The 2012 slate of informative one-hour talks kicks off Wednesday, Jan. 4, with “Rail to Trail: 100 Years of History” by Monica Woll, covering Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, the old road and ferry system, and Flagler’s arrival at Key West on the railroad’s inaugural train.
“Delicate Balance of Nature” lectures are held inside the park’s visitor center at mile marker 102.5 oceanside, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings through March 28. Admission is free.
Other January topics include the life history and changes to elkhorn coral, and an exploration of Florida’s alluring native orchids with award-winning author and nature photographer Roger Hammer.
February features presentations on the edible wild plants of South Florida and conservation measures for the sea’s most fascinating inhabitants in a discussion titled “Sex, Drugs and Sea Slime: The Ocean’s Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter.”
March presentations begin with an interactive volunteerism talk, “Speaking for Reefs: Please Take Out the Trash,” explaining what humans can do to improve marine habitats, and a photographic look at 86 common and not-so-common bird species found in the Florida Keys.
Park gates open at 7 p.m. for all lectures. Visitors are urged to arrive on time to assure seating in the wheelchair-accessible auditorium. Attendees can bring a cushion for added comfort.
Lecture series information: http://www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/events.cfm?viewevent=7506#7506 or 305-451-9570
Key Largo visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088
