Gumbo Limbo Nature Center December Happenings

December Nature Programs
Advanced reservations are required (unless otherwise indicated). 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.

A Walk in the Hammock
Join us for a guided nature walk along our quarter-mile boardwalk trail that meanders through the beautiful hammock forest and along the magnificent mangroves by the Intracoastal.

Advanced reservations are required.
All ages: children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
Tuesdays: December 6, December 20; 9:30-10:30 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $5; All others $8 (under 3 years, free)

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.
Saturday: December 24, 2:00-3:00 pm
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: December 29, 8:30-10:00 am
EcoWatch Lecture Series – On the Cutting Edge of Conservation!
Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future.

Lectures will be held in the Community Room at the Boca Raton Public Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton.
Reservations are recommended for this free program; call (561)544-8605.
Ages 10 and up, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Wednesday: December 28; 6:30-8:00 pm; Respect the Locals: Diving into LMC’s Conservation Based Initiatives by Valerie Tovar, Conservation Coordinator, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
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 familiar with paddle strokes and navigating, get comfortable out on the open water, and learn techniques to avoid tipping, all while enjoying the shallow waters along the edge of the Intracoastal. Two-three people per canoe; single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 12-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Sunday: December 4, 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 and mangrove trails, 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. 2-3 per canoe; single paddlers will be paired with staff or another participant. This program is not appropriate for inexperienced paddlers.

Ages 12-adult, minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Sunday: December 18; 3:30-5:00 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.
Saturday: December 17, 9:00-10:30 am
Sunday: December 11, 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: December 12, 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: December 12, 12:00-1:00 pm
Cost per child: Resident/Member $8; All others $10

Sea Turtle Camp
Do you have a budding conservationist? Fall break and Winter break can be fun and educational! Sign them up for Sea Turtle Camp where they will learn about the importance of caring for and protecting sea turtles and other marine life. Sign up for one, two, or all three days!

Ages 9-12
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; December 27, 28, 29; 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Cost per child per day: Resident/Member $30; All others $35

Free Daily Programs
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

Sea Turtle Talk
Get the inside scoop on our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility. Last year, over 100 sea turtle patients were treated at Gumbo Limbo. Meet some of our current patients and hear their stories. Why are they here? What can you do to help? Meet in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility for a free presentation.

All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
Daily at 2:00 pm

New Issue of Hammock Happenings

Check out the latest issue of our newsletter and program guide. Articles include:

Threats to Sea Turtle Hatchlings
Author Spotlight: Luna’s Story Writing Contest
Don’t Bust My Bubble (Algae)!
Volunteer of the Month
And more!

Holiday Hours

Sunday, December 25

all of the property is closed

Monday, December 26

Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday, January 1

all of the property is closed

Monday, January 2

Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm