April 1, 2024 – Get involved with the following events to learn how you can save species, understand the natural world in your own backyard, support waste reduction, and donate items to support your community.
Party for the Planet
- When: April 6, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: SF Teaching Zoo
In honor of Earth Day, we are hosting Party for the Planet: Spring into Action! This event is perfect for the whole family. We welcome you and your kids to explore the zoo and participate in fun activities such as games, crafts, training demonstrations, keeper talks, animal encounters, and more! Learn how you can spring into action to save species. This event is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
Learn more: sfcollege.edu/zoo/visit/events/party-for-the-planet.html.
Community Reuse & Recycle Day
- When: April 6, 2024, 9 a.m. – noon
- Where: Lot 9 (Charles R Perry Construction Institute – across the street from the Zoo)
In partnership with Party for the Planet, Alachua County Recycles is hosting a Community Reuse and Recycle Day right here at Santa Fe College! From 9 a.m. to noon, you can donate clean, wearable clothing, non-perishable food items, household items in good condition, school/office supplies, and hazardous waste, such as paint, chemicals and old electronics (laptops, etc.).
SF Saints Share Wear, SF Food Share, Tools for Schools, and Haven Attic Resale Store will be on hand to unload your donations and hazardous waste items at this drive through event, located in Lot 9. Participants will receive a discount voucher for Party for the Planet admission while supplies last.
Learn more: alachuacounty.us/news/article/pages/Community-Reuse-and-Recycle-Days.aspx.
City Nature Challenge
- When: April 26-29
- Where: Anywhere in Alachua County
Opt for the outdoors this weekend to explore nature in Alachua County – and your own backyard! From April 26 to 29, you’ll use the iNaturalist app to document your wildlife sightings. Take photos of plants and animals and upload to the app. Scientists will then verify your observation and confirm the species! Help Alachua County rise to the top of this nationwide challenge. Community partners will be hosting special events during the City Nature Challenge.
Learn more: facebook.com/events/1256546455330340.
Gorillas on the Line Cell Phone Recycling
- When: Ongoing
- Where: SF Teaching Zoo ticket window
This global program aims to increase recycling of cell phones and small electronics to raise funds for gorilla conservation, and protect habitats for wildlife in Central Africa where materials are mined. Donate your cell phones, tablets, and other small electronics at the zoo to be recycled. Remember to delete your personal information before donating your electronics. Laptops are NOT accepted. See a full list of accepted items.
Electronics will be shipped to Eco-Cell to be properly upcycled or recycled. Proceeds from recycled devices will support Gorilla conservation initiatives. In 2023, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo was the top 20th recycler nationwide through Eco-Cell!
Where Education Meets Conservation
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo showcases a diverse collection that contains bald eagles, white-throated capuchin monkeys, American alligators and more.
Santa Fe College students, faculty, staff and retirees always receive free Zoo admission with valid SFID.
Learn more about the zoo’s commitment to conservation and sustainability by visiting sfcollege.edu/zoo/conservation.