A primary goal of the Friends of Quiet Waters Park is to offer visitors more information about the park and its ecology—how the trees, plants, and the variety of wildlife all interact together. The Friends does this through the work of our Environmental Committee. After a period of reflection, our vision has become: “To conceive of the park as a network of unique outdoor environments that come together to create a living nature center.”

Instead of focusing on an earlier plan to create a formal nature center inside the Visitor Center, we have shifted the vision to showcasing the outdoor areas of the park itself and expanding your experience. You can walk the trails, examine the native gardens and pollinating insects, relax with children in the playground, and gaze out across the water along the shoreline. Our mission is: “To work to enhance the connection and knowledge park visitors have with this outdoor space through our interpretive signage, sponsored activities for all ages, and encouragement of exploration.”

We do this in concert with park staff and in the spirit of teamwork. Already a number of new large signs that are ADA accessible have been installed, covering a diverse range of topics from the bald cypress swamp, our meadows, vernal pools, and the woodland forests to the history of Indigenous Peoples and the importance of oysters. We also tell the story of when the parkland was a working farm. More signs and other surprises are in the works. Activities around Earth Day, Pollinator Week, experiences in the native plant Reading & Butterfly Garden, nature and history hikes with park rangers for children and adults all showcase special opportunities.

Going forward, with your continued wonderful support and ideas, our three “Outdoor Nature Center” objectives of Protect, Improve and Connect will offer many opportunities for you to understand more deeply the beautiful natural legacy we have in Quiet Waters Park.

• Protect: Provide opportunities for volunteers to assist park rangers, the horticultural staff, and us with protecting native flora and fauna and removing invasive species.
• Improve: Work with park staff to enhance and expand the existing environmental conditions for the benefit of the local ecosystem.
• Connect: Create outdoor experiences to engage our visitors and educate all ages on both the intrinsic value of and the benefits from time spent in a natural and peaceful setting. This also involves seeking additional funding through donations, grants, and sponsorships to protect this important legacy.