WOW Festival scheduled for end of month
Wings Over Water Festival logo
Mark your calendars for one of Lehigh Acres’s most popular celebrations with the Wings Over Water Festival, set Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It is the fourth year for the WOW Festival and each year the crowds are becoming larger as people discover one of Lehigh’s greatest gems – Harns Marsh.
Sponsored by the East County Water Control District, the two-day event is free and family oriented so bring the children, officials said.
Featured are information about Southwest Florida’s natural resources and presentations from experts, several exhibits from area organizations, children’s activities, food, guided walks and a rubber duck race put on by the Greater Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce.
J. Nathan Stout, chairman of the ECWCD board, said the festival showcases the importance of the district’s mission and provides an opportunity for the public to connect with local organizations and experience nature through an array of interactive experiences.
The ECWCD meets monthly at its offices on East County Lane and works to preserve and protect the water resources within its boundaries. At the start of the early 1980s, it transformed the 578-acre farmland now know as Harns Marsh into an active stormwater facility to filter water and reduce flooding to the Orange River.
The water control structures have helped create a lush habitat for snail kites, limpkin and more than 160 species. It is a favorite place for bird watchers.
A nature walk from 8 to 11 a.m. kicks off Friday’s activities. Walkers can learn the history of Harns Marsh, learn about its water control features and discover the flora and fauna, officials said in a news release.
ECWCD Manager David Lindsay and Cathy Olson, land stewardship manager with Lee County Parks and Recreation, will then talk about the future plans and development for the marsh and its western parts.
Like all events at the festival, it is free. To give organizers an idea of how many people will attend, go online and make reservations at: wowfestivalnaturewalk-friday-feb-28.eventbrite.com.
On Saturday – the Festival Community Day – the events have grown to include more vendors, exhibitors, a farmer’s market and a native plant sale.
There are several presentations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They include talks by experts and exhibitions by wildlife and education-related organizations and businesses.
A farmer’s market by Healthy Harvest, native plant sale by Hickory Hammock Native Tree Farms and the rubber duck races will tale place, as well as food and drinks for sale, children’s activities and more.
The Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District will take blood pressure for free. There will be numerous educational exhibits by local organizations and businesses, guided walks and viewing of various species of flora and fauna.
Home Depot will host a free children’s activity to build birdhouses while supplies last, festival promoters said.
Lehigh resident Mark Renz, a well-known fossil collector and author, will talk about the fossils he has found in Florida including many prehistoric finds. He will offer as a special addition this year – a walk on Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. before the festival begins.
He is going to talk about how to “How to be Yourself Behind a Camera.” His pictures have been published internationally in magazines, newspapers and books.
“So bring your camera with you for some great opportunities to take some good shots,” Renz said.
Many of his photos can be found online on Facebook.
Space is limited, so reservations are required at: wowfestnaturewalk-markrenz-sat-feb-28.eventbrite.com.
Also on hand will be Chad Crawford, the host of TV’s “How to do Florida.” Learn the importance of and excitement experiencing the state’s great outdoors.
There will be a live butterfly display and other activities.
Harns Marsh is located at 38th Street West in Fort Myers.
Head north from Lee Boulevard on Sunshine Boulevard. Turn left on Olive Avenue North, then turn left on 38th Street West.
WOW Festival scheduled for end of month
Wings Over Water Festival logo
Mark your calendars for one of Lehigh Acres’s most popular celebrations with the Wings Over Water Festival, set Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It is the fourth year for the WOW Festival and each year the crowds are becoming larger as people discover one of Lehigh’s greatest gems – Harns Marsh.
Sponsored by the East County Water Control District, the two-day event is free and family oriented so bring the children, officials said.
Featured are information about Southwest Florida’s natural resources and presentations from experts, several exhibits from area organizations, children’s activities, food, guided walks and a rubber duck race put on by the Greater Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce.
J. Nathan Stout, chairman of the ECWCD board, said the festival showcases the importance of the district’s mission and provides an opportunity for the public to connect with local organizations and experience nature through an array of interactive experiences.
The ECWCD meets monthly at its offices on East County Lane and works to preserve and protect the water resources within its boundaries. At the start of the early 1980s, it transformed the 578-acre farmland now know as Harns Marsh into an active stormwater facility to filter water and reduce flooding to the Orange River.
The water control structures have helped create a lush habitat for snail kites, limpkin and more than 160 species. It is a favorite place for bird watchers.
A nature walk from 8 to 11 a.m. kicks off Friday’s activities. Walkers can learn the history of Harns Marsh, learn about its water control features and discover the flora and fauna, officials said in a news release.
ECWCD Manager David Lindsay and Cathy Olson, land stewardship manager with Lee County Parks and Recreation, will then talk about the future plans and development for the marsh and its western parts.
Like all events at the festival, it is free. To give organizers an idea of how many people will attend, go online and make reservations at: wowfestivalnaturewalk-friday-feb-28.eventbrite.com.
On Saturday – the Festival Community Day – the events have grown to include more vendors, exhibitors, a farmer’s market and a native plant sale.
There are several presentations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They include talks by experts and exhibitions by wildlife and education-related organizations and businesses.
A farmer’s market by Healthy Harvest, native plant sale by Hickory Hammock Native Tree Farms and the rubber duck races will tale place, as well as food and drinks for sale, children’s activities and more.
The Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District will take blood pressure for free. There will be numerous educational exhibits by local organizations and businesses, guided walks and viewing of various species of flora and fauna.
Home Depot will host a free children’s activity to build birdhouses while supplies last, festival promoters said.
Lehigh resident Mark Renz, a well-known fossil collector and author, will talk about the fossils he has found in Florida including many prehistoric finds. He will offer as a special addition this year – a walk on Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m. before the festival begins.
He is going to talk about how to “How to be Yourself Behind a Camera.” His pictures have been published internationally in magazines, newspapers and books.
“So bring your camera with you for some great opportunities to take some good shots,” Renz said.
Many of his photos can be found online on Facebook.
Space is limited, so reservations are required at: wowfestnaturewalk-markrenz-sat-feb-28.eventbrite.com.
Also on hand will be Chad Crawford, the host of TV’s “How to do Florida.” Learn the importance of and excitement experiencing the state’s great outdoors.
There will be a live butterfly display and other activities.
Harns Marsh is located at 38th Street West in Fort Myers.
Head north from Lee Boulevard on Sunshine Boulevard. Turn left on Olive Avenue North, then turn left on 38th Street West.
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