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Lee Parks and Rec Beach programs

3 min read

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 every Tuesday from 9:30 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. 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.

Native plants and more Wednesday’s 9:30 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 Blvd. on Fort Myers Beach. Limited free parking.

Brown bagin’ it at Bowditch – Wednesday’s noon 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 Wednesday’s 1:30 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.

Guided kayak tours at Bunche Beach – Afternoon Eco Tours -1 to 3 p.m.

Paddle along the beach, through mangroves and creeks. Explore the wide variety of wildlife and vegetation this beautiful area has to offer. Tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Must pre-register @www.leeparks.org.

Full Moon Tours – 5:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Get on the water in time to enjoy the beautiful Florida sunset and watch the birds go to roost. As night falls, we paddle in serenity by the light of the moon. Tour last approximately 2 hours.

Bowditch Point Park – Morning Eco Tour – 9 a.m. to noon –

Paddle San Carlos Bay, Hurricane Bay and Pelican Bay in search of dolphin, manatee and a wide variety of birds. Tour last approximately 3 hours.

For times, prices and more information on all programs, visit www.LeeParks.org or call (239) 765-4222