Central Florida VCB and Polk County to Host Polk NatureFest October 6 - 9, 2011

Auburndale, FL (September 1, 2011) – The Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Polk County Environmental Lands and Natural Resources divisions have partnered to host Polk NatureFest 2011, a four-day nature festival showcasing the natural beauty of Polk County’s great outdoors. Participants will enjoy a nature weekend packed with field trip excursions led by wildlife experts demonstrating years of knowledge and passion about their fields’ of expertise. Several tours go “behind the scenes”, with exclusive access to Central Florida’s premier nature parks and reserves. The festival offers something for everyone; including birding, hiking, kayaking, butterfly and wildflower viewing, nature photography, star gazing and air boat tours. See the full schedule of activities at www.VisitCentralFlorida.org/naturefest.

Polk NatureFest 2011 kicks off Thursday afternoon, October 6 and is followed by full days of activities on Friday and Saturday, before winding down at mid-day on Sunday, October 9. For registered NatureFest guests, Friday night will feature a “Meet the Artist” reception, sponsored by Magnify Credit Union and Friends of the Parks Foundation, with acclaimed wildlife artist Thomas Brooks, including an exhibit of his work, at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland.

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. USA TODAY recently named Circle B Bar Reserve as one of “51 Great Places To See Wildlife”. http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/great-american-outdoors/51-great-places-for-wildlife/49702682/1.

Field trip 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.

Festival registration is $20 per person and is mandatory to sign up for field trip excursions, which carry minimal additional fees, based on the activities selected. Due to the exclusive nature of many tours and activities, participation is limited. The general registration fee includes welcome gifts and the free welcome reception with Thomas Brooks on Friday evening. Nature enthusiasts are encouraged to view the schedule and register now at www.VisitCentralFlorida.org/naturefest.

Prior to and following Polk NatureFest 2011, take the opportunity to explore some of the 37 nature parks and preserves in Polk County. To learn more about these parks, call 1-800-828-7655 and order a copy of “Celebrate Nature”, a brochure featuring all 37 natural lands or go to www.VisitCentralFlorida.org/find/outdoor#pg=1&catid=22&rpp=25

Central Florida’s Polk County is home to 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!

Accommodations are varied and plentiful, including fully appointed vacation rental homes, nationally recognized hotel chains, quaint bed and breakfasts, RV parks and campgrounds. To secure accommodations, go to www.VisitCentralFlorida.org/find/accommodations/#.

To learn more about all the fun things to see and do in Central Florida’s Polk County, go to www.VisitCentralFlorida.org or call 1-800-828-7655 to request a vacation guide.

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About Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau: The Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau (www.VisitCentralFlorida.org) is located in Polk County, Florida and specializes in helping visitors plan a fun-filled Central Florida vacation.