County reports free shoreline guided walks return
Lee County Parks & Recreation invites visitors and residents to explore the ecosystem and wildlife at the beach parks, preserves and shorelines.
1. Bunche Beach 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33908
– 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 walks are scheduled for Tuesdays, Dec. 6 and Dec. 27, from 4 to 5 p.m. Parking is $1 per hour or free with a valid Lee County Parks & Recreation Parking Sticker. Meet at the picnic tables on the beach for this free guided walk. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
2. Matanzas Pass Preserve 199 Bay Rd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
– Mangrove Walk
Take an educational and inspirational walk through Matanzas Pass Preserve out to the Estero Bay. Learn about the diverse plant community including a maritime oak hammock, transitional wetlands, and a mangrove forest. Walks are held each Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve, behind the Beach Library & School. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
– 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 fourth Wednesday of every month from 9:30 11 a.m. The next programs are scheduled for Nov. 23 and Dec. 28. 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 behind the Beach Library & School. For more information visit our website at www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444.
3. Bowditch Point Park, 50 Estero Blvd. Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931
– Barrier Islands Guided Walk
Join a Florida Master Naturalist as they lead you through Bowditch Point Park. Learn the importance of the barrier islands, their unique ecosystem, and how they protect the mainland. Explore the beachfront tropical hardwoods, coastal scrub, and wetland plant communities. Walks are held every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and every Friday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Parking is $1 per hour or free with a valid Lee County Parks & Recreation Parking Sticker. Meet on the upper patio for this free walk. Bowditch Point Park is at the north tip of Estero Island. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
-submitted by Belinda Harper
County reports free shoreline guided walks return
Lee County Parks & Recreation invites visitors and residents to explore the ecosystem and wildlife at the beach parks, preserves and shorelines.
1. Bunche Beach 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33908
– 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 walks are scheduled for Tuesdays, Dec. 6 and Dec. 27, from 4 to 5 p.m. Parking is $1 per hour or free with a valid Lee County Parks & Recreation Parking Sticker. Meet at the picnic tables on the beach for this free guided walk. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
2. Matanzas Pass Preserve 199 Bay Rd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
– Mangrove Walk
Take an educational and inspirational walk through Matanzas Pass Preserve out to the Estero Bay. Learn about the diverse plant community including a maritime oak hammock, transitional wetlands, and a mangrove forest. Walks are held each Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve, behind the Beach Library & School. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
– 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 fourth Wednesday of every month from 9:30 11 a.m. The next programs are scheduled for Nov. 23 and Dec. 28. 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 behind the Beach Library & School. For more information visit our website at www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444.
3. Bowditch Point Park, 50 Estero Blvd. Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931
– Barrier Islands Guided Walk
Join a Florida Master Naturalist as they lead you through Bowditch Point Park. Learn the importance of the barrier islands, their unique ecosystem, and how they protect the mainland. Explore the beachfront tropical hardwoods, coastal scrub, and wetland plant communities. Walks are held every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and every Friday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Parking is $1 per hour or free with a valid Lee County Parks & Recreation Parking Sticker. Meet on the upper patio for this free walk. Bowditch Point Park is at the north tip of Estero Island. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
-submitted by Belinda Harper