The preserve remains closed at this time. Please check back for updates. Thank you.

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PROGRAMS

Throughout the season, January to April, the Friends provide many educational opportunities.  See below for the most recent details of our Saturday lecture series now at a temporary location. Naturalist lead walks and talks have been suspended until the preserve is safe for visitors and reopens at a future date.

 

2023 LECTURE SERIES

Please join the Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve at our temporary location for the 2023 season, the Exhibit Hall Lab, at North Collier Regional Park for a variety of lectures each Saturday.  Experience lectures on a multitude of topics, from native plants or animals to photography or exotic plants. 

Program Cost: Free. No registration required.  The entrance to North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, is located just south of Immokalee Road.  Follow the signs to the Exhibit Hall/Administration Building. Turn into the park and follow the road until passing the third stop sign. Turn right into the Exhibit Hall parking lot.  Parking is available as well as an easy covered location for drop off in front of the Exhibit Hall.

Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

TEMPORARY LOCATION: North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall Lab

Jan 7:   Keystone Species, Jack Berninger, retired Biology teacher

Jan 14: How Sharks Are Keeping Our Oceans Healthy, Cheryl Black, retired Professor of Environmental Sciences

Jan 21: Florida Manatees: Our Gentile Giants, Tony Mauriello, Florida Master Naturalist

Jan 28: Secrets of a Flower Eater, Heather Gonzalez, Master Gardener

Feb 4: The Effects of Hurricanes on Our Local Environment, Dr Felix Jose, chair Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU Water School

Feb 11: Big Cypress’ Prehistoric Past, Ranger Conrad, Big Cypress Preserve

Feb 18: Fishing Sustainability, Daniel Andrews, co-founder Captains for Clean Water

Feb 25: Before There Was a Road-How Collier County Was Born, Thomas Lockyear, manager Museum of the Everglades

Mar 4: Pollinator Friendly Gardening, Tony Mauriello, Florida Master Naturalist

Mar 11: Something from Nothing, Jack Berninger, retired Biology teacher

Mar 18: Lake Okeechobee’s Relationship to Collier County, Dr. Steve Davis, The Everglades Foundation

Mar 25: No Lecture Today, The Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance Show will be held in the Exhibit Hall

Apr 1: More Than Pretty Flowers: An Overview of Naples Botanical Gardens, Speaker TBA

WALKS & TALKS

PLEASE NOTE: Weekly programs have been suspended until the preserve is safe for visitors and reopens at a future date. Please check back to our website again as we will update it once they begin.

Each week January through April (excluding holidays), naturalist guided walks and talks are sponsored by the Friends. Naturalists have completed the Florida Master Naturalist program and enjoy sharing their knowledge with our guests. Park in the first parking area on the right and meet at the Learning Center. For our walks, it is suggested to wear walking shoes, sun protection, and bring binoculars and drinking water. These Programs are FREE, but reservations are required. Please use the forms below to reserve a spot. We kindly ask that parties larger than 10 please contact us directly at naturalist@friendsofbarefootbeach.org to ensure we can accommodate you. There is an $10.00 entrance fee into the park for those who do not have a current Collier County beach parking permit.