Lovers Key to host programs/activities
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife throughout the month of November.
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.
All programs will take place at 10 a.m. in November 2010 at Lovers Key State Park at 8700 Estero Blvd. Lovers Key State Park and registration is required by calling 463-4588. The park offers many recreational opportunities to visitors with disabilities.
For assistance or to register, contact the park office at 463-4588.
November programs include:
– Beach Walk and Estuary Tour
Tuesday, Nov. 2
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.
– Treasures of the Shoreline Talk
Thursday, Nov. 4
Join a park naturalist for an intriguing and interesting talk about the treasures that wash up along the shore of Lovers Key State Park. Learn about seashells, crustaceans, starfish and other creatures that can be found on our shore.
– Meet the Native Plants of Lovers Key.
Friday, Nov. 5
Join a park ranger for a one-mile walk down our Black Island Trail and learn about some of our native plants and how they were used historically by the Native Americans and settlers of Florida. You’ll also find out about the constant struggle between park staff and the invasive non-native plants that are always trying to gain a foothold in the park. Reservations required, call 463-4588.
– Black Island Kayak Tour
Tuesday, Nov. 9 and Friday, Nov. 19
Join a park naturalist for a relaxing 1 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.
– Beginning Birding
Wednesdays, Nov. 10 and 24
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.
– Lovers Key Fishing Clinic
Thursday, Nov. 11 and Tuesday, Nov. 30
Join park naturalists 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.
– Treasures of the Atocha: Florida’s sunken treasure ship.
Friday, Nov. 12
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 Bike Tour
Mondays, Nov. 15 and 29
Join a Park Naturalist for a three-mile adventure down our Black Island Trail. Learn a little park history and experience some of the wildlife that call this maritime hammock home. Bring your own bike or rent one from the park concession.
– Lovers Key Estuary Tour w/ Photo Focus
Tuesday, Nov. 16
Join a park naturalist for a photogenic tour of the estuaries of Lovers Key. Bring your camera to learn where the best places are to snap that perfect photo and learn about the plants and animals that make this ecosystem home.
– Manatees and Dolphins Talk
Thursday, Nov. 18
Meet with a Park Naturalist for an interesting and informative talk about Manatees and Dolphins. Learn what these fascinating creatures are all about and how you can help protect them.
– Estuary Wading Trip
Tuesday, Nov. 23
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.