Eco-tours for Adults - Exploring the Kissimmee River
Our Explore the Kissimmee Eco-tours provide an interactive, field trip for groups of residents, visitors, environmentalists or professionals. Guests learn about the rich history and wetland ecology of the river and region. Participants have a unique opportunity to view the beauty and success of the Kissimmee River Restoration. They learn about its important role in the Greater Everglades ecosystem and restoration.
We offer a one-day program, which includes a 3-4 hour guided tour on the Kissimmee River in our covered pontoon boat that is led by our educational staff. Guests learn all about the restoration as well as conduct bird surveys and identify wetland plants. Guests must provide their own picnic lunch to enjoy at the Micco Shelter along the banks of the Kissimmee.
The fee-based program is available to adult groups with a maximum of 20 guests. If you are interested in scheduling a group Eco-tour to Explore the Kissimmee River, please contact Loisa Kerwin at 863-462-0025.
Florida Master Naturalist Program
CES facilitates the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) that is offered once a week for six-weeks at the Riverwoods Field Laboratory on the Kissimmee River in Highlands County. Students learn about Florida's wetland or upland ecosystems with a combination of classroom presentations and field trips to local habitats. Students must conduct a research project to earn their FMNP certificate and patches. Graduates are very proud to take their new-found environmental knowledge into the field as they explore Florida's fabulous ecosystems.
For more information about the FMNP Program check online at http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/
CES offers the FMNP course every fall, so check back here this spring for fall 2010 dates and agendas.
Butterfly Gardening Workshops
Twice a year we offer our Native Butterfly Gardening Workshop. The workshop is designed for teachers, residents and visitors. You will learn all about the beautiful native butterflies to central and southern Florida and the different plants that are associated with the butterflies.
There is a registration fee of $10 that helps offset the cost of the educational materials provided. After the workshop we have a native plant sale. This gives you an opportunity to purchase plants for your home or school gardens. Proceeds from the plant sale help to support our Environmental Education Programs at Riverwoods for students and adults.
For more information about the next Native Butterfly Gardening Workshop, contact:
Casey Trent
ctrent4 [at] fau [dot] edu
(863) 462-0026