The state park just released a long list of events and programs that will take place during the month of May. Here’s the list of everything being offered next month and how you can register for each of them…
Sunday, May 1st at 1:00 p.m.
Painting Class: Mother’s Day
Fees: $45 per participant, includes park entry fees
Join Artist-in-Residence Jenny M. Licht to paint two special wine glasses for Mother’s Day. Participants have an infinite array of templates to choose from including flamingos, flip flops, palm trees, sea life, flowers, and more. New designs can also be drawn in class to fit your vision for your glassware if desired. Bring soft cloths and a basket or box (not slotted) to transport your glassware home. All other materials and expertise provided. This class is included in Licht’s Art-in-the-Park series at Lovers Key State Park. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Sunday, May 1st at 3:30 p.m.
Nature Journaling
Program is free with paid park entry
Join 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 to the butterfly garden and create some wildlife sketches of your own. This walk is included in Licht’s Art-in-the-Park series at Lovers Key State Park. Free journals and pencils are provided. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, May 4th at 10:30 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 ecosystems, and what you can do to help mitigate the current threats they face. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, May 6th at 10:30 a.m.
All About Sea Turtles
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger to learn about the fascinating life cycles and journeys of the marine turtles that visit Lovers Key each summer. Learn about their nesting behavior here at the park, insider information on what Turtle Patrol is all about, and how you can help protect them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, May 7th at 10:30 a.m.
Beach and Estuary Walk
Program is free with paid park entry
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. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, May 13th at 10:30 a.m.
Wading Tripry.
Join a park ranger for an exciting wading trip into our seagrass flats. With a push net in hand, you’ll discover the creatures that call the seagrass their home, discuss their anatomy, diet, and unique adaptations, and learn how you can help protect this vital ecosystem. Participants should be prepared to spend time in the water. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, May 14th at 10:30 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, explore our native butterfly garden, and enjoy a little local history along the way. Closed toe shoes, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Sunday, May 15th at 10:00 a.m.
The Lure of Lovers Key Screenings
Screenings are free with paid park entry
Join us at the Welcome and Discovery Center for a day of free screenings of the informative and visually stunning documentary, The Lure of Lovers Key. The film recounts the cultural history of Lovers Key while also exploring the stunning natural features and modern-day uses of our state park. Screenings of the 25-minute film will begin at the top of every hour from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The Lure of Lovers Key was created by Tom James of PelicanMedia. Reservations are not required.
Sunday, May 15th at 6:30 p.m.
Full Moon Yoga
Fees: $20 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a special 90-minute practice for the full moon on the sand at Lovers Key. This multilevel course is open to both beginners and experienced yogis alike. Bring a yoga mat, water, and any props you may need, as no equipment will be provided. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.SabaMovementCenter.com.
Wednesday, May 18th at 10:30 a.m.
All About Alligators
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park naturalist to learn all about our local alligators. Discover why alligators are such integral members of our southwest Florida ecosystems, what you can do to safely co-exist with them, and how you can help protect them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, May 20th at 10:30 a.m.
Sensational Sharks
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for an interesting and informative lecture on sharks, the ocean’s most sensational residents. Discover why these awe-inspiring elasmobranchs are often misunderstood and feared by the public, what crucial role they play in our ecosystems, and what you can do to help protect them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, May 21st at 10:30 a.m.
How Did They Get That Shot?
Fees: $45 per participant, includes park entry fees
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 southern Florida. This class is included in Matthai’s Going Wild! series at Lovers Key State Park. Class is open to camera and cell phone photographers alike. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, May 21st at 10:30 a.m.
Sandcastle Contest for Kids
Program is free with paid park entry
Join us to celebrate Kids to Parks Day at Lovers Key with a sandcastle building contest! Bring your own supplies, style, and creativity as you show off your sandcastle skills. Children 18 and under are welcome to participate, and awards will be given out based on age. At the end of the program, participants will learn about the importance of breaking down their castles before they leave in order to keep the beach safe during sea turtle nesting season. Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, May 25th at 10:30 a.m.
Munchin’ Manatees
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park naturalist for an interesting and informative lecture on our local, loveable manatees. Learn what these magnificent mammals are all about, and how you can help protect them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, May 27th at 10:30 a.m.
Seashell Walk
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a relaxing hike along the Lovers Key shoreline. Learn the names of the seashells that wash ashore at the park, fun facts about the creatures who craft them, and the shelling regulations that help protect these iconic Florida treasures. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, May 28th at 10:30 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, explore our native butterfly garden, and enjoy a little local history along the way. Closed toe shoes, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Tuesday, May 31st 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 www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.