Whether you’re an avid birder or a novice nature geek, you’ll find plenty to do at the Southwest Florida Nature Festival at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center in Naples. Now in its seventh year, this event offers a variety of activities and experiences for the entire family this weekend: January 14-16.
Strap on your walking shoes and gear up to enjoy a field trip to some of the region’s amazing natural areas as expert guides shine a spotlight on native wildlife and breathtaking scenery. From clamshell orchids to piping plovers to gopher tortoises, the diversity of species available for viewing in their natural surroundings is amazing. Some of the most unique trips have already filled up, but there are still many great opportunities to see nature at its finest.
Tromping around in a cypress swamp or coastal scrub not your thing? Get in a kayak, on a bike, aboard a boat or even stay in your car during a driving tour of Marco Island’s burrowing owl nest sites! The field trip opportunities seem endless and each will leave you with a unique experience you’ll not soon forget. While registration is required for most trips, there are still chances to see manatees from the Observation Bridge, walk like a snail on the Snail Trail, or check out an ancient Indian shell mound. Several “no-registration-required” trips will be available over the weekend on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rather learn about nature in real comfort? Choose from a line-up of expert presentations in the Environmental Learning Center’s plush auditorium. The Keynote Presentation on Friday evening features John James Audubon (portrayed by a seasoned storyteller in character) who will explain his forays across the continent during his mid-1800’s endeavor to draw and publish Birds of America. You can also choose to join him on board the Marco Princess for a special pre-festival sunset dinner cruise to the ABC Islands, one of the state’s most important bird rookeries, on Thursday January 13.
If the kids are itching for something to do, this event’s got them covered as well with a marine life touch tank, crafts, face painting, coloring contest and scavenger hunt, as well as a host of gift vendors, artisans, food and live music on the grounds of the Environmental Learning Center. You can even get up-close and personal with several live raptors from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.
Don’t miss this fabulous event! Visit www.rookerybay.org for all the details and registration. Cost to attend the on-site event is $10 for adults, and free for kids 15 and under! Located off Collier Boulevard between Naples and Marco Island, 239-417-6310.
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