Lee County Parks & Recreation invites visitors and residents to explore nature at beaches and shorelines.

Bowditch Point Park

Barrier Islands Guided Walk
Join us at Bowditch Point Park to learn the importance of the barrier islands, their unique ecosystem, and how they protect the mainland. Walks are held every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and Friday from 1 – 2:30p.m. Explore the beach front tropical hardwoods, coastal scrub, and wetland plant communities. The walk is free with a $1 per hour parking fee. Bowditch Point Park is located at 50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 239-533-7444 for more information.

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Low Tide Loafing at Sunset
Join a naturalist and leisurely explore the mud flats to see what mysteries the low tide uncovers, and enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset as well. Bring a camera, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, bug spray and drinking water. The next walks are scheduled for Tuesday, December 21st from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday January 4th from 5 to 6 p.m. Meet at the picnic tables on the beach. The walk is free with a $1 per hour parking fee. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 239-533-7444 for more information.

Matanzas Pass Preserve

Mangrove Walk
Take an educational and inspirational walk through Matanzas Pass Preserve. Learn about the diverse plant community including a maritime oak hammock, transitional wetlands, and a mangrove forest. Walks are held each Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve, 199 Bay Rd., Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 239-533-7444 for more information.

Exploring Ethnobotany
Learn how indigenous plants can be used for such things as food, shelter, medicine and clothing. Find out about the historical importance of some of Florida’s plants to humans. This program is offered the last Wednesday of every month 9:30 – 11a.m. The next program will be held December 29th and January 26th. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance to Matanzas Pass Preserve located at 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach. For more information visit our website at www.leeparks.org or call (239) 533-7444.

Stress Detox
Relieve stress in a calm, natural preserve setting. Enjoy a short walk, and practice skills to create individual stress detox as inspired by natural ecosystems. Join a Florida Master Naturalist for this quieting event. This program is offered on the second Wednesday of each month 9:30 – 11a.m., next programs will be held January 12th and February 9th. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve located at 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 239-533-7444 for more information.