MEETINGS & PRESENTATIONS
Board of Director meetings are monthly and are open to the public, convening at 5:15 pm before each presentation. All presentations begin at 7:00 pm at The Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers (map below).
The Importance of Native Plants in The Local Ecosystem
Tony Mauriello, Florida Master Naturalist
March 16, 7:00 pm
As people have become more educated about our environment, they have developed a sincere desire to have a positive impact. Changing perceptions about nature and beauty have led to natural landscapes being valued for their biodiversity as well as their beauty. The presentation will explore the vital role of native plants in the local ecosystem.
Shortly after retiring as an electronic physicist and engineer, Tony relocated to Florida, and, curious about the natural environment, he volunteered at Lovers Key State Park, Koreshan State Park, Barefoot Beach Preserve, and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. He served with the Florida Park Service from 2010 to 2016, focusing on the study of beach birds and native plants.
He is certified by and serves as a lead instructor for the University of Florida/IFAS Extension’s Florida Master Naturalist program and is a former President of the Lee County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. His nature tours and talks at local communities, parks, and clubs focus on biodiversity in southwest Florida.
Light refreshments will be served.
The Collaboratory
2031 Jackson Street, Downtown Fort Myers
parking available in the front and back of the building
The Barrier Island Park Society (BIPS)
and What They Do
Nancy MacPhee,
Product Development Manager for the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
and Manager of the Tourist Development Council’s Beach and Shoreline Funding Program
April 20, 7:00 pm
Founded in 1989 as a citizen’s support organization (CSO) for the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum, BIPS is now one of the largest CSO’s in the Florida State Park system. With a mission to inspire the exploration and preservation of our natural and historic treasures, it supports 4 state parks, 3 historic structures, and 2 gift shops, as well as managing three programs for 150 volunteers: Beach Ambassador, Light Keeper, and Bird Stewardship programs. In 2019, more than 6600 participants enjoyed their educational programs and events.
Nancy MacPhee has lived and worked in Lee County for 32 years. She graduated from Slippery Rock State University with a degree in Parks & Recreation resource management and spent 25 years working as a parks & recreation professional. In Lee County, she was instrumental in the development of Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park, and the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. She is a Certified Outdoor Leader, Florida Master Naturalist and serves on the board of the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism and Barrier Island Parks Society for which she is Chair of Friends of Cayo Costa State Park.
Light refreshments will be served.
The Collaboratory
2031 Jackson Street, Downtown Fort Myers
parking available in the front and back of the building
