Fort Myers, FL – The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is proud to announce the launch of its “Nurture Nature” Campaign, an initiative designed to expand its mission of fostering a deep connection between the community and the natural world. This campaign focuses on strengthening environmental education, enhancing outreach efforts, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the center’s educational programs and exhibits. The community is invited to support us, support nature, and become a nature supporter.
Since its founding in 1969, CNCP has been a cornerstone of environmental education in Southwest Florida. Each year, the center welcomes approximately 25,000 visitors to its 105-acre sanctuary, offering diverse programs and exhibits that connect people of all ages with nature, science, and history. Among the many unique offerings are a natural history museum, live animal exhibits, bird aviaries, and serene nature trails, as well as the only public planetarium within 90 miles of Fort Myers.
“We can all be proud when we nurture nature, or when we become nature nurturers,” said Eric Raddatz, Executive Director of CNCP. “The ‘Nurture Nature’ Campaign is about reconnecting people with the world around them. In an age where we’re often disengaged and trapped in our devices, becoming one with nature does wonders for our well-being. For kids especially, these experiences are crucial to their development—helping them reduce stress, improve relationships, and find a sense of calm that’s hard to achieve anywhere else.”
The “Nurture Nature” Campaign will support CNCP’s ongoing efforts to expand educational outreach, enhance visitor experiences, and ensure the sustainability of its operations. This includes upgrading and maintaining the facility, addressing basic maintenance needs, and ensuring critical repairs to key areas like our boardwalks, roofing, and animal habitats. The funds raised will help repair and restore the Cypress Boardwalk, bring key structures like the Pond Pavilion back to life, and make sure that CNCP’s cherished live animal exhibits continue to thrive. This campaign will also help us beautify and preserve the 105-acre green space, the gem of green space in the heart of Fort Myers, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy this unique sanctuary.
“The beauty of nature is that it has the power to help us grow—mentally, emotionally, and physically,” added Eric Raddatz. “In today’s world, it’s easy to get lost in technology, but when we step outside and experience the natural world, we gain a sense of perspective and calm. Through this campaign, we aim to provide more opportunities for children and families to connect with nature, rediscover the importance of balance in our lives, and understand the critical role that the environment plays in our future.”
The Nurture Nature Campaign will help CNCP:
Improve Upgrades and Basic Maintenance: From boardwalk repairs to roofing replacements, CNCP will ensure that its facilities are inviting and sustainable for the future. This includes getting our beloved Cypress Boardwalk and other key features back up and running for future generations to enjoy.
Enhance Educational Opportunities: With expanded resources, CNCP can continue offering high-quality educational programming, increasing opportunities for children and adults to engage with nature and learn about environmental science.
Strengthen Donor Relations: By focusing on building long-term relationships with supporters, CNCP will ensure a sustainable future for its programs and outreach efforts.
Beautify and Preserve the Sanctuary: As part of the campaign, CNCP will focus on beautifying and maintaining the 105-acre nature reserve, ensuring that it remains a safe, welcoming space for visitors to reconnect with nature and experience the natural wonders of Southwest Florida.
“Nature is where we all began, and reconnecting with it offers us a chance to grow, heal, and reflect,” said Eric Raddatz. “With the Nurture Nature Campaign, we’re giving the community the opportunity to join us in supporting nature while also benefiting from the restorative powers of the natural world. We hope that through this campaign, more people will be inspired to take action in protecting the environment and share that passion with others.”
Become a One-Time or Sustaining Nature Nurturer and help us protect and nurture nature for generations to come. By supporting CNCP’s mission, you’ll become part of a community of nature advocates who are helping ensure the continued success of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium and its educational programs.
As the campaign continues into 2025 and beyond, CNCP remains dedicated to growing its impact and enhancing its programs. With the support of the community, CNCP will continue to be a place where people can reconnect with nature, discover the beauty of the world around them, and inspire future generations of scientists, educators, and environmental advocates.
For more information about the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium and the Nurture Nature Campaign, please visit calusanature.org.
About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:
Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has served as Southwest Florida's premier environmental education destination for over 50 years. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for those interested in making a significant impact together with us. The 105-acre sanctuary houses butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. CNCP provides educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, scientific discovery, and a lifelong love of nature, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and advocates.
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