Environmental Programs

Beach Treasures

Beachcombing is a favorite Florida pastime.  With warm sunshine, cool breezes, sand between your toes, the sound of the surf, and the smell of the salty sea air, what’s not to love?  Learn all about the shells and other treasures found on Boca’s Beaches, then join one of our expert beachcombers in search of the mysteries the sea has left behind! 

• Advanced reservations are recommended; call 561-544-8605 to register for this free program.  
• All ages: children under 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian.
• Wednesdays: January 4, February 2; 2:00-3:30 pm 
• Fridays: December 23, January 20, February 17, March 31; 2:00-3:30 pm
• Tuesday, March 7; 2:00-3:30 pm 

Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.

Citizen Science Squad

Gain hands-on field experience by participating in a different scientific data collection project each month. Our educational activities support conservation-based projects that relate to Gumbo Limbo’s mission.

• Ages 9 -13; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
• Sundays: January 22, February 19, March 19; 10:00-11:00 am
• Cost per person:  City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $5; All others $8

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac.  If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.  Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.  Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.

Early Birding with Al

Pick up some new skills or sharpen the old ones!  Join us for a free early morning birding adventure at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.   Learn about our native and migratory birds from an experienced birder, as we walk the Ashley Trail and the boardwalk in search of warblers, gnatcatchers, woodpeckers, and other avian species.  Binoculars recommended. 

• Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• Thursdays: December 29, January 26, February 23, March 30; 8:30-10:00 am

Reservations not required.  Meet on the front porch of the Nature Center.   Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. 

EcoWatch Lecture Series – On the Cutting Edge of Conservation!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future.  

Lectures will be held from November through April in the Community Room at the Downtown Library, 400 NW 2nd Ave, Boca Raton.  

• Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free monthly programs; please call (561)544-8605 to reserve. 
• Ages 10 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Wednesdays: December 28, January 25, February 15, March 15, April 19; 6:30-8:00 pm

January's Talk

Magnificent Manatees with Manatee Lagoon - An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® 

Rachel Shanker, Conservation Liaison and Educator

From manatee basics to current conservation efforts, learn all about these magnificent marine mammals, the ecosystems they call home and what you can do to help! Manatee Lagoon - An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is a free, educational attraction with the mission to educate the public about manatees and the Lake Worth Lagoon, and to inspire communities to conserve and protect Florida’s environment and wildlife for future generations. For decades, manatees have been attracted to the warm-water outflows of Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. The best opportunity to witness these gentle giants at Manatee Lagoon is Nov. 15 through March 31 when local water temperatures drop and go below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors to Manatee Lagoon can share an experience the whole family can enjoy.

 Wednesday, January 25, 6:30 pm
Boca Raton Library - Downtown
400 NW 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Pre-register by calling 561-544-8605

Golden Hour Guided Tours   

Join us for an after-hours tour through Gumbo Limbo’s open-air butterfly garden, Ashley Nature Trail, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, and lighted outdoor aquariums, beginning with peaceful sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway.  Parts of the tour take place on a mulched trail, please call if you have accessibility questions.  

• Ages 7 and up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
• Tuesdays: January 3, January 17, February 7, February 21; 5:30-7:00 pm
• Fridays: January 13, January 27, February 17; 5:30-7:00 pm
• Tuesdays: March 14, March 28; 6:00-7:30 pm (Note later time)
• Fridays: March 3, March 24; 6:00-7:30 pm (Note later time) 
• Cost per person:  City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $10; all others $13.  

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac.  If you do not have a WebTrac.  account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.

Greener with Gumbo: Sustainable Living Workshops   

Are you ready for some sustainable New Year’s Resolutions?  Go Green with Gumbo Limbo!  Discover ways to live more sustainably in 2023 by attending one, two, or all three of our workshops.  All workshops include an interactive presentation and a DIY planet-friendly project to take home.

• Adult and children ages 12 and up; children under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered parent/guardian.
• Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 am:                                                           January 28 - Sustainability Indoors!                                         February 25 - Sustainability Outdoors!
  March 25 - Sustainability Every Day!
• Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $9; all others $12 

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac.  If you do not have a WebTrac.  account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.

Home School Workshops   

Join Gumbo Limbo Educators for super science-based lessons for your homeschool students, ages 3-12.  Participate in science activities related to the monthly topic, prepared specifically with your student’s age group in mind. 

Students will be divided into three age groups: 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years. Parents/guardians stay with ages 3-5 ONLY; younger/older siblings must participate in their own age groups.

• Ages 3-12 
• Wednesdays: January 18, February 15, March 15; 2:00-3:30 pm (2:00-3:00 pm for ages 3-5)
• Cost per Child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $5 (siblings $3); all others $8 (siblings $5).

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac.  If you do not have a WebTrac.  account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.

Intracoastal Adventures Kayaking & Canoeing

Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise!  Explore the Intracoastal shores by kayak or canoe while learning about the fascinating mangrove and estuary ecosystems of South Florida.

Must have appropriate kayaking/canoeing experience and be able to get in and out of a kayak/canoe without assistance. Advanced programs are not suitable for beginner paddlers.

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is canceled.

Intro to Canoeing

Not quite experienced enough to confidently make your way through waves, wind, and boat channels?  This program is for you! We provide opportunities to get more familiar with paddle strokes and navigating, get comfortable out on the open water, and learn the best techniques to avoid tipping, all while enjoying the shallow waters along the edge of the Intracoastal.  Canoes hold 2-3 people (single canoers will be paired with staff or another single participant).

• Ages: 13-adult; children under 18 must sign-up and paddle with a registered adult.
• Sundays: January 15, February 12; 10:00-11:30 am
• Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $20; all others $25

Advanced Canoeing

This program is for experienced canoers who are comfortable steering and maneuvering a canoe, crossing busy Intracoastal boat traffic, and paddling in open water. Canoes hold 2-3 people (single canoers will be paired with staff or another single participant).

• Ages 13-adult; minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
• Saturdays: January 7, February 18; 9:30-11:00 am
• Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $20; all others $25 

For the safety of our participants and instructors, paddlers who are not able to safely maneuver a boat will return to the shore and a refund will be issued.

Kayaking

This program is for experienced kayakers who are comfortable paddling in a single or tandem kayak, crossing busy Intracoastal boat traffic and maneuvering in shallow water around branches, roots and logs. Single/tandem kayaks will be assigned to couples/groups as available.

• Ages 7-adult; Each child under 13 must be accompanied by one adult parent/guardian– No child under 12 may paddle a single kayak.  Minors under 18 must sign-up and participate with a registered adult.
• Thursdays: January 26, February 9; 3:00-4:30 pm
• Saturdays: January 21, 9:00-10:30 am; February 25, 1:00-2:30 pm; March 18, 9:00-10:30 am
• Sundays: January 8, February 5, March 5; 9:00-10:30 am
• Cost per person: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $20; all others $25 

Little Wonders and Nature Detectives

Parents participate in these programs designed for our youngest naturalists! You and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through monthly themed story times, explorations, and crafts.

In order to limit group size, we ask that only one adult per family attends and that no older and younger siblings accompany that adult.

• Saturdays: January 14, February 11, March 4
• Time: 10:00 am - Little Wonders (Ages 3-4)
• Time: 12:00 pm - Nature Detectives (Ages 5-6)
• Cost per child: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards $8; all others $10
• Cost per Adult: Free 

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac. If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration. Refunds available only if the program is canceled.

Outdoor Marine Aquarium Feeding 

What is the connection between mangrove and coral reef communities?  How do fish use these habitats  Learn about the fascinating behaviors of native fish, stingrays, and other marine life during these free presentations.  Meet at the outdoor marine aquariums.

• All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
• Daily at 12:30 pm. 
• Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

No reservations required.

Sea Turtle Camp

Do you have a budding conservationist?  Spring break can be fun and educational!  Sign them up for Sea Turtle Camp where they will learn about the importance of caring for and protecting sea turtles and other marine life.  Sign up for one, two, or all three days!

• Ages 6-8: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; March 20, 21, 22; 8:30 am-12:00 pm
• Cost per child per day: City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward Member $30; all others $35 

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac unless otherwise indicated.  If you do not have a WebTrac account, please see instructions.  Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.  Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. 

The Science of Nature 

What is the name of the science that studies insects and spiders?  What does a dendrologist do?  Come find out for yourself!  We will explore the science of nature and conduct some scientific experiments and activities of our own.  

• Ages 7-8; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.
• Sundays: January 29, February 26; 10:00-11:00 am, March 26; 10:00-11:00 am
• Cost per person:  City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Gumbo Limbo Coastal Steward $8; all others $10

Advanced reservations required through Webtrac.  If you do not have a Webtrac account, please see instructions.  Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.  Refunds available only if the program is cancelled.

Sea Turtle Talk 

Get the inside scoop on our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility.  Last year, over 100 sea turtle patients were treated at Gumbo Limbo.  Meet some of our current patients and hear their stories.  Why are they here?  What can you do to help?  Meet in the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility for a free presentation.

• All ages: children under 18 must participate with an adult.
• Daily at 2:00 pm.
• Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

No reservations required.

Virtual Programs

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center continues to play an active part in the environmental education and conservation communities through virtual programming.  By making educational resources available on our website and through social media, we hope to encourage individuals and families to pursue their own personal conservation missions from home, your own back yard, the beach, or anywhere you can get outdoors and enjoy nature.  See below for a list of available virtual programs and presentations!  Visit At Home with Gumbo Limbo for additional activities your family can do together in your own backyard!

Select the Virtual Program Below to learn more!

• Little Wonders & Nature Detectives (Recordings for past Programs)
• Virtual Tours

Beachcombing Gumbo Limbo Style!

One of our most popular pre-quarantine programs at Gumbo Limbo was Beach Treasures, a lecture at the Center followed by beachcombing with the experts at Red Reef Park!  Well, you and your family can still enjoy the beaches together and we can help!  This self-guided program will provide the knowledge and incentive to get out, enjoy the beach, find cool natural treasures, and help wildlife all at the same time.

Watch the video below to join us for a tour of the beach at Red Reef Park, with a conservation twist.  You will learn beachcombing tips and how to identify cool beach treasures using our free Gumbo Limbo Beachcombing Guide.  Now you are ready to head out on your own beach treasure hunt!