The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is now offering a variety of fun yet educational experiences for children and families to enjoy over the summer. Daily indoor and outdoor activities are available for guests of all ages, including programs with live animals, electric boat cruises along the Gordon River and hands-on exhibits in the Dalton Discovery Center.
Explore Southwest Florida’s ecosystems, reptiles and sea life at the Conservancy Nature Center, with daily education programs available now through Oct. 31. Interactive programs include:
- Be a Biologist (11:15 a.m.): Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a Conservancy biologist? Step into the shoes of the Conservancy’s science and research team as you learn about their current projects. Discover the unique ecosystems of Southwest Florida and how the Conservancy works to protect the region’s water, land, wildlife and future.
- Scales and Tails (12:15 p.m.): Alligators, snakes, sea turtles and more wonderful reptiles make their home in Southwest Florida, as well as invasive species like the Burmese python. Learn about native and invasive reptiles and even meet an animal ambassador that lives at the Conservancy Nature Center.
- Ocean Discoveries (1:15 p.m.): Step inside the cool and air-conditioned Dalton Discovery Center and take a seat in front of the beautiful 5,000-gallon patch reef aquarium. There is a lot to see during this program, which features the area’s only loggerhead sea turtle, a moray eel and dozens of fish who call the Conservancy home. You’ll even see a fishy feeding!
“Offering a great mix of hands-on, interactive activities for all ages, these daily programs encourage children to really engage in the wonder and beauty of Southwest Florida’s natural environment,” said Dr. Heather Skaza Acosta, director of education for the Conservancy. “From shadowing the Conservancy’s biologists to making friends with our sociable wildlife ambassadors, these programs are filled with opportunities to fall in love with nature while growing an appreciation for the importance of conservation.”
Opportunities are also available for self-guided exploration, including the Dalton Discovery Center, exhibits at the von Arx Wildlife Animal Hospital, and the Little Explorer Play Zone. Electric boat tours are offered between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as guided kayak tours.
Indoor Little Explorers programs are also offered at 10 a.m. on select Tuesdays and Thursdays, ideal for children ages 18 months through 5 years. The summer Little Explorers schedule is available at www.Conservancy.org/little-explorers.
The Conservancy Nature Center is located at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, just south of the Naples Zoo. The Nature Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 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.
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.
