Annual Egg-cellent Easter Eggstravaganza! April 20, 2011

Hop on over to Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium’s 6^th Annual Egg-cellent Easter Eggstravaganza!  This year’s Easter celebration is sure to exceed egg-spectations!  It will be a fun filled day of games, Easter eggs, prizes, and live animals! 

Come and enjoy an Easter Egg hunt!  Egg hunts will occur every 30 minutes, beginning at 10:00am, throughout the day. Test your hopping skills in our Bounce House of in a sack race!  Meet Rapunzel and the other princesses!  Visitors can also play carnival-style games to win more candy and prizes!  The Easter bunny will be available all day for photos, which cost $3 for members, $5 for non-members.  So come have a hopping good time at Calusa’s 6^th Annual Egg-cellent Easter Eggstravaganza!

Admission to the event is $9 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under 3. Nature Center members are free.  Please call 275-3435 for more information.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available at www.CalusaNature.org or by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store.  We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation.

EARTH DAY April 6, 2011

Earth Day started on April 22, 1970 as a way to bring environmental issues to the forefront.  Observance of this special day has spread throughout the world to encompass many different Earth Day celebrations.  In honor of our environment and continuing environmental education, Calusa will be holding a Family Fun Day on April 16^th from 10am-3pm to celebrate Earth Day!

Calusa would like to invite you to share this fun family day with us!  Come out and celebrate our Southwest Florida environment.  Come learn about the importance of renewable energy and the Lee County Solid Waste Resource Recovery Facility with Tom Mueller of Covanta Energy, create recycled crafts, participate in our garbage sculpture contest, learn important environmental lessons on our Eco-Trail Exploration, and enjoy a special day with one of Lee County’s oldest environmental educational facilities! 

Calusa is also excited to be holding a special viewing of the documentary Ghost Bird on this special day at 12:30pm.  The film is about the possible rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, the holy grail of bird watching and an animal that was thought to be extinct.  Dr. Jerome Jackson, a scientist whom was interviewed in the film and a woodpecker enthusiast, will be joining us before and after the viewing to answer any questions viewers may have about the film.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available at www.CalusaNature.org or by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store.  We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation

Spring Fling 2011 March 25, 2011

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium Presents

Spring Fling 2011

Reaching New Heights

Saturday, April 9^th, 7pm

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium requests the honor of your presence at their annual fundraiser, Spring Fling 2011 Reaching New Heights.  The evening will consist of delectable appetizers, an open bar, a $2,500 reverse raffle, and a silent auction.  It will be the perfect evening of good company, amazing prizes, and celebration of Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium moving into the future and Reaching New Heights in environmental and space science education!

During the evening we will hold a reverse raffle where party goers will have the opportunity to win $2,500!!!  Door prizes will also be raffled off throughout the evening.

The elegant fundraising event will also host a silent auction with amazing prizes such as a full-day fishing adventure with Captain George Howell, dinner for two aboard the romantic Sanibel Harbor Princess, or a wine tasting party for 20 from Total Wine!

Come celebrate with Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium as we move into the future of environmental and space education and REACH NEW HEIGHTS!

Tickets are available NOW!  $100/person with reverse raffle entry and $30/person with door prize entry.  Call (239)275-3435 to purchase tickets.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available at www.CalusaNature.org or by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store.  We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation.

LATIN CULTURE March 2, 2011

Celebrate Latin American Culture with an Elegant Evening Reception

March 7^th, 7pm

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium will be holding an elegant reception on March 7^th at 7pm in celebration of the new planetarium show Tales of the Maya Skies.  The evening will focus on thanking the Southwest Florida Hispanic community and media for their support and contributions in making the Southwest Florida Culture rich and beautiful.

Cantina Laredo will be providing delicious Hispanic appetizers throughout the evening.   To accompany these savory treats Norman Love will be providing mouth-watering chocolates. 

Join us for a FREE evening of fun, food, and entertainment as we celebrate the Latin American culture and view the Tales of the Maya Skies planetarium show!

Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee Lila Downs narrates Tales of the Maya Skies as viewers are transported to the jungles of Mexico, where the Maya built cities and temples aligned to movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets.  They made sense of an ever-changing world by observing, recording and predicting natural events such as solstices, solar eclipses, weather patterns, and planetary movements.  Over many years they observed and documented astronomical events with great accuracy.  These observations, in combination with a sophisticated mathematical system, allowed the Maya to develop a precise calendar system.

From Now through March 12^th, Tales of the Maya Skies will be playing twice daily, at 1pm in English and 2pm in Spanish.  Come join Calusa as they celebrate the bright and exciting culture of Latin America and discover the Maya skies.

Also, on Saturday, March 12^th Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium will be holding a Hispanic Culture Day.  The day will feature crafts, face painting, and activities to highlight the Latin American Culture.  A Spanish speaking interpreter will be present for various presentations featuring the critters of Calusa throughout the day, along with viewings in both English and Spanish of Tales of the Maya Skies.  It is sure to be a fun and festive day for the whole family! Calusa will also feature special Animals of South America presentation to highlight some animals that can be found in both South America and Southwest Florida, such as the invasive exotic green iguana and red-tailed boa.

SPRING FLING 2011 March 2, 2011

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium Presents

Spring Fling 2011

Reaching New Heights

Saturday, April 9^th, 7pm

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium requests the honor of your presence at their annual fundraiser, Spring Fling 2011 Reaching New Heights.  The evening will consist of delectable appetizers, an open bar, a $2,500 reverse raffle, and a silent auction.  It will be the perfect evening of good company, amazing prizes, and celebration of Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium moving into the future and Reaching New Heights in environmental and space science education!

During the evening we will hold a reverse raffle.  Entry into the raffle will give you the opportunity to win $2,500!  There will also be loads of other prizes to win including door prizes and fabulous silent auction items! 

Tickets are available NOW!  $100/person with reverse raffle entry and $30/person with door prize entry.  Call (239)275-3435 to purchase tickets.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available at www.CalusaNature.org or by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store.  We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation.

Discover, Create, and Have FUN this Spring Break! February 17, 2011

Spring Break Camp at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

April 25^th – 29^th, 8:30am – 5:30pm

Not able to go on vacation this Spring Break?  Why not let Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium take you to the edge of your imagination and wonder through our Spring Break Kid’s Camp Program.  Our camp programs are designed to foster a sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world.

 Each day of camp will consist of hands on activities, games, live animals, and crafts as we travel through the Southwest Florida environment.  We will meet amazing scaly critters as we discover reptiles and amphibians, dissect owl pellets when we take a look at what makes a bird a bird, and travel to the far reaches of the galaxy in our full-dome planetarium.

Wild Florida

Grades K-2^nd

Come have a WILD time as we explore Southwest Florida’s environment.  We will look at the different animals and habitats that we share this unique ecosystem with.  The week will be packed full of games, hands on activities, crafts, and of course a planetarium show!  Limit 15.  $120/members, $140/non-members.

Wild Florida

Grades 3^rd-7^th

Come explore and discover the WILD side of things in Southwest Florida.  We will meet some wildlife residents, explore the different habitats in Southwest Florida, learn to use a compass, and even taste some WILD edibles!  The week will packed full of games, hands on activities, crafts, and of course a planetarium show!  Limit 15 $120/members, $140/non-members.

Become a Junior Naturalist

Ages 13-17

What would it be like to work at the Nature Center?  You’ll learn how we care for our animals and assist with creating enrichment activities for our animals.  Successful completion of this camp makes you eligible to enroll in our Volunteer Junior Naturalist Program.  Call for more details.  Limit 15. $130/members, $150/non-members.

For more information or to register contact Sarah Kraum at sarahkraum@calusanature.org.

12th Annual Creepy Crawlie Family Fun Day February 17, 2011

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

Presents the

12th Annual Creepy Crawlie Family Fun Day

February 26, 2011

Hop, Slither, Creep, Crawl, or Ooze over to Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium on February 26^th for the 12^th Annual Creepy Crawlie Family Fun Day!  Calusa will be overrun with the Creepy, the Crawlie, and the Strange as they dedicate a whole day to the creepy crawlie critters that we share this planet with.  Come meet, greet, and even EAT some of these fascinating animals!

The 12^th Annual Creepy Crawlie Family Fun Day will be packed full of activities highlighting some of nature’s most unique, scariest, and sometimes misunderstood critters.  The day will feature a Six-Legged Safari, Creepy Crafts, Animal Presentations, a Gross Out Lab, a Reptile Show in the Iona House, and our Annual Bugs for Lunch!, where you will get the opportunity to face your fears and munch on some REAL bugs!

Steve Masek, Calusa’s resident Herpitile Extraordinaire, will hold a special reptile presentation.  Guests can face their fears of nature’s scaly friends as they come face to face with unique reptiles from around the world!

Fort Myers Pest Control will be holding a special Bed Bug presentation in the Planetarium!  Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed off of the blood of other animals such as birds, mice and even HUMANS!  Come learn about these creepy crawlie bed invaders.

We will also have our regularly scheduled Planetarium Show at 3:00 and our Meet the Mammals presentation at 2:20pm.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available at www.CalusaNature.org or by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store.  We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation.

CREEPY CRAWLY FUN DAY! January 28, 2011

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

Presents the

12th Annual Creepy Crawlie Family Fun Day

February 26, 2011

Spiders, Snakes and Leeches, OH MY!

 

Would anyone care for an Afternoon Snack?

On February 26, 2011 Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium will be overrun with the creepy, the crawly, and the strange for their 12^th Annual Creepy Crawlie Family Fun Day!  6.2 million Americans suffer from a phobia to a specific item, such as toads, slime, or insects.  Come face your fears and meet, greet, and even eat some of these creepy crawlies.

The 12^th Annual Creepy Crawlie Family Fun Day will be packed full of activities highlighting some of nature’s most unique, scariest, and sometimes misunderstood critters.  The day will feature a Six-Legged Safari, Creepy Crafts, Animal Presentations, a Gross Out Lab, a Reptile Show in the Iona House, and our Annual Bugs for Lunch!, where you will get the opportunity to face your fears and munch on some REAL bugs!

Fort Myers Pest Control will be holding a special Bed Bug presentation in the Planetarium!  Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed off of the blood of other animals such as birds, mice and even HUMANS!  Come learn about these creepy crawlie bed invaders.

We will also have our regularly scheduled Planetarium Show at 3:00 and our Meet the Mammals presentation at 2:20pm.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available at www.CalusaNature.org or by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store.  We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation.

WINTER BREAK CAMP December 10, 2010

Give the Gift of Inspiration, Nature & Fun This Holiday Season

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Will be Holding Winter Break Camps!

Having trouble finding your child, grandchild, or young friend the perfect present?  Why not give a gift that will last a lifetime!  An educational, yet fun week of camp at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium.  Kids will experience nature in an exciting and inspirational week.  Campers dive into the environment through hands-on encounters with the Calusa Critters, crafts, games, nature hikes, and so much more!  

December 20th – 23rd, 8:30am-5:30pm

Nature Detectives-Tracking Wildlife  
Grades-K-2nd
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
Just because animals are hard to see, doesn’t mean they aren’t there!  Animals leave many clues behind: shelters and nests, tracks, feathers, or even scat!  Learn different ways animals construct their homes, search for clues of wildlife on the trails, and even make critter shelters of your own!  Limit 25.  $120 non-members, $100 members.

Outdoor Adventurers
Grades-3rd-7th  
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to survive in the wild?  Come find out how to in this fun week of camp! Learn how to identify Florida’s poisonous animals and plants, practice safety during dangerous weather, and learn how to find your way using a map and compass.  Campers will create shelters out of leaves and branches; learn how to cook using the sun, and other useful skills!  Limit 25.  $120 non-members, $100 members.

Become a Junior Naturalist
Ages 13-17
What would it be like to work at the Nature Center?  You’ll learn how we care for our animals and assist with creating enrichment activities for our animals.  Successful completion of this camp makes you eligible to enroll in our Volunteer Junior Naturalist Program.  Call for more details.  Limit 15. $140 non-members, $120 members.

December 27th – 31st, 8:20am-5:30pm

Wacky, Wild and Weird
Grades-K-2nd
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
Enter the wondrous, wacky, and just plain weird world of Southwest Florida’s wildlife!  From owls to bobcats, leeches to lizards, come learn about the strange things animals sometimes do for survival as we explore the woods for local critters, learn how to track animals, and experiment with slime! Limit 25.  $140 non-members, $120 members.

Animal Grossology
Grades 3rd-7th
What makes a skunk stink?  Why do vultures vomit?  Just what is spider spit used for?  Spend the week learning about the fascinating-and gross-things that animals do to survive.  Meet some creepy crawlies up close, make your own slime, and even eat some Bugs for Lunch! Limit 25.  $140 non-members, $120 members.

For more information or to register contact Sarah Kraum at sarahkraum@calusanature.org.

CAMP FRIGHTMARE-HAUNTED WALK October 20, 2010

Rheem Team Camp Frightmare – Haunted Walk

Volunteers Needed Nightly!

October 20 – 31, 2010, 7:30pm – 10:00pm

$10 Admission + $1/15-min laser light show

Bloody Mary!  Bloody Mary!  Bloody Mary!  They say that if you look in a mirror and chant “Bloody Mary” three times that the evil, misfortunate ghost of Bloody Mary will appear!  Camp fire stories and urban legends, such as this classic, come to life on Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium’s Rheem Team Camp Frightmare – Haunted Walk!

Along with Bloody Mary, the trail features The Hook Man, Trolls under the bridge, and the infamous Everglades legend, The Skunk Ape. 

Haunted Walk is of Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium’s biggest fundraiser each year.  They strive to create a safe, scary and spooky event to celebrate Halloween.  Guests journey on a ½ mile boardwalk through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps.  As the “camp counselors” usher the guests deeper into the woods, it appears that urban legends and campfire stories come to life right before the guests eyes!

After the guests have had a good fright they can go experience a 15-minute Halloween laser light show in the planetarium.  These psychedelic laser shows add a whole new dimension to Halloween fun.

In addition, Calusa will be featuring full length laser light shows on the following evenings:

Friday, October 22 10:30 Laser Hypnotica

Saturday, October 23 10:30 Laser U2

Friday, October 29 10:30 Laser Led Zeppelin

Saturday, October 30 10:30 Laser Metallica

Sunday, October 31 10:30  Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon

Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. They can be purchased at www.calusanature.org, by calling 275-3435, or at the entrance of Haunted Walk.

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium hopes to see you screaming through Camp Frightmare soon! 

For more information, or to volunteer, call Sarah Kraum at (239) 275-3435.