January 2023 Happenings at Gumbo Limbo

Hammock Happenings E-News: January 2023

January 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.
Wednesday: January 4, 2:00-3:30 pm
Friday: January 20, 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: January 22, 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: January 26, 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: January 25, 6:30-8:00 pm

Golden Hour Guided Tours
Join us for an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, 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: January 3, January 17; 5:30-7:00 pm

Fridays: January 13, January 27; 5:30-7:00 pm

Cost per person: Resident/Member $10; All others $13

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.
Sunday: January 7, 9:30-11:00 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.
Saturday: January 7, 9:30-11:00 am
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.
Thursday: January 26, 3:00-4:30 pm
Saturday: January 21; 9:00-10:30 am
Sunday: January 8, 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: January 14, 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: January 14, 12:00-1:00 pm
Cost per child: Resident/Member $8; All others $10

The Science of Nature
What is the name of the science that studies i nsects 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: January 29, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $8; All others $10

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.
Tuesday: January 10, 9:30-10:30 am
Cost per person: Resident/Member $5; All others $8 (under 3 years, free)

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