🌍 Earth Day Birthday Celebration at CNCP this April 19

The Best Place to Celebrate Earth Day in Southwest Florida

April 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium | Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers, FL – Ready to celebrate the planet in a big way? Join the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium for the Earth Day Birthday Celebration—an immersive, all-day festival designed to inspire, educate, and entertain guests of all ages. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the CNCP transforms into the ultimate destination for eco-celebration, set within a stunning 105-acre natural sanctuary.

This year's event features an action-packed schedule of planetarium shows, live music, guided walks, animal encounters, and family-friendly activities, all included with admission.

🗓️ Full Schedule of Events

• 10:30 AM – Animal Talk: Iguanaland

  
  

• 11:15 AM – Planetarium Show: Climate Change in Our Backyard

  
  

• 11:45 AM – Dhruva Concert (15 min)

  
  

• 12:15 PM – Planetarium Show: Life of Trees

  
  

• 12:45 PM – Dhruva Concert (15 min)

  
  

• 1:15 PM – Animal Talk

  
  

• 1:45 PM – Dhruva Concert

  
  

• 2:00 PM – Calusa Waterkeeper Talk

  
  

• 2:15 PM – Planetarium Show: Habitat Earth

  
  

• 2:15 PM – Education Presentation: Win Everham Guided Walk

  
  

• 2:45 PM – Dhruva Concert (15 min)

  
  

• 3:15 PM – Planetarium Show: Bugs

  
  

• All Day – Self-guided Nature Walks, Eco-Games, and Earth-friendly Crafts

  
  

🎶 Live music performances by Dhruva’, a beloved musician-educator known for her Earth-inspired children’s songs, will uplift the spirit throughout the day.

🌱 Special Highlights

• FREE Native Plants & Trees Giveaway: Starting at noon, receive a free native plant or tree—courtesy of the Florida Division of Forestry—while supplies last!

  
  

• Kids Tag Art Display: Stop by to see artwork from local kids, courtesy of the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office.

  
  

• Silent Auction: Bid on incredible items from local businesses and our gift shop—every dollar supports CNCP’s mission!

  
  

• Refreshments by Millennium Brewing: Sip sustainably with local craft brews and refreshments available on-site.

  
  

🧠 Engage & Learn with Exhibits and Activities

• Live Animal Talks: Discover the wild side of Florida's ecosystems.

  
  

• Solar Observing: View the sun safely with the SWFL Astronomical Society.

  
  

• Heritage Room: Learn how microplastics affect our environment.

  
  

• Leave No Trace Pavilion: Discover how long everyday items take to break down.

  
  

• Solar Cars & Generators: Explore sustainable technology up close!

  
  

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Something for Everyone

This event is perfect for families, nature lovers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about our environment while having fun. With interactive exhibits, crafts, eco-pledges, and nature-themed games, kids and adults alike will leave inspired to protect the planet.

🎟️ Ticket Information

• Adults: $13

  
  

• Children (Ages 3–12): $7

  
  

• Members: FREE

  
  

Become a member today and enjoy free admission to this and other exciting events! Visit www.calusanature.org to join.

🌿 Partner Organizations Include:

• Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

  
  

• Florida Trail Association – Alligator Amblers Chapter

  
  

• Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife

  
  

• Lee County Solid Waste

  
  

• Audubon of Southwest Florida

  
  

• The Water School at FGCU

  
  

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission

  
  

• ECHO

  
  

• Southwest Florida Astronomical Society

  
  

• Calusa Waterkeeper

  
  

“Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to nurture nature and reconnect with the world around us. At CNCP, we’re excited to offer a fun-filled, educational experience for the whole family. Join us on April 19 for a day of exploration, hands-on activities, and the chance to make a positive impact on the planet we all share.”– Eric Raddatz, Executive Director, CNCP

📍 Event Location

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33905www.calusanature.org

📸 Media inquiries, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities:

Contact Eric Raddatz at eraddastz@calusanature.org.

Let’s celebrate the Earth—together. 🌎

****

🎨 Also Coming Up at Calusa Nature Center…

Mark your calendars for May 10, 2025! We're thrilled to present the first-ever Arts & Crafts Fair at CNCP, featuring none other than Southwest Florida's beloved artist and storyteller Doug MacGregor as our headliner.

From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, enjoy a day filled with live art demonstrations, local artisan vendors, and interactive creative sessions—all set against the natural beauty of our 105-acre preserve. MacGregor will showcase his whimsical illustrations, lead art activities for all ages, and unveil an exclusive piece for CNCP’s permanent collection.

Joining him is local painter Whitney Hackett, whose dreamlike work captures the charm of everyday life and the spirit of the region.

The fair will spotlight talented artists whose work celebrates nature, wildlife, and the cosmos—featuring everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to sculpture, textiles, and more. Plus, shop unique pieces, meet the makers, and experience art in nature like never before.

Vendor spots are still available—email volunteer@calusanature.org to apply!

Stay tuned and get ready for another unforgettable celebration at CNCP. 🌿

At Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, we believe that when you nurture nature, you nurture the future. 💚

🎟️ Tickets On Sale Now!

Experience the Future of Film at Calusa Nature Center’s PlanetariumIn Partnership with the 15th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival

May 15–16, 2025

For the first time ever, the Fort Myers Film Festival is teaming up with the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium to bring some of the world’s most innovative full-dome films to Southwest Florida!

As part of the festival’s 15th anniversary celebration, audiences can now experience groundbreaking, 360-degree cinematic journeys inside the Calusa Planetarium—the only public planetarium within 90 miles capable of screening full-dome films.

Led by Executive Director Eric Raddatz, who heads both CNCP and FMFF, this visionary collaboration redefines the local film scene and offers a one-of-a-kind viewing experience for festivalgoers.

“This partnership is a unique chance to showcase awe-inspiring films and give audiences a truly immersive, 360-degree experience. We’re excited to pioneer this in the region.”— Eric Raddatz, Executive Director

📍 Full-Dome Screenings:🗓️ May 15–16, 2025📍 Calusa Planetarium – 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL

🎟️ Get your tickets now at:🌐 www.calusanature.org🗓️ For the full festival lineup and schedule, visit fortmyersfilmfestival.com

🎥 Also Featuring:Traditional indie films, panels, shorts, and documentaries at venues like the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and BIG ARTS on Sanibel.

Be part of film history—see the best indie dome films in the world, only at Calusa Nature Center’s Planetarium!

****

At Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, we believe that when you nurture nature, you nurture the future. 💚

🌿✨ Discover the Wonders of Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium! ✨🌿From serene nature trails to awe-inspiring stargazing, every visit is a chance to reconnect with the world around us. At Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, we believe that when you nurture nature, you nurture the future. 💚

🎥 Check out our brand-new video and see how your support helps us protect and share Southwest Florida’s wild beauty—for today and for generations to come. 🙌

▶️ Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srIhkr_yntc🌐 Learn more: www.calusanature.org

#CalusaNature #NurtureNature #Conservation #Planetarium #NatureLovers #SWFL

****

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.

• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to 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, SWFL PRODUCE,  Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, Babcock Ranch and the Fort Myers Film Festival.

• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually. Visit our YouTube channel for fun videos! ! 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! 

BECOME A NATURE NURTURER: DONATE HERE

Summer Camp

Camp registration will remain open until camps fill or until the Friday before the camp week begins. Don’t miss out – sign up early to secure a spot for your child!

For more information or to register, please visit https://www.calusanature.org/calusa-summer-camps and buy your tickets now!

Make this summer one to remember with unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and the wonders of nature!