January Hammock Happenings E-News
Nature Programs
We have added more onsite programs, including after-hours guided tours. Advanced reservations are required through Webtrac; see our website for instructions. Please note, programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo.
Beach Treasures
We’re back, live and in person! Beachcombing is a favorite Florida pastime. 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! Call 561-544-8605 to register for this free program.
All ages: children/minors must participate with a registered adult.
Wednesday, January 5, 2:00-3:30 pm
Friday, January 21, 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.
Ages 9 and up; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
Saturday, January 29, 2:00-3:00 pm
Cost: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Members $5; All others $8
Coffee with a Naturalist
Bring your coffee and your curiosity as, each month, we stroll through and explore the different areas of Gumbo Limbo. We’ll even have coffee on hand in case you don’t have time to bring your own, or just need a topper.
Adults
Sunday, January 9, 8:00-9:00 am
Cost: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Members $8; All others $10
Early Birding with Al
Pick up some new skills or sharpen the old ones! Join us for a FREE early morning birding adventure at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. 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. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center. Reservations not required.
Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, January 27, 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.
Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 pm
January 13 – Sea Turtle Conservation, David Anderson
January 27 – Sea Turtle Rehabilitation, Whitney Crowder
Meet at the Boca Raton Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton.
Golden Hour Guided Tours
Gumbo Limbo is open and back in full swing, but here is a tip for missing some of the happy crowds: join us for an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility and outdoor aquariums, open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, and ending with breathtaking sunset views of the Intracoastal Waterway from the beach by our Seminole Chiki. Parts of the tour take place on a mulched trail, please call if you have accessibility questions.
Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Tuesdays, January 4, January 18; Fridays, January 14, January 28; 5:00-6:30 pm
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $10; All others $13
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.
Students will be divided into age groups; 3-5 years (parent stays with child), 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. Younger/older siblings must participate in their own age groups. Parents stay ONLY with ages 3-5.
Wednesday, January 19, 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/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5 (siblings $3), All others (siblings $5)
Intracoastal Adventures – Canoeing
Explore the Intracoastal shores and mangrove trails, while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida. 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; 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.
Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult. Each child under 13 must be accompanied by one adult parent/guardian, each canoe must be paddled by 2 adults or an adult and a child 13 and up.
Thursday, January 6, 11:00 am-12:30 pm; Saturday, January 22, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo 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.
Ages 7-adult; Each child under 13 must be accompanied by one adult parent/guardian– No child under 13 may paddle a single kayak. Minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Thursday, January 13, 2:00-3:30 pm; Saturday, January 15, 9:00-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $20; All others $25
Little Wonders
Welcome back to in-person programs for our youngest naturalists! This monthly children’s program will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through story times, explorations, and crafts.
Ages 3-4 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday, January 8, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $8; All others $10
Nature Detectives
Welcome back to in-person programs for our youngest naturalists! This monthly children’s program will be held outdoors and will allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through story times, explorations, and crafts.
Ages 5-6 with an adult (one adult per family please).
Saturday, January 8, 12:00-1:00 pm
Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $8; All others $10
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. Program for adults and families.
Ages 7-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
Sunday, January 9, 10:00-11:00 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5; All others $8
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. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this woodland habitat, interrupted only by the sounds of birds, the antics of squirrels, and the occasional visit of a fox, raccoon, or skunk.
All ages: children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Tuesday, January 4, January 25, 9:30-10:30 am
Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Members $5; All others $8 (under 3 years, free)
Gumbo Limbo’s New Hours
Nature Center, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation, and Aquariums
Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The gift shop is closed on Monday.
Nature Trails
Sunday – Saturday, 7:00 am – Sunset
Restrooms are not available when the nature center is closed.
