Fort Myers is home to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. The nature center is a not-for-profit, environmental education organization and includes a museum, three nature trails, a planetarium, aviaries and pavilions — all on 105 acres of land.
The displays at the nature center’s museum address problems with the environment around Southwest Florida. It shows the issues with water resources and the endangered manatee.
Every day, the nature center offers different events to help educate and entertain its guests. Some events include live nature demonstrations with animals and shows that demonstrate different parts of nature.
The Southwest Florida Astronomical Society will be hosting its monthly meeting at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7. Jack Beringer will give a presentation titled “Understanding Einstein,” which will be open to the public.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium accepts volunteers for several different opportunities, including animal care, field trips and office work. Applications to volunteer can be found on the organization website as well as a list of needed donations.
The center allows for anyone interested to adopt an animal. By adopting an animal, one provides items and needs for the ambassadors. According to the Calusa Nature Center website, it costs more than $15,000 to feed and take care of the housed animal ambassadors that live at the center.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium are open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.