April 2022 Events at Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park
8700 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT SENT: 15 March 2022
CONTACT: Trish Schranck, OPS Park Service Specialist
PHONE: 239-463-4588
STATE PARK TO OFFER GUIDED NATURE PROGRAMS IN APRIL 2022
-Lovers Key State Park to host wildlife programs and recreational activities-
FORT MYERS BEACH â The Florida Department of Environmental Protectionâs Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history and wildlife throughout the month of April. All programs will take place at Lovers Key State Park, and registration is required for all events. The park offers many recreational opportunities to visitors with disabilities. For accommodations, contact the park office at 239-463-4588.
April programs include:
Friday, April 1st at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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
Saturday, April 2nd 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. Closed toe shoes, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Monday, April 4th at 9:30 a.m.
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
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 in 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.
Wednesday, April 6th at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Wednesday, April 6th at 10:00 a.m.
How Did They Get That Shot?
Fees: $45 per participant, includes park entry fees
Join award-winning photographer Carol Matthai for a beginner-to-intermediate wildlife photography class. The class is a lecture-style overview of techniques to improve photo composition and storytelling and is geared specifically toward capturing stunning images of wildlife in southern Florida. This class is included in Matthaiâs Going Wild! series at Lovers Key State Park. Class is open to camera and cell phone photographers alike. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, April 6th 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 them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Thursday, April 7th 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 oceanâs 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.
Friday, April 8th at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Friday, April 8th 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.
Saturday, April 9th at 10:30 a.m.
Beach and Estuary Walk
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a leisurely walk over the estuary and along the beach to discover the natural treasures of the Lovers Key shoreline. Learn about seashells, crustaceans, starfish, and other creatures that can be found in our waters. Participants should be prepared to spend time in the water. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Sunday, April 10th at 10:30 a.m.
Gopher Tortoise Day
Programs are free with paid park entry
Join us for a special Gopher Tortoise Day celebration at Lovers Key State Park! At 10:30 a.m., Florida Master Naturalist Tony Mauriello will kick off the day with a lecture on the gopher tortoiseâs anatomy, interesting habits, and how we can do our part to protect these charismatic reptiles. At 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., a park ranger will lead a guided gopher tortoise hike where guests will have a chance to see tortoises in the park as they learn about their importance to our Florida ecosystems. Additionally, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., we will have a myriad of informal gopher tortoise-themed educational resources and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy, including coloring pages, burrow companion games, a child-sized burrow to explore, and more! Space for the lecture and hikes are limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Monday, April 11th at 9:30 a.m.
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
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 in 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.
Tuesday, April 12th 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. Youâll 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, April 13th at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Friday, April 15th at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Friday, April 15th at 10:30 a.m.
All About Sea Turtles
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger to learn about the fascinating life cycles and journeys of the marine turtles that visit Lovers Key each summer. Learn about their nesting behavior here at the park, insider information on what Turtle Patrol is all about, and how you can help protect them. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, April 16th 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. Closed toe shoes, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Full Moon Yoga
Fees: $20 per participant, does not include park entry fees
Join a yoga instructor from the FMB Yoga Project for a special 90-minute practice for the full moon on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Monday, April 18th at 9:30 a.m.
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
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 in 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.
Wednesday, April 20th at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Wednesday, April 20th at 10:30 a.m.
Great Gopher Tortoises
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park naturalist to learn more about our resident gopher tortoises. Discover the differences between a turtle and a tortoise, why gopher tortoises are so important to the health of their ecosystems, and what you can do to help mitigate the current threats they face. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Thursday, April 21st at 10:30 a.m.
Gelatinous Jellyfish
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger to discover the fascinating world of jellyfish. Learn which jellies live in southwest Florida, what to do if you get stung, and some helpful tips on how to avoid stings altogether! Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, April 22nd at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Friday, April 22nd at 10:30 a.m.
Earth Day Celebration
All programs are free with paid park entry
Join us for a full day of activities and fun this Earth Day at Lovers Key State Park! At 10:30 a.m., a park ranger will lead a wading trip into the seagrass flats at North Beach and discuss the many crabs, snails, starfish, and other creatures that inhabit this ecosystem. At 12:00 p.m., Park Manager Catherine Moses will kick off our new Read with a Ranger series by reading Dr. Seussâ iconic childrenâs story, The Lorax, in the Exhibit Hall at the Welcome and Discovery Center. Listeners will be given a seed at the end of the story and invited to decorate small pots to house their seeds. At 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Welcome and Discovery Center, a park ranger will lead an upcycled craft in which participants transform a plastic water bottle into a vibrant fish of their choosing. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bottles, but the park will have a limited number available for those who do not. At 3:00 p.m., a park ranger will close out the celebration with a beach cleanup on South Beach. Throughout the day, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., there will be a myriad of informal Earth Day activities and educational materials available for the whole family to enjoy at the Welcome and Discovery Center. Reservations are required for all formal activities, and space is limited. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, April 22nd at 6:30 p.m.
The Bald Eagle: A Natural and Cultural History
Fees: $30 per participant, includes park entry fees
Join us for a special Earth Day discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Dr. Jack E. Davis, on his latest work, The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of Americaâs Bird. In this lecture, Davis will unravel the complicated cultural and natural history of Americaâs relationship with this symbolic bird of prey, as well as the grueling, vital work that brought the species back from the brink of extinction. This program is the final event in the Friends of Lovers Keyâs What You See on the Land, Lands in the Sea series at Lovers Key State Park. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, April 23rd at 10:00 a.m.
How Did They Get That Shot?
Fees: $45 per participant, includes park entry fees
Join award-winning photographer Carol Matthai for a beginner-to-intermediate wildlife photography class. The class is a lecture-style overview of techniques to improve photo composition and storytelling and is geared specifically toward capturing stunning images of wildlife in southern Florida. This class is included in Matthaiâs Going Wild! series at Lovers Key State Park. Class is open to camera and cell phone photographers alike. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, April 23rd at 10:30 a.m.
Beach and Estuary Walk
Program is free with paid park entry
Join a park ranger for a leisurely walk over the estuary and along the beach to discover the natural treasures of the Lovers Key shoreline. Learn about seashells, crustaceans, starfish, and other creatures that can be found in our waters. Participants should be prepared to spend time in the water. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Monday, April 25th at 9:30 a.m.
Morning Yoga at the Gazebo
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 in 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.
Wednesday, April 27th at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Wednesday, April 30th at 10:30 a.m.
Munchinâ 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. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Friday, April 29th at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Yoga on the Beach
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 on the sand at Lovers Key. 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.
Friday, April 29th 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.
Friday, April 29th at 1:00 p.m.
First Fives of Photography
Fees: $45 per participant, includes park entry fees
Join award-winning photographer Inna Malostovker for a beginner wildlife photography class. This class includes an overview of the basic principles of photography, a nature walk through Lovers Key, and a final photo critique. This class is included in Malostovkerâs Going Wild! series at Lovers Key State Park. Class is open to camera and cell phone photographers alike. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, April 30th 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. Closed toe shoes, bug spray, and water bottles are highly recommended. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit www.LoversKey.Eventbrite.com.
About Lovers Key State Park
Once a collection of secluded barrier islands accessible only by boat, Lovers Key has become a premiere destination for wildlife viewing, outdoor recreation, and spectacular beachside weddings in southwest Florida. Previously destined to become the site of luxury condominiums, the 1,616-acres that now make up Lovers Key State Park were donated to the people of Florida so its beaches and mangrove forests could be preserved for all to enjoy for generations to come. The two-mile stretch of beach is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. Black Island offers five miles of multiuse trails for hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. The brand-new Welcome and Discovery Center is an educational hub for curious park goers to learn more about the wildlife, history, activities, and ecosystems at Lovers Key. Anglers and boaters can launch their vessels from the parkâs free boat ramp, and the parkâs concessionaire offers guided kayak tours, as well as bicycle, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, beach chair, and umbrella rentals. Additionally, the park offers family-friendly interpretive programming, including shell walks, trail hikes, wading trips, wildlife seminars, and more. Open 365 days a year, thereâs no better place to enjoy a slice of the real Florida than Lovers Key State Park.
