2011 NatureFest Register Now

Polk NatureFest, October 4-7, 2012

Overview

Welcome Wildlife Enthusiasts! FUN is in Our Nature… so if you love the great outdoors, you’ll REALLY LOVE Polk NatureFest 2011.

This event offers something for everyone and the unlimited beauty of nature is yours to discover. Participate in activities including birding, hiking, kayaking, butterfly and wildflower viewing, nature photography, star gazing and air boat tours. This nature weekend is packed with excursions, watch the videos, led by area wildlife experts who have years of knowledge and passion about their fields of expertise. You’ll have exclusive access to some of Central Florida’s premier nature parks and reserves.

The Polk Nature Discovery Center, at the 1,200 acre Circle B Bar Reserve, serves as the check-in base for many activities during Polk NatureFest 2011. Excursions are planned at locations all across Polk County, including the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, Bok Tower Gardens, Colt Creek State Park, The Avon Park Air Force Range and Disney Wilderness Preserve, to name just a few.

Transportation to the location of all activities is the responsibility of each participant.

Registration

NatureFest registration is required to participate in excursions. Additional fee required for each excursion. Space on excursions is limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants, so sign up early! The maximum number of participants is noted in the details for each excursion. When the maximum number of participants is reached, registration for that excursion will close.

Register Now

Registered participants are welcome to attend the Friday evening reception with Thomas Brooks free of charge – but registration is mandatory. (Reception sponsored by Magnify Credit Union and Friends of the Parks Foundation)

Accommodations

Area accommodations are varied and plentiful, including fully appointed vacation rental homes, nationally recognized hotel chains, quaint bed and breakfasts, RV parks and campgrounds.

Celebrate Nature in Polk County

Central Florida’s Polk County is home some of the best preserved nature areas in Florida with 554 lakes, 37 nature parks and preserves spanning more than 25,000 acres of environmental lands and the Lake Wales Ridge. Long before Florida had theme parks or even humans, Central Florida was mostly covered by ocean and the eastern area of Polk County was its beach. Animals and plants thrived on this sandbar island now known as the Lake Wales Ridge. The unique Lake Wales Ridge is home to many rare plant and animal species, some found only in Polk County!

Prior to and following Polk NatureFest 2012, take advantage of some of the other 37 nature parks and preserves in Polk County. To learn more, call 1-800-828-7655 and order a copy of “Celebrate Nature”, a brochure featuring all 37 natural lands.