Create a Lasting Legacy with Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
- eraddatz7
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
For more than 50 years, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has been a place where people of all ages discover the wonders of nature, science, and the universe around us. Through education programs, wildlife care, environmental stewardship, astronomy, and community experiences, we continue to inspire future generations to explore, learn, and protect the natural world.
One of the most meaningful ways you can help ensure that this mission continues for generations to come is through planned giving.
A planned gift allows you to create a lasting legacy while often providing valuable financial and tax benefits. By including Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in your estate plans, you help ensure that future children, families, and visitors will continue to experience the education, discovery, and connection that our center provides.
Giving Through Your Will or Living Trust
One of the simplest ways to make a planned gift is by including Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in your will or living trust. You may choose to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a portion of what remains after other gifts and commitments have been fulfilled.
A bequest costs nothing during your lifetime but creates a lasting impact on the future of Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium.
Sample Bequest Language:
"I give to Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33905, Federal Tax Identification Number 23-7090889, % of my total estate (or $)."
Other Ways to Leave a Legacy
You can also support Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium by naming us as a beneficiary of:
• Retirement plans such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s
• Life insurance policies
• Commercial annuities
• Other financial accounts that allow beneficiary designations
These gifts can be an effective way to maximize your charitable impact while potentially reducing tax burdens on your heirs.
Your Gift. Your Legacy. Our Future.
By making a planned gift to Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, you become part of a group of supporters ensuring that future generations will have a place to explore nature, experience the stars, learn about wildlife, and build a deeper connection with the world around them.
Your generosity today can create opportunities that last far beyond your lifetime.
If you have already included Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in your estate plans, we would be honored to know so we can properly recognize and thank you. If you would like to discuss planned giving options or learn more about how your gift can make a difference, please contact:
Eric RaddatzCalusa Nature Center & Planetarium.
Thank you for helping us protect curiosity, inspire discovery, and preserve a place where generations can learn and grow.
With gratitude,
Eric
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
IN OTHER NEWS:
Summer Adventures Abound at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium with Camps, Wildlife, and Immersive Planetarium Experiences
This summer, families are invited to experience an unforgettable season of discovery, nature, and entertainment at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, where hands-on exploration meets state-of-the-art, air-conditioned planetarium shows in the heart of Fort Myers.
From outdoor adventure trails and wildlife encounters to immersive cosmic journeys indoors, Calusa offers a full summer lineup designed to inspire curiosity and connection with the natural world.
Nature-Centric Summer Camps
Young explorers can dive into engaging summer camps focused on wildlife education, conservation, and hands-on learning. Campers will experience up-close encounters with animals, guided nature exploration, and interactive activities designed to spark lifelong appreciation for the environment.
Immersive Planetarium Experiences
Visitors can escape the Florida heat and travel through space, sound, and story inside Calusa’s cutting-edge planetarium theater. This summer’s featured shows include:
The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd — A fully immersive visual and sonic experience set to one of the most iconic albums in music history.
Beautifica — A visually stunning immersive journey blending music, light, and emotion into a transformative cinematic experience.
Butterfly Journey, narrated by Daisy Ridley — A breathtaking exploration of the life cycle and migration of butterflies, bringing nature’s smallest travelers to life on the dome screen.
Explore Nature Up Close
Beyond the dome, guests can wander scenic walking trails, visit lush butterfly gardens, and observe native and exotic wildlife including aviaries, alligators, snakes, and more. Every corner of the center offers a chance to learn and connect with the living world.
Plan Your Visit
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is located at Colonial Boulevard and Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers. Visitors can learn more about exhibits, camps, and showtimes at CalusaNature.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are available for all upcoming CNCP events! Your support helps us continue offering these educational programs and ensures that our preserve remains a place for future generations to explore and enjoy. As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition at our events and visibility among an engaged, community-minded audience.
For more information, contact Eric Raddatz at eraddatz@calusanature.org or call 239-275-3435.
Nurture Nature Campaign: Help Us Preserve Our Sanctuary
We’re excited with the success of our "Nurture Nature" Campaign in 2025, dedicated to improving CNCP’s facilities and educational programs. Your support will help us maintain essential infrastructure, repair boardwalks, preserve local wildlife, and expand our outreach efforts. This campaign is especially important as we work to create a deeper connection between local youth and the natural world—something that’s more vital than ever in an age where technology often pulls us away from nature.
Host Your Event at CNCP
Did you know CNCP offers a unique venue for events? Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, or party, our indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beautiful natural setting for any occasion. Contact us to learn more about holding your event at CNCP.
Beautifica
Every Weekend
Beautifica is a one-of-a-kind visual experience, blending stunning 3D art with the soothing sounds of James Hood. It’s the perfect way to relax and experience a world of hypnotic imagery and sound.
Become a Member Today
When you become a CNCP member, you enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including:
Free admission to trails, planetarium shows, and live animal talks
Discounts on camps, workshops, and select events
10% off at the gift shop
Free or discounted admission to over 180 nature centers nationwide
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.
Media Contact:
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.calusanature.org or contact Eric Raddatz, Executive Director, at eraddatz@calusanature.org.
Phone: (239) 275-3435
Website: calusanature.org
Partners & Support:
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