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Lovers Key State Park
Events
Get Active
Our Special Events offer something for everyone and further the mission of FOLKS.
No matter your level of involvement, take part and spread the word! We offer events throughout the year that are more than special because they take place in the heart of Lovers Key.
Registration Fees Fund Lovers Key Dreams
Registration fees from special fundraising events are set aside for our dream–the Lovers Key State Park Visitor Center. We've made it fun to give; we have something for everyone set against the most beautiful backgrounds; the natural setting of our park.
Mark your calendar!
There's always something going on at Lovers Key State Park. We make it easy to plan your month to take advantage of what we have to offer.
Upcoming Events
Nature Photography Workshop
March 9th, 2012 - 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
FOLKS Members $15.00/person, Non Members $25.00/person
Have fun and support the Friends of Lovers Key!
Joe Moran is offering a photo workshop for the Friends of Lovers Key. He is an instructor with the Fort Myers Camera Club, and a nature photographer for 30 years. Joe will not only teach about the various techniques used in Nature Photography but also the class will walk the beach, scout for birds and snap the interesting aspects of the mangroves. Email info@friendsofloverskey.org or more information. Click here to register on-line! Or download the registration form and mail to the park.
The class will attempt to capture some of the most photogenic areas of Southwest Florida's natural coastline and wildlife. Participants should bring their own digital camera, camera manuals, hat, water, sunscreen, bug spray and lunch.
This session is special for several reasons. The activity will enhance the skills of the participants but more than that 100% of the money raised will be applied to the FOLKS Visitor Center Fund.
FOLKS Celebrates 15 Years
Birthday Bash, March 23rd!
Presented by Friends of Lovers Key
The Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. (FOLKS) is preparing to celebrate our 15th Anniversary as a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) for Lovers Key State Park by holding a FOLKS Birthday Bash. As a member of FOLKS you are invited to attend the FOLKS Birthday Celebration.
The Birthday Bash will be held on March 23rd 2012 from 6-9 pm on the beach of Lovers Key State Park. The celebration will include some exciting activities. FOLKS members will have a special opportunity to mingle with other members as well as meet founding members of FOLKS. The program will begin with a welcome and acknowledgement of events and accomplishments from the past 15 years. The FOLKS Board will then share “The Dream” - the vision for the organization's major initiative for the next 5-10 years - fundraising and building the Lovers Key Visitor Center.
After presentations are concluded, guests will enjoy food supplied by the Sweetbay Supermarket, on Coconut Rd in Bonita Springs. Sweetbay has been very generous by partnering with FOLKS to supply food for the evening.
After enjoying the food and sunset guests will be able to view the stars and planets through the telescopes set up by the Everglades Astronomical Society (EAS). EAS is also partnering with FOLKS to make sure the 15th Birthday Bash is fun and one to remember.
The celebration is open to FOLKS members and invited guests only. If you are interested in discovering more about the Friends of Lovers Key or are interested in becoming a member of FOLKS please call (239) 463-4588.
Please join other FOLKS members for a nice evening. This is a great opportunity to meet other members and learn about FOLKS' future.
RSVP is required. Please RSVP online, call 239-463-4588 or download the form and return to the Park.
Run, Rangers! Run!
By Brittany Petit
The breezy morning of April 30, 2011 welcomed some extreme visitors to Lovers Key State Park. This was the morning of the 6th Annual Turtle Trot! 332 runners, joggers, and walkers arrived before the park even opened to stretch and prepare for a 5K race beginning at the canoe/kayak launch through Black Island Trail, back to the pedestrian bridge, over to Inner Island, down the tram road and over the bridge to Lovers Key! Participants enjoyed three miles of beautiful scenery, cared for primitive trails and smooth paths.
The Turtle Trot is one of the most successful fundraisers put on by the Friends of Lovers Key State Park, or FOLKS, our Citizens Support Organization. A year of preparation and outreach developed into a wonderful event. We had twenty-five volunteers strategically placed throughout the park. They were essential, doing all sorts of things that day from registering participants to directing and encouraging racers.
Sponsorship is so essential to the race to assure success. Whole Foods helped by donating food for over 500 people and Angle Animal Hospital and The Vitamin Shoppe supported the run financially. Road ID and Bonita Community Health Center were instrumental in helping on race day.
Even the Rangers got involved! Seven Rangers participated in the 6th Annual Turtle Trot including our new Park Manager, Gloria Beauchamp. Gloria and the rest of the Rangers are excited to improve their time next year and continue the practice of good health and fitness.A special thanks to everyone involved. Because of this successful fundraising event, the Friends of Lovers Key is closer to their goal of building a Visitor Center at Lovers Key State Park for all to enjoy. FOLKS have begun preparations for the 7th Annual Turtle Trot to be held in April or May of 2012.
7th Annual Turtle Trot 5k Race – May 12, 2012
This annual race brings athletes of all ages and abilities to enjoy a day in the park. It is also a fund-raiser for FOLKS, so runners can contribute to their personal health and fitness, and that of the beautiful landscape they traverse.
Events at Lovers Key State Park offer endless ways to reconnect with the natural world while making new friends.
Wading Trips at the Park
Join a Park Naturalist each month to learn about the marine species that make the estuary and barrier island environments unique, and explore sea grass flats. Seahorses, shrimp, young fish, and egg casings of all sorts inhabit the grasses, which attract larger fish, mollusks and crustaceans, and manatees, dolphins and rays. Guests will get wet as they venture into the estuary.
Check the calendar above for specific dates. Trips start promptly at 10:00 a.m. Reservations are required. Call (239) 463-4588 to reserve your spot.
A special thank you goes to the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) who sponsors this program.
and MUCH more.
Lovers Key State Park • 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 • 239-463-4588 • www.floridastateparks.org/loverskey • contact us
Related Links
Experience the "Visions of Lovers Key" through our Flickr Group!
The Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed by the citizens of the community to support Lovers Key State Park and is registered as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, your Membership and Donations are tax-deductible.
© 2012 Friends of Lovers Key State Park
