Free Programs at Polk's Nature Discovery Center

Polk’s Nature Discovery Center Offers Free Programs

Posted by Polk County Board of County Commissioners on Aug 2, 2011 in Education, Environment, Government, Home/Garden, Organization | 0 comments

BARTOW – Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve will host free nature-based, educational programs through August.

To celebrate butterflies, dragonflies and other winged wildlife, August’s theme is “Up in Wings.” Sign up for a workshop, a tram tour or just visit and enjoy Polk County’s water,
wildlife and wilderness.

All activities are free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. Sign up at the reception desk or by calling (863) 668-4673 x205. Tram nature tour sign-ups begin on the first working day of each month.

Saturday, August 6

*9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Nature Tour (Tram Tour). Requires sign up. Tour the Banana Creek Marsh with guides who will point out plants, birds and history of the property.

Wednesday, August 10

*9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Nature Tour (Electric Tram Tour). Requires sign up.
Take a personalized electric tram tour of the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and provide a brief history of the property.

Saturday, August 13

*9 a.m. – 11 a.m. It Matters What You Grow, “Dirt Day.” Requires sign up. Become a Magnify EcoFriend and attend monthly club meetings to learn which plants save water and help Mother Earth. Each month kids will plant seeds or take cuttings for special plants to grow in parks and one to take home for their own yard or garden. This month,
participants should bring a shovel to help plant cypress trees and wiregrass around the Nature Center for visitors to enjoy. Seeds and cuttings from prior Dirt Day programs will be available to propagate and “take-home.” * Children must be accompanied by an adult.

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Birding by Habitat. In this final session of Birding 101, explore different ecosystems and the birds that thrive in them. Habitats of individual species may be used as clues for proper identification. To learn more about this workshop, please
visit www.lakeregionaudubon.org.

7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Astronomy Night. Beginners and seasoned astronomers gaze into the stars and learn about the amazing world of astronomy. Powerful telescopes will provide unbelievable views. Meet in the orientation workshop for an introduction into the night sky and then step outside for the big show. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. This month participants will focus on star clusters and hopefully have a chance to see Saturn. We will “focus” on anything participants are interested in. *Space is limited, please sign up. Astronomy night will go on rain or shine.

Saturday, August 20

*9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Butterfly Hike with Tram Tour. Requires sign up. Join Buck and Linda Cooper, two local butterfly experts, for a presentation on native butterflies followed by a hike and a tram tour. Participants will scope out the butterflies that call Circle B Bar Reserve home. This workshop includes an outdoor portion so come prepared for Florida’s summer weather conditions.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Discovery
Center Activities. Join us for a Discovery Kids Activity. This activity will be on-going, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Bee’s Birthday Surprise. Bring the whole family and join author Terri Kowalski for a special reading of her newest story, “Bee’s Birthday Surprise.”

Sunday, August 21

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Discovery Center Activities. Join us for a Discovery Kids Activity. This activity will be on-going, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, August 24

*9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Nature Tour (Electric Tram Tour). Requires sign up.
Take a personalized tour the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and history of the property.

Saturday, August 28

*9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Flowers in Bloom (Electric Tram Tour). Requires sign up.
What’s in bloom at Circle B Bar Reserve? Find out on a personal tour led by Circle B Bar Reserve wildflower expert Ben Bindschadler.

For more information or to sign up for any of the programs, call Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at (863) 668-4673 x205. Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve is located at 4399 Winter Lake Road in Lakeland. Event registration begins on the
first working day of each month.

Visit Polk County on the web, www.polk-county.net. Celebrate Polk, www.polkproud150.com.