Green living briefs
Free walks on beach and shoreline start
Take an educational and inspirational walk through Matanzas Pass Preserve and Bowditch Point Park with a naturalist. Learn the importance of barrier islands and their unique ecosystems and how they protect the mainland. Enjoy the amazing beauty of coastal Florida. Bring you hat, bug spray, water and a camera.
Bowditch Point walks are every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m., 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach. Free with paid parking.
Matanzas Pass Preserve walks every Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 199 Bay Street, Ft. Myers Beach, behind Beach Elementary. Limited free parking.
Native Plants and More… Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Venture down a path through a hardwood hammock to Estero Bay and discover a barrier island’s bayside community at Matanzas Pass Preserve.
Ever wonder about native plants and why they are important? Want to know more about butterflies? While leisurely following the path to the mangroves of Estero Bay there may be possible wildlife sightings and opportunities for photos. At the shaded pavilion you can take in the beautiful serenity of the bay where dolphins and manatees may be present.
Don’t forget your camera, binoculars, water, hat, sunscreen, bug spray. Meet at the Historic Cottage near the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve at the end of Bay Street off of Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach Limited Free parking.
Brown Bagin’ It at Bowditch is Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. Ever been on a nature walk and thought of a question when you got home that you didn’t ask? Want to know how to become a volunteer naturalist or help remove exotics? Want to learn more about what’s happening at Lee County Parks & Recreation sites at Fort Myers Beach and elsewhere in the county?
Grab a brown-bag lunch, buy your lunch at the park or just take a break and join Lunch with a naturalist. Free program with paid parking.
Turtle Talk and more is Wednesdays 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Explore Bowditch Point Park and look for our resident gopher tortoise in its native habitat. Come learn more about various turtles and their differences with our naturalist. Free program with paid parking.
Orange River paddle is set for Dec. 27
Saturday, Dec. 27, join a guide on a one way paddle down the Orange River starting in Buckingham.
The trip begins at Manatee Park with a short on shore instruction beginning at 8:30 a.m. Transportation by van provided to the launch site. This trip will offer the unique opportunity to paddle a portion of the river rich in history with the old Florida feel of draping oaks and old Florida style homes. Approximately four miles will be paddled in just over three hours.
Pack a snack and drink. Fee includes all equipment, van transportation and guide. Please bring bottled water, sunscreen and shoes that may get wet.
The cost is $35 per person. Tandem kayaks only. To register, call 533-7440 or visit leeparks.org.
Manatee Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown. The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are now open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.