In conjunction with the opening of the Lovers Key State Park new Welcome and Discovery Center on May 15, Education Coordinator for Friends of Lovers Key Louise Kowitch is launching several new programs for kids of all ages. Here’s a closer look at those programs.
June 14 – June 18
Painting in Nature
Ages 7-13
10 am -noon. $125 one week. 1 session offered.
Children will enjoy painting and drawing while learning about the coastal plants, animals and habitats of our beautiful park. Participants will create eco-art through a variety of media with the 2021 Lovers Key Artist-in Residence, Jenny Licht.
June 21 – June 25 and June 28 – July 2:
“Beach Exploration and Discovery”
Ages 6-12, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
$300 one week each, two sessions offered.
Children will explore Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico from top to bottom using microscopes, seine nets, plankton trawls and fishing poles. Learn about the shores and aquatic life of beautiful Lovers Key State Park through hands on experiments and creative expression with Susie Hassett, M.A., Science Education, Resource Teacher, Environmental Education, Lee County Public Schools.
July 5 –July 9 and July 12 – July 16,
“Marine Science”
Ages 13-17, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm,
$300 one week each, 2 sessions offered.
Teens will experience what it’s like to be marine biologist. Participants will learn about aquatic and shore life through scientific research featuring oceanography, conservation, and estuarine ecology with Gary Rullo, International Baccalaureate Biology Teacher, Dunbar High School. Nature journaling and photography will be featured. Topics featured include Barrier Islands, Coastal Ecosystems, Marine Invertebrates, plants, Fish, Reptiles & Birds, and Mammals.
July 19-July 23 and July 26 – July 30:
“Eco-Arts”
Ages 7-8, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
$200 one week each, 2 sessions offered.
Children will enjoy learning about coastal ecology through a variety of creative activities and field trips in the park. Painting, drawing, crafts and story-telling will develop participants’ appreciation for nature and artistic expression. Daily talks by experts as well as filming of explorations to be re-visited after art projects are finished. Taught by Deborah Kay Dunlap, M.S. Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development Facilitator.
To register, contact: Louise Kowitch, Education Coordinator, Friends of Lovers Key, lkowitch@aol.com