Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “Seining the Lagoon” on Saturday, May 3, 2025!

We will wade in the Intracoastal Waterway just behind Gumbo Limbo and catch and release fish, shrimp, crabs, and more with hand-held dip nets and large seine nets. Get up close and personal with our local marine life! Closed toed shoes required (old sneakers or water shoes; no sandals). Bring a change of clothes and towel.

Activity# 355415

Ages: Adults and children ages 7+; parent/guardian must register and participate with minors.

• Advanced reservations required through WebTrac.  If you do not have a WebTrac account, please see instructions. 

• Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.

• Refunds given only if program is cancelled by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. 

• A Resident (R) is someone who lives within the boundaries of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District.  All others are non-residents (NR).  

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “EcoWatch Lecture Series: Diving Into Florida Dolphin Research and Protection” featuring Dr. Harrison Albert on April 30, 2025!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents. Monthly lectures to continue through April.

• Adults and children 13 and up; children/minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

• Reservations are recommended for free programs; please call (561)544-8605 to reserve.

Learn more about this event here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “EcoWatch Lecture Series” on January 15, 2025!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents. Monthly lectures to continue through April.

EcoWatch: Featuring Emily Turla

We kick off our free lecture series featuring FAU Marine Lab Coordinator Emily Turla. Emily is a PhD candidate at Florida Atlantic University and the Laboratory Coordinator for FAU Marine Lab, where she is in charge of day-to-day tasks and assisting with various research projects. These projects include studies on the husbandry, sex ratios and nest temperatures, satellite tracking, behavior, and physiology of sea turtles. For her PhD, Emily studies how leatherback nests and eggs are affected by factors such as infertility, temperature, and moisture to better understand when eggs are failing and why.

Reservations are required for this free program; please call (561)544-8605.
Adults and children ages 13+; parent/guardian must register and participate with minors.

Learn more about this lecture here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for The International Coastal Cleanup on September 21, 2024!

Come out to Spanish River Park to help clean up the beach and intracoastal mangrove habitats. This worldwide cleanup effort not only takes trash out of the environment, but it also provides valuable data to Ocean Conservancy to help them combat the growing problems of plastic in our oceans. Using an app on your cellphone, keep track and report what you and your group removed from the beach.

• Free tee shirts while supplies last, community service hours given.

• Pre-registration is required for this event and begins September 1. Call (561) 544-8606 to reserve your spot; space is limited. 

• All ages: children/teens under 18 must participate with a registered parent/guardian (no drop offs).

Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Learn more here and register today!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “EcoWatch Lecture Series: On the Cutting Edge of Conservation” on April 24, 2024!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents. Monthly lectures to continue through April.

"The Mysterious Manta Rays of Florida"

April 24’s presentation will feature Jessica Pate, Founder Florida Manta Project.

Dive into the world of manta ray biology and global manta ray conservation; learn about the Florida Manta Ray Project and the many discoveries made by about Florida’s manta rays. You will also find out how to become a citizen scientist and contribute to important manta ray research!

Jessica Pate has an undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and a graduate degree from Florida Atlantic University. She has studied sea turtles in Florida, Central America, and West Africa. She has also taught marine biology on traditionally rigged schooners and has crossed the Atlantic Ocean by sail. In 2016, Jessica started the Florida Manta Project to study the biology and ecology of manta rays in South Florida and has discovered a potential rare nursery habitat. The Florida Manta Project is the first dedicated study of manta rays in the continental U.S.

Suited for adults and children 13 and up. Children/minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free programs; please call 561-544-8605 to reserve.

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “EcoWatch Lecture Series: Sharks are Snowbirds Too” on March 6, 2024!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents.

• Adults and children 13 and up; children/minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

• Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free programs; please call  (561)544-8605 to reserve.

"Sharks are Snowbirds Too!"

Blacktip sharks aggregate by the thousands in nearshore waters of southeast Florida every winter.  For over a decade we have employed aerial surveys with airplanes and drones, acoustic and satellite telemetry, underwater video monitoring, and animal-borne data loggers to examine the distribution and movements of sharks as they overwinter along our coast and migrate up the eastern seaboard.  We have found that these sharks have shifted their distribution to higher latitudes in response to warming oceans.  In the future, southeast Florida might actually be deprived of these seasonally important predators, which could have cascading effects throughout the marine ecosystem.

Dr. Stephen Kajiura is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University. He received his PhD in Zoology from the University of Hawaii, a MS in Marine Biology from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology from the University of Guelph (Canada).  Dr. Kajiura has conducted research for various agencies including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.  He has published over 70 papers in peer-reviewed journals, authored 5 book chapters, and has presented numerous talks at scientific conferences.  He has supervised over a dozen graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, and has served on numerous thesis committees for students from around the world.  Dr. Kajiura maintains a strong public outreach service, primarily through television documentary appearances, and has served as an elected member of the American Elasmobranch Society Board of Directors. He has over 30 years of experience studying the biology of sharks and rays.

Learn more and make reservations today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “EcoWatch Lecture Series: On the Cutting Edge of Conservation” on February 28, 2024!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents. Monthly lectures to continue through April.

"Octopus Research: Behavior, Bacteria, and Beyond!"

February 28’s presentation will feature FAU’s Dr. Chelsea Bennice aka “Octogirl.”

Octopuses are an important group in many marine food webs and serve as bioinspiration for soft robotics. Join Dr. Bennice as she takes you on a virtual research dive to study her “octo-topics” including behavior, the skin microbiome, and species identification.  

Spending more than 1,000 hours underwater studying octopuses, Dr. Bennice has earned her nickname “OctoGirl,” a signature she uses to share her passion for octopuses and marine conservation. She uses innovative science tools such as a 24 hour camera, the octopus monitoring gadget (OMG), and a floating lab to aid in answering research questions to advance basic and applied sciences.

Suited for adults and children 13 and up. Children/minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free programs; please call 561-544-8605 to reserve.

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “EcoWatch Lecture Series: On the Cutting Edge of Conservation” on February 7, 2024!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents. Monthly lectures to continue through April. 

“Beach Renourishment and Sea Turtle Nesting Success”

Marine Turtle Specialists Emma Pawlik and Allison Ragle share some exciting data on loggerhead nesting. Brace yourself for some fascinating insights into beach renourishment!

Suited for adults and children 13 and up. Children/minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free programs; please call 561-544-8605 to reserve. 

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “EcoWatch Lecture Series: On the Cutting Edge of Conservation” on January 24, 2024!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents. Monthly lectures to continue through April.

January’s lecture will feature Michael Jenkins, PhD, PE, on “Everything You Never Knew About Hurricanes.”

Suited for participants age 13 and up. Children/minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free programs. Please call 561-544-8605 to reserve your place today!

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “EcoWatch Lecture Series: On the Cutting Edge of Conservation” on December 27, 2023!

Glimpse the many faces of conservation as experts in their fields share their work, research, and experiences, with the common goal of a more sustainable future. Lectures will be held in the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom, followed by a visit to our lighted aquariums for a special after-hours viewing of the nocturnal habits of our aquarium residents. Monthly lectures to continue through April.

Suited for participants age 13 and up. Children/minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Reservations are recommended to assure space for you or your group in these free programs. Please call 561-544-8605 to reserve your place today!

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for “Seining the Lagoon” on October 7, 2023!

Ready for some outdoor family fun? Join us as we wade in the Intracoastal Waterway just behind Gumbo Limbo! Get up close and personal with our local marine life as we catch and release fish, shrimp, crabs, and more with hand-held dip nets and large seine nets!

Closed toed shoes required (old sneakers or water shoes; no sandals). Bring a change of clothes and towel.

• Adults and children ages 10 and up; adults must register and participate with minors.

• Advanced reservations are required.

• Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.

Registration fee:
Resident/Gumbo Limbo member: $15
All others: $19

A Resident is someone who lives within the boundaries of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District.  A Member is someone with a current membership to Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards. 

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for The International Coastal Cleanup!

Come out to Spanish River Park to help clean up the beach and intracoastal mangrove habitats. This worldwide cleanup effort not only takes trash out of the environment, but it also provides valuable data to Ocean Conservancy to help them combat the growing problems of plastic in our oceans. Using an app on your cellphone, keep track and report what you and your group removed from the beach.

• Free tee shirts while supplies last, community service hours given.

• Pre-registration is required for this event and begins September 1. Call (561) 544-8606 to reserve your spot; space is limited. 

• All ages: children/teens under 18 must participate with a registered parent/guardian (no drop offs).

Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for a Family Fun Snorkel on September 2, 2023!

Need some special family outdoor fun? The mangrove ecosystem is known as the nursery of the ocean. Come explore the back side of the island with us as we snorkel the shallow Intracoastal waters to study the animals sheltered and protected from the ocean’s dangers here. Bring your own snorkel, mask, and water shoes (no fins allowed).

Advanced reservations are required.

• Adults and children ages 10 and up; adults must register and participate with minors.

• Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.

• Cost per person: Resident/Member $15; All others $19

A Resident is someone who lives within the boundaries of the City of Boca Raton or the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District. A Member is someone with a current membership to Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards. 

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for Citizen Science Squad!

Gain hands-on field experience by participating in a different scientific data collection project each month. Our educational activities support conservation-based projects that relate to Gumbo Limbo’s mission. Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or minimum registration.

Ages 9 -13; adults do not participate but must sign child in and out.

Cost:
Resident/Gumbo Limbo Member $5
Non-residents: $8

Advanced reservations are required.

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for The International Coast Cleanup!

Come out to Spanish River Park to help clean up the beach and intracoastal mangrove habitats. This worldwide cleanup effort not only takes trash out of the environment, but it also provides valuable data to Ocean Conservancy to help them combat the growing problems of plastic in our oceans. Using an app on your cellphone, keep track and report what you and your group removed from the beach.

Free tee shirts while supplies last, and community service hours will be given!

Pre-registration is required for this event and begins September 1. Call (561) 544-8606 to reserve your spot; space is limited to the first 200 to pre-register. 

• All ages: children/teens under 18 must participate with a registered parent/guardian (no drop offs).

Subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Learn more and register today here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for Little Wonders and Nature Detectives!

Welcome back to in-person programs for our youngest naturalists! These children's programs allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through monthly themed storytimes, explorations, and crafts.

In order to limit group size, we ask that only one adult per family attends and that no older and younger siblings accompany that adult.

• 10:00 AM - Little Wonders (Ages 3-4)

• 12:00 PM - Nature Detectives (Ages 5-6)

Cost per child: 

• City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $8

• Non-resident/Non-member $10

Cost per Adult:

• Free (one adult per family)

Learn more and register here!

Join Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for Little Wonders and Nature Detectives!

Welcome back to in-person programs for our youngest naturalists! These children's programs allow you and your child to learn about the wonders of nature together through monthly themed storytimes, explorations, and crafts.

In order to limit group size, we ask that only one adult per family attends and that no older and younger siblings accompany that adult.

• 10:00 AM - Little Wonders (Ages 3-4)

• 12:00 PM - Nature Detectives (Ages 5-6)

Cost per child: 

• City of Boca Raton/Beach and Park District Resident/Friends of Gumbo Limbo Member $8

• Non-resident/Non-member $10

Cost per Adult:

• Free (one adult per family)

Learn more and register here!