ABOUT US

We are a school offering a wide range of practical skills.
Our teachers are members of the community and our classes are based on community desire, need and participation.

At Crowley Folk School, we teach classes in traditional arts, crafts and homestead skills along with sustainable agriculture practices and outdoor self-reliance skills.

Here you can learn the basic skills that never lose their usefulness.

Workshops are held on weekdays and Saturdays and are open to people of all ages who desire to learn new skills.  Depending on the subject, classes are held in the newly renovated Edina Trouchot Learning Center, the blacksmith shop or other pioneer buildings, outside in our bountiful organic garden, or on Crowley’s nature trails surrounded by Florida’s beautiful natural wilderness.

What do you want to learn? We teach survival skills, self-sustainability, how to grow plants, how to raise animals, traditional crafting and so much more.

The classes are held at Crowley Natural & Cultural History in Old Miakka, only a scenic 15 minute drive east on Fruitville Rd. off I-75 at exit 210.

Come and experience Florida’s natural beauty, while learning practical skills to take home.
You’ll find Crowley Folk School at 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota, FL 34240.

Want to lend your talents?
Contact us today to teach a workshop of your own!

PRIMITIVE CAMPING

Primitive camping is a wonderful way to observe wildlife at dawn and dusk. Campsites are available for $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children over 5, per person per night. Amenities include an exhilarating outdoor shower, bathrooms (handicap accessible), a fire pit, and a large screen room with electricity and a kitchen area. Reservations required. Tent camping only. (for info on picture above see: http://www.ralphmag.org/EN/camping.html)

Book Your Event Now!

Camping 101

CONCIERGE CAMPING WITH NOT A CLUE ADVENTURES

Camping newbie? Like Camping 101 you will learn to camp from start to finish with Jeanene Arrrington. She will set up the campsite, prepare food, and take you on adventures. Don’t miss this opportunity now on special offer for half price! 35.00 per participant. Here are the dates:

March 30-31 2pm-2 pm Fri/Sat

March 31-April 1 – 2pm-2 pm Sat/Sun

April 20-21 – 2pm-2 pm Fri/Sat

April 21-22 -2pm-2 pm Sat/Sun

Jeanene Arrington

Not a Clue Adventures

Outdoor Guide/Certified “Leave No Trace” Instructor

Direct Mobile:813-789-0904

www.notaclueadventures.com

notaclueadventures@gmail.com

• Individual
• Planned Giving

Individual

I would like to contribute to the general fund the following:

Option 1 $50.00 Option 2 $100.00 Option 3 $250.00 Option 4 $500.00

Project Donations

I would like contribute to the following projects:

SAVE THE BOARDWALK CAMPAIGN: Help save our 20 year old boardwalk. Your donation will go towards new decking, handrails and ADA ramps for a smoother, safer trail experience. Your name plate will be on the rail of the new structure.

FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT:The Pine Level Trail and the majority of the pine flat woods have become dangerously overgrown and is now a fire hazard not only to Crowley but to its natural inhabitants like the deer, bobcats and many migratory bird species. By restoring the forest through controlled burns and underbrush clearing, this practice will re-introduce many species of animals that have long since vacated the area.

YOUTH EDUCATION SCIENCE, NATURE AND HISTORY PROGRAMS: Support Crowley as we expand our educational programs structure to meet the growing demand from the communities we serve. A donation of $500 will insure a name plate, in your honor, will appear at either the Edina Truchot Learning Center or The newly renovated Tatum Schoolhouse.

TATUM RIDGE SCHOOLHOUSE: Interior “period relevant” furnishings and artifacts for the completed Tatum Schoolhouse.

IT’S OUR ANNIVERSARY! THE CROWLEY MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER IS NOW 35 YEARS OLD. Our goal is to make general improvements and additions to the lands and the pioneer history area, including the museum, blacksmith shop and the learning center. In addition, we have projects listed below that are in need of completion Please support this unrestricted fund. Your nameplate will go on display in the pioneer area on our donor wall.
• Entrance and roadway resurface
• Replace old computers, server and network
• Equipment – all terrain vehicle, mowers, blower, cultivator
• Livestock fencing – multi-species grazing
• New well with solar or wind power pump to sustain agricultural programs now on site including our muscadine grape vineyard.
• Interior “period relevant” furnishings and artifacts for the completed Tatum School house.
• Plant a Tree to honor or celebrate someone special

Recurring gifts – monthly giving

I would like to contribute monthly to the general fund by having it automatic charge to my VISA/MasterCard/American Express or Discover for $___.

Sponsor A Child’s Visits To CMNC

A donation of $40 will sponsor a child who would, otherwise, not have an opportunity experience the beauty of “Old Florida’s natural places.”

Planned Giving

Planned Giving Below is a summary of some of the ways you can help support the Crowley Museum and Nature Center. In addition to making a difference in the future of the Center, you may benefit from income and capital gains tax savings when you establish a planned gift.

Bequests

Naming CMNC in your will can be a financially responsible way to make a special gift that otherwise may not be possible during your lifetime. Bequests can be designated or unrestricted in any amount.
• A specific bequest directs charity to receive a specific piece of property
• A general bequest directs charity to receive a specified dollar amount
• A residual bequest designates all or a portion of what remains after expenses are paid
• A contingent bequest in effect only if the primary intention cannot be met
Suggested language: I give to the Crowley Museum and Nature Center a corporation located in Sarasota, FL the sum of $____ [or property described herein].

Life Income Plans

There are several types of life-income plans, all of which combine life payments for one or more income recipients that are designated by the donor. Donor(s) may enjoy numerous benefits including the potential to receive a higher income and avoid capital gains taxes.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS: Charitable beneficiary receives the remainder interest. It provides financial and estate planning flexibility. Donor transfers property under a trust agreement that specifies how trust income and principal are to be distributed. Trust may be created to become effective during life or at death.
• An irrevocable trust qualifies for tax consideration if it is in two forms: (1) Charitable Remainder Unitrust – provides for payment to the beneficiaries of an amount that may vary. Payment must equal a fixed percentage of the net fair-market value of the trust. Donor determines the fixed percentage, must be at least 5% of the value of the trust assets. Payments made at least annually. (2) Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust – instead of a payout that may vary, the annuity trust provides a fixed payout of not less than 5% of the initial fair–market value of the gift in trust. Makes it suitable for a beneficiary who needs the security of a specific income.
GIFT ANNUITIES – MOST POPULAR CHARITABLE LIFE – INCOME PLAN: In exchange for a transfer of cash, securities, or in some cases real estate, the charity guarantees to make specified annuity payments to the donor or other beneficiary. Payout depends on the age and number of beneficiaries. A portion of each annuity payment is income tax free over the life expectancy of the annuitant. Cannot be added to, but can set up multiple Gift Annuities.
POOLED INCOME FUND: Specific kind of trust that allows irrevocable gifts from separate donors to be commingled or “pooled” for investment purposes. Each income beneficiary receives a proportionate share of the net income earned by the fund each year. Usually at the death of the beneficiary, that particular portion of the fund’s assets will be distributed to the charity.
RETIREMENT FUNDS (IRA): Donors can direct their retirement funds and IRAs in support of the Crowley Museum and Nature Center. This designation often allows the donor to make a considerable legacy gift. Careful planning is necessary in the use of IRAs and other retirement plans to fund charitable gifts.
LIFE INSURANCE: While many people own some form of life insurance because of its unique ability to meet a variety of needs for financial protection, its role in planned charitable giving is frequently overlooked. Donors may also purchase a new policy and name Crowley as a beneficiary, which allows the donor to make a substantial gift for a relatively modest annual outlay.
ENDOWMENTS: A fund that is made up of gifts and bequests that are subject to a requirement that the principal be maintained intact and invested to create a source of income for an organization. Donors may set up an endowment to fund a specific interest; and a nonprofit’s governing body may set up an endowment. In any case, an endowment requires that the principal remain intact in perpetuity, or for a defined period of time or until sufficient assets have been accumulated to achieve a designated purpose. For more information please contact Bill Cowdright Executive Director to set an appointment.

NOTE: Any action that affects your overall estate plans should be discussed with your professional advisors.
 
Click to view Crowley’s WISH LIST
 
View Crowley’s RECENT DONATIONS
 
Click for “IN MEMORY OF …” DONATIONS

Thank you also to Barbara Jones for her donation in memory of Stephen R. Jones, who was the only brother of her late first husband, Richard.

Thank you to Mae Carr for her very generous donation in memory of Otto Rice, a dedicated Crowley volunteer.

Thank you to Spencer’s Birthday Party With a Cause for the generous donation of much needed supplies to Wildlife, Inc. This is Spencer’s second year of having his party guests give to a charity rather than presents for him. You go Spencer! Way to be an awesome example to your peers and thank you from Crowley and Wildlife, inc. for making a difference.

Click Here to see the pictures on our Facebook page.

Click Here  to learn more about Project Critter parties and events.

Click on this link to read the article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Relax! Let it all go for the first time in a long time.

Swing on the porch, picnic, watch the grass grow, chill until the cows come home…

A Day in the Life of a Florida Pioneer Program

On Site Field Trip or In-Class Exploration

 4th graders studying life of early Florida pioneers will delight in this experiential learning program. Hands-on activities allow students to imagine what it would be like to live in Florida at the turn-of-the-century.

20-Minute Anticipatory Set

(In-class visit)

Period costumed, living history facilitators will lead the class through an overview of their upcoming visit to the Crowley Museum & Nature Center including a brief description of what they can expect to see and do. In addition, they will see a display of period artifacts and tools and enjoy a “Cracker tale” or a song.

A Day in the Life of a Florida Pioneer

 2 hour on site tour

Students will be met by period costumed, living history facilitators who will divide the students into 4 groups for their pioneer experience.

Each group will visit:

• Museum, homestead cabin, Tatum house, sawmill, blacksmith shop
• Vegetable garden, sugarcane grinding and livestock area
• Nature walk
• Fire pit

The tour of the buildings will include information on daily pioneer life on the farm, in the home, and social life. Artifacts and tools will be available for the children to handle and crafts will be demonstrated. List of possible demonstrated crafts:

Knot tying, Quilting, Candle dipping, Soap making, Metal-working, Woodworking, Toy making

We proudly participate in EdExploreSRQ, a Sarasota County School District website to connect classrooms to community arts, science, and culture organizations.

Livestock 101

Fire pit

History Tour

Class length: 4 hours

Cost: $40.00 per person