April Happenings at Gumbo Limbo

Hammock Happenings E-News: April 2023

Turtle Walk & Hatchling Release Programs

At our Turtle Walk program, participants will learn about the life cycle, behaviors, and threats to the three species of protected sea turtles that nest in South Florida. If our conservation team spots a nesting loggerhead sea turtle, we will head to the beach to observe this fascinating and ancient process of nesting (seeing a sea turtle is not guaranteed). This late evening program is for ages 8 and up and takes place late May through early July. Reservations begin in April.

At our Hatchling Release program, we begin with a presentation about the life cycles, behaviors, and threats to the sea turtles that nest in South Florida. After, participants will watch as our staff place the hatchlings on the wet sand and the tiny turtles make their way down to the waves and head off into the surf. This evening program is for all ages and takes place mid-July though the end of August. Reservations begin in May.

Visit our Website
For both programs, please be sure to set-up your online account well in

advance so that you can make online reservation when they are available.

Visit our registration information webpage for instructions.

April Nature Programs
General Program and Registration Information
Advanced reservations are required through WebTrac (unless otherwise indicated). If you do not have a WebTrac account, please see instructions on our website. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo.

A Resident is someone who lives within the boundaries of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District. A Member is someone with a current membership to Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards.

Beach Treasures
Beachcombing is a favorite Florida pastime. With warm sunshine, cool breezes, sand between your toes, the sound of the surf, and the smell of the salty sea air, what’s not to love? Learn all about the shells and other treasures found on Boca’s Beaches, then join one of our expert beachcombers in search of the mysteries the sea has left behind!

Reservations are recommended; call 561-544-8605 to register for this free program.
All ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
Friday: April 14, 2:00-3:30 pm
Tuesday: April 25, 2:00-3:30 pm

Citizen Science Squad
Gain hands-on field experience by participating in a different scientific data collection project each month. Our educational activities support conservation-based projects that relate to Gumbo Limbo’s mission.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 9-13; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Sunday: April 16, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: Resident/Member $5; All others $8

Early Birding with Al
Pick up some new skills or sharpen the old ones! Learn about our native and migratory birds from an experienced birder, as we walk the Ashley Trail and the boardwalk in search of warblers, gnatcatchers, woodpeckers, and other avian species. Binoculars recommended.

Reservations are not required. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center.
All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Thursday: April 27, 8:30-10:00 am

The Great American Cleanup
Come out to Spanish River Park to help remove marine debris from the beach and intracoastal mangrove environments. Plastics in our marine environments cause illness and injuries to the wildlife that live and depend on these habitats. Free tee shirts provided by Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful while supplies last! Rain or Shine.

Pre-registration is required for this event and begins March 1. Space is limited. Families and individuals please call (561) 544-8605 to register; groups of 10 or more call (561) 544-8606.
All ages: children/minors under 18 must participate with a registered adult.
Saturday, April 15, 8:00-11:00 am
Golden Hour Guided Tours
Join us for an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, and lighted outdoor aquariums, beginning with peaceful sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway. Parts of the tour take place on a mulched trail.

Adults and children ages 7 and up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Tuesdays: April 4, April 18; 6:00-7:30 pm
Friday: April 14; 6:00-7:30 pm
Cost per person: Resident/Member $10; All others $13

Greener with Gumbo: Sustainable Living Workshops
Are you ready for some sustainable New Year’s Resolutions? Go Green with Gumbo Limbo! Discover ways to live more sustainably in 2023 by attending one, two, or all three of our workshops. All workshops include an interactive presentation and a DIY planet-friendly project to take home.

Adults and children ages 12 and up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Saturday: April 22, 10:00-11:00 am; Sustainability Outdoors!
Cost per person: Resident/Member $9; All others $12

Home School Workshops
Join Gumbo Limbo Educators for super science-based lessons for your homeschool students, ages 3-12. Participate in science activities related to the monthly topic, prepared specifically with your student’s age group in mind.

Ages: Students will be divided into three age groups: 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. Parents/guardians stay with ages 3-5 ONLY; younger/older siblings must participate in their own age groups.
Wednesday: April 19; 2:00-3:30 pm (2:00-3:00 pm for ages 3-5)
Cost per child: Resident/Member $5 (siblings $3), All others $8 (siblings $5).
Intracoastal Adventures – Intro to Canoeing
Not experienced enough to confidently make your way through waves, wind, and tangled canoe trails? Then this program is for you! In preparation for our more experienced canoeing adventure, we provide an opportunity for you to get more familiar with paddle strokes and navigating, get comfortable out on the open water, and learn the best techniques to avoid tipping, all while enjoying the shallow waters along the edge of the Intracoastal. 2-3 people per canoe; single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 13-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Saturday: April 1, 10:00-11:30 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Advanced Canoeing
Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Explore the Intracoastal shores by kayak or canoe while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida. Must have moderate canoeing experience and be able to get in and out of a canoe without assistance. This program is not appropriate for beginners; for the safety of our participants and instructors, paddlers who are not able to safely maneuver a boat will return to the shore and a refund will be issued. 2-3 per canoe; single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant.

Advanced reservations are required.
Adults and children ages 13-up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Saturday: April 8, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Kayaking
Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise! Explore the Intracoastal shores and mangrove trails, while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida. Must have kayaking experience and be able to get in and out of a kayak without assistance. Single/double kayaks will be assigned to couples/groups as available.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 7-adult; each child under 12 must be accompanied by one parent/guardian in a double kayak. Minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Sunday: April 2, 9:00-10:30 am
Saturday: April 15, 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $20; All others $25
Little Wonders
This program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature through stories, explorations, and crafts.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 3-4 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday: April 8, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: Resident/Gumbo Limbo Member $8; All others $10

Nature Detectives
This program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature through stories, explorations, and crafts.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 5-6 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday: April 8, 12:00-1:00 pm
Cost per child: Resident/Member $8; All others $10

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding
What is the connection between mangrove and coral reef communities? How do fish use these habitats? Learn about the fascinating behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life during these free presentations. Meet at the outdoor marine aquariums.

All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Daily at 12:30 pm

The Science of Nature
What is the name of the science that studies insects and spiders? What does a dendrologist do? Come find out for yourself! We will explore the science of nature and conduct some scientific experiments and activities of our own.

Ages 7-8; parents/guardians do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Sunday: April 23, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $8; All others $10