PROGRAMS
Throughout the season, January to April, the Friends provide many educational opportunities. See below for the details of our Saturday lecture series and the Naturalist lead walks and talks.
LECTURE SERIES
We offer a series of free lectures to the public beginning in January on Saturday mornings from 10 – 11:00 a.m. through April to promote an awareness and appreciation of the local flora, fauna, environment and history of SW Florida. Our audience consists of locals, tourists, senior citizens, and occasionally young children. Attendance varies from 40 – 85 people each Saturday. You may want to ask questions during the talk, but we ask the audience to hold their questions until the end of the presentation.
Our facility is an open-air thatched roof chickee hut.
WALKS & TALKS
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.
Weekly programs are subject to change. Please check this website for any current information regarding cancellations or rescheduling.
Beaches Alive!
Depart From: The Learning Center
What do wrack lines, beach hoppers, ghosts, sea pork, or beans have in common with skimmers, ruddy turnstones, oats, or goatsfoot that we see on the beach? Come find out at this Naturalist guided walk on Barefoot Beach. (Approximately a 2-hour beach walk guided by a Naturalist)
Exploring Coastal Habitats Walk
Depart From: The Learning Center
Enjoy a Naturalist guided walk to the estuary and along a sandy trail to the beach. Explore one of the most productive ecosystems in nature and the unique coastal habitats at the Preserve.
Beachcombing & Shelling Talk
Location: Learning Center
Where and when do you find beach treasures? What are drifts from the Amazon? What did Herman Melville have to do with Beachcombing? Come find out at this talk in our Learning Center about Beachcombing & Shelling.
Guided Nature Walk
Depart From: The Learning Center
Enjoy a guided walk along the boardwalk through a maritime forest and coastal strand. More than a nature walk, it’s an educational experience! Learn the importance of barrier islands, how our ancestors used Florida’s state tree and native plant communities on barrier islands of Southwest Florida.
This walk is ADA accessable.