Now You Know: Marco beach cleanup; exhibit at Rookery Bay; photo contest

Attention community caretakers, there will be abeach cleanupfrom 8 until 10 a.m., Saturday, May 9, at South Beach, Marco Island.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate, even kids.

What will be picked up?  Only non-organic material is picked up: Plastic, paper, straws, food wrappers, cigarette butts and general trash! Do not remove sea life or naturally occurring marine debris.

The city of Marco Island Beach & Coastal Resources Advisory Committee provides bags, gloves and a limited supply of buckets and grabbers for use by cleanup volunteers.

For more information email: gmhelp@cityofmarcoisland.com. Watch for future cleanups at cityofmarcoisland.com.

‘Through the Light of the Estuary’

Rookery Bay’s art gallery hosts several exhibitions each year. “Through the Light of the Estuary” will be on display from May 9 through October 29.

The exhibit is a partnership with the United Arts Collier brings annual exhibitions of painting, photography and mixed media by artists from Collier and Lee County. The exhibits are juried by local art experts and follow Rookery Bay’s environmental mission with a central theme of plants, waters and wildlife of Southwest Florida. Most works are available for purchase.

Free with admission. For more information, visit RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.

Burrowing owl photo contest returns

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife has announced the return of its annual Burrowing Owl Photo Contest, inviting amateur photographers to participate now through May 17.

The contest encourages nature lovers and photography enthusiasts of all ages to capture images of Cape Coral’s official bird — the burrowing owl — in its natural habitat. The contest highlights both artistic talent and the importance of local wildlife conservation.

Participants may enter in one of two categories: Youth (ages 7–17) and adult (18 and up).

The grand prize-winning photograph will be featured on the official T-shirt for the 2027 Burrowing Owl Festival, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the event and takes place on Feb. 27.

“Events like this inspire people to connect with the unique wildlife that makes our community so special,” said Judy Mitchell, president of Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. “We look forward to seeing the creativity and passion reflected in this year’s submissions.”

Winners will be announced during a special awards ceremony at noon, May 30, at Rotary Park.

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Full contest rules, submission guidelines, and entry details are available at ccfriendsofwildlife.org.

The contest is open exclusively to amateur photographers, who must self-certify their eligibility upon entry.

John & Carol Walter Nature Experience

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida officially broke ground on the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience on April 18 during the Earth Day Festival.

The new experience was made possible by a $25 million grant from the John & Carol Walter Family Foundation in 2025. So far, it’s the largest philanthropic commitment in the organization’s history.

The project will feature new spaces; will have new program offerings and will be continuously evolving with new interactive exhibits.

“I sincerely believe that this groundbreaking … is an opportunity to change this part of our world – our beloved home – Southwest Florida,” said Rob Moher, CEO and president of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “There has never been a more compelling time than right now for engaging the public in our efforts to preserve our paradise as we are experiencing record growth.”

The experience will feature a new nearly 7,000-square-foot welcome center. Guests can explore a new half-mile trail through the Christopher B. Smith Upland Scrub Preserve, with a shaded picnic area and food truck space at the trailhead.

“My family has become deeply connected to the natural beauty and the quality of life that makes Southwest Florida so special,” said John Walter. “As a family, we feel a great responsibility and are committed to doing our part to ensure a sustainable way of life for generations to come.”

The Nature Center closed May 1 to begin construction. During this time, free public and member events will be offered in Collier and Lee County. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital will remain open throughout construction.

To learn more, visit Conservancy.org/NatureExperience.

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Live, work or play on Marco Island, South Naples or Everglades City? If so and you have something you’d like featured in Now You Know, send your information to mail@marconews.com.

This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle:Now You Know: Marco beach cleanup; exhibit at Rookery Bay; photo contest