Discover the Mysteries of Tigertail Beach

Tigertail Beach is a unique ecological treasure, with a tidal lagoon as well as the Gulf of Mexico bringing a wide variety of natural life to the park.

One hundred forty Marco Island residents and visitors enjoyed learning many features of the area at the annual Friends of Tigertail “Discover Tigertail” event recently. Enthusiastic volunteer educators hosted eight learning stations, covering such topics as local shells, birds, fish, plants, turtles, and gopher tortoises, as well as the Conservancy Rehabilitation Hospital that cares for local wildlife.

Children received pails to decorate and fill with treasures from each station as they participated in a scavenger hunt, and adults learned interesting information helping them to complete a “question quest,” leading to a prize. The resident osprey family was visible through a scope, and children tried their hand at using a seining net in the lagoon. First time as well as return participants had a fun morning while expanding their knowledge about Tigertail Beach Park.

The Friends of Tigertail group is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and educating the community about the park. Their next event will celebrate Earth Day, by sponsoring a beach clean-up in conjunction with the county’s “Keep Collier Beautiful Bay Days” on Saturday, April 13.

Find out more information about the group and their activities by visiting their website: www.FriendsofTigertail.com, or their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FriendsofTigertailBeach.

Photos by Linda Colombo, Allie Delventhal and Nancy Richie