Star Gazing | Bonita Nature Place

Bonita Springs — The Bonita Nature Place is usually pretty quiet most nights, except for the occasional owl hooting, or raccoon chattering or even an armadillo snorting or the squeaks of the bats but they don’t wake me. There have been a few Saturday nights when my Gopher beauty sleep was interrupted by the friends of the Nature Place and they even brought some more friends. I became a bit concerned that one of them might wander off the paths and stumble into one of our many Gopher Tortoise burrows.

I watched as they all stayed together and they were looking up to the sky.

I have to admit that I was now intrigued and had to go see what the fuss was about. Apparently, Linda from Calusa Night Sky Tours was explaining the stars and planets and had brought along two large telescopes so they could see the night sky even better.

Linda and her staff pointed out Jupiter and her four moons, and the International Space Station overhead along with a few other satellites. They also offered a peak at the Andromeda Galaxy. I could tell that everyone was having a really nice evening.

It was time for me to wander back to my burrow to snuggle in for the night when I was again drawn to more activity at the Nature Center. As I neared, I could smell goodies and heard laughter and clapping as some of the guests won neat raffle prizes.

Since I’m not a nocturnal animal like my friends the bats, raccoons and owls, I usually don’t walk around at night, so I was happy I had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful night sky. I had never noticed all of the stars over my head. Thanks to Linda for an  an enlightening evening.

If you go…
Bonita Nature Place
Where: 27601 Kent Road, Bonita Springs.
When: Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free.
For more information on special workshops and events held at the Bonita Nature Place call Bonita Springs Parks and Recreation at 239-992-2556.

Category: Bonita Nature Place, Columns