Conservancy Nature Center says welcome back

Conservancy staffer Kelly Sowers with a red rat snake. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center reopened to the public Nov. 1 and is offering visitors free admission through December. Donations are encouraged at the Guest Services Desk.

Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Electric boat rides are not offered, as fallen mangroves and other vegetation are blocking the old Gordon River channel owned by Collier County that is used by the electric boats. The Conservancy is working with the county to secure permitting and to clear the area as safely and quickly as possible.

While the Conservancy Nature Center continues its $17 million renovations, parking at the center is limited. However, guests can still enjoy the following wildlife activities on a daily basis:

• 10 a.m. and noon – Secrets of Sea Turtles

• 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Snakes Alive!

• 1 p.m. – Wild about Wildlife (with live birds on Wednesday and Saturday)

• 3 p.m. – Sea Turtle Feeding

The Conservancy Discovery Center and Nature Store are open, and kayak rentals are available.

Since 1964, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has operated as a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Headquarters are at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14th Avenue North. The Conservancy’s $17 million renovation project to create a sustainable campus is just one element of its “Saving Southwest Florida” $33 million capital campaign. For information, call 262-0304 or visit www. conservancy.org. 