at eowilsoncenter.org.