The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has announced its new lineup of programs starting in November and its activities calendar through June 2020.
Many new activities and programs are introduced this season, including the Conservancy’s “Be a Biologist” program, which focuses on a variety of research projects from the science and research team including sea turtles, mangroves, pythons and more. “Be a Biologist” is offered daily at 11:15 a.m. at the Conservancy Nature Center, along with other daily programs “Scales and Tails” at 12:15 p.m., “Ocean Discoveries” at 1:15 p.m. and “Wonders of Wildlife” at 2:15 p.m.
Little Explorers, for ages 5 and younger, has been so popular its special programs will now be offered every Thursday at 10 a.m. Programs each month will focus on a different aspect of the region’s natural surroundings, including birds in November, ocean animals in December and nature in January. For the full schedule of upcoming programs and topics, visit www.Conservancy.org/nature-center/little-explorers.
The Nature Center’s Dalton Discovery Center also features a number of hands-on, educational and fun experiences that promote a love of nature for guests of all ages, including its Touch Tank, which is now full of new critters to meet.
For locals and their guests looking to enjoy Southwest Florida’s great outdoors, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers something for everyone, particularly for area residents and visitors concerned about preserving the environment that makes the area a special place to live and visit.
The 21-acre Nature Center, also Site #69 on the Great Florida Birding Trail, is the gateway to the Conservancy’s mission, where guests can learn the importance of the area’s natural resources, understand the role the Conservancy plays and get inspired to take action. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits in the Sapakie Wildlife Exhibit Hall, meet animal ambassadors in the viewing pavilion and learn more about how to prevent injury to wildlife.
Off the main campus, guests can schedule an eco-tour along beautiful Rookery Bay, which was preserved after a group of citizens formed The Conservancy in 1964. Daily midmorning and sunset cruises aboard the Good Fortune II electric pontoon boat are led by Coast Guard-certified captains and Conservancy naturalists. Free nature walks at the Rookery Bay Briggs Boardwalk travel through seven Florida habitats. Guided walks and Sunday birding walks at Clam Pass will also begin again in December.
“In a year, the Conservancy educates 55,000 people, admits 3,700 wildlife patients to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, protects 590 sea turtles nests, captures 2,000 pounds of invasive pythons threatening native wildlife and helps to preserve thousands wetland acres,” said Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “A visit to the Conservancy not only provides a day of fun and education for all ages, it also supports the important work our teams are doing to protect this region’s natural environment for years to come.”
The Conservancy Nature Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids and free for children 2 and younger. Admission is also free for Conservancy members. Membership is available online at www.Conservancy.org/Join.
For a complete schedule of activities throughout the season, visit www.Conservancy.org or call 239-262-0304.
About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 55-year history focused on the issues impacting the water, land wildlife and future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.
