TAMPA, Fla. – An all-new weekend event will have guests getting their hands dirty while participating in Earth Day activities at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
During Busch Gardens’ Conservation Weekend, guests can decorate rain barrels, plant a pollinator garden and participate in interactive and educational activities that highlight conservation initiatives.
Recommended Videos
“Educating our guests about conservation isn’t just important - it’s vital,” said Stewart Clark, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “When guests understand the challenges facing our planet, they’re inspired to act. That’s why we’re dedicated to teaching and empowering every visitor who walks through our gates.”
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The highlight of the three-day event will be two initiatives sponsored by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida which will host activities at Gwazi Plaza centered around the company’s core sustainability focus areas: Recycling, Water Stewardship, Resiliency and Litter & Waste Reduction.
The local Coca-Cola bottler will donate rain barrels and art supplies for participants to learn about water conservation. The decorated rain barrels will then be installed across the park to collect rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff.
Busch Gardens guests will also get the opportunity to experience a Coke Florida Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). The machines resemble vending machines, but instead of taking money and dispensing drinks, they recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans. The materials collected via the RVM are reused by the company to make new beverage packages and help contribute to a circular economy. Each time park guests use the RVM, they will have a chance to receive a free reusable straw or pen made from recycled plastic.
Conservation Weekend kicks off Friday and is included with park admission. Guests can look forward to the following specialty activities scheduled throughout the weekend:
- PASS MEMBER EXCLUSIVE – Earth Day seed packet: All pass members will receive an Earth Day seed packet filled with seeds to grow their own pollinator garden.
- RETURNING FAVORITE – Guy Harvey meet & greets: Meet world-renowned marine biologist and conservationist, Guy Harvey, at Xcursions gift shop on Friday and Saturday. Harvey is passionate about marine science and inspiring the next generation of environmentalists.
- CONSERVATION IN THE PARK – Horticulture expert sessions: Busch Gardens’ horticulture experts will be available in the Animal Care Center for Q&A sessions to help the community gain a new understanding of native plant gardens, community gardens, pollinator habitats, and water conservation initiatives taking place at the park.
Being a Busch Gardens pass holder allows guests to enjoy 12 months of unlimited visits with unbeatable benefits including exclusive members-only events, savings on food, merchandise, free parking, free tickets for friends and family and so much more.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: