The Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island continued its educational presentations for members by visiting the native plants of the Marco Island Historical Society on January 9 as part of its Horticulture Workshop Series. Then, on Jan. 23, the club took a trip to Babcock Ranch Preserve in Punta Gorda for an Eco Tour as part of its Gadabout Series.
The grounds of the Marco Island Historical Society are full of native Florida plants. Most are located in the area along Heathwood Drive which is home to the large statue of Marco Cat and the gazebo. The society has produced a sheet identifying native plants that is available for visitors to use while traveling. The sheet can be replaced in the sheet box for the next visitors. Sue Oldershaw, chair of the Horticulture Committee for the garden club, led the tour group through the area. Participants enjoyed identifying plants and discussing where they could use them in their home landscapes. Photo shows members of the garden club in the wooden gazebo on the Historical Society Grounds.
Babcock Ranch Eco Tour was the second destination for Calusa Garden Club members in January. Seven members attended the one and a half hour “swamp buggy” bus tour through the four different ecosystems of the approximately 70,000 acre nature reserve. They observed cattle breeding on the prairies; an old growth cypress, complete with alligators; pine trees; and cypress domes. They even got a chance to touch an alligator! Members attending were Susan Ridyard, Sara Wolf, Jenn Ferrier, Lindy Kowalczyk, Valerie Aguis, Linda Ariel and Sue Oldershaw.
Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island is a Section 501(c)3 organization and is a member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. Membership is open to persons interested in horticulture, floral design and environmental affairs resident 5 months or more in Collier County.
Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island meets the second Monday of each month, October through April, at the Marco Island Branch Library. If you are interested in membership, please contact the Club at calusagardenclubcommunication@gmail.com, or go to the Calusa Garden Club website, calusa.org, and click on “Contact Us.” Visit the club’s Facebook page, Calusa Garden Club, for news of club activities.
