March 20, 2025 The Sun Bay Paper Page 2 Lovers Key State Park to host wildlife programs and recreational activitiesFORT MYERS BEACH – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife throughout the month of April 2025. All programs will take place at Lovers Key State Park. Space is limited for all events; reservations are required. To register, visit the Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite page: https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events The park offers many recreational opportunities for visitors with disabilities. For accommodations assistance, please contact the park office at 239-707-6328. April 2025 programs include: Friday, April 4th at 9:00 a.m. Miniature Painting on Shells Painting Class Program is $59 includes park entry fee Join Artist-in-Residence Jenny M. Licht for a Miniature Painting on Shells Class at Lovers Key State Park. With Jenny’s help, you will transform shells into beautiful works of art. Friday, April 4th at 10:00 a.m. Beach and Estuary Walk Program is free with paid park entry Join a park ranger for a leisurely hike along the beach and estuary shorelines of Lovers Key. Discover the natural beauty of both ecosystems as you encounter the seashells, crustaceans, birds, and other creatures that reside amongst these waterways. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKSEvents. Friday, April 11th at 10:00 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 https://bit.ly/ FOLKS-Events. Wednesday, April 16th 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 https:// bit.ly/FOLKS-Events. Thursday, April 17th at 6:30 p.m. Speaker Series The Power of Conservation in Coastal Southwest Florida Program is $25 includes park entry fee For nearly four decades, the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed or CREW, has brought together public and private entities to protect some of the last remaining natural habitats in Southwest Florida. Join Dr. Lucius for a powerful discussion of the impact of conservation on our region’s natural beauty. Friday, April 18th at 10:00 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 and enjoy a little local history along the way. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https:// bit.ly/FOLKS-Events. Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 a.m. Junior Ranger Creature Feature Program is free with paid park entry. Join park staff for a Junior Ranger educational program and accompanying activity. Each day will explore one of the four components of the Florida Park Service’s Junior Ranger program: natural resources, cultural resources, recreation, and service. Participants will be eligible for Junior Ranger passport stamps with the successful completion of the program. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https:// bit.ly/FOLKS-Events. The Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite Page: https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events About Lovers Key State Park Once a collection of secluded barrier islands, Lovers Key has become a premiere destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation in Southwest Florida. Previously destined to become the site of luxury condominiums, Lovers Key State Park was purchased for the people of Florida, so the park’s natural features could be enjoyed for generations to come. The twomile stretch of beach is popular for shelling, picnicking, fishing, and swimming, while Black Island offers five miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the Welcome and Discovery Center is an educational hub for curious park goers to learn more about the ecosystems, history, and recreational opportunities available at the park. There’s no better place to enjoy a slice of the real Florida than Lovers Key State Park. APRIL 2025 GUIDED NATURE PROGRAMS
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