Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve offers a variety of nature based activities for all ages. The month of December is all about Amazing Alligators and Stupendous Snakes. You do not want to miss out on any of the fun family friendly activities that we have planned for you. Sign up for a tram tour, a workshop, community day, or just get outdoors and enjoy Polk’s Water, Wildlife, and Wilderness.
All Tour sign-ups begin on the first working day of each month, to sign up please stop by the reception desk or call 863-668-4673 x205.
Guided Bird Hike
- Wednesday, December 4 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, December 18 from 8:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.
Please join our volunteer guide on a hike through the Marsh! Learn about the birds of Circle B Bar Reserve! This will be a great time of year to bird watch at Circle B Bar Reserve, so do not miss out on this hike!! Bring binoculars and a camera, because you never know what birds will be stopping in at the Marsh! To sign up for this hike please call 863-668-4673 ex. 205. Limit 10 people.
Community Day – Amazing Alligators and Stupendous Snakes
- Saturday, December 7 from 12:00 p.m. –3:00 p.m.
Come join us for our monthly Community Day. This is a free, family-friendly event for all. Visit with and learn more about the amazing alligators, native and non-native snakes, as well as other reptiles such as turtles. To sign up and get more info please contact Tabitha Biehl.
Astronomy Night
- Saturday, December 7 from 7:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
Beginners to seasoned astronomers are welcome. Bring your new telescopes or gaze through one of the powerful telescopes will be on site to provide you with a view of the night sky. Meet in the Workshop for an indoor presentation or introduction to the night sky and a discussion on what types of telescopes are best for star gazing. Then step outside for the big viewing event. Bring a flashlight and bug spray (just in case). Astronomy night will go on rain or shine. We will “focus” on anything anyone may want to see. Please stop by the reception desk or call 863-668-4673 x205 to RSVP.
Granny’s Corner – Nature Reading
- Wednesday, December 11 from 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m.
Middle of the morning and you want to get your little ones out of the house? Join Ms. Charlene at the Polk’s Nature Discovery Center for nature readings. The readings will be followed by a hands-on activity. After the reading, spend some time in the Nature Center and walking the trails. To register for this activity please call 863-668-4673 ext. 209
Super Scientist Saturday
- Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m.
Learn about Native and Invasive plants while giving back to nature. We will be weeding Lost Bridge Trail of an Invasive Species while learning more about the importance of native plants, but that’s not all. We will be taking a short hike of Lost Bridge Trail to Learn about the Frog Listening Network, a citizen scientist project that was recently started at Circle B Bar Reserve by one of our very own volunteers. We will demonstrate how the project works and why we monitor the frogs of Circle B. Super Scientist Saturday is open to anyone who is interested in the outdoors, giving back to nature and becoming a Super Citizen Scientist! For more information please e-mail Keeli Carlton-Carmichael.
Lake Region Audubon Bird Hike
- Saturday, December 14 from 8:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m.
Join the Lake Region Audubon for a bird hike. Meet in the Parking Lot in front of the Polk’s Nature Discovery Center if you would like to attend this guided hike of Circle B Bar Reserve.
Nature Tour (Tram Tour)
- Sunday, December 15 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Take a personalized tour of the Banana Creek Marsh with a volunteer guide who will point out plants, birds and history of the property. Nature Tour sign ups begin on the first working day of each month, to sign up please stop by the reception desk or call 863-668-4673 x205.
Tiny Trekkers
- Thursday, December 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Looking for a new way to get your little one out of the house and into nature to explore and learn at the same time? We have the answer. Become a Tiny Trekker, and join us for a short hike and nature based outdoor activity. This is for ages 2- 5 (younger/older siblings are welcome). For more information please email Keeli Carlton-Carmichael.
Mark your calender for the New Year’s Hike!
Here’s To Your Health Hike
- Wednesday, January 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Come join Commissioner George Lindsey, for a hike around Circle B Bar Reserve. The hike starts at Polk’s Nature Discovery Center and is approximately 2 1/2 miles in length. Volunteers and staff along the trail will point out some of the beautiful aspects of nature. Start the New Year off right, by unplugging from electronics and reconnecting with nature.
Visit polknature.com for information about the Environmental Lands Program and Polk County’s other natural areas.
