From birds to bees, new program lets families explore

Wonder Gardens offers many enhanced guest experiences to increase environmental awareness. COURTESY PHOTO

Get a new look at nature when Wonder Garden launches a new monthly family program at its Bonita Springs attraction. Starting on Sunday, Feb. 25, the Wild World of Wonders Family Club will offer different topics on wildlife and the environment.

The activities — from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month — are designed for children 6-9 and an adult. Participants can attend one or all sessions.

“The events will include animal habitat observations, close-up animal interactions and hands-on activities,” said Katie Grimes, education and volunteer manager. “We are hoping to grow environmental awareness while building a community focused on making a transformational impact in the world.”

Upcoming themes include:

¦ Feb. 25 — “Totally Turtles (and Tortoises)” includes meeting a tortoise ambassador and discovering the life cycle, unique characteristics and steps to protect turtles and tortoises, including the Sulcata tortoises, the third largest species.

¦ March 24 — “Pollinator’s Paradise” includes discovering the many pollinators at Wonder Gardens and the plants they prefer, learning about the workings of a hive, tasting local honey and planting native plants to support pollinators.

¦ April 28 — “Tropical Birds and Fanciful Feathers” includes examining feathers, learning how feathers work and get vibrant colors, designing a feather and meeting an ambassador bird or reptile.

The encounters are an additional $10 with paid child admission, with the first accompanying adult, age 18 or older, free with adult paid admission. Additional adults are $10 each with paid adult admission. Realistic stuffed animals relating to each session are available for $20 each.

For additional information and advanced registration (must be made one week in advance) for each session, see wondergardens.org/product/wild-world-of-wonders-family-club-2024.

About Wonder Gardens

Wonder Gardens, a charitable zoological park and botanical garden established in 1936 in Bonita Springs, is home to rescued birds and reptiles nestled among sprawling banyan trees and plantings. While preserving the best of this site’s history, the nonprofit cares for rescued, rehabilitated, and non-releasable animals, is upgrading wildlife enclosures and growing the botanical beauty of the property, while delivering education programs and events and further engaging the community to enjoy this jewel in historic downtown Bonita Springs. Wonder Gardens, at 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, is one of the few remaining cornerstones of Old Florida, an enduring symbol of the history of the region, as well as a resource for learning about the environment and wildlife. For information, see wondergardens.org or call 239-992-2591. ¦

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