Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, featured on Gulfcoast News, to Host “Pints in the Pines” Benefit on March 7
- eraddatz7
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 5
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 4, 2026) — Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is preparing to host its signature spring fundraiser, Pints in the Pines, on Saturday, March 7, 2026 — an unforgettable evening of craft beer, live music, local cuisine, and stargazing under the Southwest Florida sky.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Calusa’s wooded campus, the event blends entertainment and environmental stewardship to support the center’s wildlife care, conservation initiatives, and environmental education programs serving the Southwest Florida community.
Guests will enjoy:
Craft beer tastings from local breweries
Delicious food offerings
Live musical entertainment
A curated silent auction
Exclusive after-hours access to the Nature Center grounds
A special Planetarium experience
The event was recently featured on Good Morning Gulf Coast, where reporter Jason Drew toured the campus for a preview of the festivities. He was joined by Executive Director Eric Raddatz, who shared how the benefit directly supports Calusa’s mission to nurture a lifelong connection to nature.
Also participating in the segment were Diana Giraldo and Shane Spring, who offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look at event preparations and discussed the importance of supporting one of Southwest Florida’s most beloved nature spaces.
“With craft brews, great food, live music, and the peaceful backdrop of the pines, Pints in the Pines offers a one-of-a-kind way to enjoy the outdoors while giving back,” said Raddatz.
Proceeds from the event benefit Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium’s educational programming, animal care, conservation efforts, and community outreach initiatives.
Event Details:
Pints in the Pines
Saturday, March 7, 20266:00 PM – 10:00 PM
3450 Ortiz AvenueFort Myers, FL 33905
Tickets are available now at: www.calusanature.org
Sponsors
This event is made possible in part by the generous support of:
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
J. Fisher Law, PLLC
Morris Depew
Community Development Reimagined
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers
Fort Myers Brewery
Swamp Cat Brewery
City of Fort Myers
Silent auction items include items from Blu Sushi, Alliance for the Arts, Barbara B. Mann PAH, Broadway Palm, Seminole Casino, Edison Ford Winter Estates, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and more!
For media inquiries, interviews, or sponsorship information, contact:
Eric Raddatz
Executive Director
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
(239) 275-3435
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