Lee Parks: Beach shoreline programs
Below is a listing of events provided by Lee County Parks & recreation and happening on Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
Bowditch Point Park
– Barrier Islands guided walk
Join us at Bowditch Point Park to learn the importance of the barrier islands, their unique ecosystem and how they protect the mainland. Walks are held every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and Friday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Explore the beach front tropical hardwoods, coastal scrub, and wetland plant communities. Guided walk is free. There is a parking fee of $1 per hour. Bowditch Point Park is located at 50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
– Leisure Fitness and Walking
Start your day with a healthy walk on the beach in a fun and exciting program called Beach Leisure and Fitness Walking. Bring a neighbor, bring a friend, or make new friends while you are there. Wear your walking shoes and a smile. Walks meet every Wednesday and run from 8 to 10 a.m. Keep an eye out for our nesting turtles and shorebirds! Guided walk is free. There is a parking fee of $1 per hour.
– Morning Eco Paddle
This guided Morning Eco Tour will have you paddling the San Carlos Bay, Hurricane Bay, and Pelican Bay in search of Dolphin, Manatee and a wide variety of birds. All equipment is provided. Bring your hat, sunscreen and bottled water. Cost is $40. Open to ages 12 and up. This program may be cancelled if the minimum number of 3 participants is not met. Please visit www.greatcalusablueway.com for more information on the Great Calusa Blueway and more paddling trips.
Bunche Beach
– 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. Bring a camera, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, bug spray and drinking water. The next walk is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Meet at the picnic tables at the end of the road. Guided walk is free. There is a parking fee of $1 per hour. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for future walks or more information.
Dog Beach
– Kayak With Your Canine
If you and your pooch are experienced, well mannered kayakers, or if you enjoy paddling without your pooch, this trip is for you. Meet at kayak launch across from Dog Beach on Estero Blvd just south of Lovers Key. No dogs over 100 lbs permitted and only one dog per boat permitted. The cost is $40 and dogs are free, but must have current vaccinations and wear their own lifejacket. The next scheduled trip is on Wednesday, Dec. 15 and runs from 10 a.m. until noon. This program may be cancelled if the minimum number of 3 participants is not met. Participants must pre-register at www.leeparks.org or by calling 533-7440. Please check out www.greatcalusablueway.com for more information on the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trails and other paddling information.
Lynn Hall Park
– Prescription Strength Laughter on Fort Myers Beach
Laughter is the best medicine and you don’t need a doctor’s prescription. Just open wide and say HA! It’s fun and it’s free! Join your hosts Meg Scott and Jeanette Bevilacqua for simple rhythmic clapping, mild stretching, deep breathing and laughter exercises just for the health of it. Lift your mood and laugh away your stress every Friday morning’s at 8 a.m. Fort Myers Beach at Lynn Hall Park, 950 Estero Blvd. Lighten up and learn to take yourself and life a little less seriously. No yoga experience needed. Bring a beach towel. Parking is $2 per hour. No experience necessary. www.laughteryogawithmegscott.com. For more info visit www.laughteryoga.org or call 533-7444.
Matanzas Pass Preserve
– Mangrove Walk
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 are held each Thursday morning from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve, 199 Bay Rd., Fort Myers Beach. Guided walk is free. Parking is free but space is limited so come early!
– Exploring Ethnobotany
Learn how indigenous plants can be used for such things as food, shelter, medicine and clothing. Find out about the historical importance of some of Florida’s plants to humans. This program is offered the last Wednesday of every month. Next walks are scheduled for Dec. 29 and Jan. 26. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance to Matanzas Pass Preserve located at 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach.
– Stress Detox
Relieve stress in a calm, natural preserve setting. Enjoy a short walk, and practice skills to create individual stress detox as inspired by natural ecosystems. Join a Florida Master Naturalist for this quieting event. This program is offered on the second Wednesday of each month. The next walks are scheduled for Dec. 8 and Jan. 12. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve located at 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach.