Lovers Key offering special wildlife and conservation activities

The beach at Lovers Key State Park COURTESY PHOTOS

Embrace the wonders of the natural world at Lovers Key State Park, proudly presented by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This beautiful sanctuary is opening its gates for an enriching series of wildlife and recreational activities designed to connect you with the vibrant ecosystems and rich history of this cherished state park. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, eager to learn, or just looking for a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, their lineup of weekly events promises something special for everyone.

At 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, go on a Beach and Estuary Walk. This program, which is free with the cost of park entry, invites participants to join a park ranger for a scenic hike along the distinctive beach and estuary shorelines of the park. During the hike, you will have the chance to discover the stunning beauty of both ecosystems. Expect to encounter an array of seashells, crustaceans, birds and other wildlife that inhabit these waterways. This is an ideal event for anyone eager to learn more about the rich biodiversity of the area and experience its serene beauty firsthand.

Black Island Trail at Lovers Key

The beach cleanup event is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Participants get free park entrance. Volunteers will clean up and gather data on the types of trash collected. This will help tailor the park’s future messaging to promote environmental consciousness.

At 8:15 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, the Lovers Key Garden Club will host a workday where volunteers, guided by a park ranger, will engage in maintaining the park’s native pollinator garden through weeding, pruning and planting. The event offers free park entry to participants, who are advised to wear closed-toe shoes and bring work gloves, hand clippers, water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, kneeling pads and hats.

Join a park ranger at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, for a relaxing Seashell Walk along the Lovers Key shoreline, which is free with paid park entry. This event will teach participants about the various seashells found at the park, interesting facts about their creators, and the shelling regulations protecting these Florida treasures.

A sunset on Lovers Key

At 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, enthusiasts are invited to explore the natural beauty of the Black Island Trail during the “Walk on the Wild Side” program. This guided hike offers an enriching experience is available at no additional cost beyond the park’s entry fee. Participants — who are strongly advised to wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water bottles — will learn about the area’s vegetation, wildlife and local history in a maritime hammock ecosystem.

Space is limited for all events; reservations are required. To register, go to the Friends of Lovers Key’s Eventbrite page at bit.ly/FOLKS-Events .

The park offers many recreational opportunities for visitors with disabilities. For accommodations assistance, contact the park office at 239-707-6328. ¦

Fishing spot at Lovers Key

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