Lovers Key State Park Events – August 2022
STATE PARK TO OFFER GUIDED NATURE PROGRAMS IN AUGUST 2022
-Lovers Key State Park to host wildlife programs and recreational activities-
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Lovers Key State Park will present weekly programs on park history, wildlife, and recreation throughout the month of August.
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.
All programs will take place at Lovers Key State Park, and registration is required for most events.
The park offers many recreational opportunities to visitors with disabilities.
For assistance or to register, contact the park office at 239-463-4588.
8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
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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.
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 two-mile stretch of beach is popular for shelling, swimming, 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 wildlife, history, activities, and ecosystems of Lovers Key. Open 365 days a year, there’s no better place to enjoy a slice of the real Florida than Lovers Key State Park.
