The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a private, not for profit, environmental education organization located in Fort Myers, Florida. The 105 acre site has a museum, three nature trails, a Planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries, a gift shop and meeting and picnic areas.
Location: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
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This 279 acre facility features 158 acres of freshwater quarry lake. The lake also supports an array of wildlife, including the American Alligator. A variety of birds including Ibis, Egrets, Herons, Cormorants and Anhingas will offer good bird watching. Other activities include bicycle rentals, miniature train rides, fishing, large playground, waterplay area, picnic areas, and more.
Location: 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907
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The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations. J. N. "Ding" Darling is one of over 540 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Location: 1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel, FL 33957
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ECHO stands for Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization and is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization located on a demonstration farm in North Fort Myers, FL. Guided tours of the Farm are available and teach visitors about agricultural issues in developing countries, while highlighting some solutions to growing food under harsh conditions. The farm has different demonstration areas on the farm teaching about various methods of farming and growing food in the different areas of the world.
Location: 17391 Durrance Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33917
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Manatee Park
Opened in 1996, this 17 acre Regional Park is built and operated through a cooperative effort of partners & sponsors. While the land is owned by Florida Power & Light, the facilities were originally funded by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Optimum viewing times are between the months of November and March due to the cooler gulf temperature. Manatee Park is a non-captive refuge for the Florida Manatee. Manatees are generally not present during the warm summer months. The park has an extensive butterfly garden.
Location: 10901 State Road 80 (Palm Beach Blvd.) Fort Myers, FL 33905
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