Nature Programs

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The North Port Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of outdoor recreation programs appropriate for all ages and enthusiast. Programs provide a safe space to enjoy outdoor activities while meeting new friends, learning new skills, building on existing ones. For information on current or upcoming outdoor recreation programs, download the Playbook or call 941-429-PARK (7275). 

BioBlitz

Discover your inner citizen scientist with a self-guided adventure in our parks. Follow and join our projects on iNaturalist to document local plants and wildlife, share your observations and help support the health of our local ecosystem.

How it works

  • Download the iNaturalist app and create your account
  • Search for "npparksandrec" (North Port Parks and Rec) and follow the page
  • Find the search bar and enter "City of North Port" and select the most recent project to add your observations
  • Simply explore the designated park/area included in the project at your own pace, take pictures of plants, insects, and animals, and see what species are present during your visit. Your observations will contribute to a scientific inventory of pollinator species, essential to our environment.


This FREE, self-guided program is open to all children and adults. No experience needed, just curiosity and a smartphone. 
Make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip to keep you steady on the path.


March 2026 BioBlitz

During the month of March, the community is invited to take part in a BioBlitz, a collaborative community science project that helps document the plants, animals, insects, fungi and other living things found in our local environment. Using the free iNaturalist app, participants can record and share observations, helping create a citywide snapshot of biodiversity across North Port.

This community-powered data supports organizations, conservation partners and other projects by helping inventory which species live in North Port’s ecosystem. While observations can be submitted anywhere within the City of North Port boundary, this month’s featured focus area is the Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail.

No prior experience is needed. All ages welcome to participate. 
Whether you spot a wildflower, bird, butterfly, every observation helps tell the story of our natural spaces and supports future conservation efforts.

Project page: CoNP Parks & Rec: March 2026 BioBlitz


September 2026 BioBlitz

(Subject to change)

BIOBLITZ Parks for Pollinators is a national campaign coordinated by the National Recreation and Park Association to raise awareness and encourage community involvement in the pollinator crisis through local Parks & Recreation departments.

Start your BioBlitz adventure, during the month of September, at the Garden of the Five Senses (4299 Pan American Blvd.) and join us on a virtual hike. Along the trail, scan QR codes to learn about what can be found in each marked area and watch short videos that highlight local plants and wildlife. Be sure to log your observations using the iNaturalist app.

This project is not limited to one location. Observations can be submitted from anywhere within the City of North Port, whether you are exploring a park, walking a neighborhood trail or spotting pollinators right in your own backyard. Every observation helps paint a clearer picture of our local ecosystem.  

CoNP Parks & Rec: 2026 Parks for Pollinators— COMING SOON!

 

Go Green with Parks

Learn the importance and impact native ecosystems have on our planet and specifically our city. Join us for a community-based habitat restoration project planting small native trees and plants. Together with the residents of North Port we will continue to protect, educate and restore our natural environment.

This is a free event, no registration is required and is designed for all ages to participate. 

  • Saturday, Feb. 21 | 10 a.m. | Marina Park, 7030 Chancellor Blvd.
  • Wednesday, Apr. 22 | 5 p.m. | Garden of the Five Senses, 4299 Pan American Blvd.

 

Watch our video to learn more about this program.

 

North Port Eco-Adventures!

Join Parks & Recreation for a special guided kayak tour to experience some of our area's best-kept secrets. Take in the scenery and learn about the flora and fauna along the way. 

Pre-registration is required. 
Tours cost $10 per person with a kayak provided or $5 per person if you bring your own kayak.

North Port Nature Walks

Join us and the Neighborhood Land Conservancy to hike local trails, discover wildlife and meet new friends at our beautiful parks. Pre-registration is required to limit group size. Immediately following the walk participants are encouraged to stay and assist us and volunteers in removing invasive species of plants from the park. Gloves and bags provided!

This program is free program that is designed for all ages and perfect for a family day of exploration!

Learn to Yak

In this class, you’ll learn the basics of kayaking in the NPAC Competition Pool, including paddling skills and water safety. Later in the course, students venture out to Myakkahatchee Creek to try out class techniques in a real-world scenario with instructors. 

Designed for ages 10+, pre-registration is required.
Location: North Port Aquatic Center, 6205 W. Price Blvd. 
Fee: $75/resident, $100/non-resident