Guided Nature Walks, Saturday, April 17, 3 – 5 p.m.

Join park staff on a stroll through natural plant communities. See first hand the plants and animals that make southwest Florida so unique. Participants should be able to walk approximately one and a half miles. Please dress appropriately and bring a water bottle. We will meet at the main entrance of the park at 18500 North River Rd. There is no cost to participate in this program and registration is not required. Limit 25 participants. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call Kelly at (239) 693 – 2690.

Preschool Program Animal Babies

Tuesday, April 6, 0 11:30 a.m.

3 5-year-olds

What do joeys, goslings, tadpoles, and caterpillars have in common? They are the names of animal babies. Today for preschool we will learn the names of animal babies, play games, sing songs and make a craft to learn about animal babies. We will meet at the campground entrance at 19130 North River Rd. Maximum 20 participants. This program may be cancelled if the minimum of 6 participants is not met. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533 – 7440.

WOMEN’S OUTDOOR WEEKEND

April 9, 10, and 11. You’ll experience tent camping, campfires, hayride, kayaking, wood burning, archery, fishing, camp cooking, basket making and stargazing, with a little help from local outdoors-women. Additional workshops may include birding, earth crafts, night hike, hay ride, biking, night hike and more. Come out to relax around the campfire; don’t forget to bring your friends, sisters, and moms. If you have questions on what to bring or would like additional information call Cindy at (239) 694 0398. $60 per person. Register online at www.leeparks.org.

Tuesday, April 13, 9 to 11 a.m.

Oxbow Kayak Trip and Paddling Clinic

Join our guide as we teach the basics on kayaking. This class will introduce you to the basic techniques of paddling, and then you will have the opportunity to use your new skills for a guided trip.

We will paddle the beautiful oxbow islands of the Caloosahatchee River for a two hour peaceful and relaxing guided instructional tour. Be prepared to experience nature at its best. The tour is perfect for all ages and abilities. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All kayaking equipment is provided. Bring your own drink, lunch, sunscreen, binoculars and clothing/shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the campground entrance at 19130 North River Rd. $25 per person. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533 – 7440.

EARTH DAY! Oxbow Kayak Trip and Paddling Clinic

Thursday, April 22, 9 to 11 a.m.

Join our guide as we teach the basics on kayaking. This class will introduce you to the basic techniques of paddling, and then you will have the opportunity to use your new skills for a guided trip. We will paddle the beautiful oxbow islands of the Caloosahatchee River for a two hour peaceful and relaxing guided instructional tour.

Be prepared to experience nature at its best. The tour is perfect for all ages and abilities. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All kayaking equipment is provided. Bring your own drink, lunch, sunscreen, binoculars and clothing/shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the campground entrance at 19130 North River Rd. $25 per person. For more information call (239) 693 – 2690. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533 – 7440.

Home School Orienteering

Thursday, April 15, 2 to 4 p.m.

8 12- year-olds

GPS machines are only good until the batteries die but compasses always work. Students will learn how to use a compass and then test their skills on the orienteering course. The winning team will receive a prize. We will meet at the campground entrance at 19130 North River Rd. Age 8 – 12 no exceptions. $5 per student. A parking fee is required. Call Kelly for more information at (239) 693 – 2690. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533- 7440.

XTERRA TRIATHLON

Sunday, April 18,

6 a.m. to noon

Swim: 0.5 miles, Mountain Bike: 13 miles, Trail Run: 4 miles. Or you can pick option two: 1 mile run, 13 mile bike and 4 mile run (run/bike/run). The bike and run course will take athletes through the shadows of moss-laden river oak hammocks, along the banks of the Caloosahatchee, under canopies of sabal palms and past acres of saw palmettos.

Enjoy the views on the south side because after crossing North River Road (CR 78), the trail narrows to a single path, the meanders become hairpins with plenty of roots and ruts begging for attention, with a few overhanging head knockers that can get your attention. The trails are not technically difficult; there are some steep cuts up and down the berms that do require your attention. Roots and ruts are numerous.

The trail is mostly packed dirt or shell, some soft sand and a few rocky spots. The swim will take place in the Caloosahatchee River. The route will be in the shape of a large triangle. Swimmers will start and finish on the dock area, swimming in counter-clockwise 2 loop triangle. Race start time is 8am. Register early at www.tntraces.com. Guarantee yourself a spot in the race. The race is limited to the first 200 racers.

Basket Making Class

Saturday, April 24, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Learn techniques in basketry using natural materials. All materials will be provided. This program will meet at the lodge. $15 per person. Call Cindy for more information at (239) 694 0398. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533- 7440.

Caloosahatchee to Hickey’s Creek Kayak Trip

Thursday, April 29, 9 to 3 p.m.

This six-hour kayak trip begins and ends at Caloosahatchee Regional Park campground. Paddlers should be experienced and/or be in good physical condition for a five-mile roundtrip paddle on the Great Calusa Blueway which includes Hickey’s Creek, one of the areas most scenic waterways. We’ll eat lunch and hike at Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park before paddling back. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

All kayaking equipment is provided. Bring your own drink, lunch, sunscreen, binoculars and clothing/shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the campground entrance at 19130 North River Rd. $40 per person. For more information call (239) 693-2690. Register online at www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533 – 7440.

Caloosahatchee Regional Park is a Lee County park located at 18500 North River Rd. in Alva, just north of Lehigh. The park features 768 acres of pine flatwoods, scrub oak, cypress swamps and oak hammocks. Crossing through them, you’ll find more than 18 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. Primitive camping sites for families and groups are available, along with equestrian sites for people with horses. Kayaking and fishing are available along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Find us online at www.leeparks.org.