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Documentary Short Premiering January 17 Honors Dr. Bill Hammond’s Legacy and the Community That Built Calusa Nature Center

  • eraddatz7
  • Jan 12
  • 2 min read

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A new documentary short by filmmaker John Biffar will premiere January 17 at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, honoring the legacy of Dr. Bill Hammond, Ph.D., Founder and Board Member Emeritus, and the collective efforts of the many individuals who helped establish and sustain one of Southwest Florida’s most important environmental institutions.


The private premiere event, which will be livestreamed on the Calusa Nature Center Facebook page, will celebrate Dr. Hammond’s vision, leadership, and decades of dedication to environmental education, conservation, and community engagement.


Featuring interviews with Executive Director Eric Raddatz, Dr. Bill Hammond, Susie Hassett and Dick Anderson, members of the Board of Trustees, the documentary traces the Center’s origins and illustrates how Hammond’s work—supported by educators, volunteers, scientists, and community leaders—helped shape the Calusa Nature Center into a 105-acre preserve and learning destination.


The film underscores that Calusa’s success has always been rooted in collaboration, highlighting the many people who answered Dr. Hammond’s call to protect nature, expand access to science education, and inspire stewardship across generations.


The January 17 event will bring together longtime supporters and colleagues, many of whom will speak about Dr. Hammond’s influence, the partnerships he fostered, and the lasting impact of his work on environmental education in Southwest Florida.


“This documentary reflects Bill Hammond’s belief that conservation and education succeed when a community comes together,” said Executive Director Eric Raddatz.


Members of the public are invited to watch the livestream on Facebook at 4 p.m. and participate by supporting Calusa’s mission. Donations may be made today at www.calusanature.org, helping ensure the Center’s programs, wildlife care, trails, and planetarium experiences continue for future generations.


Media Contact:

Eric Raddatz

Executive Director,

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

 
 
 

13 Comments


Sarah Williams
Sarah Williams
3 days ago

This is such a meaningful and heartfelt initiative, and it’s wonderful to see Dr. Bill Hammond’s legacy being honored in this way. The documentary seems like a powerful reminder of how much one person’s vision—combined with the dedication marca de agua of a community—can create something lasting and impactful. From its early beginnings to becoming a major center for environmental education, it’s clear that the Calusa Nature Center exists today because of decades of commitment, teamwork, and belief in a shared mission.


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Harry Potter
Harry Potter
3 days ago

What stands out most is how deeply Dr. Hammond’s work is rooted in both science education and community engagement. His focus melhorar qualidade de imagem on connecting people with nature and encouraging stewardship shows a long-term vision that goes beyond just conservation—it’s about shaping attitudes and inspiring future generations to care for the environment.


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hannah1561990
4 days ago

What a meaningful tribute to Dr. Bill Hammond and the community behind this incredible legacy. Stories like this really show the lasting impact conservation and local dedication can have for future generations.

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Pricing:

Adults $13 

Children $7

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CALUSA NATURE CENTER AND PLANETARIUM IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH661) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. OUR CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. EIN #23-7090889

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