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Florida Birding, Wildlife & Nature Festivals
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January
January 12-16, 2012
EVERGLADES BIRDING FESTIVAL
Search Everglades National Park, Corkscrew Swamp, Upper Keys, Stormwater Treatment Area 5, Green Cay, South Dade, Key Biscayne and much more for rare and life birds such as Limpkin, Snail Kite, Smooth-billed Ani, Burrowing Owl, Common Myna and Purple Gallinule. We will be featuring top expert Kevin Karlson for a Keynote speech, shorebird workshop and field trips. This festival specializes in full day field trips, daily field workshop, speakers, special dinners and birding fun. Focus will be on gaining advanced birding skills in a non-intimidating environment. For more information view www.evergladesbirdingfestival.com/ and contact Paddy Cunningham at (954) 805-6810.
January 13 - 15, 2012, Naples
8th ANNUAL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NATURE FESTIVAL
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: rookerybay.org/nature-fest-2012 - (239) 417-6310
This festival continues to offer unique birding experiences, specialty field trips, and expert presentations. Registration opens 11/1/11
The field trips, including birding walks and boat tours, are offered in conjunction with partners including Naples Botanical Garden, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve and Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Did you know that Southwest Florida's unique environment provides essential habitat for more than 250 species of birds? Whether you are a birding expert or simply enjoy the view, you should plan to attend the Annual Southwest Florida Nature Festival.
January 23 - 28, 2013, Titusville
SPACE COAST BIRDING & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
Brevard Community College - Titusville, Florida
2012 Festival Keynote Presentations by: Richard Crossley, Paul Baicich, James Currie, Victor Emanuel
15th year in Titusville and the Space Coast. More than 200 activities, led by leading authorities. Considered by many to be the #1 wildlife festival in America. www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org
January, 2011, Orange City
ORANGE CITY/BLUE SPRING MANATEE FESTIVAL
10:00 am to 5:00 pm -- Valentine Park in Orange City (On West French Avenue, off U.S. Hwy. 17-92). Blue Spring State Park is Florida's most significant warm water refuge for the endangered manatee. This two-day environmental festival in Valentine Park in Orange City features educational exhibits on endangered wildlife, children's rides, food, crafts, craft show and free rides to see the manatees. Admission: $8.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 4-10, 3 and under are FREE. Info: (386) 775-9224. www.themanateefestival.com/
February
February 4, 2012, Osprey
SCRUB-JAY FESTIVAL
Oscar Scherer Park will host a Florida Scrub-Jay Festival — 9:00am - 4:00pm.
This free family event will celebrate the Florida Scrub-Jay, which is a threatened species found only in Florida. In addition, visitors will learn about endangered scrub habitat and the many species of plants and animals that call scrub habitat their home. The festival will feature tram tours of the scrub-jay habitat, live music, guided nature walks, presentations. http://friendsofoscarscherer.com/
February 18, 2012, Christmas
ORLANDO WETLANDS PARK FESTIVAL
The Wetlands is a 1,650 acre world renowned example of Wetlands Engineering providing an oasis for flora, fauna, and feathered friends.
The festival originates at Ft. Christmas Park in Christmas, Florida. It features include birdwatching tours, photo shoots, bicycle tours, native plant walks, bird banding and mist-netting demonstrations, wildlife shows, historic reenactments, live music, and bus tours will travel along the wetland berms. Contact Mark Sees, 407-568-1706. Website.
Februrary 25, 2012, Cape Coral
S.W. FLORIDA 10th ANNUAL BURROWING OWL FESTIVAL
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral FL 33914
Cape Coral FL is home to the largest known population of the BURROWING OWL with over 2500 documented burrows. These pint sized birds burrow underground where they nest from late February through July and are now the official city bird of Cape Coral.
Please join us as this family fun filled event celebrates the start of their nesting season.
A partial listing of festival highlights include Paige the Eagle and other birds of prey from the Maitland Audubon Center, wildlife artists, nature inspired arts and craft vendors, environmental and wildlife groups with exhibits, guided nature walks for wildlife viewing, bus tours to local burrowing owl burrows, and native plant sales.
Take a tour through the live butterfly house and learn about their host and nectar plants. Children will enjoy the free arts and craft events. Demonstrations will be given on digging an owl starter burrow and its maintenance. Indoor speakers with presentations to delight you include wildlife educator Lynda White from the Maitland Audubon Center, renowned wildlife biologist, teacher and scholar Dr. Jerry Jackson, noted Sanibel author Charles Sobczak, and accomplished photographer Dan Tudor. Of course there will be food and music so plan to spend the day.
Admission is requested donation of $5 for ages over 16.
For directions or information call Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife at 239-980-2593 or visit www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org.
March
March 9-10, 2012, Lehigh Acres (eastern Lee County)
Wings Over Water.
The inaugural, two-day Wings Over Water Festival celebrates the diversity of southwest Florida's water, land, and wildlife with seminars, exhibits, birding and family activities from Friday, March 9 to Saturday, March 10, 2012.
Whether you're an avid bird watcher or simply enjoy wildlife, East County Water Control District's (ECWCD) inaugural Wings Over Water Festival provides something for everyone. The WOW Festival kicks off on Friday, March 9 from 9 Ð 11:30 a.m., with a historical presentation on Harns Marsh and Lehigh Acres' environment. Then guests will take a guided nature walk through Harns Marsh. Reservations preferred. On Saturday, March 10, community members and visitors are encouraged to participate in our FREE nature festival from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Visit with environmental organizations and businesses from across southwest Florida. Experience nature through guided walks and try your luck at spotting a snail kite with Lee County Bird Patrol's observation stations. Learn about the wonders of our natural environment, tips in bird identification, uncover the secrets of fossil digging and learn about the wonders of birding with keynote speaker James Currie of Nikon's Birding Adventures.
Harns Marsh is located in the eastern portion of Lee County located off of Sunshine Blvd. in Lehigh Acres, FL. In the early 1980's, ECWCD transformed the 578-acre farmland into an active stormwater facility helping to filter water and reduce flooding to the Orange River. The water control structures have helped create a lush habitat for snail kites, limpkin and more than 140 species of animals.
March 16, 2013, Sebastian
PELICAN ISLAND WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
10:00am - 6:00pm, Riverview Park -- Sebastian, Florida.
Environmental exhibitors will be on-hand with live wildlife, arts and crafts, and environmental displays. Feature presentations include live wildlife shows and live music. Many family activities are available including boat tours, kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon, kid's activities, bird watching and history tours. Call 772-562-3909, ext. 258, www.pelicanislandfriends.org/
March 24th, 2012 - Fellsmere
GOBY FEST
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park.
The festival will include early-morning birding tours, nature tours highlighting endangered and threatened species, kayak trips, boat tours, horseback rides, tractor-pulled wagon rides and birding tours by pickup truck.
Contact the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, 321-953-5004 or visit www.nbbd.com/npr/cpa/
March, 2012, Orlando
BEYOND YOUR BACK YARD FESTIVAL
"There is not going to be a festival at Tibet-Butler this March. It may be come back in the fall of 2012."
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, 8777 County Road 535.
A 440-acre preserve is home to the Carter Environment Center which houses a variety of exhibits and provides environmental programs. Stroll down miles of trails that meander through a wilderness.
March 28 - 31, 2012, Clewiston
BIG "O" BIRDING FESTIVAL
The Big “O” Birding Extravaganza is a Glades/ Hendry County cooperative event in South Central Florida on the Southwest shores of Lake Okeechobee, the state's largest lake.
Four days of tours, seminars and presentations for the birding enthusiasts.
F.M.I. call 863-517-2136. www.bigobirdingfestival.com/
March 30, 2013, Umatilla
FLORIDA BLACK BEAR FESTIVAL
9:am - 4:pm -- Cadwell Park located at 4 Cassady St. in Umatilla.
Learn about the Florida Black Bear and the importance of protecting Florida's natural habitats. Activities include field trips to the Ocala National Forest, presentations on Florida bears and other wildlife and a "Florida Authors Corner." Other activities include a kid's pavilion, food, arts & crafts, a teddy bear repair clinic, live music, a Florida Black Bear maze and educational exhibits. Field trips start at 9:30AM with the last one at 2:00PM. Contact 407-323-1298, Festival Website
March 24, 2012 , Brooksville
Chinsegut Bird and Wildlife Festival
The Chinsegut Birding and Wildlife Festival offers one evening and day of bird and wildlife activities. Program offerings include: bird banding, Florida bat talk and walk, butterfly, wildflower and bird walks, landscaping with natives talk and demo, puppet show, bird house building, bird games for kids and more. The festival will also include off site guided field trips to see area wildlife including burrowing owls. Chinsegut Nature Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville, FL 34601; (352)754-6722; myfwc.com/chinsegut/.
April
April 20 & 21, 2012, Tallahassee
WAKULLA WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
What began as a welcome back songbird festival has grown into a two-day celebration of Wakulla Spring Basin's natural environment and rich heritage. The annual Wakulla Wildlife Festival will be held April 1-2, 2011. In addition to premium guided tours on Friday through Saturday, April 1-2, 2011, the Wakulla Wildlife Festival is again sponsoring Art on the Terrace at Wakulla Springs Lodge, Friday from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The hard-working folks of a not-so-distant past will appear in a segment entitled Living History Demonstrations on Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm. 6 per vehicle donation. Contact Della Parker-Hanson at, 850-926-4293;
www.wakullawildlifefestival.org/.
April 25 to 29, 2012, St. Augustine
Florida's Birding & FotoFest
More than 150 exciting birding and outdoor photography events. A haven for outdoor photographers and bird lovers with more than 150 field trips, boat trips, kayak excursions and workshops presented by leading experts taking place during spring migration. All of the events are designed to put people where they can easily observe nature in the wild. For more information go to the Festival website at www.floridashistoriccoast.com/bird_festival/. A complete guide to the festival may be obtained by calling the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau at 800.653.2489.
April 21, 2012 - Titusville
Earth Day Family Fun Festival
Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary. 10:00am - 3:00pm. Guided walks, music, stories, games, displays, exhibits by many nature and conservation organizations. www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/earthday/
May
May 18 - 20, 2012 - Amelia Island
Wild Amelia Nature Festival
Come explore the beauty of our bioregion.Ft Clinch & Talbot State Parks, Timucuan National & Historic Preserve. Events include - Nature Photo Contest, Nature Photo classes for children and adults, Ecotours by kayak, foot and bicycle, Kids Niche (hands on activity area), music, astronomy, silent auction, green / nature expo.
www.wildamelia.com
For questions, contact Jody Hetchka 904-251-0016 (days).
June
June 7, 8 & 9, 2012, Titusville
Titusville Sea Turtle Festival
This three day event begins Thursday, June 7 with an Artist Welcome hosted by several local hotels, a free outdoor concert and merchant open houses. Day two, June 8, features Jr. Ranger Camp, Photography workshop and TitusNites WildLife Street Party. Day three, June 9, features National Marina Day at the Titusville Marina, an Artisans Village and night time Pier Party. Visit the website for the daily schedule.
Reserve now for a nighttime Sea Turtle Watch.
Sponsor website.
September
September 21 - 25, 2011, Marathon
Thirteenth Annual FLORIDA KEYS BIRDING & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
The Thirteenth Annual Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival, located in the subtropical Florida Keys, is scheduled for September 21 through 25, 2011 and will be anchored at Curry Hammock State Park, MM 56.2, Marathon, FL. Additional information is available by calling Jim Bell at the National Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center at 305-872-0774 or visit our website at http://keysbirdingfest.org/
The five day festival offers ample opportunity to see rare and unique migrating and indigenous bird species and native wildlife during activities, field trips and events that include: ecology walks, hawk-watching and kayaking at Curry Hammock State Park; biking the Overseas Heritage Trail; boating in Everglades NP and a visit to the Dry Tortugas. Featuring keynote speakers are Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman. This festival is a must for any serious birder... or those who simply love exploring and discovering wildlife.
September 28 - 30, 2012, Tavares
Inaugural Wings and Wildflower Festival
Programs will start at 7am & go until early evening on Friday and Saturday. Sunday 7:00 to noon.
Hickory Point Park, 27341 State Road 19, Tavares, FL 32778
Prices range from free admission to special $35 programs
Contact: Kathy Pagan; (352) 429-4755; kpagan@lakecountyfl.gov • http://www.lakecountyfl.com
"Wings and Wildflowers", the inaugural Lake County Birding Festival, will be held at beautiful Hickory Point Park, Tavares. Visitors to the festival will learn about the charismatic Scrub-jay and its habitat. Specialty field trips will be offered to area preserves and natural areas. Unique birding programs will be available via guided pontoon boat tour through the Dora canal or kayak adventure through rookeries. There will be horseback riding and carriage tours too. Celebrity James Currie, host of the popular NBC TV Birding Adventures, will be a keynote speaker. Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora is the host hotel. www.lakeside-inn.com booking code "bird" or call (800) 556-5016.
October
October , Cedar Key
NATURE COAST BIRDING & WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Cedar Key is situated in the midst of a natural paradise on Florida's undeveloped West Coast. It is virtually surrounded by thousands of acres of protected lands, including the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, the Waccasassa Bay State Preserve and the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. These areas offer tidal salt marsh, coastal islands, sand scrub, cypress swamp, rivers, flood plain, artesian springs, maritime forest and old growth pine forest.
Rarely will you find such accessible, yet diverse and unique habitats so unaffected by today's urban and agricultural sprawl. For these reasons and many more the next Nature Coast Birding and Wildlife Experience event promises to provide a birding and wildlife experience you will not soon forget. Contact: 352-543-5600
email: info@cedarkey.org.
October 6, 2012, Port St. Joe
St. Joseph Bay Buffer and Aquatic Preserves Day
Low Country Shrimp Boil 12:00-2:30: Fresh local shrimp, corn, kielbasa sausage, potatoes, garlic bread and tea.
Guided trips all day (8:00 am to 10:00 pm!): Trips to St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve—Fall Wildflowers; St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve - Boat and Seagrass Wading Tours; Birding trips to St. Joseph Peninsula and nighttime astronomy program
All Proceeds to Benefit Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves (501.c.3 Non profit organization)
St. Joseph Bay Preserves Center, 3915 Hwy 30-A (Approximately 5 miles south of Port St. Joe).
Call 850-229-1797 or visit www.stjosephbaypreserves.org for more information.
October 14-20, 2012, Sanibel Island
"DING" DARLING DAYS
'Ding' Darling Days schedules week-long outdoor sports opportunities
Birding, nature cruises, kayaking, hiking, and biking opportunities abound during "Ding" Darling Days birding and eco-festival, Oct. 16-22, 2011, on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Recreational events take place at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) -- co-host of the 22nd annual event along with the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge and Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), its recreation concessions operator.
"New and exciting this year, we're adding a Technology in the Outdoors Day on Monday, Oct. 17," said Supervisory Refuge Ranger Toni Westland. "It will showcase our first-of-its kind iNature Trail along Wildlife Drive, which uses QR-code-scanning technology to take visitors on a free ranger-led interactive tour using YouTube videos and other links. Plus, it will demonstrate Earth-caching and other new media methods to engage 21st-century techies."
"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge hosts "Ding" Darling Days along with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Tarpon Bay Explorers and support from local businesses and individuals. For a complete schedule, visit www.dingdarlingdays.com. Most tours meet in the refuge parking lot unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 239-472-1100 or eMail: dingdarlingdays@aol.com.
October, Gainesville
7th Florida Annual Bat Festival
This event will take place on October 29th 2011 from 10:00am until 4:00pm.
This unique event will provide a rare opportunity for the general public and wildlife lovers to visit a working research center and to see the bats face-to-face. This is the only day of the year when the center is open to the public. The festival will be held on the grounds of the conservancy, a 110-acre ranch, located at 1309 N.W. 192nd Avenue in Gainesville, FL. This free festival offers exciting opportunities for the whole family. Whether you are viewing live fruit bats, sitting in on an education presentation, or visiting a vendor's booth, the festival offers relaxation and recreation. Each year this event features free activities, including bat-themed crafts and games for kids, educational exhibits, presentations by bat experts, and the unique opportunity to see live fruit bats with 5 ft wingspans on exhibit in our Bat Zone. Local vendors will be spread across the beautiful grounds of the conservancy selling food and beverages, providing local environmental education information, and selling batty merchandise. We will also have a costume contest for kids and a raffle that will feature Disney Park Hopper Passes and a night at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Proceeds from the festival will be used to fund education and awareness programs for schools, libraries, scouting troops, and wildlife and conservation groups to promote awareness about the benefits bats provide.
For further information and to sign up for our newsletter please visit our website:
www.lubee.org
November
November, Ponce Inlet
Wings on the Wind BIRD FESTIVAL
Sponsored by the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center. Fun activities for the entire family.The day will include live raptor programs, exhibitors, lectures, bird-related arts and crafts, nature inspired artworks and kids activities. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.. We will release a bird back to the wild from our bird rehabilitation hospital to close the event at 3 p.m. For information: marinesciencecenter.com/birdfest.htm; msc@co.volusia.fl.us or call 386-304-5545.
November 3, 2012 - Titusville
Forest Festival
10:00am to 3:00pm -- Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary.
There will be native wildlife, live music, guided hikes, exhibitors, crafts, nature activities, native plant sales, and much more. We are also celebrating the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program's 20 years of service to Brevard County. www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/events/
November 17, 2012, Charlotte Harbor
Charlotte Harbor Nature Festival
10:00am - 3:00pm — Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL.
Fun-filled annual festival features the natural environment. Natural landscape demonstrations, guided walks and wagon rides. A fantastic children's area and musicians.
Contact is Maran Hilgendorf with the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, tel: 866/835-5785 x 240 and email: mhilgendorf@swfrpc.org. The Web site is: www.CHNEP.org.
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