Lovers Key to host programs and 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 March.
Programs are included in park admission fees of: $4 for vehicles with one individual; $8 for vehicles with two to eight individuals; $2 per pedestrian or cyclist.
All programs will take place at Lovers Key State Park and 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. All programs begin at 10 a.m.
– Beginning Birding
Thursday, March 10
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.
– Black Island Kayak Tour
Thursday, March 31
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.
– Lovers Key Fishing Clinic
Tuesdays, March 29
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
– Walk on the Wild Side
Friday, March 11
Take a mile-long guided hike along our Black Island Trail with a park ranger to learn about the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that reside in this maritime hammock.
– Manatees and Dolphins Talk
Thursday, March 17
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.
– Treasures of the Atocha: Florida’s sunken treasure ship
Friday, March 18
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.
– Estuary Wading Trip
Thursday, March 24
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 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program sponsors the Estuary Wading Trip.
– The Art of the Calusa Talk
Friday, March 25
Join a Park Ranger for an interesting talk about the beautiful and intriguing art of the Calusa, a tribe of Native Americans that ruled this area hundreds of years ago. Preceding the presentation will be a short introduction to the history and culture of this tribe.