National Estuaries Day 2003

. . . an annual celebration of the majestic places where rivers meet the sea.

Join us to learn more about estuaries the fun way

THE CHARLOTTE HARBOR NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM is pleased to announce 35 recreational and educational activities being offered because of National Estuaries Day 2003 -- a day that highlights the importance of estuaries as coastal resources. The festivals, wading trips, guided walks, paddling events and boat tours described in this brochure are opportunities to learn about estuaries by experiencing them first hand. The events are coordinated by CHNEP but offered because of the generosity of its partners. Many of the events are also sponsored by CHNEP. This year CHNEP is also pleased to announce that Estuaries Live, an interactive guided field trip of our nation’s estuaries, will again include a live broadcast from Charlotte Harbor.

This year – as in the past – many of the cities and counties participating in the CHNEP issued proclamations of support for National Estuaries Day. Last year, thanks to CHNEP Policy Committee members, proclamations were issued by the cities of Bartow, Punta Gorda, North Port, Fort Myers Beach and Venice and the counties of Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota! Additional events (and any changes) will be posted on this website. For activities offered around the country, visit www.estuaries.gov.

Information on each activity follows. A PDF of the printed brochure (25 x 11 inches) is available as is an 8.5 x 11 inch version.

Estuary Live is a “virtual” interactive field trip of eight of the nation’s valued estuaries. Join this exciting state-of-the-art exploration of the important and diverse habitats from your classroom, home or office. Viewers can email questions during the Internet and satellite (KU-Band) broadcast with some of the questions answered during the live program. Estuaries Live is produced on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. CHNEP with Tampa Bay NEP, Sarasota Bay NEP and Rookery Bay NERR are hosting one of the eight guided field trips. Visit the Internet site www.estuarylive.org for additional guidance.

Southwest Florida will be featured during a one-hour live broadcast on Thursday, September 25 from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M.

Curriculum -- Word document

Coastal Habitats Curriculum from Sarasota Bay NEP

pages 1-25

pages 26-58

Too many fun events for one day!

Saturday, September 20

Sunday, September 21

Thursday and Friday, September 25-26

Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, October 5

Friday to Sunday, September 26-28

Saturday, September 27

Sunday, September 28

Saturday, October 4

Sunday, October 5

Saturday, October 11

Saturday, October 18

* CHNEP is pleased to financially support the activities marked with an asterisk.

–––– Wading Trips ––––

Wading the Shallows of Lemon Bay and Charlotte Harbor*

Saturday, September 27 from 9:30 to noon

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC)

Search for aquatic critters that reside in the shallow water at Lemon Bay in Englewood with Bobbi Rodgers from the Cedar Point Environmental Park (941/475-0769) and Charlotte Harbor from Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda with Monica Dorken from Alligator Creek Site (941/575-5435). After a short discussion on estuaries and their importance, participants will explore the grass beds in shallow water using dip nets. Come learn the characteristics and needs of these ecosystems and their relationship to the entire hydrologic cycle through a wading adventure.

Registration: Everyone is welcome but an adult must accompany children under 18. Call each location to register for these free events.

Directions to Cedar Point Park in Englewood: From I-75 to Exit 191 (was Exit 34) travel south/west on River Rd, cross U.S. 41, continue on River Rd for several more miles. At traffic light, make a left onto Pine St, cross CR 776 at large intersection where Pine St becomes Placida Rd. Travel south on Placida Rd for approximately 1 mile. The Park is on the right.

Directions to Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda: Traveling on U.S. 41, turn west on Marion Ave. (This is the first stoplight south of the Peace River.) Travel through Punta Gorda Isles. Continue almost to the end of Marion Ave and look for the park signs on your left.

Mucking About in Matlacha Pass*

Saturday, September 27 from 9:30 to approximately 11:30 A.M.

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves and the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc.

Wade into the shallow waters of Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve with staff from the CHA&SBP for a closer look at the creatures buried beneath the sand, clustered within an oyster shell, swimming among the seagrass blades, or hidden in a tangle of mangrove prop roots. Explore the ecology of a southwest Florida estuary during the morning’s low tide. Pack up your dip net, hand lens, field guides, snorkeling gear, old tennis shoes or diving booties (no flip flops or sandals please), swimsuits or shorts. Be sure to bring a cold drink, sunscreen, sunglasses and a towel.

Registration: Everyone is welcome but an adult must accompany children under 18. Call 941/575-5861 to register for this free event.

Directions to Battey’s Landing at Pineland on Pine Island: From SR 78/Pine Island Rd drive west through the waterfront community of Matlacha to the four-way stop at Pine Island Center. Turn north (right) onto Stringfellow Rd toward Bokeelia. Turn west (left) onto Pineland Rd which winds around and merges with Waterfront Drive. Park at the Mote Charlotte Harbor Field Station and walk back to Battey’s.

–––– Special Events –––

Peace River EcoFest with canoeing and camping!*

Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 to 3:00

Peace River Environmental Education Network (PREEN)

Peace River Camping, Paddle Excursion and CleanUp: Canoe from the Peace River Outdoor Recreation Area. Launches will be between 8:00 and 9:30 to arrive at Camp Wilderness just in time for the EcoFest. Shuttle service will be available throughout the day and free camping is available on Friday, September 19 at the Fort Meade Recreation Area!

EcoFest: Come join the fun from 10:00 to 3:00 at Camp Wilderness, an 80-acre campsite owned by the Royal Rangers. Lots of fun is planned with three waterslides into the Peace River, zip lines over Whidden Creek, nature walks, music, tubing (weather permitting), a sand mountain with toys and prizes and much more. There will also be presentations, demonstrations and displays by a variety of public and private organizations. Food and beverages will be provided for a charge.

Registration: Registration is required for the free camping and canoe run. Call Dennis at 863/285-1112. Registration is not necessary for the free EcoFest. For event information, call 863/533-4868.

Directions: Camp Wilderness is located on Highway 17 about four miles south of Ft. Meade in Polk County. Peace River Outdoor Recreation Area is located on Highway 98.

Fort Myers Beach National Estuaries Day Celebration*

Saturday, September 27 from 10:00 to 2:00

Town of Fort Myers Beach, Lee County Parks & Recreation and Florida Yards & Neighborhoods, Estero Bay Buddies and FDEP Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

* Kayak the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail with Lee County Parks & Recreation staff. If you don’t know how to kayak, staff will conduct how-to-kayak clinics throughout the day! * Tour the Mound House to learn about archeology, history and the environmental importance of the estuary to early Americans. * Explore the wonders of the estuaries with FDEP staff and Estero Bay Buddies. * Learn about the importance of native plants and how residents can do their part to protect the estuary. Lynda Cruz of Lee County Extension will guide a tour around the Mound House to show everyone the beauty of planting native. * There’s more. Come learn about the Treasures of the Sea, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, the John Mulholland Stewardship Award and others. * Bring a lunch to picnic on the tree-shaded benches and enjoy viewing Estero Bay as the Calusa Indians did!

Registration: No registration is necessary for this free event.

Directions: The Mound House is located on Fort Myers Beach in Lee County on Connecticut Ave and Estero Bay. Connecticut Ave is approximately 5 miles from the intersection of Summerlan and San Carlos Blvd.

Butterflies of the Estuaries*

Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, October 5 – 9:00 to 5:00 Mon to Sat and 11:00-5:00 Sunday, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

Come see a live display of all the butterflies that live in our estuaries – and the plants they require including mangroves and wildflowers.

Registration: Admission to Center is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 12. This fee includes the Butterfly Aviary, Museum, Trail and all Planetarium Shows scheduled that day.

* Show this brochure for $1.00 off admission.

Directions: From I-75 in Fort Myers take Exit 136 (was 22). Turn west on Colonial Blvd and right on Ortiz.

Mote’s Mobile Exhibit at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda

Saturday, September 27 from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

The self-contained Mobile Exhibit is a 14-wheeler trailer truck weighing 18 tons with its own generator, sink, food preparation area, chillers, filtration and water storage tank. The mobile unit includes * a touch pool of live marine invertebrates * a 850-gallon tropical fish tank of damselfishes, emperor snappers, squirrelfish, butter hamlets and tangs * a sensory awareness area with shells and other touchables.

Registration: No registration is necessary for this free event.

Directions: Take Exit 164 (was Exit 29) from I-75, travel three miles west and watch for Fishermen’s Village on the right side.

–––– Boat Tours ––––

Charlotte Harbor and Cabbage Key: A Literary Passage*

Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 to 4:00

Peace River Center for Writers

Take a day-long trip in Charlotte Harbor with a lunch stop at historic Cabbage Key Inn, built in 1938 as the winter home of mystery writer Mary Roberts Rinehart. A naturalist will comment on the wonders of the harbor and a writer will read related selections from Florida writers. The cruise will be on the King Fisher Fleet’s Good Times Too.

Registration: There is a $20 charge; lunch is not included. Advance registration is required. Call 941/575-1976 for registration process.

Directions to King Fisher Fleet /Fishermen’s Village: Take Exit 164 (was Exit 29) from I-75 in Charlotte County, travel three miles west and watch for Fishermen’s Village on the right side.

Tarpon Bay Sea Life and Nature Cruise

Friday to Sunday, September 26 to 28 from 10:00 to 11:30, 11:30 to 1:00, 1:00 to 2:30 and 2:30 to 5:00

Tarpon Bay Explorers and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Join an experienced naturalist from Tarpon Bay Explorers for a close-up look at wildlife while cruising the tranquil waters of Tarpon Bay. Located in the heart of the “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Tarpon Bay offers some of the best wildlife viewing within the Refuge. We often see dolphins and manatees and we’ll observe the Rookery Islands, home to pelicans, egrets, herons, ibis and more. You’ll learn about the mangrove estuary and hear tales about the Calusa Indians and early Sanibel. We’ll end the tour with an interactive presentation at our Touch Tank where you will discover first hand the creatures that live beneath the surface, including conchs, sea stars, horseshoe crabs and more.

Registration: Call 239/472-8900 for reservations. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12.

* Prices listed are half of the regular rate.

Directions: From the Sanibel Causeway, turn right on Periwinkle Way. At Palm Ridge Rd, veer right (signs to Captiva and Refuge). At the 4-way stop, turn right on Tarpon Bay Rd. Road will dead-end at Tarpon Bay Gift Shop.

Orange River Cruise*

Saturday, October 4 from 8:45 to 11:00

Caloosahatchee River Citizens Association (aka Riverwatch)

Join us for a trip through a scenic and historic tributary to the Caloosahatchee. Explore the estuary in small scale following the Orange River from the estuary to the inland freshwater flow. Experience both upland and wetland native habitats of old and “new” Florida and spot their inhabitants along the way. Experience first hand the ecology, habitat and wildlife unique to the scenic Orange River and estuary. Guides Rae Ann Wessel and “third generation cracker river rat” Charles Edgar Foster, who was born and raised on the banks of Caloosahatchee, will treat you to an overview of the critical role served by the tributaries to this rich estuary.

Registration: Space is limited. Advance reservations and ticket purchase required at $15.00/person. Make your reservation by calling 239/693-1434 then mail a check to CRCA, c/o Manatee World, 5605 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers FL 33905. Proceeds benefit restoration of the oxbows on the Calooshatchee to enhance water quality, habitat function and biological diversity.

Directions: Manatee World is located on SR 80/Palm Beach Blvd east of I-75 in Fort Myers.

Sea Life Excursion of Gasparilla Sound

Saturday, October 4 from 8:45 to 11:00 A.M.

Rotary Club of Placida with Grande Tours

Explore the grassy flats and sandbars of Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve with our sea life education director, marine biologist Dr. Jack Taylor. If your search is successful, you may hold a sea horse, or other fascinating sea creature in your hand. Jack or one of our other experienced leaders will identify the amazing variety of sea life found on the bottom of the Harbor.

Registration: Space is limited to 37. Call 941/697-8825 to register for this free cruise.

Directions: The tour leaves from the Fishery Docks in Placida. In Charlotte County drive south on CR 771/Gasparilla Rd approximately 8 miles to Placida. Turn east (right) into the entrance of Grande Tours (12575 Placida Rd) just after CR 771 and 775 merge and before the stoplight near the Boca Grande Causeway.

–––– Paddling ––––

4th Annual Estuary Day Paddle*

Sunday, September 21 from 8:00 and 9:00 to noon

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves, the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc., the City of Cape Coral and Gulf Coast Kayak

Join the Friends on their annual canoe/kayak paddle event on trails that meander through tidal creeks and mangrove forests of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The shallow waters of the estuary support mangroves, seagrass beds, mudflats and oyster bars, which provide habitat and foraging areas for fish, crabs, shrimp, wading birds, sea turtles, marine mammals and other aquatic critters. Easy, intermediate and advanced paddling options are available. All paddlers must return to the launch site by noon.

Registration: There is a $15 charge for FCHAP members and $20 for nonmembers. (Reservations made after September 16 are $5 more.) Children under 16 are free. This fee includes maps, refreshments and kayak instructions for novices. Advance registration is required. Call 941/575-5861 for registration forms and information. Alternate date in the event of bad weather is October 5.

Directions: Matlacha Community Park (4577 Pine Island Rd NW/SR 78) entrance is next to the Mulletville Restaurant on the south side of Pine Island Rd. Matlacha is located between Cape Coral and Little Pine Island in Lee County.

Buck Key Kayaking Adventure

Saturday, September 27 from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation in cooperation with Captiva Kayak Company

Celebrate National Estuaries Day and the preservation of Buck Key by kayaking in and around this unique island within the Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve with a SCCF naturalist. Buck Key’s mangrove shoreline, upland vegetation, cultural history and the wildlife of the area will be discussed along the way. Stable kayaks will be used and kayaking instruction will be provided. No experience necessary, just a sense of adventure and a willing spirit.

Registration: There is a $35/person charge, a portion of which will help fund the SCCF Environmental Education Fund. Call 239/472-2329 to register. Space will be limited so reservations are required.

Directions: Meet at Captiva Kayak Company in McCarthy’s Marina off Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva. Detailed directions to Captiva Kayak and necessary items to bring will be explained when reservations are made.

Paddling Tarpon Bay

Friday to Sunday, September 26 to 28 from 8:30 to 10:30 A.M.

Tarpon Bay Explorers and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Get ready for a truly unique experience. Join a naturalist from Tarpon Bay Explorers on a paddle through the mangrove tunnels along the Commodore Creek Water Trail. With an experienced guide at your side, you’ll spot wildlife many visitors never see, including herons, egrets, raccoons, mangrove crabs, starfish, mullet and more. You’ll see and learn about the back-bay ecosystem and the important roles that mangroves play in the estuary. Don’t miss this wonderfully peaceful paddle.

Registration: Call 239/472-8900 for reservations. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12.

* Prices listed are half of the regular rate.

Directions: From the Sanibel Causeway, turn right on Periwinkle Way. At Palm Ridge Rd, veer right (signs to Captiva and Refuge). At the 4-way stop, turn right on Tarpon Bay Rd. Road will dead end at Tarpon Bay Gift Shop.

Canoe/Kayak the Myakka River

Saturday, October 4 from 9:00 to 1:00 A.M.

Myakka River State Park

Join Park Biologist Chris Becker for a paddle on the Myakka River to the Lower Myakka Lake. On the way you’ll learn about the river’s wildlife and plants, water quality, hydrology, invasive exotic species, resource management and other river and estuary issues. Bring your own canoe or kayak, life jackets (required), hat, sunscreen, water, insect repellant, binoculars, a throw cushion and whistle. Be prepared to get wet and muddy.

Registration: Space is limited so reservations are required by September 27. Call 941/486-2053 or email chris.becker@dep.state.fl.us to register for this free program and to receive directions. The park entrance fee is $4 a car.

1st Annual Coral Creek-Cape Haze Estuary Day Paddle*

Saturday, October 11 from 8:00 to 9:00 A.M. to 12:30

Grande Tours and the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc.

Join the Friends of on their first annual canoe/kayak paddle event at Cape Haze. Paddle along the shallow mangrove shorelines of Gasparilla Sound and Cape Haze Aquatic Preserves. Advanced and intermediate paddlers will launch at 8:00 for Catfish Creek. Advanced paddlers will continue to Mound Key for the complete four-hour round trip paddle. Beginners will launch at 9:00 to explore the East Branch of Coral Creek, which leads into the northern interior of the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve. Highlights of all three paddles will include a close look at mangrove shoreline, seagrasses, oyster bar communities and the opportunity to view magnificent coastal birds. All paddlers must return to the launch site by 12:30.

Registration: There is a $15 charge for FCHAP members and $20 for nonmembers. (Reservations made after October 7 are $5 more.) Children under 16 are free. This fee includes maps, refreshments and kayak instructions for novices. Advance registration is required. Call 941/575-5861 for registration forms and information. Alternate date in the event of bad weather is October 12.

Directions to Grande Tours: In Charlotte County drive south on CR 771/Gasparilla Rd approximately 8 miles to Placida. Turn east (right) into the entrance of Grande Tours (12575 Placida Rd) just after CR 771 and 775 merge and before the stoplight near the Boca Grande Causeway.

–––– Guided Walks ––––

Nature Walk at Cape Coral Ecological Park

Saturday, September 20 from 9:00 to approximately 11:00 A.M.

Cape Coral Parks & Recreation

Join a naturalist on a guided walk on a 4500-foot boardwalk through the mangroves, tidal creek and salt marsh to an observation pier that stretches out into the Caloosahatchee. Watch for birds and critters along the way.

Registration: Call 239/549-4606 to register for this free event. Two walks will be offered if there is enough demand.

Directions: The Preserve is located in Cape Coral at the end of SE 23rd Terrace, a few blocks from the intersection of Del Prado and Veteran’s Parkway.

Birding on Little Pine Island

Sunday, September 28 from 8:30 to approximately 10:30

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserves and the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves

Pack up your binoculars and field guides and set out across the Little Pine Island Mitigation Bank. Look for fall migrants, raptors, warblers, woodpeckers, waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds. Learn about the ecology of the high marsh – the interface between upland pine flatwoods and mangrove shoreline – and its importance to bird populations. Mariner Properties Development, Inc. has removed exotic plants and restored the hydrology of this now thriving wetland. Wear long pants and comfortable sturdy shoes or boots as some areas are wet and muddy. Bring a cold drink and insect repellent.

Registration: Call 941/575-5861 to register for this free event.

Directions: Little Pine Island is located on Pine Island Rd/SR 78 between Matlacha and Pine Island in Lee County. The entrance is one mile west of the outskirts of Matlacha. A Mariner Properties Wetland Restoration sign is visible near the entrance. Park in the lot near the Mariner office trailer.

Trekking Cape Haze . . . off the beaten path

Sunday, October 5 from 8:45 to approximately 11:30 A.M.

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserves and the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves

Put on your boots and literally walk out through the land and sea connection! Hikers will follow an unmarked trail crossing terrain that transitions from upland scrub and scrubby flatwoods into wetland high marsh, salt flats and black mangrove savanna. Wear comfortable sturdy shoes or boots as some areas are wet and muddy. Bring a cold drink, insect repellent and a hat as shade is scarce.

Registration: Call 941/575-5861 to register for this free event.

Directions: Travel to the end of SR 771/Rotonda Trace (aka Sargassum Rd) in Charlotte County to Public Access Gate Yellow #5. This is nearly three miles after gates #3 and #4. The ditch may be wet so park along the shoulder close to the road.

Birding at Lemon Bay

Saturday, October 18 from 8:00 to 10:00 A.M.

Lemon Bay Park

October is a great time to observe the fall migrant bird populations coming to Florida for the winter season. Take a leisurely stroll with Park Naturalist Kathi Rader-Gibson along the shores of Lemon Bay while observing many species of shorebirds that inhabit the area. The group will follow the Eagle Trail through pine flatwoods to observe the bald eagles and other birds of this endearing habitat. Come prepared wearing comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellant and drinking water. The program will begin in the amphitheater just off the trail entrance.

Registration: No registration is necessary for this free event.

Directions: Travel west on SR 776 in Englewood. Turn west on Dearborn St to deadend. Turn right on Old Englewood Rd. At first bend, turn left onto Stewart St then follow the signs to Lemon Bay Park (570 Bay Park Blvd). Call 941/474-3065 with any questions.

Estuaries Live -- guidance for those developing the program