By Gary Mooney
thewritestuff25@gmail.com
While COVID-19 forced the closure of many of our region’s family nature-related activities, the Historic Mound House, on Fort Myers Beach at 451 Connecticut Street and on the National Register of Historic Places, still offers several outdoor events for all ages, complete with COVID-19 precautions. The Mound House itself, however, is closed to the public for the foreseeable future. For reservations, updates, and a program schedule, call 239-765-0865 or see www.moundhouse.org.
Friday, August 28: “Family Fun Kayak Tour”: Ages 6 & up weather permitting, 9 a.m.
Fun for the whole family on a specially-designed Environmental Educator-guided kayak tour! See birds, dolphins, manatee, and other wildlife as we paddle through the Estero Bay mangroves. Your family must have children between the ages of 6 to 11 to qualify, with advance registration necessary. $25-per-person age 13 & up; $15-per-person ages 6 to 12. The Mound House provides all equipment, with CDC and Social Distancing in place; All Participants MUST wear a mask on land! Maximum of 8 people per program.
Saturday, August 29: “Mangroves by Kayak Tour”: Ages 12 & up weather permitting at 8:30 a.m.
Explore the winding mangrove creeks and the hidden waters of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve as only a kayaker can on this Environmental Educator-guided tour of the ancient realm of the Calusa! Witness birds, fish, manatee and dolphins as you paddle through the natural beauty of Estero and Hell Peckney Bays in a tandem kayak. All paddling & safety equipment provided, with kayak tours in accordance with Florida Society of Ethical Ecotourism guidelines. $45-per-person; Mound House members $15. Advance reservations necessary; private tours available. CDC and Social Distancing guideline in place & All Participants MUST wear a mask on land! 8 paddlers per tour.
Saturday, August 29: “Gardens of the Mound House Outdoor Tour”: All ages weather permitting at 11 a.m.
See what is blooming and growing in the Mound House Gardens that make them a great place for local wildlife! Perfect for families and adults, with CDC and Social Distancing in place and All Participants MUST wear a mask! $5-per-person, Mound House members Free.
Tuesday, September 1: FREE “Newton Beach Park Guided Beach Walk”: All ages weather permitting at 9 a.m.
This twice-weekly free outdoor nature program is different every single time, as the “Guided Beach Walks” have a simple premise – the groups walk roughly a half-mile down the beach and back, discussing whatever you find that particular morning, with the wind and waves dictating what comes up each day. Meet at the thatched hut closest to the beach, with CDC and Social Distancing in place and face masks MANDATORY. In addition to your face mask, bring sunscreen, shoes to get wet, sunglasses, and hat if necessary. No reservations necessary; while free, parking is $3-per-hour, with one hour generally enough.
Tuesday, September 1: “Gardens of the Mound House Outdoor Tour”: All ages weather permitting at 11 a.m.
See what is blooming and growing in the Mound House Gardens that make them a great place for local wildlife! Perfect for families and adults, with CDC and Social Distancing in place and All Participants MUST wear a mask! $5-per-person, Mound House members Free.
Wednesday, September 2: “Mangroves by Kayak Tour”: Ages 12 & up weather permitting at 8:30 a.m.
Explore the winding mangrove creeks and the hidden waters of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve as only a kayaker can on this Environmental Educator-guided tour of the ancient realm of the Calusa! Witness birds, fish, manatee and dolphins as you paddle through the natural beauty of Estero and Hell Peckney Bays in a tandem kayak. All paddling & safety equipment provided, with kayak tours in accordance with Florida Society of Ethical Ecotourism guidelines. $45-per-person; Mound House members $15. Advance reservations necessary; private tours available. CDC and Social Distancing guideline in place & All Participants MUST wear a mask on land! 8 paddlers per tour.
Thursday, September 3: FREE “Newton Beach Park Guided Beach Walk”: All ages weather permitting at 9 a.m.
This twice-weekly free outdoor nature program is different every single time, as the “Guided Beach Walks” have a simple premise – the groups walk roughly a half-mile down the beach and back, discussing whatever you find that particular morning, with the wind and waves dictating what comes up each day. Meet at the thatched hut closest to the beach, with CDC and Social Distancing in place and face masks MANDATORY. In addition to your face mask, bring sunscreen, shoes to get wet, sunglasses, and hat if necessary. No reservations necessary; while free, parking is $3-per-hour, with one hour generally enough.
Thursday, September 3: “Gardens of the Mound House Outdoor Tour”: All ages weather permitting at 11 a.m.
See what is blooming and growing in the Mound House Gardens that make them a great place for local wildlife! Perfect for families and adults, with CDC and Social Distancing in place and All Participants MUST wear a mask! $5-per-person, Mound House members Free.
Friday, September 4: “Mangroves by Kayak Tour”: Ages 12 & up weather permitting at 8:30 a.m.
Explore the winding mangrove creeks and the hidden waters of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve as only a kayaker can on this Environmental Educator-guided tour of the ancient realm of the Calusa! Witness birds, fish, manatee and dolphins as you paddle through the natural beauty of Estero and Hell Peckney Bays in a tandem kayak. All paddling & safety equipment provided, with kayak tours in accordance with Florida Society of Ethical Ecotourism guidelines. $45-per-person; Mound House members $15. Advance reservations necessary; private tours available. CDC and Social Distancing guideline in place & All Participants MUST wear a mask on land! 8 paddlers per tour.
Saturday, September 5: “Family Fun Kayak Tour”: Ages 6 & up weather permitting, 9 a.m.
Fun for the whole family on a specially-designed Environmental Educator-guided kayak tour! See birds, dolphins, manatee, and other wildlife as we paddle through the Estero Bay mangroves. Your family must have children between the ages of 6 to 11 to qualify, with advance registration necessary. $25-per-person age 13 & up; $15-per-person ages 6 to 12. The Mound House provides all equipment, with CDC and Social Distancing in place; All Participants MUST wear a mask on land! Maximum of 8 people per program.
NEW PROGRAM: Saturday, September 5: “Family Adventures”: Adults & Children age 5 & older weather permitting at 1 p.m.
Explore everything fun at the Mound House on this outdoor activity, as interpretive staff leads families through entertaining and educational experiences you will remember for a lifetime! All participants must wear a mask.
