Now You Know: Tiki Hut fire, a shred opportunity, Earth Day events

Two tiki huts on the beach behind the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort were destroyed by fire around 10 p.m., Saturday, March 6.

Both the Marco Island Fire and Police Departments responded to the scene. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. and is considered suspicious.

The blaze was extinguished within moments of the department’s arrival.

No injuries were reported.

If you have any information on the incident, you are asked to call the Marco Island Police Department.

Shred event slated

Did you know that a whopping one-third of Americans were victimized by identify theft in 2023?

Much of this can be attributed to cybercrime, but you can help protect your identity simply by being more diligent with personal documents.

First Horizon Bank and the Sunrise Rotary Club of Marco Island are collaborating to provide shredding services from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at First Horizon Bank, 605 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island.

Admission is a suggested donation of just $20. All funds raised will be used to support local charities and scholarships. Be aware that only paper-based documents will be accepted (no cardboard, office supplies, hanging folders etc.).

Information:  MISunriseRotary@outlook.com.

EARTH DAY EVENTS

Bay Days at Tigertail Beach

Bay Days just falls on Earth Day. And just like any many coastal neighborhoods, we have a chance to head to the beach for a cleanup day.

The event on Marco, by the Friends of Tigertail Beach, is from 8 until 10 a.m., Saturday, April 20. Meet at the Tigertail Beach Kiosk. Wear shoes that may get wet. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Bring a grabber if you have one. Bring your own water container to help reduce waste. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided.

All youth participants will receive a certificate of appreciation.

Information:  FriendsofTigertail.com.

Wonder Gardens’ celebration

Wonder Gardens is hosting an Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., April 20, that features fun, interactive activities for children of all ages and a special Earth Day Market with local vendors.

The park will be open that day for general admission from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Event activities are free with paid admission and include education stations, a scavenger hunt, yoga demonstrations, tarot readings, touch tables, yard games, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities. Special activities available as a separate ticket purchase on the day of the event include face painting, animal meet and greets, and terrarium building. Vendors for the Earth Day Market include hand-made specialty gifts and products from local small businesses.

“Earth Day is an annual reminder to protect Earth’s natural systems,” said Katie Grimes, education and volunteer manager at Wonder Gardens. “We look forward to partnering with the community to promote sustainability and education.”

No advance registration is required.

‘Happiness Workshop’ at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

It’s Monday, April 22 and visitors will enjoy a full line-up of events along with half-price admission.

Activities are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visitors can relax in a hammock and listen to the ukulele band throughout the day or participate in a guided bird walk, story time and book selling with author Susan Sachs Levine, a touch table with animal skulls and skins, a presentation on climate change and chalk mural creation.

Admission on Earth Day is $8 for adults $4 for children. For an additional fee, visitors can also sign up for a swamp buggy tour (space is limited). Get tickets at corkscrew.audubon.org/earth-day-24.

Also on Earth Day this year is an exploration of happiness with speaker and author of “Live Your Happy,” Maria Felipe. Felipe will guide participants through the powerful “4 Steps to Happiness” in her workshop, “Nature's Bliss: A Journey to Happiness.” It’s from 9 a.m. until noon, and is offered for $10 per person ($7 for members) and includes admission to the Sanctuary and Earth Day activities.

Audubon’s Blair Visitor Center and boardwalk, located at 375 Sanctuary Road W., are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 3 p.m. through April 30. From May 1 through October 15, the last admission is at 1 p.m. The Center offers exhibits, a Nature Store, Cypress Café, and more. Regular admission is $17 for adults, $6 for kids 6-14, and free for children and members. Online tickets are recommended: corkscrew.audubon.org/visit.

‘Ding’ Darling Day Conservation Carnival

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge returns to Lakes Park in Fort Myers for its 35th Annual “Ding” Darling Day, April 20. The celebration also observes Earth Day, which officially falls on April 22. 

  The full day of family activities runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Special free outdoor activities include carnival games, prizes, archery, a dunk tank, a rock-climbing wall, Earth Day crafts, art demonstrations, guided bilingual birding walks, a biking tour, guided mindfulness programs, live music, food and educational interactions with other local conservation organizations.

Information: dingdarlingday.org.

Earth Day at The Immokalee Pioneer Museum

Participate in an eco-friendly workshop of planting trees and discovering sustainable practices. Free. From 9 until 11 a.m. April 20. At 1215 Roberts Ave., Immokalee.

Information: colliermuseums.com.

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