Field Trips
Join Gumbo Limbo’s Rick Newman, expert birder and the leader of Gumbo Limbo bird walks, for this special birding trip.
Southwest of Clewiston, near Lake Okeechobee, is a huge man-made shallow marsh that’s part of the Everglades restoration project. This area is referred to as Stormwater Treatment Area 5, or simply STA 5.
What makes STA 5 so special is the huge numbers of birds, sometimes in the hundreds, attracted to the waters and visible from the gravel roadway as we drive around the ponds. Designed to clean the waters from the sugar cane fields before they flow southward towards Everglades National Park, STA 5 has become a birder’s paradise.
Entry into the area is at 8:00 a.m. so we will have to get an early start from Gumbo Limbo. We’ll stop at the historic Clewiston Inn for a buffet brunch afterward ($14.99, not included in the price of the outing) and if time and weather permit, stop at another wildlife viewing location enroute home.
STA 5 has no shade so come prepared – hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and wear closed toe shoes. Of course bring binoculars and camera; there’s always the possibility you’ll see something special.
Cost: $25/person for members, $35/person for non-members. Transportation is by van and space is limited, so register early. Water and snacks will be provided. We’ll depart Gumbo Limbo at 6 a.m., returning in the late afternoon.
Please register for this trip by February 11, stopping by the Center or calling the Program Hotline – 561-391-8110. Payment must accompany registration and is not refundable unless trip is cancelled. Trip minimum is 5 participants.
For more information about STA 5 see http://www.audubonswfl.org/STA5.htm.
This program starts on the following dates:
02/14/2010
The science of reclaiming the natural water system flowing through south Florida is an ongoing project. Part of the project is a unique outdoor laboratory on 80 acres of land in Loxahatchee Wildlife Preserve. This nearby lab replicates the Everglades habitats, a ”living laboratory” of tree islands, marshes, ridges and sloughs. The research area is actually part of Loxahatchee’s birding trail renowned for its wading birds – and alligators. We will explore their Living Laboratory through a power point presentation and discussion. We’ll have the opportunity to go out on the marsh trail.
This program starts on the following dates:
01/09/2010
Peanut Island is an unusual county park. It is actually an artificial island, first formed 90 years ago from the spoils of dredging the Lake Worth Inlet. The 80-acre island is just a 10 minute boat ride from the mainland marina. A few years ago, plans were discussed to salvage the island and make it a preserve of native flora and to highlight its historic place in the county. The plans became a reality. Today much of the island is planted in native coastal vines, shrubs and trees. The island’s old Coast Guard station has been carefully restored and is now a museum of maritime history. During the Cold War, a bunker was built for the safety of JFK and his family and staff. It’s an unforgettable feeling to step inside this presidential “White House”.
This program starts on the following dates:
04/15/2010
Many of South Florida’s coastal towns, from Miami to Jupiter, began as farms. But today most of those vast fields have been transformed into residential areas. The u-pick rows of strawberries and tomatoes and roadside vegetable markets have disappeared from the eastern seaboard. A few working farms do exist. One such farm is Green Cay, a small parcel of land in the once historic Hagan Ranch Road vegetable and plant area of the county. Charlie and Nancy Roe are innovative farmers. They work with university researchers to provide testing grounds for quality vegetables. In turn, several local restaurants and residents have the opportunity to buy direct from the farm during the October to May growing season. Walk down rows of tomatoes, okra, carrots and leaf lettuce with the farmer for a sampling of fresh smells and tastes.
This program starts on the following dates:
Visit a South Florida habitat in search of South Florida’s resident and migrating birds. Meet at Gumbo Limbo; depending on what bird species are in the area, we may stay on Gumbo Limbo property, or we may travel by van to offsite locations.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/10/2010
03/20/2010
04/10/2010
01/13/2010
01/23/2010
02/17/2010
Enjoy a tour of the boardwalk at Rutherford Park, followed by a paddle through the mangrove trails and back along the shoreline of the Intracoastal. Experience is necessary to maneuver through the mangrove trails. Children must be age 7 or older, and there must be one adult for each child.
We are sorry; the December 22 class is full. At this time, we do not have additonal dates scheduled.
This program starts on the following dates:
04/03/2010
03/31/2010
04/29/2010
03/04/2010
02/17/2010
Join our naturalist for a hike through sandy scrub or pine flatwoods, from ocean to Intracoastal, all within the nature preserves of Boca Raton. Come prepared with outdoor clothing, sneakers or hiking shoes, insect repellent, sun protection and drinking water. Meet at Gumbo Limbo and caravan to the “site of the month” (some trails A.D.A. accessible; call to inquire).
This program starts on the following dates:
We live in the sunshine state, yet what do you really know about the sun? Meet at Gumbo Limbo, and travel by van to Florida Atlantic University for a science lecture. Then climb the stairs up to the observatory and see our active star up close for yourself.
This program starts on the following dates:
04/02/2010
01/08/2010
02/05/2010
03/05/2010
Wakodahatchee is a man-made wetland which has become a favorite for birders and photographers. Bring your binoculars and join us for a ¾ mile guided boardwalk tour to learn more about Florida’s wetland ecosystems.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/11/2010
01/05/2010
01/21/2010
02/02/2010
02/18/2010
04/15/2010
04/06/2010
03/02/2010
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