Registration is in full swing for the annual Scarecrows In The Park competition. The Fall Festival is October 13-29 this year, and our registration deadline for the Scarecrows Competition is September 25th. If you haven't registered to Build or to Sponsor a youth group, now is the time! So far, we have received registration applications from:
These sister companies teamed up last year to bring us the "Pokemon Apocalypse".
What will 2018 bring? We can't wait to see.
Welcome back to Scarecrows in the Park!
This non-profit leveraged last year's competition to encourage festival guests to post selfies with the #refuse hashtag. We're really looking forward to this year's message!
Florida Weekly has put themselves into the mix this year, registering with the mysterious display title, "Paperboy". I guess we'll just have to wait and see what that's all about!
And the following sponsors need builders! Are you a school teacher, Scout troop leader, or a professional with another type of youth group? We can match-make you with a sponsor! Here are two who have registered and need builders:
Fast Signs in Fort Myers has been infinitely generous with the Foundation, providing signage for our events and cheering us on at every turn. Now they are looking for a youth group to sponsor for the competition. Could this be the sponsor for YOUR team?
KEY WEST EXPRESS
Here's another good friend to the Foundation! We can always count on Key West Express to provide prizes for our competition. They are looking for a youth group to sponsor. Are you leading a 4H Club, Scout troop, or a classroom? This could be the sponsor for you!
NOW is the time - REGISTER TODAY!
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LEE COUNTY BIRD PATROL is a group of Lee County volunteers who observe, identify and count birds on Lee County properties such as parks, beaches, and the Conservation 20/20 preserves. The data they collect helps Lee County to measure the effectiveness of Parks & Rec's land stewardship efforts. Without a thriving native habitat, many of our bird species would not be able to survive here, which would cause a chain reaction of failure for other species.
 In a travel destination that is known for superior birding and other outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, it is critical to maintain a current understanding of wildlife and habitat health. We can do this by observing our bird populations - their location, behavior, breeding habits, and numbers are all indicators of the state of the environment.
 Bird Patrol began well over a decade ago, encouraged by then-Lee County Ranger Mickey Miller, who is now a Supervisor in the Conservation 20/20 program. Anita Force Marshall and the Foundation's own Sue Moore were instrumental early on, joining with Mickey to establish a regular count of rookery birds.
 Lakes Park boasts one of the biggest bird rookeries in the County, largely hidden from the public amongst the islands in the lake. A wildlife survey at the bird rookery involves a canoe or kayak, binoculars, maybe a camera, and a lot of patience. Observations are recorded and shared with the County via the eBird database, a joint effort by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society launched in 2002. The Lee County Overview page on eBird tells us that Lakes Park is among the top 10 birding "hotspots" in Lee County. Bird Patrol's efforts have supported tourism in Lee County in a significant way, putting Lakes Park "on the map" that attracts birders from near and far. As Lee County Parks & Recreation Land Stewardship Coordinator tells us, "The the data from Bird Patrol was instrumental in getting Lakes Park added a as stop on the State of Florida’s Great Florida Birding Trail”.
 In an outdoor tourism destination, it is crucial to educate the public, fostering an understanding and appreciation of what it takes to maintain natural environments that can support both wildlife and the people who enjoy "The Natural Place To Play". Bird Patrol is a significant contributor of environmental education programming in Lee County. Bird Patrol leads a tour called the "Morning Meander" at Lakes Park on the first Saturday of each month. There are also tours at Bunche Beach, following a more varied schedule (click for tour information).
Bird Patrol has divided the County in to "territories" - areas that include parks, preserves and beaches where birds can be observed. Many of these territories are already assigned, but there are quite a few that are still up for grabs. Potential Bird Patrol members need to be registered as a Lee County Volunteer (follow this link for registration). Check out this page for further requirements: Lee County Bird Patrol: Volunteering
Article by: Erin White
Photos were provided by Gail Campbell, Gayle Sheets, and Lee County Bird Patrol
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 Upcoming Events
at
Lakes Park
WEEKLY EVENTS:
FARMER'S MARKET - Every Wednesday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
October 4th 2017 through the end of April 2018
FRAGRANCE GARDEN WORK DAYS
"Summer Hours" - Work Days are Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, through end of September
"Regular Hours" - Work Days are Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:00 AM to Noon, beginning in October
SCARECROWS COMMITTEE - alternating Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM - 08/17; 08/31; 09/14; 09/28
Looking for LOTS of volunteer power to stage a successful Scarecrows In The Park event this coming Oct. 13-29. Please R.S.V.P to express interest and get location details for this meeting - contact Info@LakesPark.org
MONTHLY EVENTS:
GUIDED BIRD PATROL - first Saturday, every month, 8:00 AM
"Morning Meander at Lakes Park". Meet at Shelter A7
GUIDED GARDEN TOURS - second Saturday, every month, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
September 9th, 2017 through May 12th, 2018 at 9:00 am.
A trained gardener/botanist will lead the tour; meet at the Community Garden.
CHILDREN'S GARDEN COMMITTEE - third Tuesday every month, 2:00 PM 08/15; 09/18; 10/16; 11/21; 12/19
LOCATION: Varies; contact us at INFO@LakesPark.org
LPEF BOARD MEETING - third Friday, every month, 11:30 AM - 08/18; 09/15; 10/20; 11/17; 12/15
Southwest Florida Community Foundation 8771 College Parkway Building 2, Suite 201 To R.S.V.P. or request time on the agenda, - contact Info@LakesPark.org
COMMUNITY GARDEN MONTHLY GATHERINGS - See you in October!
STORY TIME IN THE GARDEN - See you in October!
ANNUAL FOUNDATION EVENTS:
Scarecrows In The Park - October 13th - 29th, 2017
Brick By Brick Picnic - Sunday, March 18th, 2018
National Public Gardens Day - Friday, May 11th, 2018
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