DIVERSE SCHEDULE OF SPEAKERS AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NATURE FESTIVAL

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 12, 2015

CONTACT: Renee Wilson, 239-530-5958, renee.wilson@dep.state.fl.us

DIVERSE SCHEDULE OF SPEAKERS AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA NATURE FESTIVAL

~11th annual festival shines spotlight on spoonbill research in the Everglades~

NAPLES – Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting six lectures about local flora and fauna on Saturday, Jan. 17. In addition to field trips to more than 20 wildlife hotspots in the region, the 11th Annual Southwest Florida Nature Festival provides opportunities for less adventurous nature enthusiasts to learn about wildlife in the comfort of the auditorium at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.

“The schedule of lectures this year features several renowned south Florida experts and authors whose presentations will complement our field trips, providing an innovative and entertaining line-up for the day,” said Sarah Falkowski, education coordinator for Rookery Bay Reserve. “We are especially pleased to welcome Pete Frezza from Audubon Florida's Everglades Science Center who will discuss his work on spoonbills for our keynote address that evening.”

The center will also offer a touch tank, an art exhibit, nature films, educational exhibits, a food vendor and guided walks on the snail trail. Admission is $10, which includes all on-site activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is not required and payment will be taken at the door.

WHAT:  Southwest Florida Nature Festival

WHEN:   Jan. 16, 2015

               On-site activities 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

               Lecture schedule is as follows. 

               11 a.m. - Noon: Kristen Hines, South Florida Birds and Gardens 

               Noon - 1 p.m.: Eric Foht, Living Roofs, Flowers in the Sky

               1 - 2 p.m. Jack Berninger, Bird Behavior

               2 - 3 p.m. Geoff Trager, Poachers in Paradise 

               3 - 4 p.m. Ted Below, Least Terns

The final lecture of the event on Saturday is the evening keynote address. Registration is required at www.rookerybay.org and admission is $15.

               5:30 - 7 p.m. Pete Frezza, Roseate Spoonbills in the Everglades: 
               A Look into the Past, Present and Future of the Flame Bird 

WHERE: Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
               300 Tower Rd.
               Naples, FL 34113

For more detailed information on each of the lectures, click here