Cape Coral\u2019s protectors of wildlife are putting on an event geared toward education for youths.<\/p>\n
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, in partnership with the Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library, will present \u201cWild About Wildlife!,\u201d a free educational event designed to help students in grades K-12 discover and connect with Cape Coral\u2019s unique wildlife and environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event, which had its first showing last year, takes place Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year\u2019s Wild About Wildlife was such a big success that CCFW decided to bring it back this year, with the hope of making it an annual event,\u201d said event chairperson Paul Bonasia. \u201cThe Cape Coral Public Library also felt the event provided a valuable experience for students and was well executed, so they offered to partner with us this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe partnership has allowed us to make several significant changes. We have expanded the event beyond the large meeting room into other areas of the library, added live animals, and extended the event from three hours to five hours. We\u2019re fortunate to have the library as a partner. They have also helped publicize the event, and we\u2019re hoping these changes and the additional exposure will result in an even larger turnout this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wild About Wildlife is touted as an experience that will provide students and families with an opportunity to explore the wonders of Southwest Florida\u2019s environment through interactive activities, science demonstrations, creative nature crafts, wildlife exhibits, and educational experiences designed to make learning about conservation both fun and inspiring.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event was originally the idea of a Cape Coral High School student and was created to educate young people about the importance of protecting the wildlife that lives alongside us in Cape Coral and to foster greater environmental awareness,\u201d Bonasia said. \u201cThis free event gives children an opportunity to see live native animals up close and participate in hands-on educational activities and crafts. Our goal is to help children develop an appreciation for the wildlife and natural environment around them and inspire them to become the future stewards of our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants will have opportunities to:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Meet and learn from environmental experts and educators.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Participate in live science demonstrations and experiments.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Engage in hands-on nature-related crafts and activities.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Discover local wildlife through interactive exhibits and live animals.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Learn about wildlife and conservation through the Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library\u2019s books and educational resources.<\/p>\n
Bonasia said it is extremely important for young people to understand and appreciate the wildlife and natural environment they grow up around.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs they become adults, we hope they develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for protecting the environment in which we all live,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bonasia added that the program is guided by a quote from Senegalese conservationist Baba Dioum that states, \u201cIn the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat captures what we hope to accomplish with Wild About Wildlife \u2014 helping children understand and appreciate the wildlife around them today so they will become responsible stewards of Cape Coral\u2019s natural environment in the future,\u201d Bonasia said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Library grounds are also home to several burrowing owl burrows, giving visitors an opportunity to catch a glimpse of Cape Coral\u2019s official city bird while they\u2019re in attendance.<\/p>\n
The Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library is at 921 S.W. 9th Terrace.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org\/events<\/a>.<\/p>\n