At Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, we believe in the power of nature to inspire, educate, and bring people together. From exploring the night skies during our Night Hikes to embarking on magical adventures at our Wizarding World event, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! We’re dedicated to nurturing a deeper connection between people and the natural world, offering engaging programs for all ages. Come join us for a fun-filled day of learning, exploration, and adventure—all while supporting our efforts to preserve and protect the beautiful 105-acre sanctuary that has been a community treasure for over 50 years. Don’t miss out on the fun—come nurture nature with us! 🌟
Night Hikes
February 28, March 28, April 25, May 30 (Times Vary)
Join us for an immersive night hike through our preserve, where you can listen for owls, search the sky for bats, and discover constellations. Learn how animals adapt to the darkness, all while exploring the nighttime world.
Nature Explorers
March 1 | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Join us on March 1st, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for an exciting Nature Explorers program at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers! This drop-off event, perfect for children ages 5 to 11, will take young explorers on an adventure through our solar system. We’ll dive into questions like: Which planet is the hottest? How big are Saturn’s rings? What exactly is a Dwarf Planet? This interactive experience promises a fun, hands-on way to learn about planets, stars, and space, sparking curiosity and wonder in the next generation of scientists. Tickets are available now—don't miss out on this stellar event!
Nature Speaker Series – Dr. Bill Hammond
March 12, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Dr. Bill Hammond, a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, emphasizes that nurturing nature is not only vital for preserving biodiversity but also essential for our well-being. By fostering a deeper connection to the natural world, we can develop a greater sense of responsibility to protect and sustain the environment for future generations. Dr. Hammond believes that spending time in nature has profound benefits for mental health, offering a sense of peace and renewal that is often lost in our fast-paced, technology-driven lives. He advocates for educational initiatives that encourage individuals to appreciate the intricate relationships within ecosystems and the essential role we all play in maintaining ecological balance. Nurturing nature, according to Dr. Hammond, is a responsibility that binds us together as stewards of the Earth, ensuring a healthier planet for all living beings.
Gulf Coast Life Broadcast on WGCU at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium!
March 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM
We’re excited to announce that Gulf Coast Live, airing on WGCU, will be broadcasting from Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium on March 22nd at 10 a.m.! Join us for this exciting broadcast as Gulf Coast Live highlights the beauty and educational experiences Calusa offers. From fascinating nature talks to interviews with special guests, this event will showcase the vibrant atmosphere of our 105-acre sanctuary. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of a live broadcast with Eric Raddatz while surrounded by nature’s wonders!
Wizarding World Adventure
March 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wizards, witches, and muggles alike are invited to experience the magic at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. Enjoy a magic trail, create a potion in the potions lab, sip on a butterbeer, and participate in a costume contest. There will be spell demonstrations, magical crafts, and more!
Stay tuned for official event details and ticket information!
Earth Day Birthday Celebration
April 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day at CNCP with a full day of fun for all ages! Featuring guided hikes, live animal presentations, arts and crafts, and an array of local vendors, it’s the perfect family event to learn about environmental stewardship.
Music Under the Stars
May 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of live music with Doug Sheminski opening for Andy Wahlberg at CNCP’s Music Under the Stars concert. It’s the perfect way to spend a night under the sky with great music and great company!
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are available for all upcoming CNCP events! Your support helps us continue offering these educational programs and ensures that our preserve remains a place for future generations to explore and enjoy. As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition at our events and visibility among an engaged, community-minded audience.
For more information, contact Eric Raddatz at eraddatz@calusanature.org or call 239-275-3435.
Nurture Nature Campaign: Help Us Preserve Our Sanctuary
We’re excited with the success of our "Nurture Nature" Campaign in 2025, dedicated to improving CNCP’s facilities and educational programs. Your support will help us maintain essential infrastructure, repair boardwalks, preserve local wildlife, and expand our outreach efforts. This campaign is especially important as we work to create a deeper connection between local youth and the natural world—something that’s more vital than ever in an age where technology often pulls us away from nature.
Host Your Event at CNCP
Did you know CNCP offers a unique venue for events? Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, or party, our indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beautiful natural setting for any occasion. Contact us to learn more about holding your event at CNCP.
Mesmerica: A Visual Music Journey
Every Weekend
Mesmerica is a one-of-a-kind visual music experience, blending stunning 3D art with the soothing sounds of James Hood. It’s the perfect way to relax and experience a world of hypnotic imagery and sound.
Become a Member Today
When you become a CNCP member, you enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including:
Free admission to trails, planetarium shows, and live animal talks
Discounts on camps, workshops, and select events
10% off at the gift shop
Free or discounted admission to over 180 nature centers nationwide
About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:
Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has served as Southwest Florida's premier environmental education destination for over 50 years. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for those interested in making a significant impact together with us. The 105-acre sanctuary houses butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. CNCP provides educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, scientific discovery, and a lifelong love of nature, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and advocates.
• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ace Hardware, the place with the helpful hardware folks, as well as continuing supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4 Roofing, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, HERC, SWFL PRODUCE, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, Babcock Ranch and the Fort Myers Film Festival.
• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually. Visit our YouTube channel for fun videos! ! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date!
Media Contact:
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.calusanature.org or contact Eric Raddatz, Executive Director, at eraddatz@calusanature.org.
Phone: (239) 275-3435
Website: calusanature.org
#HolidayLights #SantaMeetAndGreet #HolidayLaserShows #SupportWildlife #NatureLovers #ExploreNature #CalusaNature #NurtureNature
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