Lee County Parks & Recreation invites visitors and residents to explore nature at beaches and shorelines.

Exploring Ethnobotany Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. – Learn how indigenous plants can be used for such things as food, shelter, medicine and clothing. Find out about the historical importance of some of Florida’s plants to humans.

These walks meet the last Wednesday of every month.

Meet at the entrance to Matanzas Pass Preserve. This is a free walk and parking is free but space is limited so come early. Matanzas Pass Preserve is located at 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach. For more information visit their website at www.leeparks.org, www.calusablueway.com, or call (239) 463-3764.

Bird Patrol Tours Saturday, Aug. 14, 8- 10 a.m. – Bunche Beach is known as one of the best birding sites in Lee County. Join Lee County Bird Patrol volunteers as they share information on the contribution birds make to the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Bring binoculars, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, bug spray and drinking water. Meet at the picnic tables on the beach.

This is a free walk and parking is $1 per hour starting in August. Bunche Beach is located at 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers Beach. To find out more information on birding visit www.birdpatrol.org, visit their website at www.leeparks.org, or call (239) 463-3764.

Low Tide Loafing at Sunset Tuesday, Aug. 24, 6-7 p.m. – Join a naturalist and leisurely explore the mud flats to see what mysteries the low tide reveals while enjoying a spectacular Florida sunset. Bring your camera, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, bug spray, and drinking water.

Days and times will vary due to tide and sunset. Meet in the parking area by the beach. This is a free walk and parking is $1 per hour starting in August. Bunche Beach is located at 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers Beach. For more information, visit our website at www.leeparks.org, www.calusablueway.com, or call (239) 463-3764. 2010 CALENDAR LISTING

Free Guided Walk – Exploring Ethnobotany: Aug 25, Sept 29, Oct 27, Nov 24, and Dec 29, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet at Matanzas Pass Preserve entrance, 199 Bay Rd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Information: (239) 463-3764 or to register: (239) 533-7440/www.leeparks.org

Check out www.calusablueway.com

Free Guided Walk Bird Patrol Tour: Aug 14, 8-10 a.m., Sept 11, 8-10 a.m., Oct 9, 8-10 a.m., Nov 13, 9-11 a.m., and Dec 11, 8-10 a.m. Meet at Bunch Beach Preserve, 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers Beach. For information call (239) 463-3764 or to register, call (239) 533-7440/www.leeparks.org.

Check out www.birdpatrol.org

Free Guided Walk Low Tide Loafing at Sunset: Aug 24, 6-7 p.m., Sept 21, 5:30-6:30p.m., Oct 21, 5:30-6:30p.m., Nov 23, 4:30-5:30p.m., and Dec 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Meet at Bunch Beach Preserve, 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers Beach. For more information, call (239) 463-3764 or to register: (239) 533-7440/www.leeparks.org Check out www.calusablueway.com.