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 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.  

Parks for Pollinators 2026: CoNP Parks & Recreation

Parks for Pollinators 2027: Project page coming soon!

March 2027 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: Project page 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. 

• Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m., Morgan Family Community Center, 6207 W. Price Blvd.
• Feb. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Morgan Family Community Center, 6207 W. Price Blvd.
• April 22, 6-8 p.m., Pine Park, 4556 McKibben Dr.
  
  

Watch our video to learn more about this program.

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. 

Ages: All
Fee: $10 with kayak or $5 BYO kayak per session
Location will be provided at time of registration
Two tour times available: 8-10 a.m. OR noon-2 p.m.
Select the date you are interested in to register:

• Jan. 9, 8-10 a.m.
• Jan. 9, noon-2 p.m.
• Jan. 23, 8-10 a.m.
• Jan. 23, noon-2 p.m.
• March 27, 8-10 a.m.
• March 27, noon-2 p.m.
• April 10,  8-10 a.m.
• April 10, noon-2 p.m.
• April 24, 8-10 a.m.
• April 24, noon-2 p.m.

Explore North Port’s natural side during a guided walk with local experts from the Neighborhood Land Conservancy and North Port Parks & Recreation staff. Along the trail, participants will look for native plants and wildlife while learning how local habitats support the environment around us.

Each walk offers a chance to slow down, ask questions and notice details that can be easy to miss when exploring alone. Participants can learn from knowledgeable guides, meet others who share an interest in nature and discover a deeper connection to North Port’s outdoor spaces.

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.

Ages: All
Fee: Free, pre-registration is required as space is limited.
Time:  9-11 a.m.
Select the date and location to register: (Links coming soon!)

• Nov. 21, Boca Chica Neighborhood Park, 1601 Boca Chica Ave.
• Jan. 9, Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, 6968 Reisterstown Rd.
• Feb. 10, Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail, trail entrance at Appomattox Dr.
• March 13, Oaks Park, 5430 Mandrake Ter.
• Sept. 25, Boca Chica Neighborhood Park, 1601 Boca Chica Ave.

Build your kayaking skills before taking them into the great outdoors with Learn to ’Yak. The course begins in the controlled environment of the North Port Aquatic Center Competition Pool, where instructors introduce paddling techniques, kayak control and essential water safety.

Participants will have time to practice each skill and become more comfortable on the water with support from experienced instructors. Lessons focus on building the confidence needed to paddle, steer and respond safely in different situations.

Later in the course, the class heads to Myakkahatchee Creek for a guided kayaking experience. Participants can put their new skills into practice while exploring one of North Port’s natural waterways, turning what they learned in the pool into a real outdoor adventure.

Ages: All
Fee: $75 for residents/$100 for non-residents
Location: North Port Aquatic Center, 6205 W. Price Blvd.
Time: 8-10 a.m.
Dates: Feb. 6 through March 13
Pre-registration is required. Link coming soon!