Top 10 Things to Look Forward to at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium!
Fort Myers, FL – December 27, 2024 – As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is filled with excitement for the year to come. With continued community support, a focus on environmental education, and new opportunities to connect with nature, we’re ready to make 2025 a year to remember. Here are 10 reasons to look forward to the upcoming year at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium! To learn more about memberships head to www.calusanature.org/plans-pricing
1. Nurture Nature Capital Campaign: Uniting for a Sustainable Future
In 2025, we’ll kick off our Nurture Nature Capital Campaign, a major fundraising initiative aimed at expanding our environmental education programs, improving exhibits, and preserving the natural beauty of our 105-acre sanctuary. This campaign invites you to join us in creating a lasting legacy for future generations. By supporting this campaign, we can work together to protect our local wildlife, restore natural habitats, and inspire environmental stewardship across the community. Your help will ensure a brighter future for both nature and the people who rely on it.
2. Engaging Field Trips and School Programs
We’re excited to offer more hands-on learning experiences through our field trips and school programs. In 2025, students of all ages will have the opportunity to explore our butterfly gardens, nature trails, and wildlife exhibits. Our educational programs connect students to the natural world, helping them build a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and the importance of conservation. If you're an educator, reach out to schedule a field trip that will inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!
3. Immersive Planetarium Shows – Featuring Mesmerica and More!
The planetarium at Calusa Nature Center is your window to the cosmos. This year, we’re proud to bring even more immersive planetarium shows, including the stunningly hypnotic Mesmerica. This show, created by Grammy-nominated composer James Hood, combines breathtaking 3D animations with a mesmerizing musical experience. It’s a sensory journey that transcends time and space, perfect for visitors of all ages. Don't miss this visually stunning and deeply engaging experience—it’s unlike anything else!
4. Meet the Coolest Creatures in Town!
In 2025, get up close with some of the most fascinating creatures that call Calusa Nature Center home. From alligators and eagles to hawks, tegus, and the incredibly unique axolotl, we’ve got some of the coolest creatures around! Our exhibits and wildlife presentations will allow you to learn more about these incredible animals and the important role they play in our local ecosystems. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time supporter, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
5. New Speaker Series with Top Experts
We’re launching an exciting New Speaker Series in 2025, bringing in only the best thought leaders, environmental experts, and conservationists from around the country. These talks will cover everything from sustainable living and wildlife conservation to astrophysics and innovations in environmental education. This is your chance to hear from experts at the forefront of environmental education and advocacy, and engage with leaders who are making a difference on a global scale. Stay tuned for our lineup and event schedule—these talks will be a highlight of 2025!
6. Expanding Educational Programs and Community Engagement
We’re committed to expanding our educational offerings in 2025. Whether it’s nature-based workshops, wildlife conservation talks, or environmental sustainability initiatives, there will be plenty of opportunities to deepen your knowledge and become more involved in protecting our planet. Plus, our outreach efforts will continue to grow, bringing environmental education to a wider audience across Southwest Florida.
7. More Online Interactivity: Short Docs, Indie Films, and Live Shows
2025 will also see a big push toward online interactivity! We're enhancing our digital presence with engaging short documentaries, indie film screenings, and live shows streamed directly from our planetarium. This initiative will make it easier for people from around the world to enjoy the wonders of nature and space—whether it’s through a live planetarium show, a captivating nature film, or an in-depth conservation documentary. These interactive online experiences will bring our educational mission right to your home.
8. The 17th Annual BUG Chase 5K Run
Start the year off right by joining us for the 17th Annual BUG Chase 5K Run on January 25, 2025! This exciting event will benefit the "Bring Up Grades" (BUG) program, which encourages local elementary students to improve their academic performance. Race day will be filled with energy, community spirit, and a shared commitment to supporting local youth. Register today and help us support the next generation of leaders!
9. Planetarium Leadership and Exciting New Shows
As we usher in 2025, we’re proud to continue offering high-quality programs under the leadership of Todd Sherman, our new Planetarium Manager. Todd is bringing fresh ideas and a wealth of experience to our planetarium, and we can’t wait for visitors to experience his vision come to life. Under Todd’s leadership, we’ll continue offering educational, awe-inspiring planetarium shows that bring the wonders of the universe to life.
10. Earth Day 2025 Celebration – A Major Community Event!
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting a major celebration for Earth Day 2025! This will be a day of fun, education, and community engagement, where we come together to celebrate the Earth and our collective efforts to protect it. Expect special activities, live demonstrations, and inspiring guest speakers—all with a focus on sustainability, conservation, and environmental awareness. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare for this exciting event!
• 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 SWFL Produce, 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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