For Immediate Release

Contact: Kelly Williamson

Lee County Parks and Recreation

239-822-5212

kwilliamson@leegov.com

OCTOBER PROGRAMS OFFERED AT HICKEY’S CREEK MITIGATION PARK

Alva, FL

Guided Walk

Thursday, October 6

9 – 11:00 a.m.

Join us as we explore natural plant communities on this guided walk. See firsthand the plants and animals that make southwest Florida so unique. Participants should be able to walk approximately two miles. This trail is only stroller and handicap accessible for about a quarter of a mile. Please dress appropriately and bring a water bottle. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is free with paid parking. Limit 25 participants. For more information please contact Kelly at (239) 822 - 5212 or via email at kwilliamson@leegov.com

Caloosahatchee to Hickey’s Creek Kayak Trip

Tuesday, October 25

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This six-hour kayak trip begins and ends at Caloosahatchee Regional Park campground. Paddlers should be experienced and/or be in good physical condition for a 5 mile roundtrip paddle on the Great Calusa Blueway, which includes Hickey's Creek, one of the area’s most scenic waterways. We'll eat lunch and hike at Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park before paddling back. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All kayaking equipment is provided. Bring your own drink, lunch, sunscreen, binoculars and clothing/shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the campground entrance at 19130 North River Road. $40 per person. Registration is required. For more information, call Kelly at (239) 822 - 5212. Register online at https://www.leeparks.org or by calling (239) 533 - 7440.

Astronomy for Amateurs

Friday, October 28

7:30 p.m.

Registration is required. This program is designed to show beginning astronomers how to easily find stars, constellations and planets. Bring binoculars, water, bug spray, a flashlight and a lawn chair or something to sit on. We will meet in the parking lot. This program is free with paid parking but may be cancelled due to inclement weather, clouds, or if the minimum of 6 participants is not met. For more information please call Kelly at 822 – 5212. Register online at https://www.leeparks.org or by calling Kelly at (239) 822 - 5212.

Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park, located at 17980 Palm Beach Boulevard, is one of the largest Regional Parks in Lee County encompassing 862 acres. This wildlife preserve, co-managed with the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, consists of a variety of habitats including palmetto-oak scrub, pine flatwoods and seasonal wetlands. Views of scenic Hickey's Creek can be enjoyed from trails and overlook areas. The park is home to threatened Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises. Park amenities include parking, restrooms, a canoe/kayak landing, a fishing pier, 2 picnic areas with 8 picnic tables, 2 bridges across Hickey's Creek, 2 trail shelters and 5 miles of hiking trails.There is a handicap accessible trail to Hickey's Creek and to the amphitheater. The park is open 7AM to 6PM Daily. The parking is free for those with a valid Lee County parking pass. Those who do not have a pass are required to pay $1.00 per hour or $5.00 per day. Please bring exact change.