Lovers Key offers guided programs
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife throughout the month of May.
All programs begin at 10 a.m. and will take place at Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd. Registration is required. The park offers many recreational opportunities to visitors with disabilities.
For assistance or to register, contact the park office at 463-4588.
Programs are included in park admission fees of: $4 for vehicles with one individual; $8 for vehicles with two to eight individuals; and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist.
May programs include:
– Lovers Key Beach Walk
Tuesdays, May 4, 11 and 25, at 10 a.m.
Take a leisurely one-mile walk over the estuary and along the beach with a park naturalist. Find out what washes ashore on the beach during the night and learn about coastal wildlife.
– Birding Tour of Lovers Key
Thursdays, May 6, 13, 20 and 27, at 10 a.m.
Explore the prime birding areas of Lovers Key State Park with a park naturalist. Learn how to identify the birds you see and where to go in the park for great birding. A limited number of binoculars will be provided.
– Treasures of the Atocha: Florida’s sunken treasure ship.
Friday, May 7, at 10 a.m.
Join a park ranger for an exciting overview of the discovery of the sunken Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora de Atocha. Learn about the ship’s history and sinking and see some actual treasure recovered from the wreck.
– Black Island Kayak Tour
Wednesday, May 12, at 10 a.m.
Join a park ranger for a relaxing 1 1/2-mile kayak tour. Learn the history of Black Island and experience some of the wildlife that call the waterways of Lovers Key home. Bring your own kayak or rent one from the park concession.
– Lovers Key Fishing Clinic
Friday, May 14, at 10 a.m.
Join a park ranger to learn a variety of tackle and fresh bait rigs, find out the best places to drop a line, and learn about the rules and regulations that pertain to game fishing in Southwest Florida.
– Estuary Wading Trip
Tuesday, May 18, at 10 a.m.
Join a Park Naturalist to learn about the marine species that make the estuary and barrier island environments unique, and explore sea grass flats. Seahorses, shrimp, young fish, and egg casings of all sorts inhabit the grasses, which attract larger fish, mollusks and crustaceans, and manatees, dolphins and rays. Guests will get wet as they venture into the estuary. The Estuary Wading Trip is sponsored by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program.
– Walk on the Wild Side
Friday, May 21, at 10 a.m.
Take a mile-long guided hike along our Black Island Trail with a park ranger to learn about the history of this island and learn what fascinating vegetation and wildlife call this maritime hammock home.
– The Sea Turtles of Lovers Key Talk
Friday, May 28, at 10 a.m.
Join a park ranger to learn about the fascinating life of the marine turtles that visit Lovers Key each summer. Learn about their nesting behavior and find out what you can do to help protect them.