While the rest of the country is suffering in the freezing cold January weather, you could be in the great outdoors taking a guided tour at Lovers Key State Park. Get out and enjoy our great January weather at one of Florida’s most popular parks. Here’s the tour lineup for the park in January.
Programs are included in park admission fees of:
$4.00 for vehicles with one individual.
$8.00 for vehicles with two to eight individuals.
$2.00 per pedestrian or cyclist.
Registration is required.
1st January
First Day Beach Hike
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a park ranger for a special First Day Beach Hike along the Lovers Key shoreline. First Day Hikes are a part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors on New Year’s Day. On this guided hike, you’ll discover the many seashells that wash ashore at Lovers Key, learn about the creatures who crafted these iconic Florida treasures, and enjoy a morning walk on the beach as we kick off 2022. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
3rd January
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
Monday at 9:30 a.m.
FEES: $15 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at the South Beach Gazebo. 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.
4th January
Fishing Clinic
Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
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. You might even learn a few of the “secrets” our local fishermen swear by. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
4th January
New Year Yoga
Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
FEES: $20 per participant, does not include park entry fee
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a Mindful Vinyasa Sunset Flow session to celebrate the start of 2022. Bring a yoga mat, water, and any props you may need, as no equipment will be provided. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is recommended but drop ins will be welcomed. To purchase tickets, visit www.SabaMovementCenter.com.
6th January
Wading Trip
Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a park ranger to explore the seagrass flats and learn about the many marine species that reside in the Lovers Key estuary. Seahorses, shrimp, young fish, and egg casings of all sorts inhabit the flats, which in turn attract larger fish, crustaceans, rays, and even dolphins to the estuary. This complex food web makes each trip exciting and unique as we never know which species we’ll encounter. This program includes time in the water, and participants should prepare accordingly. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
6th January
Sounds of Discovery
Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
FEES: $25 per participant, includes park entry fee
Join us for an evening of live acoustic performances featuring all original music. The January showcase will feature songwriters J. Robert, Ricky Baker Cegelis, and Karen Cohen. This show is an intimate songwriter showcase in which the artists take turns sharing their compositions and telling the stories behind their songs. The musicians will be available at the break and after the show to discuss their music. Presented by the Friends of Lovers Key and the Americana Community Music Association. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.FriendsOfLoversKey.org
7th January
Morning Yoga
Friday at 9:00 a.m.
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at Mid Beach. 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.
7th January
Mural Demo
Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Join Artist-In-Residence Jenny M. Licht from 10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. as she paints a mural at the Welcome and Discovery Center. The mural will serve as the logo for the new building, and it will center on the park’s most famous annual visitor, the Florida manatee. Feel free to drop in and ask about her process, her Art in the Park painting series here at Lovers Key, or any other questions you may have. No reservations are required. Program is free with paid park entry.
7th January
Nature Journaling Walk
Friday at 1:00 p.m.
As a part of Artist-In-Residence Jenny M. Licht’s Art in the Park series, this nature journaling walk allows you to explore the flora and fauna of Lovers Key through the eyes of an artist, while also creating some sketches of your own. Free journals and pencils are provided. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
8th January
Walk on the Wild Side
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
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, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
10th January
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
Monday at 9:30 a.m.
FEES: $15 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at the South Beach Gazebo. 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.
12th JanuaryHow Did They Get That Shot?
Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
FEES: $45 per participant, includes park entry fee
As a part of Fort Myers photographer Carol Matthai’s Going Wild! series, this beginner-to-intermediate photography class includes techniques to improve photo composition and storytelling, a nature walk through Lovers Key, and a final photo critique. Class open to camera and cell phone photographers alike. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.FriendsOfLoversKey.com.
13th January
A History of Water Stewardship in Southwest Florida
Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
FEES: $30 per participant, includes park entry fee
As a part of the Friends of Lovers Key’s What You See on the Land, Lands in the Sea speaker series, this event welcomes award-winning journalist and publisher Nick Penniman to share his perspectives on the history and politics of water management in our region. Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, visit www.FriendsOfLoversKey.org.
14th January
Morning Yoga at Mid Beach
Friday at 9:00 a.m.
FEES: $15 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at Mid Beach. 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.
14th January
Florida Manatee
Friday at 12:00 p.m.
As a part of Florida Master Naturalist Tony Mauriello’s Nature at Noon series, this interpretive program will be an introduction to Florida’s state marine mammal, the Florida manatee. With their paddle-like tails, manatees earn their nickname, “sea cows”, by slowly moving just beneath the surface and consuming vast amounts of aquatic vegetation. We will explore their migration strategy, interesting physical characteristics, mating habits, and more. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
15th January
Painting Class: Flip Flop
Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
FEES: $39 per participant, includes park entry fees
As a part of Artist-In-Residence Jenny M. Licht’s Art in the Park series, participants will paint their own beachy sign constructed from rustic wooden pallets. The design of the sign will include popular Floridian imagery, such as flip flops, seashells, and the phrase “Life is better in flip flops”. All materials and expertise provided. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.FriendsOfLoversKey.org.
15th January
Nature Journaling Walk
Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
As a part of Artist-In-Residence Jenny M. Licht’s Art in the Park series, this nature journaling walk allows you to explore the flora and fauna of Lovers Key through the eyes of an artist, while also creating some sketches of your own. Free journals and pencils are provided. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
17th January
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
Monday at 9:30 a.m.
FEES: $15 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at the South Beach Gazebo. 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.
17th JanuaryFull Moon Yoga
Monday at 4:00 p.m.
FEES: $20 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session for the full moon. 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.
20th January
Beach and Estuary Walk
Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a park ranger for a leisurely one-mile walk over the estuary and along the beach to discover what kind of natural treasures wash up on the shores of Lovers Key. Learn about seashells, crustaceans, starfish, and other creatures that can be found in our waters. This program includes time in the water, and participants should prepare accordingly. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
21st January
Morning Yoga at Mid Beach
Friday at 9:00 a.m.
FEES: $15 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at Mid Beach. 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.
21st January
Shelling & Beachcombing
Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Join a park ranger for a relaxing one-mile hike along the Lovers Key shoreline and discover the multitude of shells that wash ashore each day at the park. You’ll learn about the fascinating creatures who crafted these iconic Florida treasures, as well as the shelling rules and regulations that help protect them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
22nd January
Walk on the Wild Side
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
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, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
22nd January
How Did They Get That Shot?
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
FEES: $45 per participant, includes park entry fee
As a part of Fort Myers photographer Carol Matthai’s Going Wild! series, this beginner-to-intermediate photography class includes techniques to improve photo composition and storytelling, a nature walk through Lovers Key, and a final photo critique. Class open to camera and cell phone photographers alike. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.FriendsOfLoversKey.com.
23rd January
Sensational Sharks
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
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, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
24th January
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
Monday at 9:30 a.m.
FEES: $15 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at the South Beach Gazebo. 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.
27th January
Majestic Sea Turtles
Thursday at 12:00 p.m.
As a part of Florida Master Naturalist Tony Mauriello’s Nature at Noon series, this interpretive program will be an introduction to the sea turtle. Often considered the most majestic of the turtle family, sea turtles are large, ocean-going reptiles known for their gentle nature and long lifespan. We will look at all seven species around the world and their unique adaptations for sea life. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
28th January
Morning Yoga at Mid Beach
Friday at 9:00 a.m.
FEES: $15 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at Mid Beach. 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.
29th January
Walk on the Wild Side
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
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, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
30th January
Sensational Sharks
Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
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, call 239-463-4588. Program is free with paid park entry.
31st January
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
Monday at 9:30 a.m.
FEES: $15 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a relaxing Open Vinyasa Flow session at the South Beach Gazebo. 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.