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Natural Awakenings Naples and Fort Myers

Experience the Everglades in February

Our region’s dry season is a great time to rediscover one of the world’s most intriguing natural wonders: the Everglades. Several ranger- and naturalist-led programs, based at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, in Everglades City, are available on a daily basis to connect visitors with the awe-inspiring nature, wildlife and cultural history of this national treasure.

Each Thursday and Friday, nature walks and canoe trips are offered at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively (bring your own canoe/kayak or rent). Four-hour canoe explorations that take participants through The Ten Thousand Islands set off at 10 a.m., Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Learn about the mangrove estuary and bird behavior during Nature’s Notebook 90-minute boat tours that begin at 9:30 a.m., Fridays. Shorter ranger and nature walks and boat tours are also offered on a daily basis.

Most activities are free, excluding some boat rental and other fees. Location: 815 Oyster Bar Lane. For more information or to register for any activity, call 239-695-3311 or visit nps.gov/ever. For boat tours, call 239-695-2591 or visit EvergladesNationalParkBoatToursGulfCoast.com.