Conservancy of Southwest Florida Announces February 2010 Events and Activities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Protecting Southwest Florida s unique natural environment and quality of life now and forever. MEDIA CONTACT: Barbara Wilson, 239.403.4216, barbaraw@conservancy.org Conservancy of Southwest Florida Announces February 2010 Events and Activities NAPLES, Fla. (December 9, 2009) Conservancy of Southwest Florida announces February 2010 events and activities. 1. Event: A Tweety For Your Sweety Date: February 13 Place: Conservancy Auditorium Time: 2:00 3:00 P.M. It s almost spring and love is in the air! Celebrate Valentine s Day with the epic love stories of southwest Florida s wildlife. This one-hour program explains why birds change colors, reptiles swim thousands of miles, mammals roar and fish leap all in the name of love. Includes a visit from the barn owl, with its heart-shaped face. Take home a Valentine s treat and a hand-made craft for that special someone. Please register in advance online: www.conservancy.org. Member: $12/pair; ($4 additional Child); Non-Member $15/pair ($5 additional Child). 2. Event: Art in the Environment Paul Arsenault Date: February 15 Time: 9:45 AM 1:00 PM Paul s vibrant and widely collected paintings reflect a rhythm and pattern that capture the magic of coastal communities. Your day begins with a short showing of Arsenault s work in the Conservancy Auditorium, followed by a trip to his home where Paul will personally present his work and talk about his conservation work. (Paul is known for his natural story-telling ability.) Then it s off to his cottage to see more paintings in an Old Naples setting. The day ends with an organic lunch 1

made with fresh local ingredients as prepared by Eileen Arsenault served on their porch under a banyan tree! Return to the Conservancy after lunch. Member: $199/ trip; Non-Member $249/trip* *Includes a FREE one year basic Conservancy membership. To register call 239.262.0304 Ext 266 3. Event: Sarasota Fossil Dig Date: February 20 Time: 7:00 A.M. 4:00 P.M. Back by popular demand! Dr. Gary Schmelz offers more of his famous fossil outings. Lunch price not included in the program fee. Advance registration forms online: www.conservancy.org. Program participation is limited, so register soon! 239.262.0304, ext. 266. Participants should wear old clothes (including long pants, sneakers and a hat.) Bring plenty to drink and carry a garden trowel and five gallon bucket. Join Dr. Gary Schmelz and the University of Florida Natural History Museum staff on this once-in-a-lifetime fossil collecting trip to Sarasota, Florida. The pit is only open twice a year for fossil enthusiasts and provides excellent collecting for both fossil shells and bones. Then have lunch in Sarasota with Dr. Schmelz and U of F Collections Manager, Roger Portell for a fossil raffle. Each participant will receive at least two unique fossils to take home! Member: $120 per person; Non-Member: $155 per person*. *Includes a FREE one year basic Conservancy membership. Western Everglades Exploration Series Explore the Western Everglades and southwest Florida s unique and amazing wildlife with environmental experts from the Conservancy. Day trips start at the headwaters of the Western Everglades and follow the water southwest until it flows into the Gulf of Mexico along 10,000 Islands. Space is limited to 12 people per per trip. Transportation to destinations, water and snacks are provided. 4. Event: Okalokacoochee Slough State Forest & Lake Trafford Date: Feruary 16 Time: 5. Event: Picayune Strand State Forest Date: February 23 Time: Western Everglades: Per Trip Member: $60 per person; Non-Member; $95 per person* *Includes a FREE one year basic Conservancy membership. Sarasota Fossil Dig Call 239.262.0304, ext. 266 to register. On-line registration form available at www.conservancy.org. 6. Event: 2010 Speaker Series Sea Turtle Survival with Biologist and Environmental Science Co-Director Dave Addison 2

This Speaker Series will enrich, educate and energize creating awareness for environmental action to protect our southwest Florida paradise. Date: February 17 Time: 6:30 PM 7:30 PM Conservancy Auditorium The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has one of the longest running Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection programs in the country. What happens on Keewaydin Island during sea turtle season? Dave will demonstrate why only one in one thousand sea turtle hatchlings survive until adulthood and explain the new satellite tracking system that will let us learn even more about how to protect this disappearing species. Includes exclusive, never-seen-before photos. Registration required: www.conservancy.org or call 39.403.4207. Member: FREE at the $50 or above member level; Non-Member Join Today! 7. Event Cruise Rookery Bay on the Good Fortune Dates: thru April 30. Weather and tides permitting All aboard! Coast Guard certified captains take you on a unique, leisurely adventure aboard a quiet pontoon boat through the mangrove-lined channels of Rookery Bay. Discover how the Conservancy of Southwest Florida was formed in 1964 to protect this breathtaking setting. Tour narrated by a trained volunteer guide. A great spot for nature photography you may spot pelicans, wading birds and maybe even a dolphin or two! Advance reservations for cruises required. Reservations: Call 239.403.4236 or info@conservancy.org --- Lunchtime Cruise Departs 10:00 AM Returns 1:00 PM Includes a lunchtime stop at two waterfront restaurants. Lunch not included in the price. No sailing on February 1-3 due to low tides. --- Sunset Birding Cruise Departs 2 hours before sunset (Call ahead) Florida s vast arrays of shorebirds find their way back to Rookery Bay to roost on the mangroves for the night. An unforgettable two hour experience.* Conservancy Members: $30/ person: $13 (12 and under) Non Member: $40/ person; $18 (12 and under) --- Friends and Family Cruise Lunchtime or Sunset cruise. SAVE! Gather a group of up to 10 and schedule either the lunchtime or sunset birding cruise for one low price.* Conservancy Members : $259; Non member $359 3

*No sailing on February 26-28, March 1-2, March 13-19, March 27-31, April 1-2, April 11-17, April 25-30 for Sunset Cruises Directions to the Good Fortune: Our dock is tucked away in a very rustic, secluded setting. Watch carefully for the signs. From I-75: Exit 101, Rt. 951 south (Collier Boulevard) toward Marco Island. Cross U.S. 41 and continue on 951 south for approximately 3 miles and turn right onto Shell Island Road. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles (unpaved roadway) and turn right at the sign for the Good Fortune. Parking is on the right. Follow path to boat dock. 8. Event: FREE Guided Nature Walks Dates: Selected Dates thru April Three unique locations. Group tours are available by advance reservation year-round. All walks conducted by trained Conservancy volunteers and are subject to weather conditions and volunteer availability. Times and days subject to change. Stroll among the bays, boardwalks and beaches of some very unique natural areas at Clam Pass, Tiger Tail Beach or Briggs Boardwalk. Learn about shells, plants, mangroves, wading birds and more. For info: Call 239.262.0304 or visit www.conservancy.org Clam Pass, Naples thru April 30 Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM Clam Pass Park is next to the Naples Grande Resort on Seagate Drive, east of U.S. 41. Meet your volunteer guide at the parking lot tram stop. Free parking with beach sticker; otherwise subject to a $8 county parking fee, subject to annual changes. Sorry, no walks on Christmas Day. Tigertail Beach, Marco Island thru April 9 Monday-Friday 8:30 AM Listed as Site #73 on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Meet your volunteer guides at the Kiosk at Tigertail Beach. U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) to 951 South to Marco Island. Turn right on Kendall Court, the fifth light after crossing the bridge to Marco Island. Turn left at four-way stop sign at Hernando Court to Tigertail Beach. Free parking with beach sticker; otherwise subject to a $8 county parking fee, subject to annual changes. Briggs Boardwalk, Rookery Bay thru April 30 Monday-Friday 9:00 AM Volunteer nature and bird guides are available 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Boardwalk is open daily dawn to dusk. From I-75 or U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) to 951 South toward Marco Island. After crossing U.S. 41, continue for approximately three miles and turn right onto Shell Island Road. Continue one mile on the right, park in front of the building and then take the path to meet your guide at the back of the building. Please, do not enter or go toward private building. Times and days subject to change. Weather permitting. Bring a hat, water and wear sunscreen. For Tigertail Beach: water shoes and binoculars are also suggested. 4

9. Event: Sweet Liberty Sailing Adventures Dates: Friday Mornings thru April 23 A three hour cruise aboard this 53-foot catamaran includes a narrated tour of Naples Bay and two hours of shelling and swimming at secluded Keewaydin Island. Schedule directly through the Sweet Liberty: 239.793.3525 $40 per person; Conservancy members receive 10% Off 10. Isles of Capri Kayak Expeditions Dates: Year Round Book these exciting kayak tours launching from a private beach on the Isles of Capri. 3 Hour Dolphin Tour Member: $50 per person; Non-Member $55 per person 4 Hour Fishing Tour Member: $120 First Angler; $50 Ea. Add l Angler Non-Member: $130 First Angler; $50 Ea. Add l Angler Schedule directly through Saltwater Sports: 239.262.6149 or visit www.saltwatersports.com. 11. Event: Environment On the Go Adult Presentations Dates: Year Round Time: By Request Let the Conservancy of Southwest Florida bring our traveling toolbox of environmental education to your group. Whether it s the next lunch and learn employee get together, homeowners association meeting, civic club gathering or any social encounter, our assortment of adult outreach education programs entertain and educate about the natural treasures in our own backyard. Only $199 per program. Please schedule in advance: 239.262.0304, ext 266. Programs include: Alien Invaders Southwest Florida is under attack by land, sea and air! Discover which non-native plants, insects, mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians and birds now call Florida home and the threats they pose to their native Florida neighbors. From pythons, to parrots, Florida has it all. Features a live exotic animal. Secret Lives of Reptiles Some of these cool characters represent their species and an entire ecosystem. Uncover 5

hidden adaptations for survival, hunting techniques and conservation strategies for saving Florida s reptiles. An intriguing set of stories about our hands-on conservation and biological work on sea turtles, alligators and more. Features a live reptile. Raptor Rapture Florida is home to many rare and beautiful birds of prey, some found nowhere else in the United States. These creatures have many adaptations for survival, including why they migrate and how they manage to build nests as large as cars. Discover what is being done to protect these amazing birds and how you can help! Features a live bird of prey. Magnificent Mammals From elusive bobcats and Florida panthers to graceful white-tail deer and flying squirrels, southwest Florida is full of magnificent mammals. Learn what makes these animals unique, why some are on the verge of extinction and how you can help. Includes amazing success stories and photos from Conservancy of Southwest Florida research and Wildlife rehabilitation. Secrets of Sea Turtles The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has one of the longest running Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection programs in the country. What happens during sea turtle season? Dave Addison, Conservancy co-director of science and turtle expert, explains why only one in one thousand sea turtle hatchlings survive until adulthood and how the new satellite tracking system will help us better protect this disappearing species. Includes exclusive, never-seen-before photos. Gators in the Glades Experience the life of one of Florida s most ancient residents - ALLIGATORS! Why are gators the engineers of the Everglades? Why do other species rely on alligators for survival? Conservancy Biologist and Everglades expert Ian Bartoszek has been in the swamps researching the Everglades and will share his stories, photos and tales of this underestimated creature of the murky waters. Panthers in Peril: A Whisker Away From Extinction? Why do only about 80-100 adult panthers remain in southwest Florida? The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been active in Florida panther research and this program features renowned Conservancy panther biologist, David Shindle, who will lead you through his adventures and methods of determining the current state of the panther and what the future holds. Wildlife Tales Up close photos and amazing stories of survival and tearful stories of loss. Joanna Fitzgerald, wildlife rehabilitation clinic director, looks back at some of the tens of thousands of native animals that have passed through the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic since its opening in 1979. Learn what causes these injuries, how to prevent them, how wildlife staff and volunteers care for them and why they are such a critical part of our southwest Florida paradise. 6 Buy any of the above adult programs for $199 and receive one of these programs FREE! Protecting Our Water Did you know there are simple things YOU can do to help protect this precious natural resource? Controlling the pollution that flows into our waterways and fisheries from storm water runoff is the first step in keeping our water clean. Presented by the Conservancy Volunteer Community Outreach Team. The Story: Conservancy of Southwest Florida It all started in 1964 when a group of concerned citizens united to prevent the Road to Nowhere to protect Rookery Bay. Now, thanks to generous

supporters, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is focused on protecting our land, water and wildlife. Discover the environmental issues that are threatening our future and how you can help. About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed Road to Nowhere and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay. The Conservancy is a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Partnering with like-minded organizations, the Conservancy works to manage growth and protect area waters, land and wildlife. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida promotes sound environmental policies and practices based on solid scientific research while providing environmental education to residents and visitors. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half back into their native habitats. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Conservancy Nature Center are located in Naples, Florida at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14 th Avenue North. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call (239) 262-0304 or www.conservancy.org. Media Contacts: Barbara Wilson, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, (239) 403-4216 or barbaraw@conservancy.org ### 7