We’re Wild About Earth Day

Here in Southwest Florida, there’s a wonderful, wild, and unique environment we proudly protect. The Florida Everglades, the Caloosahatchee River, conservation lands, and of course, the Gulf of Mexico…they’re all a part of what makes Southwest Florida so intriguing to visitors and attractive to locals. 



Preserving our unique environment is a mission that we’ve all adapted. From legislation banning plastic straws in our beach-towns, to the numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to keeping our environment and wildlife healthy… so it should come as no surprise that Earth Day is widely celebrated in Southwest Florida!  

If you’re looking to get involved, here are a few places to start… 

"Ding Darling Day" Celebration at Lakes Park

“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a FREE Conservation Carnival at Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers on Saturday, April 22, from 10am-2pm. The Conservation Carnival will have family-friendly activities including games, interactive exhibits, guided walks and tours, and live music! Plus, Earth Day tree planting.

Earth Day at CALUSA Nature Center & Planetarium

The CALUSA Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers has a full day of events lined up for Earth Day on Saturday, April 22! Click on the schedule below to go to their website for more information about each topic. 

Earth Day After Hours: Sunsets, Stars and South Florida Nighttime Ecology

The Earth Day celebration doesn't stop when the sun goes down! CREW Land & Water Trust Programs is hosting a unique after-hours event on Saturday, April 22 from 7:45 - 9:45pm. Join the CREW Trust staff as they discuss the science behind sunsets, perceive nocturnal behavior, and learn to navigate the celestial bodies.

Long pants, sleeves and bug spray are highly recommended. Bug nets and binoculars will be available to borrow. The event will take place at the CREW Marsh Trails 4600 Corkscrew Road Immokalee, FL 34142, and requires advance purchase tickets (click here). 

Earth Day at the Sanctuary - Author Meet & Greet

The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples is hosting an author meet & greet on Saturday, April 22 from 8:00am-3:00pm. Author Susan Sachs Levine will be signing copies of her book, Jenny’s First Catch, a beautifully illustrated children’s story about a young Roseate Spoonbill learning to fish with her unique bill. The Earth Day event will also include a Roseate Spoonbill information station, guided walks, and music by the HUGS ukelele band. Ticket reservation is encouraged. Click here to learn more. 

Of course, there are a number of other events taking place this Earth Day, but this should get you started. We encourage you to hop on your bike and ride some of our trails or visit one of the nature conservatories for the day. If you’ve never been out to the Everglades, you must go and experience this for yourself!  

If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to celebrate, visit one of our beaches, and maybe do your own casual clean up as you walk the beach. There are a number of ways to get involved - big and small, every hand helps! Thank you for keeping Southwest Florida beautiful.