Adult Programs
Day Tripping with Gumbo Limbo is taking on a greener dimension; we’re actively trying to make the travel part of the trips environmentally correct. Trains are one of the ways we take advantage of our historic and natural wonders. Our summer trip takes us to the center of Miami. The location is perfect; the commuter train makes a stop at Government Center, two blocks walking distance to our destination. Going to Miami on the TriRail is an adventure in itself.
Historical Museum of Southern Florida
Black Crossroads
Since the 1890’s Miami has attracted people from many places and cultures. Perhaps the city’s proximity to the islands and rural America, and overcrowded northern cities made it an accessible crossroad for black peoples.
This program starts on the following dates:
06/05/2009
Palms are useful for more than just hanging hammocks. Twist and fold palm fronds into an unusual work of art. Nimble Fingers & patience are helpful tools to bring along.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/15/2009
04/19/2009
05/03/2009
Peanut Island is an unusual county park. The island is in the Lake Worth Lagoon, just a 10 minute boat ride from the mainland. It is actually an artificial island, developed by dumping the spoils of dredging the Intracoastal Waterway. 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:
04/17/2009
Mounts Botanical Garden is sequestered in a commercial strip beyond the runways of Palm Beach Airport. Once inside the gate, a green park-like setting unfolds. There are trees prized for shade, others for seasonal flowers and edible fruit, and numerous palms. Meander along the path to collections of roses, bromeliads, vegetables and herbs. There are also trial gardens of new varieties or hybrids and the rich smell of composting garden debris.
Mounts is the oldest botanical garden in Palm Beach County and serves as its extension service. In partnership with the University of Florida, the garden provides landscapers and home gardeners with a wealth of information. The history and focus of the garden – and its recovery from the last hurricanes – lures visitors and plant lovers throughout the year.
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County has had to warehouse its artifacts out of public sight for many years. Last March the society moved into a newly created museum space. The museum, Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, is a gem. It is located in a defunct courthouse built in 1916. The classic courthouse has been restored and now functions as part of local history. Displays tell about the peoples who inhabited and shaped south Florida from pre-Columbian times through recent cultures, visionaries and entrepreneurs. A vital part of the museum’s innovative exhibits is the county’s ecology. The unique landscape of land and water and its impact on settlers continues to play an important role in the county.
A stop for lunch at a local restaurant is planned at mid day. Cost covers entrance fees and donations; it does not cover lunch or transportation. Please meet at Sugar Sand Park to carpool to West Palm Beach.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/06/2009
Florida’s Space Coast has long been known for the work of NASA and space exploration. But there’s plenty of nature stretching from the Atlantic Ocean over the Indian River Lagoon and inland to the St. Johns River, too.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/20/2009
Sunflower Creative Arts’ Shakespeare for Everyone Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Sunflower Creative Arts, in partnership with Target®, will present a performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 North Ocean Blvd., Feb. 7, at 1:00 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheatre. The 75-minute adaptation will be performed by Sunflower Creative Arts’ new children’s repertory theatre group, Shakespeare for Everyone. Admission is free.
Sunflower Creative Arts, in partnership with Target®, will present a performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 North Ocean Blvd., Feb. 7, at 1:00 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheatre. The 75-minute adaptation will be performed by Sunflower Creative Arts’ new children’s repertory theatre group, Shakespeare for Everyone. Admission is free.
This program starts on the following dates:
Join us for a guided walk on our elevated quarter-mile long boardwalk every Wednesday morning. Explore this rare remnant of coastal hardwood hammock, and get a glimpse of the past. Reservations are suggested, but not required, for this program.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/01/2009
03/15/2009
03/29/2009
04/12/2009
Do you know which herb is the herb of romance? Come find out and spend a relaxing afternoon touring the herb garden. Everyone will love taking home small bundles of herbs to grow and create culinary treats.
This program starts on the following dates:
Adults only. Davie is the site of environmental research led by the USDA and two universities (UF, FAU). Recently some research studies of invasive plants piqued local interest. Familiar to many South Floridians, is the intensive work done to contain out-of-control plants clogging wetlands and interfering with The Everglades. Researchers are looking for biological and physical ways of ensuring a pristine water system. They are also involved in the health of other sensitive areas in our landscape such as the pinelands and dunes. Ted Center, an entomologist and lead researcher at the USDA’s lab in Davie will show us the resources at his disposal and perhaps insight into his thoughts on invasive plants.
This program starts on the following dates:
Come join volunteers from the community for a mangrove and beach cleanup. Wear old clothes (long sleeves and pants) and sturdy shoes that can get wet. Families and groups welcome. Community service hours will be given. Reservations required (call 561-338-1542); space is limited. An adult MUST participate with children and teens under the age of 18.
This program starts on the following dates:
We are sorry; the program scheudled for May 8 has been cancelled.
Gumbo Limbo’s location on a barrier island provides a front row view of the rising moon. The moon seemingly ascends out of the Gulf Stream, casting a reflected moonbeam across the ocean. Learn a few facts from our current knowledge of moon lore – both poetic and scientific. If the clouds cooperate, our seaside moon show will be dramatic.
This program starts on the following dates:
Learn about growing container gardens indoors or out. Create your own small arrangement full of herbs that can be used to spice up your dishes at home.
This program starts on the following dates:
05/30/2009
The hatchlings released during this program are a result of the Turtle Specialists’ hard work. Nests that hatched three days earlier are excavated and inventoried by the turtle specialists; any remaining hatchlings are released during this night program. After a short video and informative discussion, participants are led out to the beach. After a line is drawn in the sand to keep feet and hatchlings from interacting, the hatchlings are freed to make their way to the water. Hatchling Releases will be held on Monday though Thursday evenings, July 27 – August 13 (8:00 pm - 9:30 pm) and August 17 - September 11 (7:30 pm - 9:00 pm). This program is for all ages, and an adult must participate with children under the age of 18. Click on title for more information.
This program starts on the following dates:
07/11/2009
The hatchlings released during this program are a result of the Turtle Specialists’ hard work. Nests that hatched three days earlier are excavated and inventoried by the turtle specialists; any remaining hatchlings are released during this night program. After a short video and informative discussion, participants are led out to the beach. After a line is drawn in the sand to keep feet and hatchlings from interacting, the hatchlings are freed to make their way to the water. Hatchling Releases will be held on Monday though Thursday evenings, July 27 – August 13 (8:00 pm - 9:30 pm) and August 17 - September 11 (7:30 pm - 9:00 pm). This program is for all ages, and an adult must participate with children under the age of 18. Click on title for more information.
This program starts on the following dates:
07/18/2009
Join Rick for a walk around the grounds of Gumbo Limbo as we search for birds and count them for the 12th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count!
This program starts on the following dates:
We are sorry, but the tickets for the 2009 Turtle Walk Program are Sold Out.
Join Gumbo Limbo Staff and learn about the sea turtles that nest on our beaches, problems they are facing, and what you can do to help. Go over to the beach, and if you are lucky, see a loggerhead turtle lay her eggs! Turtle Walks will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (9:00 pm - 11:00 pm) May 26 though July 2. This program is for ages 8 and up, and an adult must participate with children under the age of 18. Tickets are $6 each for members, $9 each for non-members. The Member Presale will begin Saturday, May 9 at 9:00 am and continue through May 15, or until the allotted tickets are sold out. The General Sale will begin on Saturday, May 16 at 9:00 am and continue until tickets are sold out. Click on title for additional information.
This program starts on the following dates:
05/16/2009
We are sorry, but the tickets for the 2009 Turtle Walk Program are Sold Out.
Join Gumbo Limbo Staff and learn about the sea turtles that nest on our beaches, problems they are facing, and what you can do to help. Go over to the beach, and if you are lucky, see a loggerhead turtle lay her eggs! Turtle Walks will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (9:00 pm - 11:00 pm) May 26 though July 2. This program is for ages 8 and up, and an adult must participate with children under the age of 18. Tickets are $6 each for members, $9 each for non-members. The Member Presale will begin Saturday, May 9 at 9:00 am and continue through May 15, or until the allotted tickets are sold out. The General Sale will begin on Saturday, May 16 at 9:00 am and continue until tickets are sold out. Click on title for moer information.
This program starts on the following dates:
05/09/2009
Join us at Gumbo Limbo on Saturday, March 7, 2009 for our Fourth Annual Turtle Day. Celebrate sea turtles, marine life, and our oceans as well as our terrestrial species and habitats in a fun-filled family day of environmental education. All species and habitats are interconnected; learn what conservation actions you can take in your daily life to help make our world a better, cleaner place to live.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/07/2009
Sailors, when on shore leave on islands far from home, found seashell encrusted valentine boxes created by local artisans. These became a treasured gift to a sweetheart or mother. You are invited to create a valentine box from our cache of shells.
This program starts on the following dates:
Create ornaments and decorations with holiday themes using shells, sea beans, pine cones and unusual natural materials. Materials are provided. Boost your creativity and join in the wealth of ideas.
This program starts on the following dates:
Owls, stars, bugs, things that go bump, some that glow and much more to know! Hike with creatures of the night along the flashlight illuminated boardwalk. See the tanks under a different light. Explore the nightlife at Gumbo Limbo with a naturalist in tow, family fun in a natural setting. Please do not bring flashlights; your guide will light your way.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/27/2009
Enjoy a walk on our elveated boardwalk with one of our knowledgeable naturalists.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/04/2009
03/11/2009
03/18/2009
03/25/2009
04/01/2009
04/08/2009
04/15/2009
04/22/2009
04/29/2009
05/06/2009
05/13/2009
05/20/2009
05/27/2009
06/03/2009
06/10/2009
06/17/2009
06/24/2009
07/01/2009
07/08/2009
07/15/2009
07/22/2009
07/29/2009
08/05/2009
08/12/2009
08/19/2009
08/26/2009
These field trips are open to beginners and expert birdwatchers alike! We will visit a variety of habitat types in search of South Florida’s migrating and resident bird species.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/11/2009
04/08/2009
05/23/2009
03/28/2009
04/25/2009
05/13/2009
Are you interested in learning about the natural world around us? Join us for a presentation by a guest scientist, researcher, or other expert. Light refreshments will be served. Eco-Watch Programs begin at 7:00 pm. A $5 donation per person is suggested for this program.
Speakers include: Steve Bass, Dr. Harold "Hal" Wanless, Dr. Marguerite Koch-Rose, Alana Edwards, Dr. Michele Williams, Dr. Kirt Rusenko.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/24/2009
03/10/2009
Walk the Red Reef beach in search of ocean treasures. Angel wings, sundials, spiny jewel boxes, and fighting conch are just a few of the shells you can find on Florida's beaches. The program includes a seashell introduction, a walk on the beach, and a beach treasure in good condition.
This program starts on the following dates:
04/21/2009
03/24/2009
07/27/2009
04/10/2009
05/12/2009
06/29/2009
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.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/28/2009
04/08/2009
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:
04/22/2009
05/20/2009
03/18/2009
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:
06/05/2009
07/17/2009
08/07/2009
Grab a net and find out what lives in the grasses of the Intracoastal Waterway at Gumbo Limbo. Hand-held dip nets and large seine nets help us examine a variety of fish, shrimp, crabs, and other marine life.
This program starts on the following dates:
03/23/2009
04/20/2009
05/11/2009
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:
04/07/2009
03/03/2009
03/25/2009
04/29/2009
05/05/2009
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