Nature preserve announces June programs

Science Saturday: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, free admission; Snakes of Florida, the Orianne Society. Speaker Fred Antonio with the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation will be presenting a lecture on snakes native to Florida. It is a great way to introduce visitors to a wide variety of snakes that live throughout the state. Learn how beneficial these reptiles are to Florida.

Take a Hike!: 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, free admission. Take a guided tour and enjoy the sights and sounds of the late spring at the preserve. Birds, turtles and alligators are all in courtship and nesting mode. Lucky visitors will be witness to wildlife romance or spot a nest. Follow the boardwalk out to the shore of Lake Apopka and explore the upland trails.

Turtle and Tortoise Club Lecture: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17. Join club members to hear guest speakers discuss various topics on these ancient and amazing creatures. The lecture series is free to the public and turtles are welcome.

Community Volunteer Workday: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 21. Spend a few hours at ONP. This is a great way for students who need volunteer hours to earn them while helping the preserve with various projects such as restoration and ground maintenance. Families and groups are welcome to come and help. Wear closed-toed shoes and bring water.

Garden of Weedin’ Volunteers: 8 a.m. Monday mornings. Join this small, devoted group of volunteers to work on restoration projects at the preserve. It is a rewarding experience that gives an opportunity to learn about Florida’s natural systems from group leader and Master Naturalist Jackie Rolly, Tina Meadows and Jim Helmers.

Environmental Summer Day Camps — openings still available

Openings are available for the Oakland Nature Preserve Environmental Summer Camp during the weeks of July 7-11 and 15-17. “Giant Swallowtails” (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 7-11) is for students entering 6th-8th grades. Campers will learn archery, fishing, orienteering, tracking, shelter construction and more. The cost is $100 for ONP family members or $125 for non-members. “Atlas” (9 a.m. to noon, July 15-17) is for students entering Pre-K-kindergarten. Campers will embark on insect safaris and five senses hikes, and learn about life cycles, bird habitats and more. The cost is $50 for ONP family members and $75 for non-members. Registrations are limited to 20 campers.

For more information about the summer camp sessions, call 407-905 0054, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.oaklandnaturepreserve.org.