Blazing Trails

This program starts on the following dates:

05/27/2010
04/22/2010
03/25/2010

Bird Outing to STA 5

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

Sugar and Spice Herbs

Make your own sweet or savory sugars and salts. Herbal salts cut down on the amount of salt you add to your food and flavored sugars can make an ordinary cookie extraordinary! These herbal additions are very simple and make a great gift when given with a recipe. Reservations and prepayment required (561) 391-8110.

This program starts on the following dates:

03/06/2010

Day Trip: The Everglades Living Laboratory

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

Rain Barrel Workshop

Looking for relief? How about a lower water bill, freedom from water restrictions, and that environmentally conscious gold star you’ve always wanted? Reintroducing… rain barrels. The ancient idea of harvesting rainwater for dry seasons is gaining popularity with tightening water restrictions statewide. Learn about this water catchment system designed to collect and store the rainwater that is normally diverted to storm drains, lost to evaporation, or restricted to a localized area. It is estimated that a rain barrel can save ~1,300 gallons of free water during summer months that can be used for a variety of purposes, from watering gardens and landscaping to washing your pets and vehicles. Join RainLife Rain Barrels for this exciting, free workshop at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Reservations are encouraged, but not required (561) 391-8110.

This program starts on the following dates:

04/18/2010

Gyotaku

Before cameras were invented, fisherman documented their catch by making fish prints. Recreate this traditional art on your own pre-washed shirt or pre-washed canvas bag.

This program starts on the following dates:

03/30/2010
01/21/2010

Meeting of the Audubon Society of the Everglades

The Audubon Society of the Everglades will be holding a special meeting in Gumbo Limbo Nature Center's classrooom. This meeting is open to the public.

This program starts on the following dates:

02/26/2010
02/26/2010
03/16/2010
04/20/2010
01/19/2010
02/16/2010

Peanut Island - aA Unique Island Preserve

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

Sunflower Creative Arts’ Shakespeare for Everyone Presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

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:

04/10/2010

Hatchling Release and Ticket Information: Members-Only Presale

We are sorry, but the the Hatchling Release Tickets are Sold Out. Thank you for your interest. 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:

Hatchling Release and Ticket Information: General Sale

We are sorry, but the the Hatchling Release Tickets are Sold Out. Thank you for your interest. 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:

The Great Backyard Bird Count at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Join Rick for a walk around the grounds of Gumbo Limbo as we search for birds and count them for the 13th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count! Learn how to enter our results in the national database. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Open to beginners and experts alike!

This program starts on the following dates:

02/13/2010

Turtle Walk and Ticket Information: General Sale

Turtle Walks will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (9:00 pm - 11:00 pm) May 25 though July 1. This program is for ages 8 and up, and an adult must participate with children under the age of 18. Tickets are $10 each for non-members. The General Sale will begin on Saturday, May 8 at 9:00 am and continue until tickets are sold out. There is a ticket limit of 6 per person.

This program starts on the following dates:

05/08/2010

Turtle Walk and Ticket Information: Members-Only Presale

About the Turtle Walk Ticket Sales Have you joined Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Inc., upgraded or renewed your membership for 2010? In order to be eligible for the Members-Only Presale for the 2010 Turtle Walks, be sure to join or upgrade by April 30. You cannot become a new member and purchase tickets during the Members-Only Presale (May 1-7). The number of tickets each member is permitted to purchase is dependant on your membership level: Ticket Limits: Individual Membership: 2 tickets per member at the presale Family Memberships: 6 tickets per member at the presale Contributor Membership: 10 tickets per member at the presale

This program starts on the following dates:

05/01/2010

Fifth Annual Sea Turtle Day

Join us at Gumbo Limbo on Saturday, March 13 for our Fifth Annual Sea 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 year we will focus on responsible fishing. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit our new sea turtle rehabilitation facility, which will be open for the first time to the public. See our sea turtle patients, which have been here since early January when they became cold-stunned. Learn more about them by talking to our sea turtle specialist, rehab technicians, and docents. Say hi to representatives from the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation, one of the organizations that helped us get up and running.

This program starts on the following dates:

03/13/2010

Sailor's Valentine

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:

01/30/2010

Day Trip: Farm Stories

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:

Ornaments Naturally

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:

Gifts from the Garden

***We are sorry, but this program has been cancelled**** Prepare for holiday gifts and decorations using natural materials from the garden! Pressed flowers, herbs and plants can be used in endless, personalized projects.

This program starts on the following dates:

Night Explorers

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. Peek at the night sky through a telescope in the company of an astronomer, courtesy of the Palm Beach County Astronomical Society. Explore the nightlife at Gumbo Limbo with a naturalist in tow, family fun in a natural setting.

This program starts on the following dates:

01/22/2010
02/19/2010
03/26/2010

Guided Hammock Walk

Enjoy a walk on our elveated boardwalk with one of our knowledgeable naturalists.

This program starts on the following dates:

03/03/2010
04/14/2010
03/10/2010
04/28/2010
02/28/2010
02/14/2010
01/31/2010
01/17/2010
01/03/2010
01/06/2010
01/13/2010
01/20/2010
01/27/2010
02/03/2010
02/10/2010
02/17/2010
02/24/2010
03/14/2010
04/21/2010
04/07/2010
03/31/2010
03/24/2010
03/17/2010
03/28/2010
04/11/2010
04/25/2010

Bird Walk

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

Eco-Watch

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.

This program starts on the following dates:

01/12/2010
01/27/2010
02/10/2010
02/24/2010
03/10/2010
04/25/2010
04/21/2010
03/24/2010

Boca Beachcombing

Limpets, lightning whelks and topsnails are just a few of the shells you can find on Florida’s beaches. Meet at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for an introductory talk about seashells and the animals that make them. Then we will caravan over to Red Reef Park where we will walk the beach in search of ocean treasures.

This program starts on the following dates:

03/31/2010
01/28/2010
02/25/2010
05/25/2010

Canoeing the Mangroves

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

Boca Nature Trails for Adults

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:

Flower Pressing

Old-time botanists used plant presses to preserve specimens. Presses are still used by scientists, but today artists have appropriated pressed plants in innovative ways. Learn how to press flowers the old-fashioned time consuming way, and the newer, quicker way! Create a decorative container, a special note card, or a botanical collage.

This program starts on the following dates:

02/20/2010

Solar Science

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

Seining the Lagoon

Explore the grasses and flats of the Intracoastal Waterway behind Gumbo Limbo. Hand-held dip nets and large seine nets allow us to catch and release a variety of fish, shrimp, crabs and other marine life. Wear clothes that can get wet and old sneakers or wading shoes (no flip flops), and bring a change of clothes and shoes.

This program starts on the following dates:

01/14/2010
02/11/2010
03/29/2010

Wetlands Walk

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