By Gary Mooney
thewritestuff25@gmail.com
While Fort Myers Beach may be best known for its sugar-white sandy beaches, it is home as well to one of Southwest Florida’s most-beloved historic attractions – the Mound House! The home and gardens, now on the National Register of Historic Places,
traces our region’s past from the Calusa Indians from 2,000 years ago through today. While COVID-19 forces the closure of the Mound House for the foreseeable future, like many other family sites, it still offers several outdoor nature and education events for all
ages, complete with appropriate precautions. The Historic Mound House on Fort Myers Beach is at 451 Connecticut Street; for reservations, updates and a program schedule, call 239-765-0865 or see www.moundhouse.org.
Thursday, September 10: 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 10: “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 11: “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 12: “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.
NEW PROGRAM: Saturday, September 12: “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. $2-per-person
Tuesday, September 15: 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. Newton Beach Park is mid-island at 4650 Estero Boulevard; 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 15: “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 16: “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 people per tour.
Thursday, September 17: 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 17: “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 18: “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 19: “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 19: “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. $2-per-person.
