Seth Bowman
Reed Bowman
NATURE TOUR: Explore Archbold’s Learning Center and Nature Trail with their Education Coordinator. Visitors learn about Archbold’s history of research, conservation, and education, and hike through one of America’s rarest and most endangered habitats, the Florida scrub. Visitors will learn about the plants and animals of the scrub, the role of fire, and the history of the Lake Wales Ridge. Visitors also may get a chance to see Florida’s only endemic bird species, the federally-threatened Florida Scrub-Jay.
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GREEN BUILDING, LANDSCAPING, AND ART TOUR – In 2012, Archbold opened the doors to its environmentally friendly Learning Center and Lodge facilities. Join the Education Coordinator for a guided tour and learn how Archbold became the 12th commercial site in Florida to achieve LEED Platinum building certification. Visitors will hear about the site’s smart design features, water conservation practices, and native plant landscaping. Visitors will also learn about Archbold’s work with local artists to create displays, exhibits, and art lessons that educate and promote nature conservation.
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Stop 2: Historic Downtown Avon Park (includes a private gallery tour and private access to museum)
LUNCH
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of many locally-owned restaurants within walking distance of our stop or bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic by Lake Verona in nearby Donaldson Park.
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PETER POWELL ROBERTS GALLERY TOUR
Florida Artist Peter Powell Roberts was an instructor and department head at the Ringling College of Art in Sarasota for 23 years. He founded the Design and Computer Graphics Departments at the Ringling College of Art and Design. After retirement, Mr. Roberts moved to a homestead adjacent to Highlands Hammock State Park to resume his art career. He dedicated himself to painting the hammock as a storyline to the cycle of life. Your group will hear about Mr. Roberts' life and passion for Florida's unique habitat from the curator of the museum during a private tour of the gallery and cultural center. Follow up your tour with a visit to the gallery gift shop.
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THE DEPOT MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AVON PARK
Our group will have exclusive access to the museum outside normal business hours. The museum is housed inside a train station, built in 1926. The collection includes artifacts and exhibits focusing on the significance of early Avon Park as it relates to the land, pioneers and early families, and structures of historical interest. View the last telephone switchboard used in Florida and a 1940's era railroad dining car. Browse the collection on your own, ask questions of volunteer docents and spend a little time in their gift shop which includes a collection of vintage jewelry.
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Barring any delays, the bus will return to Babcock Ranch around 5:30 pm and Calusa Nature Center at 6 pm.
The tour fee covers all costs associated with transportation, gratuities and tour fees and donations. Fee does not include lunch, drinks or incidentals.
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Some tours will require walking and standing for 45-60 minutes. The nature trail at Archbold is sandy and narrow, thus it is not ADA-accessible or for those with difficulty walking. Closed-toed shoes are recommended for the tours at Archbold.
$125 for CNCP members, $150 for non-members. CNCP reserves the right to cancel the tour and refund payment if the minimum number of guests is not met.
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Calusa Bus Tours
TOUR THE LAKE WALES RIDGE April 29th, 2023 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Discover the unique habitat and history of one of the world's most unique places, the Lake Wales Ridge. Sometimes called "the spine" of Florida, the ancient sand dunes that make up the ridge stretch 150 miles from north to south in Central Florida. You will travel by private motor coach to visit the southern portion of the ridge. During the drive, an on-board guide will occasionally narrate the view out your window with insights on the habitat and local history of the towns we pass. Two stops will allow you to explore the ridge on foot and immerse yourself in nature, art and history. Motor coach departs CNCP at 7 am with a pickup at Babcock Ranch at 7:30 am.
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Stop 1: Archbold Biological Station in Venus, FL. (includes two private guided tours)