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/FOLKS-Events.    

Park entrance fee is waived for participants. Join a park ranger for a beach cleanup at South 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, buckets, pickers, pencils, and data sheets will be provided. Space is limited; reservations are required.…

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 ecosystem, and what you can do to help mitigate the current threats they face. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.

Join our Artist-in-Residence, Jenny M. Licht, to paint your own manatee on canvas. With Jenny’s help, you’ll transform your blank canvas into a beautiful scene featuring this iconic Florida resident. All materials and expertise provided. $54 per participant, includes park entry fee. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required.  To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events

Join our Artist-in-Residence, Jenny M. Licht on a nature journaling walk to explore the flora and fauna of Lovers Key through the eyes of an artist. Enjoy this guided trip along the Black Island Trail and create some wildlife sketches of your own. Free journals and pencils are provided.   Program is free with paid park entry. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.  

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 Southwest Florida. Class is open to camera and cell phone photographers alike.   Fees: $45 per participant, includes park entry fee. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.   

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.

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 three true mangroves 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 https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.

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.

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.

Program is free with paid park entry. Join a park naturalist to learn more about our local dolphins. Discover the unique anatomy of these marine mammals, how they help maintain balance in the food web, and what you can do to keep them safe. Space is limited; reservations are required. To register, visit https://bit.ly/FOLKS-Events.

Tickets on Sale NOW! Limited availability. Guests of this year's Gala will be treated to an elegant evening featuring a multi-course gourmet dinner “under the stars” catered by Black Salt, and then you'll dance the night away to a high-energy performance by the Wayward Souls. Plus, our spirited live luxury auction will showcase trips and fabulous experiences! Beach formal attire is requested, so dress to impress! Valet parking is also…