Dec 20, 2009 3 min read

Matanzas Pass Preserve

n Mangrove Walk at Matanzas

Take an educational and inspirational walk through Matanzas Pass Preserve. Learn about the diverse plant community including a maritime oak hammock, transitional wetlands and mangrove forest. Walks meet every Thursday , November through March, at the entrance to Matanzas Pass Preserve. Walks begin at 9:30 am and lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours. This is a free walk with limited free parking. Matanzas Pass preserve is located at 199 Bay Rd.

n Exploring Ethnobotany

Learn how indigenous plants can be used for such things as food, shelter, medicine and clothing. Learn the historical importance of some of Florida’s plants to humans. Walks meet on the last Wednesday of every month beginning in November and running through March. Meet at the entrance to Matanzas Pass Preserve. These walks begin at 9:30 am and last approximately 1 1/2 hours. This is a free walk and there is no fee for parking but space is limited so come early! Matanzas Pass preserve is located at 199 Bay Road.

Bowditch Point Preserve

n Barrier Islands at Bowditch

Learn the importance of barrier islands and their unique ecosystem and how they protect the mainland. Explore the beach front tropical communities. Walks meet every Tuesday, November through March, at Bowditch Point Preserve. Walks begin at 9:30 am and last approximately 1 1/2 hours. This walk is free but a fee for parking is required. Bowditch Point Park is located at 50 Estero Blvd. For more information visit our website at www.leeparks.org or call 463-3764.

Bunche Beach Preserve

n Low Tide Loafing at Sunset

Join a naturalist and leisurely explore the mud flats to see what mysteries the low tide uncovers and enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset as well. Wear shoes that can get wet, don’t forget your camera, water, bug spray, a hat and sun screen. Days and times will vary depending on the tides. The next walk is scheduled Dec. 18, at 4 p.m. and should last about one hour. Bunche Beach is located at 18201 John Morris Road.

For more information visit Web site at www.leeparks.org or call 463-3764. Group guided tours for any of the shoreline walks are available upon request by calling 229-7356.

Shoreline Guided Paddling Trips

Kayak With Your Canine at Dog Beach No dog required

If you and your pooch are experienced, well mannered paddlers, or you left you canine behind, plan to join Lee County Parks & Recreation for an outing you won’t forget on the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. Four-pawed and two-legged participants will meet at the kayak launch across from Dog Beach on Estero Boulevard just south of Lover’s Key. No dogs over 100 pounds are permitted and only one dog per kayak please!

The next trip is Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. till noon.

Cost is $40 per person and includes all the necessary human gear and boats. Dogs’ participation is free, but canine companions must supply their own life vest and wear them. All Dogs must have current vaccinations and get along well with others. For more information on this trip call Mary Beth at 229-0559.