Lovers Key Announces March Program Schedule

Lovers Key State Park has released its very busy March program schedule which includes what public events are happening, how much they cost, how to sign up, and descriptions of the events.

3/6 Friday
Beach and Estuary Walk
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Mid-Beach
Fee: Free with paid park entry fee
Instructor: Mitch (ranger)
Join a park ranger for a leisurely walk over the estuary and along the beach to discover the natural treasures of the Lovers Key shoreline. Learn about seashells, crustaceans, starfish, and other creatures that can be found in our waters. Participants should be prepared to spend time in the water. Register

3/8 Sunday
Yoga by the Sea
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Mid-Beach
Fee: $30 includes park entry fee
Instructors: Shannon
Start your Sunday morning with Yoga by the Sea — a gentle beachside practice blending meditation and mindful flow. Experience the healing power of self-forgiveness through movement and breath, surrounded by the natural beauty of Florida’s gulf coast. This heart-opening class is designed to leave you lighter, calmer, and more connected to yourself. Register

3/13 Friday
Shell Walk
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Mid-Beach
Fee: Free with park entry fee
Instructor: Mitch (Ranger)
Join a park ranger for a shelling trip along the Lovers Key shoreline. Learn the names of the seashells you find on your walk, fun facts about the creatures who craft them, and the shelling regulations that help protect these iconic Florida treasures.
Register

3/18 Wednesday
Fishing Clinic
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Community Room (Welcome and Discovery Center)
Fee: Free with paid park entry
Instructors: Bob and Valerie (volunteers)
Join 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.
Register 

3/19 Thursday
Speaker series- Southwest Florida Mollusks & Their Shells
6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Community Room (Welcome and Discovery Center)
Fee: $25 per participant, includes park entry fee
Instructor: José H. Leal, Ph.D
Join us for an informative presentation by José H. Leal, Ph.D., Science Director and Curator of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the beauty of these creatures and their intricate shells.
Register 

3/20 Friday
Walk on the Wild Side
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Black Island Trail Head (Parking Lot #2)
Fee: Free with park entry fee
Instructor: Mitch (ranger)
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, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended.
Register 

3/20 Friday
Art Class (Sunset and Sea Oats on Palm bark and driftwood hanger)
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Discovery center classroom
Fee: 49$ includes park entry fee
Instructor: Jenny Licht
The intriguing “Sunset and Sea Oats” artwork is painted on clean, sealed, organic palm bark which is approximately 15” long. Upon completion of the painting, students will wrap the bark ends with jute then suspend from a driftwood branch to complete this unique coastal artwork (then it’s about 9” in height total). When hanging at home, a provided clean small Fighting Conch shell or similar is added by the student to cover the nail. Living the dream….painting on…. Jenny M. Licht Award Winning Artist and Art Instructor Artist-in-Residence Lovers Key State Park www.wissotaart www.facebook.com/WissotaArt 13309 Lazzaro CT Estero, FL 33928 715.590.3445.
Register 

3/21 Saturday
Junior Ranger
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Community Room (Welcome and Discovery Center)
Fee: Free with park entry fee
Instructors: Mitch (Ranger)
Join a park ranger for a Junior Ranger educational program and accompanying activity to explore the four components of the Junior Ranger program: natural resources, cultural resources, recreation, and service. Participants will be eligible for Junior Ranger passport stamps with the successful completion of each component.
Register 

3/25 Wednesday
Conserve and Connect with Sierra Club: Meet the Rice’s Whale
6:00pm-8:30pm
Location: Community Room (Welcome and Discovery Center)
Fee: Free with park entry fee
Instructor: Sierra Club
Join us at the Discovery Center to dive into the whale tale of the Rice’s whale—the Gulf’s only year-round resident whale and one of the world’s most critically endangered. This free public presentation explores how science, advocacy, and community action are coming together to protect this rare species and our shared Gulf waters— space is limited.
Register 

3/27 Friday
Shorebird Stroll
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Mid-Beach
Fee: Free with park entry fee
Instructor: Mitch (Ranger)
Join a park ranger on a guided walk down the shoreline and discover some of the birds that call the beach here at Lovers Key home. Learn helpful tips about how to identify these challenging birds while learning their diet, behavioral and nesting habits.
Register 

3/28 Saturday
Beach Cleanup
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Mid-Beach Bridge (Beach Side)
Fee: Free
Instructor: Ranger/Volunteer Led
Join a park ranger for a beach cleanup at Mid-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, trash bags, pickers, pencils, and data sheets will be provided.
Register 

For program questions, call 239-707-6328 or email Stephanie at Stephanie.Kurtz@FloridaDEP.gov