Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium: Celebrating Milestones and Building a Sustainable Future for 2025
Fort Myers, FL – December 27, 2024 – As the year draws to a close, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium reflects on an impactful 2024 and looks ahead to exciting opportunities in 2025. This year has been a testament to the power of community support, environmental education, and innovative programming. With your help, we aim to continue nurturing nature and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
Year-End Appeal: Nurture Nature Together
Long-time SWFL leader and CNCP Executive Director Eric Raddatz emphasizes the importance of year-end giving to sustain the center’s vital mission:
"The mission is tied to my personal mission—to nurture nature, to preserve our surrounding and all that nature offers, including our unspoiled Florida, its wildlife, birds, and future generations," said Eric Raddatz.
Your donation ensures we can offer hands-on learning, preserve local wildlife, and expand community outreach. Contributions help support the planetarium, the only one within a 90-mile radius, offering unique educational experiences. Donate Now: calusanature.org/donate
Membership and Admission Rate Updates
In response to rising operational costs, the center will adjust membership and daily admission rates starting January 15, 2025.
New Membership Rates:
Student Membership: $20/year
Individual Membership: $50/year
Family & Friends Membership: $90/year
Grandparent & Extended Family Membership: $105/year
New Admission Rates:
Children: $7
Adults: $13
Lock in current membership rates by purchasing or renewing before January 15, 2025. Members enjoy year-round access to exhibits, planetarium shows, and discounts. Learn more at www.calusanature.org/plans-pricing
Holiday Lights 2024: A Festive Success
The VIP Opening Night Gala started this year’s Holiday Lights event in style. The weeks following have seen our community enjoy exclusive access to the illuminated trail, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and festive treats. Holiday Lights continues one more weekend, this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 to 9 PM.
Tickets:
Adults (12 & up): $10
Children (3-11): $5
Members: Free (Membership ID required)
Proceeds benefit wildlife conservation, educational programs, and environmental preservation. Purchase tickets at calusanature.org.
Fischer Family Foundation: Supporting Summer Camp Scholarships
The Fischer Family Foundation awarded $6,000 to Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium to provide scholarships for nature-based summer camps. These scholarships empower children from disadvantaged backgrounds to explore the outdoors and develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
“The organizations we support embody resilience, community, and transformation,” said Scott Fischer, founder of the Fischer Family Foundation. For more information, visit SFE-US.com/Fischer-Family-Foundation.
17th Annual BUG Chase 5K Run
Mark your calendar for the Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase 5K Run on January 25, 2025, hosted at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. This event supports the "Bring Up Grades" (BUG) program, encouraging academic improvement in local elementary students.
Event Details:
Location: 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL
Time: 8:30 AM (Race day registration begins at 7:30 AM)
Registration: $25 (pre-registration by December 6), $30 (December 7-January 24), $35 (race day); Youth discounts available.
Proceeds benefit the BUG program and other youth initiatives. Register at MetroMcGregorKiwanis.com. Sponsorships start at $100. Contact Rachel Toomey at Rachel.Toomey33@gmail.com for details.
Planetarium Leadership: Honoring Heather Preston
The Planetarium at the Calusa Nature Center has created a new star.
After a decade of extraordinary service, long-time Planetarium Director Heather Preston has transitioned to the role of Planetarium Director Emeritus. Under her guidance, the planetarium became a beacon of education and inspiration, delighting countless visitors with the wonders of the cosmos. Heather's dedication and vision elevated the planetarium’s programming and outreach, ensuring its place as a cherished community resource.
As Heather steps back to a part-time role, Todd Sherman will assume the position of Planetarium Manager. Todd, who began his journey at the Nature Center by leading planetarium operations during Heather’s sabbatical in the Pacific Northwest, brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to this new chapter. Heather’s legacy will continue to shine as she supports Todd and the planetarium team.
Mesmerica
Visitors can enjoy the newly refurbished planetarium, the only one within a 90-mile radius, playing shows every day and select nights, including the visually immersive and hypnotic Mesmerica. This special show combines the mesmerizing music of Grammy-nominated composer James Hood with stunning 3D animated art from artists around the world. Designed to transcend time and engage your senses, Mesmerica is an unforgettable journey of sound and light.
“I want Mesmerica to inspire you into taking a journey with me inside the mind, to engage your senses and feelings with a miraculous alchemy of sound and light!” said James Hood, show creator.
What the Visitors are Saying
Recent visitors have shared their excitement about the transformation of the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. One patron exclaimed, 'This place must be under new ownership!' while another added, 'This place seems way cooler than I remember!' These reviews highlight the center's refreshed atmosphere, with many noting a renewed positive energy and engaging programming benefitting our community.
About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Founded in 1969, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has been a leading environmental education destination in Southwest Florida. Our 105-acre sanctuary features butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. We are dedicated to fostering a love of nature and environmental stewardship through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach.
Become part of our mission to nurture nature and inspire future generations. Together, we can ensure that Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium remains a place of discovery, connection, and wonder for years to come.
• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our new sponsor Ace Hardware, the place with the helpful hardware folks, as well as continuing supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4 Roofing, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, HERC, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, and the Fort Myers Film Festival.
• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date!
Media Contact:
Eric Raddatz, Executive Director
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Email: eraddatz@calusanature.org
Phone: (239) 275-3435
"Together, we can strengthen our commitment to nature and create lasting connections to the natural world," concludes Raddatz. "Thank you for helping us nurture nature and stay tuned for a major celebration planned for Earth Day 2025."
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