CVE Nature Club Invites Residents to Explore South Florida's Natural Wonders

Thanks to Merryl Kafka Benoit providing the information for this story

The CVE Nature Club is gearing up for its 2024-2025 season, inviting both new and returning members to participate in a series of lectures and field trips aimed at exploring and appreciating the natural wonders of South Florida. The club focuses on education, conservation, and the enjoyment of the region’s diverse ecological habitats, including botanical gardens, zoological parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature centers.

Throughout the season, which runs from December through March, the club will host monthly meetings featuring expert speakers and organize field trips to local natural sites. These activities are designed to deepen members' understanding of local wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts in the area.

The club meetings take place on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room GPG on the second floor of the clubhouse. The exception to this schedule will be the meeting in early January, which is set for a Monday. The season’s first meeting on December 4, 2024, will feature Dr. Merryl Kafka, President of the CVE Nature Club and former Curator of Education at the New York Aquarium. Her lecture, titled “Merry Fishmas,” will explore the evolution, behavior, and biology of various fish species.

On January 6, 2025, the club will host a special presentation on Florida’s Burmese python invasion. Eric Suarez, an Invasive Species Research Program Coordinator from the University of Florida, will discuss the history, research, and management efforts surrounding these invasive reptiles. The session will include an exhibition of python pelts and live snake species.

In February, the club will turn its focus to sea turtles, with Whitney Crowder, Co-Founder and Director of Operations for a turtle conservation organization, presenting a lecture on the biology, care, and conservation of endangered sea turtle species. The session will also include an exhibition of biofacts related to these fascinating creatures.

The season's final meeting, scheduled for March 5, 2025, will feature award-winning photographer and former marine science teacher Matthew Lerman. He will share his stunning photographs of Florida’s diverse bird species, providing an intimate look at the avian wildlife that populates the local habitats.

In addition to lectures, the CVE Nature Club offers members the opportunity to participate in field trips to various nature-related destinations. Field trip participants will meet at 9:00 a.m. under the blue awning in the clubhouse parking lot. The season's first excursion, scheduled for December 11, 2024, will be a visit to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where members will explore tropical marine tanks featuring fish, invertebrates, and turtles.

On January 29, 2025, members will visit Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. This expansive, 20-acre garden features more than 7,000 plant species, including fruits, roses, succulents, exotics, and native plants. Admission for the trip is $15 per person, with a guided tour option available for an additional $7 per person.

For the February field trip, the destination is yet to be determined, but possible locations include Flamingo Gardens, Palm Beach Zoo, Lion Country Safari, or a thrilling airboat ride in the Ft. Lauderdale Everglades.

The season will close with a catamaran cruise in Ft. Lauderdale on March 19, 2025. The two-hour cruise will depart at 5:00 p.m., with attendees gathering at 3:00 p.m. to ensure timely boarding. During the trip, participants will enjoy a narrated tour of the Intracoastal, featuring views of famous yachts and waterfront mansions, before heading into open coastal waters. Tickets for the cruise are $59 per person, and passengers are welcome to bring non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

The annual membership fee for the CVE Nature Club is $15 per person. Certain field trips may require additional admission fees, and some excursions offer enhanced experiences with educators or guides for an extra charge. Details about each trip, including costs, departure times, and what to bring, will be discussed at the meetings prior to the trips. Members are encouraged to register early for field trips, and any cancellations should be communicated to club president Merryl Kafka or the trip coordinator to make space for others.

In addition to seeking new members, the club is also looking for board members to help with researching and coordinating field trips, as well as maintaining the club’s membership lists. Current board members include Dr. Merryl Kafka, who also serves as the club’s Program Planner, and Treasurer Joe Ruff. The position of Trip Coordinator remains open, while Ellie Forgacs serves as an Assistant Trip Coordinator.

For more information about the club or to express interest in joining the board, residents are encouraged to contact Dr. Merryl Kafka at (917) 838-2647 or via email at Goodfishdr@aol.com, or reach out to Assistant Trip Coordinator Ellie Forgacs at (347) 623-0404.