Hammock Happenings E-News: September 2022

The City of Boca Raton Recreation Services Department is excited to announce the fifth annual STEAM through September city-wide scavenger hunt! Children (ages 5-12) are invited to explore the STEAM programs offered during the entire month of September. This joint event celebrates the amazing programs and exhibits at the Children’s Science Explorium, the Boca Raton Public Library, and Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Swing by any participating location to pick up a STEAM through September Passport that lists challenges and opportunities for your young explorers to make the most of our fabulous city! For every completed challenge, you earn a stamp; collect all five stamps to win a goodie bag of swag from all three facilities. Happy hunting!

September Nature Programs
Advanced reservations are required (unless otherwise indicated); see our website. Please note, programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo.

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: September 13, September 27; 9:30-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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: September 24, 2:00-3:00 pm
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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: September 29, 8:30-10:00 am

Home School Workshops
Join Gumbo Limbo Educators for super science-based lessons for your homeschool students. Participate in science activities prepared with your student’s age group in mind. Students will be divided into three age groups: 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. Younger/older siblings must participate in their own age groups. Parents/guardians stay ONLY with ages 3-5.

Advanced reservations are required
Wednesday: September 21, 2:00-3:30 pm (2:00-3:00 pm for ages 3-5)
Cost per Child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards Member $5 (siblings $3), All others $8 (siblings $5).

The International Coastal Cleanup
Come out to Spanish River Park to help clean up the beach and intracoastal mangrove habitats. Using an app on your cellphone, keep track and report what you and your group removed from the beach. Free tee shirts while supplies last, community service hours given.

Pre-registration is required for this event and begins September 1. Call (561) 544-8606 to reserve your spot; space is limited to the first 200 to pre-register.
All ages: children/teens under 18 must participate with a registered parent/guardian (no drop offs).
Saturday: September 17, 8:00-11:00 am

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. 2-3 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: September 25, 10:00-11:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $20; All others $25

Intracoastal Adventures – Advanced Canoeing
Explore the Intracoastal shores and mangrove trails, while learning about the mangrove and estuary ecosystems. Must have 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. These programs are not appropriate for inexperienced paddlers; paddlers who are not able to safely maneuver a boat will return to the shore and a refund will be issued.

Advanced reservations are required.
Ages 12-adult; minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
Saturday: September 10, 9:30-11:00 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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: September 24, 9:00-10:30 am
Sunday: September 18; 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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: September 17, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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: September 17, 12:00-1:00 pm
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward 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

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