Next month, Lovers Key State Park is offering weekly programs on park history, wildlife, and recreation. The programs are included in park admission fees of: $4 for vehicles with 1 individual – $8 for vehicles 2-8 individuals – $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. Here are all the programs for the month of August.
Friday, August 5th at 10:30 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 four mangrove species 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 www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, August 6th 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. Due to rainy season, trails may be flooded in sections, and participants may need to walk through shallow water. Closed toe shoes that can get wet, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, August 10th at 10:30 a.m.
Savvy Sea Turtles
Program is free with paid park entry. Join a park naturalist for an introduction to sea turtles, our savvy summer residents. Learn what sea turtles like to eat, where they live, and what you can do to help keep them safe on and off the beach. Space is limited; reservations required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, August 12th 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.
Tuesday, August 16th at 10:00 a.m.
Fishing Clinic
Program is free with paid park entry. Join Park Naturalists Bob and Valerie Lindner 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.
Wednesday, August 17th 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. Live manatees are not included in this lecture. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, August 19th 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, August 20th 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. Due to rainy season, trails may be flooded in sections, and participants may need to walk through shallow water. Closed toe shoes that can get wet, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, August 24th 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 our state reptile. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, August 26th at 10:30 a.m.
Beach Cleanup: North Beach
Program is free with paid park entry. Join a park ranger for a beach cleanup at North 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. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.