Nature Called. Q Kids Answered.

This summer two groups of Q children stepped out of their comfort zone to visit the beautiful Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park, located in Fort Myers Beach.

Under a hearty dose of sunlight, our children were treated to an excellent array of environmental experiences. Volunteers from FGCU, together with employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Park Service and other entities gave our kids a great sense of nature as it pertains to Florida.

The kids were treated to a natural look at Florida mangroves (many for the first time), walked into the middle of a butterfly garden, and were taught how to find the age of a tree and forestry tips. They also experienced a water ecosystem and were guided through the importance of water conservation (which was also presented at the QLC by Toni Fonseca).

Many of the kids learned about native Florida species and their habitats for the first time in a park setting. STEM was a factor in the trip as well as the kids were tasked with a thinking project that required a team effort to complete (the girls won).

After moving through the stations, learning, and staying hydrated, the kids moved over to the pavilion on the Lovers Key beach for lunch. They were thrilled to drive over to the beach on the tram and enjoyed every minute of lunch in the shade.

We finally departed back for the QLC with tired bodies and minds full of new information as presented by a great team of experts and volunteers. We cannot thank the participants enough for the experience, and that includes the Director of Florida Park Services, Eric Draper, who happened to visit while our group was there. The hospitality, patience with our kids, expertise, and enthusiasm
was evident and definitely filtered down to our children.

Finally, note that many of our kids don’t get to go to parks like Lovers Key, don’t get out into nature often, and don’t experience the Florida habitats and wildlife that your team protects…..so this was a special treat! We hope to return again to the wonderful things that the Florida parks offer!