June Happenings at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Sea turtle nesting season is moving full steam ahead! As of the writing of this email, there were already 11 leatherback nests and 138 loggerhead nests on Boca Beaches! We are “patiently” waiting for our first green turtle nest. Did you know you can check our website for the nesting totals? Get the latest numbers!

A WALK ON THE ASHLEY TRAIL
Join us for a FREE guided walk along the Ashley Trail, a quarter-mile natural trail that winds through the Butterfly Garden, Coastal Hammock, and Mangroves, to a sandy beach by the Intracoastal. Observe local flora and fauna as your naturalist guides you on this island exploration. No reservations required. Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center. Ages: All ages; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Days and Time: Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00-12:30 pm

BEACH TREASURES
Sand dollars? Sponges? Oh, what treasures you may find…sea beans, coral, shells and more; see what the sea has left behind! Meet at the Center to learn about shells and sea life; caravan to Red Reef Beach Park, for beachcombing with the experts! Prepayment recommended (561) 544-8615 or online at gumbolimbo.org; walk-ins welcome based on availability. Ages: All ages; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult. Dates and Time: Wednesdays, June 8, June 22, 9:00-10:30 am Cost per person: Member $5, Non-member $8

LITTLE WONDERS
Hikes for little feet, crafts for tiny fingers, and stories for growing minds introduce your novice naturalist to a new animal each month. Gumbo Limbo is a great place to share your love for nature with your little one. A new topic each month; this month’s topic is Beach Treasures! Ages: 3&4 with an adult; no siblings please. Prepayment recommended (561) 544-8615 or online at gumbolimbo.org; walk-ins welcome based on availability. Date and Time: Saturday, June 4, 10:00-11:00 am Cost per child: Member $5, Non-member $8

NATURE DETECTIVES
“Why’s the sky blue? Why are plants green? What’s inside an egg? What does it all mean? There is no end to a child’s questions! Become a Nature Detective with your novice naturalist as we investigate the mysteries of the world around us. Join us for a new mystery each month. Prepayment recommended (561) 544-8615 or online at gumbolimbo.org; walk-ins welcome based on availability. Ages: 5-7 with an adult; no siblings please. Date and Time: Saturday, June 4, 11:30-12:30 pm Cost per child: Member $5, Non-member $8

SEINING THE LAGOON
Wading in the Intracoastal Waterway just behind Gumbo Limbo, we catch (and release) fish, shrimp, crabs, and more! With hand-held dip nets and large seine nets, get up close and personal with our local marine life. Closed toed shoes required (old sneakers or water shoes; no sandals). Bring a change of clothes and towel. Ages: 10-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with an adult. Dates and Time: Saturdays, June 11, June 25; 9:30-10:30 pm Cost per person: Member $7, Non-member $10

Free Daily Programs

OUTDOOR MARINE AQUARIUM FEEDINGS
What is the connection between mangrove and coral reef communities? How do fish use these habitats? Learn about the fascinating behaviors of fish, sting rays, and other marine life during these FREE daily feeding presentations. No reservations required. Meet at the outdoor aquariums. Ages: All ages; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Days and Time: Monday-Saturday at 10:30 am Days and Time: Monday-Saturday at 12:30 pm Day and Time: Sunday at 1:30 pm

INDOOR AQUARIUM FEEDINGS
What do eels eat, or better yet, HOW do eels eat? Which fish rule the school? Why are female seahorses the envy of all the girls? Learn about these and other sea creatures during our FREE daily feeding presentation! No reservations required. Meet in the Nature Center. Ages: All ages; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Days & Time: Daily at 2:30 pm