Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium | February events
The February events at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium which is at 3450 Ortiz Ave. in Fort Myers. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed to the public on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and preservation. The center’s 105-acre site is home to many rescue animals, two nature trails, a planetarium theater, a bird aviary, a walk-through butterfly aviary, dozens of exhibits including terrariums, aquariums, dioramas and historical artifacts from both Earth and space – plus welcoming areas available to rent for your gatherings and celebrations.
• Creepy Crawly Day | Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Come on in for a day of all things creepy and crawly. Learn about insects, eat bugs, interact with slithery snakes and watch a special Planetarium show in honor of the creepiest crawlers. One of the center’s most popular annual events. Free for CNCP members, $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 3-12.
• Sensory Sunday | Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m.
Great Planet Adventures - Come see what fun activities and sports astronauts might try in the future on the different bodies we might visit in our solar system. Introduces the Solar System in a playful way, great for kids (and their adults as well). This sensory-friendly planetarium show is open to everyone, even if you don’t have special sensory considerations. Cost is $5 per person. Admission to CNCP not included. Register at calusanature.org.
• Nature Speaker Series: “Early Nature Artists in Florida” | Feb. 14
Christopher Fasolino will talk about his book, “Early Nature Artists in Florida.” Florida’s amazing landscapes and fascinating wildlife were sources of inspiration for early naturalists seeking new horizons. Chris’s engaging book, highlighting the art and travels of Mark Catesby, William Bartram and John James Audubon, is available for sale in the center’s gift shop now and will be available for sale the night of the presentation. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m. Free for CNCP members, $15 for non-members. Register at calusanature.org.
• Planetarium premiere of “Tales of a Time Traveler” | Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.
Grab your companion for the planetarium’s premiere showing of “Tales of a Time Traveler” narrated by Dr. Who’s David Tennant. Tennant guides visitors on a cosmic journey through space and – of course – time. Free for CNCP members and $15 for non-members. Register at calusanature.org.
• Night Hike | Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Watch the sky for bats, listen for owls, and search the night sky for constellations. Through a series of hands-on activities, you will learn how animals use their senses to thrive in the darkness. This walk starts just after sunset so please wear close-toed shoes and be prepared for rain and mosquitoes. These night hikes are an awesome educational experience with minimal flashlight use. While wonderful for most ages, it may not be appropriate for very young children. $20 per person. Register at calusanature.org.
• Explore the Shore | Feb. 28
Join the center on the fourth Wednesday of every month for a beachcombing trip at Bowditch Point Park from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Have you ever wondered what animals used to live in the shells you find at the beach? Or how to identify all the little birds flying and feeding along the shoreline? Maybe you’ve wondered how the dune plants can withstand big storms? And what about those weird, slimy blobs that wash up on the sand when the tide goes out? Come along on a beachcombing trip where a naturalists will answer these questions and more. You’ll learn about all sorts of impressive wildlife found on our local beaches as well as how to find and identify them. Participants will meet a Naturalist at Bowditch Point parking lot and be aware there is an extra $2 parking fee per hour. You will be outside at the beach for the whole program. Please dress accordingly and bring your preferred sunscreen and bug spray, plenty of water, a hat, and closed-toed shoes that can get wet. Cost is $20 per person. Registration required at calusanature.orgc.


