Nature Programs

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.

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.

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 and join us on a virtual hike. Along the trail, use the iNaturalist app to identify and learn about the plants, animals and habitats found throughout the park. After making an identification, log your observation in the active BioBlitz project to help contribute valuable data that supports community science and a better understanding of North Port's local ecosystem.

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!

How to Use iNaturalist

(PDF, 7MB)  

• 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.

 

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. 
Stay tuned for upcoming dates! 

Watch our video to learn more about this program.

Thank you to our In-Kind Sponsors:

      

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.

Stay tuned for upcoming dates!

Explore Boca Chica Neighborhood Park with a guided nature walk. Discover local plants and wildlife along the trail, contribute to community science through iNaturalist and enjoy a family-friendly tabletop activity near the playground.

This free program is designed for all ages and offers a fun opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems and spend time outdoors with family and friends. Pre-registration is required to help maintain an enjoyable group size.

July 18, 8-10 a.m., Boca Chica Neighborhood Park
1601 Boca Chica Ave.

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.