The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife throughout the month of February.
Space is limited for all events. Reservations are required. To register, GO HERE.
Here are the February programs:
Friday, February 2nd at 10:00 a.m.
Beach and Estuary Walk
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a leisurely hike along the beach and estuary shorelines of Lovers Key. Discover the natural beauty of both ecosystems as you encounter the seashells, crustaceans, birds, and other creatures that reside amongst these waterways. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.
Saturday, February 3rd at 10:00 a.m.
Beach Cleanup
Park entrance fee is waived for participants
Join a park ranger for a beach cleanup at South Beach. Enjoy a lovely hour on the beach as you do your part to keep our state park (and planet!) clean. Participants will record the types of trash they collect, and the findings will help inform park messaging. Gloves, buckets, pickers, pencils, and data sheets will be provided. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.
Wednesday, February 7th at 10:00 a.m.
Great Gopher Tortoises
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park naturalist to learn more about our resident gopher tortoises. Discover the differences between a turtle and a tortoise, why gopher tortoises are so important to the health of their ecosystem, and what you can do to help mitigate the current threats they face. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events
Friday, February 9th at 9:00 a.m.
Manatee Painting Class
$54 per participant, includes park entry fee
Join our Artist-in-Residence, Jenny M. Licht, to paint your own manatee on canvas. With Jenny’s help, you’ll transform your blank canvas into a beautiful scene featuring this iconic Florida resident. All materials and expertise provided. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.
Friday, February 9th at 1:00 p.m.
Nature Journaling Walk
Program is free with paid park entry
Join our Artist-in-Residence, Jenny M. Licht on a nature journaling walk to explore the flora and fauna of Lovers Key through the eyes of an artist. Enjoy this guided trip along the Black Island Trail and create some wildlife sketches of your own. Free journals and pencils are provided. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.
Saturday, February 10th at 10:00 a.m.
How Did They Get That Shot?
Fees: $45 per participant, includes park entry fee
Join award-winning photographer Carol Matthai for a beginner-to-intermediate wildlife photography class. The class is a lecture-style overview of techniques to improve photo composition and storytelling and is geared specifically toward capturing stunning images of wildlife in Southwest Florida. Class is open to camera and cell phone photographers alike. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.
Tuesday, February 13th at 10:00 a.m.
Fishing Clinic
Program is free with paid park entry
Join two park naturalists to learn more about fishing in Southwest Florida. You’ll discuss a variety of tackle and fresh bait rigs, discover the best places to drop a line at the park, and learn the rules and regulations for fishing in Southwest Florida. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.
Wednesday, February 14th at 10:00 a.m.
Magnificent Mangroves
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger to discover the magnificence of mangroves, Florida’s most vital intercoastal plants. Learn how to identify each of the three true mangroves native to Florida, what special adaptations allow them to thrive in saltwater environments, and how Florida law protects these critical coastal dwellers. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events
Friday, February 16th at 10:00 a.m.
Walk on the Wild Side
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a guided hike along our Black Island Trail. Learn about the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that reside in our maritime hammock ecosystem and enjoy a little local history along the way. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.
Saturday, February 17th at 10:00 a.m.
Junior Ranger Day
Program is free with paid park entry
Join park staff for a Junior Ranger educational program and accompanying activity. Each day will explore one of the four components of the Florida Park Service’s Junior Ranger program: natural resources, cultural resources, recreation, and service. Participants will be eligible for Junior Ranger passport stamps with the successful completion of the program. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.
Wednesday, February 21st at 10:00 a.m.
Delightful Dolphins
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park naturalist to learn more about our local dolphins. Discover the unique anatomy of these marine mammals, how they help maintain balance in the food web, and what you can do to keep them safe. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events